suewhistle

You often make me laugh Mack, and I'm pleased to say with you not at you in this case. I must admit the thought occurred to me too!

Amen! That was to saint_clark's post..

And now all the incestuous newshounds will start quoting each other regarding a rumour probably started during a drunken session by the UI. It's not how rich he is but whether he can convince the banks and is doing a leveraged purchase financed by mortgaging the club at some extortionate rate.

I think you're being unduly cynical. Whilst I was surprised that Long started the last game he pleasantly surprised me with his fitness, his contribution and keeping their defensive honest and making them work. Perhaps Valery, who also impressed me, was referring to his professionalism in training even when he hasn't been starting? If so perhaps it has rubbed off on Valery judging by his contribution?

It was very swift at the barriers checking the passes, and no queuing effectively and I wasn't too early (earliest since I don't know when though!) . I printed mine out so no fumbling with a phone. Disappointing level of mask wearing in the concourses, although once I got to my seat I didn't either.

Oh do keep up. Why do you think they are pushing boosters so much? The improvement in protection is dramatic. The current wave of infections has been impacting more the younger age groups who are generally less vulnerable, and they don't know the impact on older age groups. Yesterday I dashed out to get some LF tests for my mum as there is a positive case in her block of older people's flats and the person has been in the comunal lounge in the last few days.. If not getting vaccinated only impacted yourself I'd say fair enough. But it does have an impact, like many anti-social behaviours. Bad luck in getting covid is one you can accept, but outright stupidity I find difficult to accept. I shall be there on Sunday if it goes ahead, taking reasonable precautions and going by car (SW & Southern Rail have already made that decision for me!).

Most of his points are intended to show how intelligent he is. My opinion is different to his on this matter too. I'll concede abrasive and opinionated though..

I've edited for you.. Incidentally, we had two players on our bench yesterday who have never played for the first team: Small and Simeu..

Didn't take long to show that your post was on a par with your usual contributions..

A carload of us went to that game without tickets and ended up separated in one of the side stands. No issues although we all got sussed. Guy next to me was up from Brighton.. "Good player, that Le Tissier". One friend was pointed out and abused by some little nipper, to which he replied to the effect of "be quiet, you little scrote"... I may be paraphrasing a bit. Both parents started making a fuss and the mum said "Don't you ****ing swear at my kid"! The rest of the stand, to their great credit, just looked embarrassed! As for the pitch invasion, it was all handbags. They raced up to the end and then just started clapping as it was the end of the season. All a bit ritual really. No problems outside the ground if you didn't want them. I can smile very sweetly if I need to!

It's all a bit thud and blunder at WHL. Lots of passing that's trying to be penetrative but isn't, and lots of fairly easy to defend long balls into the corners and down the wings. West Ham certainly look physically stronger than us but they are certainly beatable on this showing.

On our OS it said "Given the current situation and rise in Covid-19 cases across the country, Sunday's opposition were not prepared to travel."

I'm beginning to hope you go and don't. There's no need for any of you to use offensive language and I appreciate you aren't the only one. This thread seems to be generating more heat than light. Can I recommend the MD column in Private Eye for an informed look at the situation. He admits that as the virus has progressed and knowledge has expanded then scientific views have changed, eg: the extent of the impact of fomites. I think we have to apply the precautionary principal until we know better. I'm a skier too but haven't planned anything for this winter yet, not because I'm particularly fearful but because similar issues apply. Much as I like powder snow you don't go out in level 4 conditions and you take precautions such as an avalanche bleep. The other issue is that the situation is changing so rapidly I could get stranded somewhere and without EU health cover. The NHS is under resourced and there's plenty in the news about it already, and plenty of us have more direct experience, and people experiencing delays in other treatments whether from ICU beds occupied by covid patients (whatever the variant) or from staff absences. Vaccination and the booster do help and I do find the anti-vaxxers a PITA. Of course there are and have been side effects: anybody who has ever taken any meds and actually read the leaflet in the box will know that! My neighbour's fit-as-a-fiddle son has been seriously ill. But their attitude is like people escaping a forest fire and not wanting to cross a fire-break road because it might be dangerous. The fire might burn out behind you, but I'd not personally take the risk.

What _are_ you on about? I may have had a few pints watching down the pub but you have obviously not taken your meds.

Well, didn't bother with dodgy streams tonight and went down a village pub and had a few pints and a bit of banter from the Portsmouth supporting locals. Just had a look at the early part of the thread and they say women get hysterical and over the top..: "Game over. Took two minutes. Bye Ralph. Going to be a thrashing isn't it .. fucking hopeless Game over Fucking hilarious. how shite are we. another battering on the cards. I cannot believe what I’m watching. A team absolutely not playing for their manager" .. and so forth. There are legitimate grounds for criticising the players and the manager but this shrieking, pearl clutching hysteria is frankly embarrassing. Incidentally, any one else think Caballero's distribution a lot better than our regular keepers? Smallbone had a decent game considering how long he has been out. The draw doesn't surprise me but another disappointment when all is said and done.

Two pints first half, 1 for half time and possibly 2 in the second. I just hope they are celebratory in the second, not the drowning your sorrows ones. Can't be arsed to go back now but what's the opinion of that tackle from behind in the second minute..?

Just checked that the pub I sometimes go to will be showing the game. So I've undertaken a risk assessment: how will my health cope? By that I mean getting depressed watching Saints lose in company and spending ~ £20 into the bargain?

Yep. On Saturday morning weather permitting I'm being given a ride in a helicopter by a PPL(H) pilot. Some mechanical disaster could happen but I am very happy that the A check they give the aircraft is very thorough as is their attitude to flying. Not all private pilots arm the same in this regard: some can be quite slapdash. I'll be at the game in the afternoon, though unfortunately I'll have to drive there not fly in!

Yes, have to say I'd be rather sceptical of a resurgent Newcastle, and they'll have to pay anyone they do sign rather generous terms to compensate for their situation. That's not to say Saints wouldn't be able to pull a defeat from the jaws of victory though..

Just because the PM is a narcissistic, self absorbed, selfish, lieing, sexist, racist lazy plonker doesn't mean you have to do the same as him. Anything I do is in spite of him based on my own standards.

Thanks. I think... 🙂

Yes, but if there isn't not to er.. worry..

That made me laugh unreasonably loudly! I'd back Pilchards and his tree and his builder more than those two. Probably more literate as well..

No KWP, but he's a versatile sub to bring on if we are under the cosh. I wonder if Armstrong will play slightly more withdrawn and make those space making runs into space?.. It will be interesting to see how they set up.

Bo**ocks.. I've been a Saints fan far too long..