Lymington Saint

Its fair to say that this thread has not quite gone in the way that I anticipated!

To make a change from the Manager merry-go-round Southampton's Northam Rail Bridge to be replaced by 2030 - BBC News This has been kicking around for a while. Looks like it is getting serious. Anyone know whether replacing the footbridge from SMS would be included in the scheme? It was built one the cheap when the stadium was built and is inadequate. Also, how is it going to work after they have built the new bridge and are replacing the existing bridge? Anyone ITK?

Article on BBC website says that SR will keep Eckert on as interim manager for the time being and kick the decision down the road. Has the ring of truth about it. So if it doesnt go well then they will bin him.

Think the comments about Baz after today's game are harsh. He made a couple of decent stops in the first half, especially the one down low to his left. And the shot he let in bounced just before him, which made it more tricky than it appears. Having played in goal at local league level, I can vouch that these are horrible to deal with. And he came for a couple of punches which he doesnt normally do. But I agree that he is never going to make a premier league keeper. He simply doesnt have the presence. McCarthy will crash through people to punch balls away. Baz isnt big enough to do this well. And his timing is sometimes suspect, as it was at QPR on Wednesday. My guess is that we will limp on this season with McCarthy and Baz, but we definitely need to trade up in the summer.

Agree with the comments that we need someone pragmatic to bang heads and get some results. Would also have the effect of forcing players out who dont like it. Someone really single minded. Cant see it happening though

This team is incapable of grinding out results in the championship and winning ugly. Cant score goals and periodically self destruct. And occasionally look really good. Cant see Still turning this round unfortunately. Need a manager who can get this lot to play plus a striket who can hold the ball up

Seemed to switch from a back 5 to a back 4 mid way through the second half. Agree with the comments about Aribo. Worth a try. He will at least put himself about and hold on to the ball. Real shame about Ross Stewart. Looks a decent player when fit

Was at the game yesterday. There were moments when we looked really good especially before Stewart went off. Then seemed to lose shape. Still clearly likes to play with a target man. Desperately need cover for Stewart. Downs was dreadful. Simply unable to hold the ball up. Think we are all forgetting how much of a mess we were in last season. Going to take a while to sort it out. Still needs to be given the season in my view and then take stock

I was also under the East Stand for the Villa game but towards the Milton End. Remember passing some very disgruntled Villa supporters on the way back to the car. Probably a sign of age but the cup is not what it was despite the BBC hype. Going to be one of the big teams that wins it again this year.

Brian Clough on Centre Forwards 'Get hold of the ball, keep it because it is yours, then give it to someone who can play' Problem is that the ball seems to bounce off him most of the time, and when he does get hold of it he rarely makes decent passes.

Lowe thought that appointing football managers was like appointing managers in business. You make appointments individually, not buy in a team. This was why Moyes didnt come. Lowe also believed in promoting through the ranks - hence Steve Wigley and Stuart Gray. Again, common in business but very unusual in the world of football. I think that this season is gone. Whoever we bring in has to be building for next season and try to move some of the deadwood on in January. I just want to see a team that it well organised, playing to a sensible system and players giving their best. Not much to ask really. And enjoy a few games.

I can't remember ever being less bothered about a Saints result. I think that we are all resigned to relegation this season. An intransigent manager and an ownership that is completely disengaged from the fanbase. I think that we have collectively given up and I can't see a repeat of the kind of protests that got rid of Branfoot. Which would probably be ignored anyway. Just have to hope that by the start of next season RM is gone and either SR are gone or they have got a competent CEO and someone who knows about recruiting players. Otherwise next season is going to be equally miserable.

I was in the West Stand for the Port Vale cup game - which turned out to be Branfoot's last game. My memory is of the directors box being surrounded at the end of the game by irate supporters giving the directors a hard time. He was gone the following week. Not sure that there is the same level of vitriol at RM. He is simply out of his depth. Problem at the moment is that the owner is distant and SR simply don't engage the supporters very well. Plus SR making really poor management decisions is looking like a habit, and sacking yet another manager makes them look even more incompetent.

RM gone now surely

Time to hide behind the sofa