Colinjb

On many, many levels.

Regardless of Bournemouth's finances, guiding a club from the verge of non-League football to Premier League survival is one of the greatest things I've known any manager to do..... Particularly when considering it was his first job (Burnley interval aside) outside of playing. I would rate him as the best qualified manager in English football on that basis. The two things against him: Profile and flexibility. At Bournemouth he is the be-all and end-all. Could he cope with the F.A's way of working? He didn't flourish at Burnley. Also, could the players respect him?

Not a german fan..... But really enjoying that username!!

The former. But the second is more likely!

Same, had just assumed they were sending them out one by one.

No. Absolutely not. Better they expose this conflict of interest then just turn the other cheek. Astonished at the stupidity of a man who should be setting an example for the rest of English football. Should be relieved of his responsibilities immediately.

Good position to be in. Naturally go all out for '4,' but if both 2 and 3 have been offered then what a wonderful safety net!!

He did not. What point are you trying to make? I remember my Coventry supporting friends being surprised he didn't make an impression here.

Agreed, reminded me of Rickie Lambert at his best today, drifting wide and linking up as part of the forward unit. Austin is showing to be much more then the out and out striker he has been pigeon holed as.

I think he meant to say wouldn't*, he went straight from this to praising the number of chances we made.

Didn't expect that, the most straightforward PL away game I can remember. And JWP scoring from open play.....

Booo St Chalet.

James Ward-Prowse has just scored from open play..... I don't know how to feel right now.

Love the camera angle for Hojberg's shot

For anyone feeling 'adventurous,' Beijing Guoan v Shandong Luneng is on Sky Sports 2 at 12.30. A chance to see Pelle in his new surroundings.

No real progress can be made until the upcoming elections in mainland Europe have concluded. No point negotiating immediately only for the goalposts to change when Merkel and Hollande are ousted.

I've grown bored of the tabloid sideshow that is the premier league, it's immediate reward, high stakes sensationalist nonsense. Sky Sports no longer interests me like it did, frankly I couldn't care less about Man Utd's latest crisis or whether Joe Hart and Adam Lallana use some kind of shampoo brand. I have not however lost interest in Saints. I still revel in us doing well, love seeing academy lads come through, enjoy seeing how we may rebuild every year. Still get the same buzz when we score, the same hollow annoyance when we conceded. The upcoming trip to Milan is something that feels so special. Just could do without the sensationalist, vulgar and unpragmatic circus that circles around us.

Has anyone else tried to fly from Birmingham? Managed to get accommodation for two nights and flights sorted for £210 (excluding fuel and parking)

They did, a year or so ago. Cov are f**ked. I get no joy from it. As thread bumps go.........

Claude Puel doing us proud. Rotated squad? Check Nice Football? Check Academy Players blooded? Check Victory? F**king Check Outstanding. Bring on the Council Tenants

Fair comment, but based on the larger eligibility and rate of current sale, they would have had a fairly good idea of what to expect, hence the initial negotiations to get more.

Glad to see they understand the need to rotate with three competitions on the go right now. It's just common sense.

If we are talking players who did actually feature in the top flight, Richard Chaplow? (Loved the guy but out of his depth at this point.....) Also, Dan Seaborne. Remember him? Came on as a sub up at Villa.

Just couldn't bring myself to put him in......

Fair play to the club. Makes the rush this morning seem a little daft now though,