swedish dave

Historically, very few Academy lads make it through to be first team regulars. The difference between U21 football, and the Championship (not to mention Prem. level).. is enormous for youngsters to adjust to. Last season was the first real showing of young talents in the last ...10 years? When JWP headed up a group that included; Stephens, McQueen, Targett and Reed, (some of whom were stuck behind Bertrand as first choice). Now we saw Cam Bragg establishing himself and new names like Oyekunle, Williams, Sillah Dibaga also getting minutes. They might not be on the bench quite so often yet, but they've taken the first steps. Our biggest challenge will be getting replacements for those who leave, and a few new names who might come to the club - depending on who the manager is by August.

reading between the lines of the EFL "rule"., there is much emphasis on the " 72 hour period " but little else aside from " the encouragement to fair play and an honest attitude". The assumption being that the same "spying " activity taking place 73 hours (or more) before game time is not considered an offence of any sort. Hypocrisy of the worst kind, and not worthy of any type of sport. The only justice that has come out of the whole mess is that having failed to win any of the 3 games involved Boro ' did not benefit from their exploitation of the entire case via social media with their crocodile tears.

whilst we are " nit-picking " over the whole affair, it's interesting to note that one of the bar staff at Boro's golf club named our " spy" (WS) to the club, and /or the media, after WS had bought a drink in their bar. Naming a person who has made a purchase on a credit card IS a criminal offence, as it breaks the law on several counts, and such actions are.." technically-speaking" - a breach of personal integrity attached to credit card purchases.

not just . " the lawyer " who played once 30-odd years ago). I would have asked him which team he supports now ? Has he watched Boro " at all ..in the last 30 years? Danger signal was there was already "a Boro' connection" in the first EFL "trial" before they pronounced the verdict of cancelling Saints' place in the Final and the -4 pts. The subsequent "independent meeting " was only ever going to agree with the original decision - especially as there was also someone with a Boro' connection on that panel. There is no argument (or excuse) for the offence, but the loss of the Final place (and potential promotion money) is a massive "fine " in itself. The verdict itself was a disgrace, and like a death sentence for a parking offence. Clearly the EFL thinks that no such offence has been committed in the last 6 years (since the Leeds affair), but the very stipulation that no such "event" should be allowed in the last 72 hours before a game - is clearly is an admission that such spying events are commonplace, and they simply close their eyes to such situations.

(sadly) we put him out on loan because, he ** wasn't good enough to be our No.1 in the Championship His move wasn't so successful, and so if he doesn't move this summer, we are back with ** the same problem.

There'll be a lot more than simple in/ out transfers. Those who are determined to leave will obviously go and we can (hopefully) get a good return on the deals for those who do depart. The key question will be WHO will manage the side next season ?..as it seems an obvious conclusion that Tonda will leave ..and so players will want to know who the new "gaffer" will be ...and PDQ. Team building will be back to Square One, starting at the back. I won't start quoting names as some are fairly obvious, and some others may be unexpected.

Going out with a bang , eh Bill. Maybe they might resign him - again, after all he's only just 40 !

OF COURSE......we want to win every game, but this fixture is somewhat " meanings less" in one sense. We have already qualified for one of the playoff spots, and no-one's crystal ball can predict who we will play. (With respect), Preston can only be called an "average Championship side" and if we start with a full strength side, it could be unfortunate if a "fluke injury" could harm someone's play-off chances, and the team's future. If the media is to be believed we are likely to lose some top names - regardless of a promotion - or otherwise, and with that in mind, it would be an ideal chance to include some of "Lallana's young hopefuls" from the U21's, and see if they come up to standard. Playing well in the Prem. is a challenge in itself, (even for top players) but with the inevitably of needing to replace some of our stars, we need to analyse our best available talents PDQ, before plunging into the summer transfer market - yet again. I don't need to list all the likely departures, (we can all guess) but there are a number of players who may be playing their final Saints games in these remaining fixtures. IF there are any " likely lads " looking to make the next step up and an opportunity to impress. We have nothing to lose, but a chance to find our next young talents.

the reported attendance was 70,000+ , that lot wouldn't fit into Spurs ground and the only place big enough to hold that number would be Old Trafford. !!!. I think the FA puts a limit on attendances at Wembley, and they may have decided on a limit beforehand. Not sure how many Saints fans went, but it looked like we had more than City ??. A trip to Wembley is a big deal for both fans and players. Noted that when younger, Tom Fellows said he told his Baggies team mates that he might go to Wembley one day, and they laughed at him.

Considering the quality of the opposition ..and even the cost of their starting side, I thought we played a v. good game. After the first 10 minutes of all-out defending, I considered that - had it been a Championship (VAR -free game) - Leo Scienza's " goal " might even have been allowed. It was hard to pick out our MoM (although Casper Jander was outstanding in his own right), and even Cam Bragg (as Downes' replacement) fitted in seamlessly. We held them to 0-0 for 80 minutes and then took the lead with (my) goal of the game. Azaz hitting the ball on the turn after a great pass from Matsuki. Matsuki had a great impact in just 20 minutes on the pitch. Aside from the Azaz assist, he might have scored a second, (but for the goalie's push over the bar), and then he made a goal-line clearance after Peretz was marooned up field. THB and Wood also looked a great partnership in the back line. City's two goals were both a bit flukey in their own way. Docu's deflecting off Bree's leg on the way in, and Gonzalaz may get goal of the season for his unstoppable strike, which even two keepers wouldn't have kept out. Quite the best Saints' performance I've seen in a long while, and much for them to be proud of. Even City's " big guns " made little impact after Pep G. was forced to put them on - in desperation - near the end.

and to be fair ...even then we're not fielding our best side. No Stephens, Manning or Downes.

maybe..but for the sake of players from "unfashionable clubs" it's a once-in-a lifetime chance to play at Wembley.

I know Spurs new ground cost a billion, but there is more atmosphere and spirit for both players and fans when playing at the national stadium.

seems like we have two or more candidates for almost every midfield / striker role. You can start with one , and put the other on sometime later on in the game, and it works. Matsuki has been outstanding in some games, gets some stick, but is not afraid to give it out. Don't see Bragg as a regular starter YET, but he moves around the pitch well, finds space and rarely makes a bad pass. Not a standout figure, but neither was Prowsey back in his early days.

well I'm pretty well convinced by the fee we eventually got ..32 million ..or ?