Holmes_and_Watson

Good goal. Keeper was initially just that bit unsighted by the defender, and that was some shot. I only hope it's utterly demoralised Ipswich, rather than making them desperate to make amends, ahead of the League game.

Bow

Teally tough for MotM. Could be half a dozen.

Lose

Was he asked about the red cards for his players?

Not that I think Villa will go down. But if they did, and his pay gets cut as part of a contract clause, I wonder if he'd be on less than Saints were offering. And a division lower down.

Great first half Villa could have had a couple of players shown red cards. Ralph changed it round when Villa were clearly getting on top. Solid subs to shore it up at key moments. Team all worked their socks off, and for each other to. It was a narrow win, goals wise but Saints were miles clear 1st half and, after a change were solid. Some really impressive displays all through the team.

Bone

Hoop

How would Match of the Day cope without Shearer's stunning insights, as he boldly leads Newcastle into another relegation? Mental note: delete the above if Ralph joins Newcastle to continue his approach, but with money, and Shearer gives up Match of the Day for a bold return to us.

Western

Texas

🙂 I think in Villa's minds they were going to use the Grealish, and their backer's pennies to push on, while we were haggling over Armstrong and some youth players. Terribly sad it's not worked out for them so far. And will be even sadder, hopefully, after this week.

There are a number of reasons why an employee would not necessarily be allowed back into facilities after their departure is confirmed. Security: Some handbags may have been rifled through, and Bradley Wright Phillips was definitely playing in the MLS at the time. Environmental: Ings' return would have reminded Raph of his victory over Liverpool, posing a considerable flooding risk to Southampton facilities. Reputational: The club were so sure Ings was going to sign a contract extension, they hadn't got round to slating him in the press in a vain attmept to convince us he wasn't needed. Saints feel slighted at not being able to slight Ings. Staff Retention: The last thing Ralph wants to see is a very happy, better paid player reminding other players at the club about greener pastures.

Game

Day

Hopefully they haven't lost too much sharpness, with Ipswich up next in the cup.

Chop

We'd not replace Long for him. No, we could play them both. 🙂 He may not have a club due to wage demands. I've no idea how decent he was last season, but I'd not moan if the recruitment team thought he could do a job.

Magazine

From the commentary I'd heard, I felt Karen Carney really struggled. Cliches even the others had long given up on, struggling to put a point together to fill the commentary gaps etc. But in one game she gave a 90 second breakdown of the midfield tactics both sides were employing in an evenly matched game. Best bit of commentary by a mile. I've since heard her do this on a couple of other occassions. If anything, it might be the tedious lack of insight in most commentaries that's getting in the way, as she's tried to adopt that training for her own work.

If Ralph were to go, things would be looking desperate. Time for Big Sam and Little Sam! 🙂

I'd not mind a running poll held by managers on inane hacks. The bottom 3 get sacked. It would even up the hacks being happy to spend all their time baying for managers getting the sack, based on precious little insight.

I'd read he was entitled to a lot of compensation, if his contract was terminated this early, connected to him buying out his own national contract. They must have found £12 million or so down the sofa to pay him off. I think he'd be a reluctant manager, looking for better managerial options if he were to come back. Which I don't think he will.

Results wise, he might as well have delivered a half time talk in the centre circle. A manager to have worked his way up to one of the best leagues in the world; to get the chance to instill his vision on a club and to see all his work beat one of the biggest clubs in it. No idea why he might show a human emotion there. He should slump expressionless in the dug out so he can get criticised for not showing enough passion. I pick out 52 games for Ralph Bingo.