Doctoroncall

5 ) That's the position I predicted last summer, so happy in that respect with relegation talk that was rampant at the time. It's just a shame not to capitalise on the good start, or after faltering, to give more time to the newer/younger members of the squad so that they could have at least 500 minutes under their belt this season.

Let's hope he returns to his Accrington Stanley form (P 33, W 8 , D 7, L 18). It seems this the last throw of the dice by the HNWIs to get out of the division next season, I think they want some return on their investment. Also worth remembering that Chesterfield have been a yoyo league 1/league 2 team these past five seasons (lowest finish is eighth in league 2).

Are you sure? I only ask as Manchester City have removed all their non-football staff into a different company so are out of the finances of the football club. There is no reason to do this if they are not included anyway. I would say Mike Ashley is a bigger factor than the UEFA Cup. This season Spurs are sixth and Everton are eleventh, probably finish ninth. They say that participation in the Europa league costs two league places. So I'd say it's still worth it especially if the club plans well for it and uses the whole squad. From next season, there is an increase in money received for playing games in the Europa league, not sure how much though.

It's not that hard a choice, go for a high league place and receive some European expose, attract higher calibre players and perhaps more commercial income but likely drop a few places in the league the following season? Everton have suffered but Spurs haven't but it's something that needs to happen to advance the club. I wonder if the club would introduce a few more younger players having to cope with Thursday night football. I'm sure if we get there, the club have plans in place.

So how many times have the HNWI actually 'dipped' into their pockets since the trust gained 'ownership'? It seems a regular occurrence.

Depends if you have another kid, but private (if the results are good) would be next to the top of the list otherwise move house if there is a state school with consistent high achievement - it will be over subscribed so you'll need to get in the catchment area unless there are other criteria which your child meets. A better investment all round. I would have thought there was more to it than your kid just being confirmed to gain entry to the Catholic school.

a dump! must have missed that one, nice to complete the set having done a wee in 2005 London Marathon.

Swansea. It would be interesting to know more about their set up, see the differences. Now the new academy rules are in place, let's see where the youngsters come from. Nothing beats home town talent coming through to play for their home town, but with expectations on more top six finishes, the net needs to go further than it is to pick up more top potential youngsters with the right character.

TBH, I think he could be a decent manager, whether he would get the best out of the squad and be able to manage his way in the cess pit down the road is another matter. It seems to be a great place to go for a player to pick up a decent pay cheque and enjoy a kick-about.

I haven't had much time for the election this year or politics in general except for the osmosis of what's being reported while doing my day to day work and the few minutes of SW surfing! Interesting that you say Labour represents the centre ground. What are their polices compared to left wing ideologies? As a floating voter, I'd certainly be more interested in the Bognor party... Go Johnny!

I presume the fee has still to be agreed, so if another club comes in which matches Saints evaluation (and assuming the board will sell) then it could get a bit messy if Utd feel they can dictate the price having 'got their man'?

Four shadows.

It's been lovely and sunny here in Basle today, although snow forecast for Thursday!

When Blatter gets re-elected, I wonder if there will be anyone brave enough to start a breakaway organisation?

That is read extensively by the players, ex-players, player's families and SMS staff to get all the gossip. So be careful out there, it's easy to recognise a Goatboy walking around in a Saints top these days.

I went sometime ago after finding a B&B since the hotels were expensive, the owner was great - telling us about the history and the things that went on. It was in an apartment block just across from what was studio 55. The other choice is to stay across the river and get the ferry across Hoboken and Weehawken are spring to mind.

Yes it was, although I'm not sure what he's like as a player but obviously has shown some talent for Saints to pick him up. His way was blocked at Arsenal by a couple of exceptional young players (Chris Willock and Charlie Gilmour) at the time which also figured in the switch to Saints. It seems they have progressed as they have both signed pro deals for Arsenal and Chris has already appeared for the first team (in a preseason friendly) aged 16.

A player cannot sign before their 17th birthday on pro terms. Scholarships are every two years I think.

Nice highlighting your mistakes Arsenal have been after this lad for a couple of years, hopefully Callum will stick with Saints and sign his pro-contract next year.

Got to go for it, that's why Saints are competing now, to be able to play in Europe. I would also imagine more of the U21s would be used as the intensity and speed of the game would be a lot less than the league. It's just a question of getting the right balance of experience and at what position.

I think the other point to it was it was OK to do it, confidence that the defending would be good if it doesn't work so you can have a go without the nerves or pressure coming into play.

An interesting quote by Scholes about his time at Man U rather than the current focus of possession would also fit into our current dilemma "...perhaps the most important part of being one of United’s attacking players, was that when you were in possession you had to take risks in order to create goal-scoring chances. It was not an option; it was an obligation." So rather than being elaborate and keeping the ball in the final third there should be a bit more risk taking.

Agree with this, the money can be invested in areas of the team that do need strengthening, although I'd hope for more than £20m for Morgan.

I'm pretty sure it would be an additional place for a Europa Cup win, whereas as CL Cup win would be at the expense of fourth place in the league if the winners are not in the top four. I'm hoping Spurs' form will trail off after the League Cup final like most finalists do.

I think they have one of the hardest set of fixtures of those challenging for a CL place so if any team were to win, Liverpool would be the choice.