suewhistle

Any away fans at Fratton singing "We're all standing on a future block of flats, future block of flats, future blocks of flats"

So what did you say when we moved from The Dell (capacity 15000) to a stadium of over twice that capacity? FWIW, when the move took place they were budgeting for a 1/3 matches at around 18k, a 1/3 at 24k and around a third towards capacity (Man U, Chelsea, Arsenal, etc.). We did a lot better than that, and I'm sure increased capacity would result in better crowds: particularly with Bundesliga type ticket prices. I watched a bit of the Wigan match yesterday on the 'net via P2p. How they survive on smaller crowds than we get in L1 shows the importance of TV money, but if that ever declines we are in a better position due to our fanbase.

Only went to Huddersfield.:-( Mind you, I was visiting friends locally and there was a food festival in the station square including stands for various breweries new to me!:-)

Haven't you ever noticed how quickly some of us can drink the stuff, when it's decent, that is. The first pint is a sniff, a little sip, a mouthful and then down it goes. When it's not quite right that doesn't happen, nor if it's a gassy Interbrew product. Not being fizzy I can drink a pint of ale in no time e.g. the 3 pints I had at The Platform Tavern before the Millwall match (12.45 K.O.) , when I was over last summer. Wouldn't have done that at The Dell mind, what with the queues for the ladies.

Perhaps I had. I don't remember posting that!

Actually, 5000 turning up earlier and having an average of 2 pints is a decent bit of turnover. Definitely worth a few barrels on stillage, I'd say!

Or Hop Back Brewery, or Cheriton, or... come on.. I don't live in the UK anymore... Does anyone at the club realise why people arrive at the ground so late? It's because we've sprinted from The Junction, Castle, Guide Dog, etc etc after having a final swift pint. The potential turnover with a decent pint is massive. Let me talk to Mr. Cortese: I speak Italian and French and will explain to him the full implications!

Heh, heh, why do think I live here in northern Italy? Honest, I haven't had too much to drink tonight: last game of the season tomorrow afternoon....

Oh, come on now. That shouldnt be too difficult!

anch'io

Alpine's first comment is negative. There's a surprise.

Any significance in Antonio's absence?

Anybody there?

Hmm, lots of Shirley residents here! First turn left into Mayflower Road, ISTR. No deer but foxes, I think. As a lover of venison I'm sure there must be a way of exploiting excess deer. Seeing as they don't have any natural predators we have to take that role.:-) If you take the train across to Chichester you'll always see plenty of deer. As for the rabbits...!

Thank goodness!

I once heard of a landlord who didn't rent (after a particularly gruesome experience) to IT contractors from the Indian sub-continent. Basically young guys away from home (with all that implies) plus back home they all had maids and other servants and the attitudes that go with it. Perhaps the test would be: "do you have servants at home?"!

Fortunatelyreal ale only during my annual holiday visits to the UK, otherwise I'd have to work even harder at keeping my figure and fitness for football!

It's the little things that are the most telling. Good questions at no. 6. Good point about minutes. The Pompey fans know they are being shafted, and not by the PL.

Oi, 'twas me that spotted it! Mind you, I did chuckle at John B's comment. Anyway, I reckon my local mountains are higher than Alpine's.

Well, the roe are dried and eaten in Sardinia: Bottarga is a great delicacy. I'd definitely clean one thoroughly though!

From the OS: http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2036756,00.html Anyway, I did mine this current season, so over to you guys...

Thanks! I'll bear it in mind: I've friends near Halifax, Harrogate, and Huddersfield, as it happens so there's a good chance I'll be that way in August ..("From Hull and Halifax and Hell, good Lord deliver me"). If I do I shall be back for pub recommendations...

Anybody know when they come out? I try and see a few games on my summer trip to the UK and fit in visits to friends at the same time so a bit of advance planning is necessary. I'm much more optimistic about next season and even hope to see an away win after this season's depressing game at Huddersfield, only alleviated by some very nice pints of Timmy Taylor's.

I think immediately after the FA cup will be even more interesting!

Me too! A hack down the autostrada or more likely getting the cheapo trains here. A visit to the Uffizi Gallery, a quick apperitivo (or two), and then off to see the Saints. Dream on! Even better, I play for a women's football team with the same colours as Fiorentina. Time for bed as I'm on the bench for tomorrow...