um pahars

He's on fecking drugs, and I don't mean speed, but hang on he's only gone and won us a free kick.

But John, the response will be that on balance Cortese delivered more times than he failed and looking at the overall picture he has overseen the conversion of a "basket case" in to a "top flight" Club, and in the process put £££££s on the top line and £££££££s on its valuation. Now of course the financial backing he was able to call on helped, but that in itself did not guarantee success. Personally speaking, I never saw the issues we are talking about as being mutually exclusive as would like to think that you you can run the Club in an effective and efficient manner as well as being true to your customers, supporters and suppliers. But others would argue a few noses out of joint, some hard nosed dealings and a win at all costs mentality is a price worth paying for the transformation in fortunes of our Club.

khao sok is very nice, but make sure you spend a couple of nights on the raft houses on the nearby lake.

Are we really bothered?? Both of them have served our Club well and I would rather move on as opposed to gearing only one side of the story. Both contributed to the petty spat and I would be happier if we just moved on from it all

So we were only living on borrowed time then, and it was inevitable that whenever Cortese decided to go back home the Club spiral in to decline.

Obviously disappointed he has left, and disappointed in the manner as well. He oversaw a dramatic change in fortunes and must be given much of the credit for the huge improvements across the Club. BUT it had to come to an end at some point as with every player, manager, CEO, Chairman & even owner, things don't last forever. This was always going to happen at some point and the Club will survive. I support the Club and always will do. Of course I hope for a great replacement and a continuation of the good times Cortese brought back to the Club, so fingers crossed the short term pain will soon be gone. (PS If some players or the manager use this as an excuse to leave, then fook em, they're not for to wear the shirt).

Im with you on that one. Like a bit of colour and character to our players. I was brought up watching Jm Steele, Steve Williams, Ossie, Mark Dennis, Jimmy Case, Razor et al. Ossie in particular is a legend for sticking up for a young Williams, sticking it to Bailey and then trashing Ewood Park after the match. Much rather someone getting stuck in down the tunnel than an Oscaresque diver.

I wouldn't "blame" anyone, but I do get the OPs point about evaluating the season so far. Always thought our early season position flattered us to some extent. A relatively easy start to the season, combined with a run of confidence and no injuries/suspensions to really worry about. Injuries to key players in a run of tough games that came thick and fast brought us down to earth. Happy with a mid table position, but need to pick things up to some degree to make sure we don't slip down any further.

We could all chip and knock a bit down ourselves, in much the same way as they used to ask for volunteers to clear the snow from The Dell pitch on a Saturday morning before a game.

I don't think its a that outrageous OP (and along with the OP, I hope Pochettino isn't given the elbow). Cortese has extremely high expectations and isn't afraid to make tough/unpopular decisions, so I wouldn't rule it out!!! Obviously depends on the relationship, what the short/medium term plan is and what is minimally acceptable. I wondered aloud in the final weeks of our Championship promotion push as to whether Cortese would relieve Adkins of his role once we had achieved promotion and replace him with a more experienced replacement, and there was a similar response back then!

Not sure if the bloke is interested but my best mate has still got the home bench in his shed!!

I heard it was Steve Sidwell, and the stories are a collection (aka Hotel Babylon & other "xxxxxxx" Babylon books) sourced from acquaintances, friends and players he's played with.

Just popped out to collect three copies (one for me and two presents) from Messr Chalk and the book looks fantastic. A true labour of love that you really need to see to believe. Top work by all involved and a must buy for the avid Saints fan.

Sooooo disappointing that with some of our best performances in recent years we have to be so petty and vindictive off it. Fingers crossed those involved with Hagiology don't get their fingers burnt here. Hopefully the wider Saints community can come together to help them out.

Presume it will have something to do with Franny or Matty being invited/involved in the launch and the club taking umbrage. if that is the case, then it is ridiculously petty on behalf of the Club, and I presume a real spanner in the works for the Hagiology lads who might now struggle to shift enough copies to break even (and therefore putting at risk any other "decent" books on our Club). I'm loving our on the pitch performances, just wish we could match that off the pitch, as I simply don't see it as an either/or choice. Presume Duncan, Gary, David et al are a tad miffed at all this.

Very impressive attention to detail in there. Cycling seems to be setting the pace in some areas of preparation, and remember the old head of UK cycling talking about teaching athletes how to wash their hands properly in an attempt to stop the spread of coughs and colds. The mattress haul may sound OTT but thinking about it a good nights sleep before a game is actually massively important. Hats off to those running the football side, they are doing a decent job. As an aside then why have The Mail used a photo of Portsmuff training at Wellington/Stoneham????

One of the my mates put me on to his subby who he gets to do all his windows on his new builds and the bloke has been spot on. obviously getting mates rates, but next week he's doing two big sash windows, two big kitchen windows, 2 small hall windows and a back door for £2000. Before that he put in two huge bays, and has redone all the soffits, guttering and facia. The work is top drawer. Chris Stoner http://www.stonerhomeimprovements.co.uk/contact-home-improvements

Thought the same thing a couple of weeks ago when we went out for the first time since the little 'un turned up. Was always our Thai of choice, it's now takeaways from Thai 2 Go. Would be curious to know what's happened to Joy & co.???

Sorry Jack, the day must have got to me as well!!!! Can't see how I can edit my post (mind you as with the Old Rugged Cross, I'm sure someone will be chuckling at my faux pas!!!!).

Very difficult, but also a very warming day. As you say, a lovely send off for a big man in so many ways, and someone who had made many people smile over the years. He went out to a recording of the Saints crowd singing Oh When The Saints Go Marching In!!!! Wonderful x I closed my eyes at one point and thought Jack Fleet was going to announce the teams at The Dell, such was the link between his voice and the old ground. Jack mentioned that Pat is in the background of a photo that graces "In That Number". Can't remember the page, but will have a gander tonight when I raise my glass to the dear man. RIP Jack

Steve Grant is in that list of famous players!!!!

A somewhat disconcerting story emerging from the Sunday Times today revealing that the new e-fit (and other evidence) being banded about is actually an old e fit put together by the private investigators hired by the McCanns years ago. It had been suppressed by the McCanns and the Trust due to elements of the report being critical of the McCanns and their friends.

Simply wonderful yesterday. Men against boys or a kickabout down at Staplewood at times. An all round superb performance, with everyone playing their part. As good as the early 80s??? Well not that far off that's for sure. Really enjoying watching this team get better and better. So how has Pochettino got them playing like this??? Great coaching, tactics, fitness, inspiration, motivation or a combination of them all??????

Norm, I will be going along with my dad, so will post up here when I find out.

A truly wonderful bloke and a friend/colleague of my dads for probably best part of 40 years at AC Delcos as they both worked in the wages/finance dept down at Delcos. Dad's quite cut up about it after hearing last night from another old colleague. There was a little group of 5/6 of them who were there for 40 years in the finance team and all mad Saints fans. Worked with Pat when I got my first job down there and saw first hand what a larger than life character he was. Some great stories about Saints and life in general. Still have a Norwich away programme he gave me with the entire squad's and back room teams signatures from the 80s after he travelled back on the same train with them. A real treasure, a true Saint who will be missed by many. cheers Pat