BallBoy

Been mentioned earlier but Lawro actually had us down to win 2-0. Normally that would be the kiss of death but, well done lads, we proved him right! I know it's only 6 games in but this is a great confidence boost and hopefully shows the direction of travel. When I look at the table I actually look up instead of down. Good feeling.

Lawro has got us down to win 2-0. Oh dear!

Thanks for all the wonderful memories Matt. Bally got the tactics right. "Just give him the ball".

Rodriguez being out is the best news possible for us. Coleman and Richarlison out is a bonus. Still a very tough game for us though. Everton won't win the league but I don't think they will that far off it. Ancelloti is a top, top manager. He will get the best out of what he has.

Spot on. Nice to be among the "top nine" but it is meaningless. Just a sop to make it look good. As much as I thoroughly dislike West Ham and their directors, in this case, we should follow their example and come off the fence..

I just wish West Ham, Burnley and any other except Saints.

I can remember the excitement when Theo burst on to the scene here in Southampton. It was very difficult for him to live up the hype but he gave us some special moments before Arsenal came calling far too early. His pace was phenomenal but, of course, that will be seriously diminished now. Nevertheless he is an experienced England international with a respectable goal return for a winger. Certainly not an instinctive goal scorer. He will not be demanding and should be a good squad player. I think coming here is largely down to his wife's local roots. Fair enough. Not sure I am "excited" but I think this is good business and look forward to seeing him in a Saints shirt again.

Is this where we dare to hope?

Please at least hang on until half time. we are so vulnerable at 40-45 minutes.

Just watched some highlights from last season. Man City and Man Utd. Helps me feel better but how could it change so much? My thoughts are still that Burnley are just the team we don't need right now. Horrible team to play.

I have learned to live with defeat. It's the humiliation that really hurts.

I have been a supporter for 54 years now. I still struggle to answer the question - "why is my team just not very clever?" There have been many exceptions over the years when we have done very well. But when we struggle we just don't seem to be able to string two thoughts together, let alone two passes. Ralph is a clever guy but this reminds me of last season up to the Leices... game. He changed it then and needs to adapt again.

Another thing. We do this every year and we make it so much harder to sign decent players from this position of weakness. Who wants to sign for a struggling team. That is assuming we actually have any money.

We are shooting up the table now!

I hate losing 1-0.

Living 600 miles away I rely on Soccer Saturday to keep me informed on matchday. It is the only format that is "instant" in its response time. I share the excitement of the panel and it's good to have a genuine Saints fan mixing it with the guys who can only see the top 6. Having said that, Tommo was getting a bit predictable and Charlie a bit too serious. Merson is just off the wall. Can't believe they have kept him. Of the occasional commentators Sue Smith has been by far the most professional and knowledgeable. Clinton Morrison just bland. Some, like Joleon Lescott have just been embarrassing. You have to be able to describe which team has scored!! Jeff Stelling really knows his stuff. He is the key to a successful show. I hope they don't mess it up too much.

Interesting that Ings and Ward-Prowse barely get a mention in media comments. I like to think that is because it is no surprise that they are in the squad. They are both there on merit.

Redmond v Chelsea for me. Fabulous team goal. Closely followed by Ings v Spurs. Both team efforts. Some real cracking individual efforts in there too. All show what a good season we had.

Sad.He looked totally lost towards the end.

It just feels so good to be a Saints fan at the moment. Great to tweek the noses of the big boys and grind out results elsewhere. If it seems that we are getting a bit of luck it is because we have earned every bit of it. Ralph doing a fantastic job. But why didn't Danny just belt it?

Apart from Saints results, West Ham going down was my fondest hope. Was always unlikely but even more so now.

Understand the need to rest some players but that seems a little too much for me, especially in the back 4.

I thought that too. It won't quite earn Obafemi the same cult status as OGS but great to get a goal against United in Fergie time. It goes to show the great spirit instilled in this team by Ralph.

Adrian b.....y Heath. My worst moment ever in Football. No amount of wins will ever fully avenge that.

I feel very smug this morning. This one ticked all the boxes to make me happy: 1) Che's first goal. And a beauty. 2) Beating the multi million pound City. 3) Safety guaranteed. 4) Live on prime time TV for all to see. 5) Great performances from every player. 6) Highly encouraging displays from KWP and Che Adams. I will bask in this for a few more days.