John Boy Saint

Its been more than 10 games though and aside from summer 2020 staying up has been a bit more squeaky bum than it should be. I recall an interview with Chris Marsden when Glen Hoddle came in, up until that point CMFG freely admitted that when the team took to the field the first thought was don't get beaten then don't get beaten by many, "if we won, that was a pleasant surprise"! He said Hoddle reversed that mindset and send us out expecting to win every week. By and large it worked - the performances improved. If we lost it hurt rather, than before "ah well". Being told we can't defend on Saturday, the same thing being said towards the end of last season, by the man in the position to stop the rot. We do seem to be stepping out to play in that old mindset.

Like I said he had been working within the confines of his resources, curious how despite being viewed as a lesser team, they managed to keep hold of Pope and Tarkowski (sp?) when they were viewed as better than Burnley, obviously money likely spoke. How much was down to Dyche as a person. I think he is football savvy beyond what some give him credit for - when he was at Watford and we played them, his managers programme notes were spread over 2 pages and were a good read, very different to the majority of programmes notes. If we were to get him at some point, I doubt there are many places to hide in training.

He is better than most of you are giving him credit for - he worked what the budget allowed - admittedly it wasn’t pretty, but until the take over and the lead up to it - he more often than not out performed his resources. the head to head between us is pretty even. Certainly not going “ooo yes please” - but ultimately none of us have any say in the matter. Cast your minds back to when we appointed WGS who’d just been relegated with Coventry the general consensus was “are you kidding!!”.

Hard act to follow

In response to your “Errrrrrrrrm” if you paid attention - I said his “BASE” salary - that’s before performance bonuses are added on like match fee, win bonus, finishing position in the league, staying up, qualifying for Europe, winning the Champions League, being league Champions etc etc Just the same as all of those on that list. Bottom line remains - if he was shown the door tomorrow he could have a comfortable life

Well the Baker has said he doesn’t intend to make bread anymore in 2 years time, what’s the point of fixing his oven?

Funny that! I was just forming the very same post in my head - he has “behaved” like he would be happy to have been given the boot for a while. Allegedly on a base salary of £1m per year until 2024,, given his years in the game he probably has a nice pot squirrelled away - he has said this is his last manager role. Even at 50 something he has more than enough for a stress free rest of his life. His comments about or defending on MOTD were verging on bizarre

Ralph said on MOTD tonight we can’t defend - so I am expecting to see goals goals goals!!! Hey Ho - let’s see

I was thinking the same, I wasn’t expecting a photocopy, with the toner running out, of the abject gruel we were dished up at the latter stage of last season. I thought this much lauded bunch were a step up on the good old boy and ex goalkeeping coach. Unless that’s because Ralph rules the place his way and his way only, ignoring their input. Lets see what happens next week, sat in the stadium with a full view of the pitch.

What was the point of Redmond coming on - in the time I posted the frigging whistle went

Come on Redders quick fire hatrick - shut us all up

Cherries fans will be giving it large atm

Oh mariner does have his pen in his pocket then

Oh dear

Anyone else’s commentary 2-3 seconds ahead of the game?

Shane Long scores for Reading

Nah - “too early in the season”.

That relay is so simple - kids getting to lap the pitch with a crowd increasingly cheering them on - bit of jeopardy if it’s rained. Then the cock sure nipper missing an open goal at the end. Before Covid when they dropped it for something inane - you could hear grumblings in the crowd, quite weird. Even the subs on the pitch stop kicking about to watch it.

Unless they had a window that opened with the announcement about being able to see your tickets and they got snapped up - before I looked again

Thank you for that I checked the parking when I booked the tickets yonks ago and parking at the bowl was sold out.

I’m going to be cheeky, but remain on subject, we’re off to the Ageas Bowl tomorrow night for the Hundred, anyone got any recommendations not involving a massive hike.

Evening all We have tickets for a couple of the Hundred games coming up - not been to the Ageas Bowl for quite a few years, so just looking for recommendations for parking not a million miles away - the long gone sporting days of Mrs JBS have caught up with her hips. Thanks in advance

Plenty of places around the ground - if you’re early some free roadside parking on the trading estate near Shamrock Quay, few businesses charge £7-£10 to park in their yard round there. Think some folk park for free in the Northam Business park just over the Northam Bridge. some food for thought

My words to Mrs JBS "Ah Season Ticket is here, along with another bit of tat I can wear to stand out in the crowd as a fan of worth..........not!". At least the packaging is mostly recyclable.

He also needs to get his head out of the WSL - go and find any local ladies team - The Premier League would destroy it. 1500 people from Wolverhampton and Southampton made an effort to traipse flipping miles to Stockport to watch the 3rd Tier play off final. I can’t see Saints turning away other Championship teams fans this season. We played Pompey at SMS with nye on 5000 in attendance and it think we only saw 2-3 Coppers, the banter was good natured with the Skate fans, and their players showed respect when we were presented the Championship Trophy. There is an appetite to watch the women’s game, but Wrighty saying the Premier League should be involved, and mentioning grass roots football, the premier league could not give a toss about grass roots football. Watching Saints Ladies is a refreshing change, like watching England has been these past few weeks. A few troglodytes on here find it amusing to make comments akin to “I’d rather shit in my hands and clap” ……….grow up or keep your thoughts to yourselves.