St Louis

I see Romeu has just returned to Girona on loan. What a loan signing he would have been for us this summer. I reckon he could still have done a job and surprised to see he's still only 32. I'd assume he'd prefer to stay in Catalonia than return to sunny Southampton anyway.... I know I would

My best mate is a big Saints fan who now lives in Seattle, he's been there just over 10 years now. He often takes this flag to Seahawks and Sounders games, would have been brilliant if you'd randomly seen this in the crowd! https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm1fR64jQ7y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

- Didn't particularly like Ralph on a personal level, and neither did many of the squad towards the end. - Jones and Selles were both really impressive coaches, brilliant on the training ground and were a breath of fresh air when they came in, both were well liked by the squad. he felt they would both be successful elsewhere (which is looking true already), but inherited a sinking ship and shambles of a squad and there was nothing anyone could do to save us. Club were disappointed with how bad Jones was with media duties and was making himself and the club look stupid (they had to speak to him about it a few times), but said he was great away from the camera and liked by all. - He worked with Russell Martin for a short time when he started to do some analysis work behind the scenes (before it was official) and he said he was a top bloke and was convinced he would do a good job and get us promoted. - There were some really bad apples in the squad (a couple of overseas centre backs were the main culprits - and I'm not talking Bednarek, Lyanco or Caleta-Car) with rumours of them refusing to play and fight being 100% true, players were picking up imaginary injuries, refusing to train, etc. He said there was no harmony in the squad and they just didn't get on, cliques everywhere and literally all of them wanted to leave, the place was rotten and the worst dressing room environment he'd known. - Also discussed the Jimmy-Jay Morgan move to Chelsea, and how disappointed the club were, but the money Chelsea gave him to move and the wage he is on are just ridiculous and mind blowing. He said he's an amazing prospect and will be amazed if he doesn't reach the top eventually, but was gutted that he's ended up at Chelsea with very few opportunities for young players. - He didnt speak highly of Sport Republic (but I would expect that given he and many coaches were kicked out when they took over) but he said they were so cold in how they did it, and just sacked them by sliding them a letter across a table with no pleasantries. Many of them had been at the club a while and really cared. - Loads of other bits and pieces that I cant think of now, mainly around players and what they were like. JWP being a top bloke and professional, etc and he also being sick of the mercenary players we'd been bringing in who just didn't care. If I remember anything else I'll post it.

It's so true, I will always say hello to a Saints fan when I see them abroad or out of town Last year we were on a family holiday and at breakfast I'd always say 'hello' to another family who's lads were wearing Saints shirts, and we'd talk Saints (it was full pre-season and lots of signings being made). We started to bump into them in the evenings too and have a few beers and talk more... and he'd kept it quiet for the first week, but it turned out the Dad was one of the senior coaching team under Hassenhutl. He had just left the club, so when the beer flowed he was quite happy to give me some insight into the club (what the 3 managers were like in our relegation season, what each player was like, etc) so it was unbelievably interesting for me as a fan. Had he been a Liverpool fan, I would not have even said 'Good Morning' 😆

He is getting there, and so is Rickie Lambert sadly. Probably my 2 favourite Saints and now I struggle to even read their social posts. Perhaps Joey Barton will help them see the light and put them on the right path.

I miss Hummel already, I genuinely loved the Home and the White shirts from last season. This is what we could have had: https://www.soccerbible.com/performance/football-apparel/2024/07/hummel-launch-real-betis-2425-home-jersey/

I saw him at Peppa Pig World once when he was a Bournemouth player, so he might be very keen to get back this way for another visit!? We can offer even easier access to Romsey too 🐷

We are all sat here assuming its the money only, but they have a new manager in the door. Perhaps he wants to try and prove himself to him first, so he isnt just on the bench picking up money.

I swear people think this is all a game of Championship Manager!? That or they are just on a wind up.` And on the new keeper chat... there is no way on earth McCarthy signed to stay here without the guarantee of playing this season. Apparently he was offered starting keeper at Celtic and backup keeper at Liverpool. He doesnt turn either of those down to be on the bench here. There's probably no guarantee for next season, but I would bet money he's been told he will be playing in Bazunu's absence.

Where is Lyanco when you need him!?

Really hoping it has a V-neck, not a fan of round neck shirts.

Now I'm confused. I managed to get a single ticket just now, and I have had a confirmation email saying the following... "All tickets for this fixture are physical tickets, and will be sent in the post. Please contact us no earlier than Friday 24th May from 3pm if your tickets have not yet arrived" I was also charged £2.40 for postage, so im confused if I have to collect or if they are posting to me? What a sh*t show. Hopefully someone will answer a call or email, as I dont live in Southampton (I live in Ferndown, not Leeds, dont worry!) so would rather not drive to the stadium and back for no reason.

Welcome to the forum, you've made a great choice on which English team to follow. Were we just a random pick or do you have links to the area? Or maybe Graziano Pelle inspired you... Regarding Friday's game.... If, at the end of the regular 90 minutes of the second leg, the aggregate score is level then the match goes into extra time where two 15-minute halves are played. If the score remains level at the end of extra time, the tie is decided by a penalty shootout.

Be interesting to see it in Red & White, with black details (collar, sleeve trim, etc).

I wonder if we will have a Red & White version of this new Man City away shirt? Sorry I’m not sure how to upload an image… https://www.footballshirtculture.com/leaked/manchester-city-24-25-away-shirt-leaked.html

I'd say JWP is certainly further now from the England squad, than he was when playing for us the last few years. He didnt have a bad start, but now doesnt start games and a poor second half to the season.

I love statements like this 😂 How do you know either of the things you state are true? P.S. Apologies if you are part of the ownership group and sit in the boardroom, or just know them all really well outside of football.

His style of play is probably better suited to The Championship too, guess it depends whether he'd be happy to play that level or not (I'm assuming thats the division we will be in next season). Not sure he fits the Russball system though (not that many of the squad do at the minute!)

I do get your point and I do agree, I just think the reality is that football is eating itself now... and sadly the wages, transfers, stadium improvements, etc are all out of control and cost clubs millions just to keep up! Sadly its us that get hit with the bill. I dont know the answer really. I think a lot of 'proper' football fans will be tempted to lower league and non-league football in the not too distant future.

The club is a 'business' too, and one that loses money currently. Given we've had 6 years of price freezes (and even drops this year), I dont think its too bad and was expected. I dont think the club have hidden it either, its all over the club statement that prices will go up on average 10-15%. The new fan zones and safe standing all come at a cost too, so I personally dont mind having to pay <£100 extra for that.

You cant really coach a 27 year old striker how to finish, and that is what cost us today.

If Che Adams could finish, we would have been 2 or 3-0 up and cruising 😠 I'm not convinced he could even finish his dinner!

I cant get any of the above streams to work (I dont usually have a problem). Anyone got a decent one?

No, you are right he hasn’t made loads of mistakes individually, so it isn’t personal criticism. But collectively we don’t look as solid when he plays at CB and THB gets moved out to fullback, that is the problem IMO and why we are conceding goals.

He’s not for me personally. I used to love listening to Merrington on Solent, he’s missed.