suewhistle

I didn't go to the game but a question for those that did. Leaving aside Pulis, did the youngsters who came on have enough about them that they could do a job as an individual in a more experienced team? It's a bit unfair to judge them as individuals when the pattern of play is affected so much by having 6 substitutions of inexperienced players.

So would anybody registered on any of the Pompey sites like to put that scenario to them (in whatever disguise you think fit!)? I'd love to hear the reactions...

So that's what you guys get up to when you're on your own! Thought this would be a thread about Assam v Darjeeling...

I think he's 31 and he's out of contract and already making noises about leaving Empoli (who don't seem to want to offer him a decent new contract). He says he's prepared to move abroad. Incidentally Empoli are Italian 2nd division but a decent side. I'm sure he'd appreciate playing in front of decent crowds, though! Likes fishing and seems like a nice family guy. Bit of a playmaking mid-fielder btw, and he's not 6'1"

I'm quite surprised you take this view. Your above "not.. more circumspect" and "money up front" are a bit contradictory: isn't asking for more money up front being more circumspect. Plus you missed a point I made earlier: with what money are these unscrupulous clubs going to gamble? At the moment they are relying on paying by instalments using the promise of future revenue streams. If you think banks aren't more aware of football's wider problems now, particularly with the Poortsmouth example freshly in mind I really do question your views. We have our own 1 year old example of the withdrawal of an overdraft, haven't we? So if they have to pay up front more often, which I think you have accepted will happen, how are these unscupulous clubs going to fund the gamble?

There's the difference between ability to meet them and being prepared to. PS: Mods, is there any way of preventing primary school kids registering and posting on this forum?

Don't think so. Buying clubs would start to require money up-front, and whether banks would stand for any borrowing these days is doubtful. Dodgy owners might lend you the money...

Don't you mean the other way round.

Gawd, I don't know. Not sure AA does either. But the unfavourable comparison with Barca still stands though!

Bugger, I'll have to change my location details. I thought I'd kept it secret...;-)

Fratton Park? Minus a few ransom strips, mind.Not forgetting the massive support..

Looks like it!

Borrowing to pay wages! Complete madness. It's obviously a general problem in football and perhaps the impact on the Premiership won't be as bad as some people made out if the major competition for the top players are also hit by a reversion to normal economic rules. The general level of crowds in the UK should sustain a reasonably competitive league (I'm thinking more Saints than Pimpley here, of course). Crowds in Germany make them competitive but French and Italian crowds for example are pretty pants.

an Italian as a first teamer? Some of you will know I live in Italy so just interested.. We've had French, Norwegians etc. etc., but I don't ever recall cheering (or abusing) using my Italian.

Ah, well. Platform Tavern for a few pre-match beers then for the Plymouth game.

At least we'll now stand out in a crowd of Stoke and Sunderland fans!

Or on a Les Barker riff: Stay. Or you could call him Go

Owen

So a possible scenario, if they should survive at all is relegation this season, then points deduction for next season. It's like catching your edge on a black slope, and whoooosh, down you go..

Sorry I never made it! Drove overnight from Italy last Thursday and then had the M25 on Friday. Zombie time Saturday. I did bring my boots though!

Better value too: all part of generating the community spirit. I play in Italian regional football. Last season the players were moaning like anything about having to pay for our training and representative kit (the stuff we wear on the way to matches) as we'd lost a sponsor. But no subs to pay: for the pitches, trainer/coach, physio, training twice a week, coaches to away matches. In women's football in the UK it was a constant scrabble for funds. If that can be done for a side from a small place Southampton ought to have a decent team to represent it, and it really is cheap in the overall scheme of things. Good experience too for anybody working towards their coaching badges.

So what do you reckon, book the drivers who don't slow down for driving without due care and attention? Reminds of I Met copper I once met who said he once booked a guy for speeding down Hyde Park rd or similar at 4 in the morning. "I'm not booking you for speeding, but because you didn't see me!"

Actually just read the article... no substance whatsoever. Taking appropriate quotes from Vassell, added to other ones from AP about signing players: lo and behold 2+2=5.. "Saints are linked"... who by, The Echo??

Yes, you are quite funny, but not intentionally.

Hurrah! That's the first time I can ever recall you using a modal in one of your posts. "Could"! For a bit of variety can I also suggest "may" and "might". It's not just the unremitting pessimism of your posts but the way you are so dogmatic about things. Oh, and your heavy-handed sarcasm and assumptions...