suewhistle

Not only that RickyR: he was offered a contract on the basis of playing and he accepted it. Fair for both sides, I feel, plus he no doubt gets decent medical attention at Saints.

Yep, I agree. "Capacity" doesn't allow for segregation, hospitality seats not used, people being ill or car breaking down at the last minute, etc. Watching on TV the other day I couldn't see where the gaps were. A friend of mine spoke to Brian Hunt, the Saints director, just before SMS opened. If I recall correctly they were budgeting for 1/3 crowds of 18000, a 1/3 at 24k and the top games at 28k+. As we know we did much better than that with at last latent demand being met. We can see in the Bundesliga with their large stadiums and low ticket prices what can be achieved and I think we could fill a larger stadium with decent football and ticket prices being _under_ inflation for a bit. Incidentally I was in the record crowd at The Dell of 31400 summat, and not being 6ft like my Dad didn't see very much of it. I reckon that figure was an underestimate!!

True, but having found herself in the deep do-does she may feel it's the best way out. If she left too early she might have thought that her dodgy employee would have used the fact against her. She's probably been busy firing off emails CCd to all and sundry to cover her back. Isn't she a fairly recent arrival? Not all promotions are worth having...

..or a round dozen, and a baker's dozen if you need to push it a bit. The haircut should stay in though.

...and be able to argue with all the fans who were [and quite a number who were not] there about tactics, who played well...

In my Italian bar I had to explain we were the third division club. They were impressed with the crowd and the atmosphere. Did the reputation of English football and its support no end of good!

A point no-one has mentioned: I think he likes playing in front of bigger crowds. Which of the likely buyers have that?

My view, more or less. Nobody let themselves down, that's the important thing. Time for an apperitivo even if I am still "relaxed" from lunchtime. Fellow fans, please make sure there's a good turn out for the next home game, I think the players deserve it.

Nah, I reckon it's instinct. Some of the most stupid people have been great strikers.

Yet another thought. I hope we get a good turnout against Walsall to show our appreciation and give the players the boost they might need after that result. Somehow the way they played unti the end I don't think they lack the will, but the support would be a nice gesture.

Well, local bar showed the game in the end. Had to explain that we were the 3rd division team with the 30K+ crowds. Am now slightly ahem relaxed and on a roll. Think I'll either go for a snooze or down to the cellar for a bottle...

Sorry Tim, I think you are off the mark with this one. We needed to take advantage of our early pressure, that was the issue, not the counter-attacks from an inevitably pacy Premiership team.

Oh yes, another thought. I saw the pictures of the Pompey fans celebrating at the end and thought "aw, bless" in complete sympathy at the **** they are in and how oblivious you can be for a few minutes after a win against your local rivals. But I still chuckled.

Sod! I haven't read any comments as I'm just in from an Italian sports bar where I watched the whole match and amused the locals at being a middle aged lady getting decidely worked-up! Although I'm hacked-off at losing I'm not disappointed at how we lost, or in our performance. I was explaining in the the bar that we were the third division team with the 30k+ crowds, and that wasn't the only time this season. Even the commentators on Italian TV were impressed at the atmosphere, the crowd, our performance and the magic of the FA cup which I think that game has done a lot to restore after the pathetic crowds of some of the previous rounds. So a younger Perry would have cut out that pass etc, etc, but I do hope nobody is in too wrist-slitting a mood after that game. The locals here are very familiar with contro-piede (counter attack on the break), but I hope they were as impressed as I was that we never, until the final whistle, gave up trying. Frankly I'm far more disappointed that I'm not in the squad for my women's team for tomorrow's away game.

I'm going to try a local snooker bar, that type often have a couple of screens. Depends what else is on whether they'll put on your choice.. My next check!..

No idea as I'm up in the mountains. Try one of the usual sports pubs. Do you live there (in which case do your own research!) or visiting, in which case I'll have a look on'tnet for you?

OK. just done more searching.. In Italia sembre di essere sul: sab, 13/02 h.13:00 SKY Calcio 2. I'll be checking with the local sports bar....

Now I'm in Italy but I'm sure all overseas Saints - a mighty horde - will want to know which local channels we'll be on on Saturday. How about here as a summary. Also useful for fans who've badly planned their hols abroad...!

Give the invitation to Ron..

In fairness to him, that seems to apply to every one of them!

Actually, there wouldn't be any arguments. It would be my choice of CDs or nothing.;-)

I go the Mt Blanc or St Bernard route: I'm guessing you're nearer the Brennero? Besides we'd only argue!:-)

..and i just fancy driving across Switzerland and France with me car bedecked in red and white ribbons!

Hmm, I wonder if I can swap some of my lessons at the local primary. I'm toying with driving from the Italian Alps: it's only a day's drive and I can call in favours for a ticket (or do some swoppsies)! Hmm.