suewhistle

That should be fun, patiently passing it around at the back increasing the possession stats and waiting an opportunity that doesn't come whilst at the other end the opposition wait equally patiently.. Meanwhile the crowd shout unintelligible advice to the bench.. I see we have a relieved Leicester fan here; have any Rangers fans dropped in yet?

Or Ken Russel, the film director, born in Southampton, as it happens. I don't think anybody should take this thread too seriously, it's all a bit of close season fun, but as pointed out the fans up there will be more vocal if they faff about at the back aimlessly: "stats padding", I like that. Apart from Harry I've never really wished ill on an ex-manager: the usual reaction has been relief and maybe subsequently a teeny-weeny chuckle of schadenfreude on the odd occasion.

I think that's a fair summary, but I wouldn't say he was good in the air either! But as you point out we never played to his strengths. From my limited experience of Stewart to me he is plainly a better player. Having both on the pitch at the same time might be interesting and a worry for CBs!

That's why people are worried about Spurs..

I was thinking football related, but what happens in the Northam stays in the Northam.. I'll tell Sammy Saint to keep clear of you.. How about the Portsmouth football special to Southampton doesn't stop and they get taken on to Basingstoke?

What do you come up with if you fantasize?

Keeps costs down and will pick up a few away fans who fancy an easy day out.

What a load of... Anyway, I renewed yesterday. Hope springs eternal and all that..

I'd particularly agree with this. The question is what alternatives are being considered? Even if not consciously, he's an honest player, he may not bust a gut if he knows he's going to be discarded if we were to get promotion.

What about Merovingian? I just popped in to see my late mum's carer and over a cuppa she told me she's joined the Blue Army and that there's 3000 on the waiting list for a season ticket. I did explain that there's a very reduced crowd compared with the past due to the ground falling apart. No denial from her that it is somewhat tatty..

Could WSS and MLG please get a room together? Then they could argue and compare pinkies, or whatever, and spare the rest of us who do not need to know or care how many angels can dance of the point of a needle, or whatever the argument has now descended to. Thank you.

The more optimistic amongst us are getting quite excited or at least intrigued by the new managerial appointment, although it could be argued it wouldn't take much at the moment! But I was wondering if the new manager will have any impact on potential signings and whether his presence would help get any deals over the line? He knows and is known in the French and Belgian game but I'm certain Tall Paul would never have been his sort of signing!

Let's hope you have to hire a gardener next season. For me it was a toss up between RM leaving and the final whistle of the final game.

Whenever I hear these sorts of stories I always think someone in payroll should also be disruptive and go on strike.. Or else employment lawyers should be a lot more immaginative when drawing up the contracts, and the medical staff treating "injuries" should use very large and blunt needles.. you get the idea.

I don't know, but he can't be a s bad as RM in that respect, surely, where him and his coaching philosophy was supreme, even above the concept of winning!

Yes, but see my point earlier about movement, which is where it all comes together. As for Sulemanna, he looks a lot better being more direct (with more effort?) against Arsenal, but I can't imagine Still will be happy with the lack of pace and effort we show in supporting breakaways. Stewart was trying but we either need a faster (fitter?) striker or more support to give options.

I haven't really got much to compare it with but he seemed clear with what he wanted in his coaching style, essentially keeping it simple but his emphasis on movement was accompanied by plenty of detail on how to move. The bit about taking responsibility and not blaming other people was particularly apposite for Saints.. Mind you, his resting heart rate seems about 25 more than mine! Thanks for the link, I'm more encouraged now.

It was in front of me but apart from mutterings from fans near me I hadn't realised either.. No strength, no pace, no urgency, no clever use of the body to put the attacker off. In other news.. wasn't it good to have a focal point in attack? As he get fitter Stewart looks more of an asset. Sulemana at least was trying, and although his decision making isn't the best it would certainly help if we had more options for him when he breaks. We had four first choice defenders missing (KWP, THB, Bednarek and Stephens) but I'm not sure we missed them that much, although what conclusions you can draw from that is dificult to say.. Had a few post match pints for a change and it was good to have a natter with various people about things Saints: trips to Europe, beer and all those other important things. Glad that a few lurkers here have the same opinion as I do about certain posters. Sorry to hear of other personal news: life, let alone Saint's performances can be shit. See you all next season. At least we can have a good break and won't have to wonder about the next manager conundrum: what a relief!

Much ribaldry in the pub.. black humour response to that line up. I don't think it's entirely in Rusk's hands: more having to scrape the bottom of the barrel..

The advantage of being on an early train to Southampton is I can't see any Arsenal fans (or Saints for that matter). Doing a text message sweepstake with friends on the time of their first goal. They've seen our weaknesses so 7 minutes, straight down the middle..

Baylee Dipepa? He's in the U-21 squad although under age, I think..

The bits I saw of the Palace game I thought they moved it quite quickly. Has the confidence evaporated like the first team. The defending in that clip was appalling.

Brain fart or doubt about it?

Oi! 🙂 Or is that "oi, oi"?

I was so annoyed with that that I actually replied to it, even if it probably disappeared into some void.