suewhistle

Keep them on the bench and bring them on when we are winning 4-0. No, better make that 5..

Exactly! Lavia may have more potential, particularly physical and pace, but not much good if he isn't here. JWP is far too intelligent not to know his own limitations, but he still surprises me by turning up in support of his team mates in all areas of the pitch. If we had more players with his work ethic we wouldn't be in the sh*t we are now.

Last post today, but my reading of Alcaraz not playing was he was being protected from over-playing when he arrived and is now starting and playing more minutes. There are no bad attitude vibes I can see; on the contrary an enthusiasm which tires him out prematurely. I do hope we keep him.

Please, don't you start! It's bad enough reading CBFry and Charlie Wayman's attempts at sarcastic "humour" without adding another one to read on my the depressing visits to this forum. It's depressing enough watching us.. I appreciate we all need a bit of an outlet though, so personally I'm off for a bit of primal screaming, sticking pins in Rish!'s effigy and listening to the Sex Pistols. On headphones of course; don't want to upset the neighbours.

I'll be going; meeting up with some friends I haven't seen for a while, which is what it's all about really. It would be nice to add to our two home league wins but not holding my breath. Let's hope AMN isn't playing, surely Bree would put in more effort? Bella-Kochup is out injured but was he carrying an injury against Forest as he didn't pull up any trees tracking back or marking during the game? Is DCC available? Adams showed on Monday that he has heart but isn't a goalscorer, Armstrong still anonymous; surely Ballard must get a chance this season as he can't be worse? I suppose it's more about player welfare and mental health and not giving the kid PTSD if you play in that team.. Presumably there are a few songs being prepared.. "Ankerson, you're a wanker son', but what's the tune? Everyone knows "We'll meet again.." but are there any other new ones I should practice in the shower..?

Thanks NL. It's on Sky so I'm going to the local pub in a Portsmouth supporting area. I'm used to the banter, I can take it.. aaaargh! I'll pretend I'm there for the Coronation ale.. Edit: limited to 3 posts so I'll just add the question.. do you think Selles will have us attacking??!

I am lucky, not in having a season ticket and seeing all the home games but managing to raze all detail from my brain. I was trying to remember when I last saw us win a league game and leave the ground in a positive state of mind but can't manage that either, but as Whitey said earlier, we've only won two at home all season. Surpressing the memories is probably bad for me and the PTSD will hit next season..

Could we ask Elyounoussi to do it, he is disciplined and always follows the instructions he's given..? Edit: or AArmstrong?

Good attitude! Just seen a good restaurant review for a place called Khai Khai and a good bakery called The Northern Rye..

Amen. I was in a pub before the match when everybody was looking at their phones to see the line-up, then looking up at their friends with a WTF expression..

I just want that short lived high when the whistle goes and you leave the ground after a win, although I'm not sure I remember what the feeling is like. It makes for less short term grumpiness, although longer term we're obviously doooomed. Even better if we score a few goals and hence have something to cheer during the game as I seem to recall that's quite a good feeling too..

I doubt one of mine would be big enough for a fat skate, although I'm tall and centre forward/goalkeeper build! Near Havant mind.. 🙂

Back from the pub and have been making my pizza dough for tomorrow: look on it as therapy.. It's the hope that kills you. I was in a Portsmouth area pub and the landlord bet on Saints! He also cashed out at just the right time too: no mug! To be honest I could understand some of the subs: Lavia was knacked, but Alcaraz had fuel left in the tank when he came off. But Elyounoussi.. why did he stay on, and then he goes down with cramp?! Didn't track back for their goal, lost the ball in a promising attacking situation and just generally groan inducing: none of the other players bring out the same reaction in me. Another "why".. Armstrong? He runs around to so little effect. When you think about it, our performance with 9 players was actually very good.. Seeing three Saints goals though was rather heartening - it would be nice to see them at St. Marys to make the pain of buying a season ticket a little less.

Eid al Fitr tomorrow so is there a possibility that Salisu will be fit/make himself available soon? Anyway, this is my last post for the day, a fitting tune to finish on.

No: I'm going to spend about £18 down the pub but that's for the anaesthetic. You could always go and watch it round a gooner friend's.

This is going to be like one of those horrow films that you watch from the sofa and bury your head in your partner's shoulder at the horrible bits. Unfortunately I'll have to watch this down the pub on my own so it's going to be embarassing all round..

You really are ponderously unfunny. Give the sarcastic humour a rest for once, could you please?

Third post I think, so no smart comebacks. 🙂 I _was_ comparing him to Mo.. and to be honest I think he was quicker than you give him credit for.

Friday lunchtime drinks are a great tradition, but easy goes.. I'd agree with Derry's post though, particularly the "strolling nothingness" comment. CBFry, of this parish, said recently that Smallbone wouldn't get in our team, but at the moment I'd welcome his bite and pace to replace Mo.

I'm changing my approach tomorrow: I'm going to watch stone cold sober and reserve my ration for after the game which I assume will be drowning my sorrows rather than wild celebration. It's not the defeat against Manchester City and how we played against them that worries me but how unutterably unambitious we have been against the shit teams. Please do not play Elyounoussi unless as a substitute to go defensive when we are three goals up..

Ah well, I see Man City are respecting us by playing Haaland, Mahrez, De Bruyne from the start. How reassuring.. I've had a few cheap pints in a 'spoons today. Probably not enough though to numb the pain sufficiently..

Yes, a bit older apparently, which was commented on, and from what I saw of the game was reflected in both physique and experience. Saint's only goal was made by our only player who seemed to match their size and physicality.

If we paid on the basis of that happy feeling when you leave the ground after a win they'd be paying us..

Perhaps that's why he doesn't start Alcaraz and Sulemana, due to their lack of PL experience as he thinks they'll have more impact against a tiring defence. I'd far rather have a lead to defend than to claw back though, and when we go for it as against Spurs there is a very faint possibility of more than one goal.. Sounds like we were very negative against West Ham: we'll probably attack agaisnt City and constantly get done on the break!

I was lucky on Sunday due to my 2pm local league K.O. and beyond hearing we'd lost (quelle surprise) I haven't read or watched anything on the game and haven't even seen what the line up was. For some reason I thought the Man City game was away and could I steel myself to watch the game at my local (mainly Pompey) pub.. So it's at home I realised late yesterday, which doesn't fill me with enthusiasm.. The only saving grace is that there do appear to be trains running, so I'll no doubt gird my loins and take advantage of not driving and the ability to have a few drinks before hand. Might have to be a cheap 'spoons I'm going to need so much anaesthesia. At least the hope won't kill me any more.