Colinjb

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,

Only behind us on League difference, the pressure is on!!!

Any season ticket holder. Go for it!!

I would consider Boufal to be more of an immediate priority, so no Ben Arfa for me!

------------- Lambert ------- Rodriguez--------- ------------------------ Mane -------------------- ----------- Schneiderlin ---- S. Davis ----------- --------------------- Wanyama ------------------- Bertrand -- Alderweireld -- Van Dijk ----- Clyne ---------------------- Forster --------------------- Subs: Boruc Shaw Martina Romeu Rat Boy Pelle Fonte

Some long queues online.... but never mind. Dad and I are sorted! Good luck to everyone else.

Yes, said similar myself. It looked good.

Looked so much more comfortable with some service, Martina's crossing (although helped by Sparta's almost non-existent defending/closing down) was just what he needed.

Mixed feelings here. Not great to see the structure of the team being undermined by an ego. But, some of the best strikers have that about them, a swagger of confidence and effect. With Pelle gone we need someone to step up and lead the line properly. If Austin is to get his way, may he make the best of it.

It will be a nervous wait until 9am Tuesday!! Not holding my breath, just hoping that purchase rates will drop as people see the cost/availability of flights.

Wonder if we will be able to get the plain backed shirt for tonight from anywhere?

Would be fantastic if so! But will believe it when I see it.

Always found it bizarre with Tommy Forecast, that he was offered a contract with Gillingham after his loan spell there and he rejected it!

Unless your name is Anthony Pulis?

One way to get rid of him I suppose. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37342828