Pat from Poole

I'm not sure what the stats are now, but I am pretty sure that when we were at The Dell, not far off 50% of the regular fanbase travelled from 20 miles or more away from Southampton to home games. The trains used to have loads getting on at Poole, Bournemouth and even quite a few from Dorchester and further west. I wouldn't be surprised if there has been a change here in recent years. For example, I doubt that the youngsters at the back of the Northam who are often the source of debate on here have too far to travel, apologies if I am doing them a dis-service here. I think a significant proportion of the people who now no longer come to games regularly will be those who live 30 miles or more away from Southampton ( a lot of my friends in the Poole / Bournemouth area have pretty much stopped going). It's not that they've chosen to support a different team, it's just less enticing to come to a half-empty ground and pay £25. For what it's worth, if we are still at The Dell, I'd come to every game. It would still have atmosphere even against cloggers in the CCC.

They're going to have to reduce prices. And re-open the Itchen Corner. Close the Family Centre corner and move them into the central part of the Chapel if they need to make a saving on stewarding etc.

I think you're wrong. I've had a season ticket for the last 16 years, but like a number of friends, I've stopped going this season. A lot of people just can't be arsed anymore, and once they find other things to do on a Saturday, they generally don't come back that often. Winning a few games in this League means diddly squat to most people.

The Itchen Corner closure was one of a number of daft decisions made by the Club since Lowe's return, which combined with a lot of people being skint, has contributed to the massive drop in crowds. By and large, Saints fans are not mugs, and will not just turn up out of blind loyalty, having seen a season of utter crap last season. We live in an area with a very high cost of living and people have to make decisions about what they're sacrificing at home if they spend £50-plus on a day out at football. We'd never get 30,000 crowds in League 1 like Man. City, as our fans aren't that thick. Saints won't get the lost fans back quickly. I speak as one who hasn't been this season, and having found plenty of other stuff to occupy my Saturdays, don't envisage returning soon to watch a game with no atmosphere now the Itchen Corner has closed and with little sign of the Northam getting back to anything like the Strachan days.

Think I'm best off out of it by the sound of it.

Yup. Primus would have done a job for us if he hadn't gone to Charlton. Also injury-prone though.

I'm surprised he wasn't on the phone to Poortvliet's successor.

We need 4 out and out bruisers across the back. And at least one in midfield. And one up front. It is not a League for kids.

If you weren't impressed with Adam Lallana, then you are blind, sir.

I think that most of us knew that when Poortvliet and Wotte were appointed that we would need three other CCC clubs to go into administration to save us from relegation this season. I admire and sympathise with those who will be following the team regularly this season. I haven't been this season, but based on the defending I've seen in the two SKY games, we will be on the end of quite a few heavy defeats. Shame, as there are signs of real promise, and Lallana is clearly a class act. However I share Dion Dublin's fears for us. He has played in the CCC for the last few years and clearly knows what he's talking about. You have to have a blend, to have 9 youngsters in the starting line-up is crazy beyond belief. Please prove me wrong, Saints.

I went to the BIC last time round, and it was great, apart from top man Mardle getting caned 8-0 by Taylor. To be fair, I think it's been at the BIC for three years on the trot now, and it's probably fair to move it about. They also seem to be spreading their net to bigger venues; the BIC is big but is probably one of the smaller venues they host League matches at.

Thanks, have just done this.

I reckon an official attendance of about 13,000 for Blackpool, which includes all season ticket-holders, some of whom may well stay away. Shame, as it is a crucial six-pointer against one of the 3 or 4 teams we could possibly finish above this season.

I would like to know when my details are going to be updated to show that I have paid the £5. I sent a cheque off a couple of weeks ago, but I still can't start up a thread.