Shroppie

In the Echo now http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9645838.Saints_star_cleared_of_assault/?ref=nt

Whoops. Sorry about spelling in title. Any chance of correcting, mods?

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9659217.Barnard__a_role_model__Saints_manager_tells_court/?ref=nt

On those odds the combined probability of us drawing or losing is slightly more than probability of winning. So it's Monday or the next Saturday, if at all.

Sitting at home despeartely wishing I could be there but family reasons mean I can't. But my lucky mate who's never seen Saints lose is being dragged round and forced to watch it with me. Not the same as being there I know, but best I can do.

May 2015 (Actually if you go by published odds it's most likely to be Monday, since the odds say we're more likely to D/L this Sat than to win, but next most likely is last day, if it happens. Please stop these threads!)

I know the feeling

Just w@nkers? Or maybe the one who pays for sex with a tart he can't afford using a Wonga loan?

Me too. Focus on what Saints are doing.

Signed new contract yesterday.

Being top for longer than anyone else doesn't make you the best team. Being top after 46 games does, and hopefully that's where we'll be. But if they're still 3 points above us then, be gracious enough to recognise that they will have done better than us. And his claim is that, after the first 7 games, Reading have been the best team. You can argue that, but they've won the most points over that time, fact.

Um? That would be very clever of us since WHU v Leicester isn't until Monday.

Much needed light relief. Brilliant black humour.

Reading have done well. It's exactly the same situation as we were in last year. Over the last 37 games they do have the best record - fact. And that is what he said, although I wouldn't agree with the "long, long way". After NA, Brian McDermott is the manager in the division for whom I have most respect.

Living somewhere where, to the best of my knowledge, I'm the only Saints fan in the town means I often make solo trips. But it's not a bad experience. I enjoy driving, so the 200 miles each way isn't a problem. In fact. the trip home after an evening game is so quiet it's a real old-fashioned driving experience. But most trips I make by train and it's rare to have a journey without interesting conversation. Because I always wear my Saints shirt I'm forever being asked why I'm in Birmingham, Crewe, Newport or wherever if I've been to a home game. A couple of weeks ago I was simply asked in Shrewsbury if I was lost! And that leads to many cheerful hours spent in conversation with a huge range of people - Saints fans, fans who've been to other games, and even people who don't know anything about football. All of which I enjoy. And fans I've chatted with in pubs in Southamopton have become mates who I regularly meet. Not to say I don't enjoy the odd game I go to with company, but in general I'm perfectly happy going it alone!

The way we prepare for games there is no chance that any thought will be given to Hammers dropping points. We control the controllables, set out to win both games. And if we win Sat, they can't put any pressure on us because we'll be up before they play.

Agreed about NA. I watched the warm-up and was so impressed that the team were smiling (even through the hail). No apparent tension, just calmly and professionally preparing. And NA himself was (al least outwardly) relaxed, even coming up into the stand and talking with fans. Everyone completely focussed. He impresses more and more, and if we go up, his man-management and intelligent approach to each game will have been vital. I'd put him right at the top of managers in The Championship (with McDermott 2nd). Compare and contrast with ranting BFS.

Am I alone in thinking we should perhaps actually make sure of promotion before starting this discussion? Although Nige did say post-match that behind the scenes planning foe the Prem started ages ago.

But in that time he won the ball at least twice, got in a block and worked hard - did his bit. He wouldn't have done that 6 months ago.

Very impressed last night. The partnership with Ricky is looking better. Billy Sharp, Southampton's New Goal Machine!

I may have one (season ticket) spare in Kingsland North - won't confirm until my 2 tickets together have been delivered. PM me if you are interested.

Just 81 possible combinations of results for us and WetSham now and 78 of those guarantee promotion. 2 more will do if we keep a better GD. I feel better.

Watching the warmup. Absolutely p1$$ing down. Very greasy pitch.