um pahars

I'd probably say there was a coming together as Fonte was coming the other way, in which case with the keeper in possession of the ball I can see why the ref blew up.

Just seen the very brief MOTD highlights and can see why both the incidents I asked about yesterday were a bit contentious. Think ref got them both right. Keeper did have the ball and then he effectively barged in to Fonte, but still think he was probably impeded. Put it this way, if the same thing happened with FF then I would have been screaming for a foul. When I saw the Yoshida tumble first time around have to say I thought it was a penalty. Certainly in real time from the halfway camera angle it looked clumsy and potentially a foul. It was only when they showed it from the view the ref had that you could see the Swansea player ran in to Yoshida and then bounced off him. Two fair decisions in my opinion.

Thanks for the replies, another weekend where I will be looking forward to watching sky plus of tonight's Match of the day tomorrow morning when little one wakes us up nice and early.

Can't bring myself to listen or watch games I don't go to (weird I know) do talk me through: a) Fonte's disallowed goal b) Yoshida penalty lunge Fantastic result and would have been happy with a point. So proud of this team at the moment.

Problem is that I think his head has not been in the right place all season. Could be a cracking player who destroys opponents attacking prowess, but he's been hot and cold all season, and seems distracted or somewhat piffed off. He needs someone with his real interests at heart to have a sit down and decent chat with him. Keep hearing that his current close confidants are perhaps not the most positive influence on him.

I think 8 or 9 would be a decent return, but given our recent form I could imagine us looking for more.

Throw in the games he missed because of his early season hissy fit and it's a huge chunk of the season he will my be unavailable for. He's probably a bit unlucky this time round as Clattenburg over reacted and allowed himself to be influenced by the reactions of their players, but his time with us is beginning to unravel. A stern talking to from RK, a new contract and a change in attitude required quickly or ship him out.

In memory of this little fella whose funeral was earlier in the day. http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?55453-R-I-P-Mike-O-Callaghan#.VoDgdWbfX7o

Really rated him last season, but this season seems to have gone off the boil and looks a bit disinterested (in much the same way that Clyne's performances appeared to dip after his head was turned halfway through last season). Granted losing Morgan has probably exposed a few frailties, but just just can't help but think he would rather be elsewhere and is not giving 100%. (and of course my perspective is somewhat clouded by still thinking he was a prrikc for throwing a strop during that Euro run!!)

The OP has a point. When I was thinking of where we should strengthen/replace in the January transfer window, I immediately thought of a right back to either challenge Cedric or perhaps be an able replacement if he's injured. Can only think RK wants the more defensive minded Maya when we are up against it, but as others have said on here, he just really struggles at right back. Happy to have him as back up for the centre of defence, but not as full back.

I agree it was nice to see a balance in the mix, but I also think that had Lallana, Shaw, Clyne, Chambers not bailed and Forster & Rodrigues not been injured, then we would regularly be fielding 5/6 English players. Also, our stint in the lower leagues allowed a bit more flexibility in brining your youngsters through, whereas the Premiership does demand more "instant" success. Its a tough balance, but I do agree with your overal premise, even if I can see why we've moved (been forced) away.

I would say that Jones was fairly shyt and should have been sacked before he was holidayed

Sad to lose a well known face who you always saw no matter where Saints were playing. Sound lad who was passionate about his Club and City. First spoke to him at length when we got in to a scrape in the Main Stand at Maine Road. He had comps from Chris Nicholl and I had the same from Graham Baker. Needless to say that whilst I sat on my hands, Mike was a bit too passionate about Saints for some of the locals liking!!!! A late goal for City didn't help. Pretty sure many will have their own stories to tell about him. RIP fella.

Agree that he hasn't done much wrong, just my opinion/perception that we look more solid with FF in goal.

Really surprised at how opinions can be so different as I've been desperate to get Fraser back between the sticks, as whilst Stekelenberg has been ok, I consider not a patch on FF. That said I'd keep him as a number 2

I looked at Morgan, in much the same way I now look at Wanyama. Disappointed and annoyed at the squinnying & whining behind the scenes and I now begrudgingly acknowledge any contribution to the team whilst wearing the shirt. Morgan made some amends with a decent shift for another season, but still left under a cloud for me. Victor may have come out of with some PR guff saying he is now committed, but that means nothing unless he signs up and stays, or goes after giving his all and leaves in a more respectful manner. But bringing it back to Lallana, just because two other players acted like ar5eholes and showed little respect doesn't mean he should get a free pass. The guy (& others around him) acted like a tool and deserves nothing but contempt for his actions (and I hope over time people get to hear the full story of what went on).

The problem is that no matter what his achievements and contributions were, the manner of his departure will be what he is remembered for. He was the one who created the storm (ably assisted by those around him) and he was the one whose actions sullied what could have been an amicable and reasonable departure. Lallana burnt bridges both inside the Club and with the supporters. The majority of fans are savvy enough to realise players move on, they would just like an ounce of decency when this happens (I can't remember too much stick for a player who has moved the "right" way??). Lallana was signing Liverpool shirts and telling their fans he hoped to move a month before the deal went through when he was still our Captain. By contrast, Gerrard refused to sign LA Galaxy shirts until he arrived there (even though the deal had been signed). For the overwhelming majority it's about respect and Lallana showed little in those last months.

Just seen the goals and reckon Ramirez could have a good shout for that goal

I think it would be fair to say that the Captain of the team burnt a few bridges upon his departure.

He was a big factor in allowing them back in, he was flapping all game. RKs tactics & Substitutions also contributed, as did some tired legs (I wouldn't under estimate the travelling undertaken by some platers), but presence & performance must have transferred to the others.

It may have been an interview, but his advisors probably told him what lines to trot out and perhaps even kiss the badge as well. I'll always accept players come and go, it's how you go about your business when you're under contract that matters to me. He probably raked in £100k and contributed to key defeats during his hissy fit. That rankles somewhat.

Pretty easy to have your agent trot out (or write out) these words for you. As Granty says, if he wants to impress me he'd sign a new contract, which at least gives us more leverage if he throws another hissy fit. Otherwise Turkish is spot on and he acted like a spoilt brat right in the middle of some really important games, and portably did contribute to our emature exit from the Europa Cup.

Oh, I didn't think of that!!!!!

Always felt he was a fraud who dined out on Suarez excellent season. Would have Clyne would be fairly safe, but Lallana and Lovren might be a tad twitchy if the new guy doesn't fancy them. The only disappointing bit is that it means the fun at Liverpool's expense may diminish (unless they sign Fat Sam!)

I have no idea what the loan rules are LOL Was just told no one else being "bought" after VVD but they are working on getting someone else in (work that one out if its not a loan!!).