obelisk

Perhaps he isn't interested in. There are some people that can't be bothered with the gong business. You're just not allowed to know who they are.

Now that I'm getting comfortable with the idea of Saints being back in the Premiership a thought crossed my mind when looking around the various places we'll be visiting next season. Rather a lot seemed to be named after dodgy middle eastern dictatorships or employers of slave labour masquerading as sportswear manufacturers and it got me wondering whether Saints might be seeing similar characters arriving on the doorstep waving wads of cash under the nose. Personally, I find the idea of offering naming rights rather distasteful and the idea of hearing Jeff Stelling telling his viewers that we're now going over to the Utterly Butterly Stadium to see how many Saints are leading Etihad City by fills me with despair. So I was just wondering what others might think of the idea should it ever come to pass. I reckon I'd just continue to call it St Mary's anyway.

I thought the flare added to the atmosphere at the end of the game. Actually a few more fireworks might have been a good idea. Can't believe anyone would want to have a moan about it.

That was a great day yesterday. Atmosphere in the stadium was awesome. Was straight off to the pub once I got home to Reading and am now ready to start on the champagne that wife considerately put on ice. Have watched a recording of the game and must admit that it almost brought a happy tear to my eye to see the all the joy at the end. Now it's time to enjoy a summer full of sport with the anticipation of seeing Saints once again making life uncomfortable for the 'elite'.

In that case can't see a problem. What about the idea of referring a decision in the style of tennis and cricket?

Ummm! I have no actual examples, m'lud. It is a hypothesis. My question remains though. Does the game get stopped for a review or does the review happen while play continues?

Must admit that in my more depressing moments I've thought to myself that it would be typical of Saints to be in the top two all season and then drop out in the last minute of the last day. Now that would be something to have a gripe about but surely it isn't gonna happen.

It's probably worth trialling but I wonder how quickly the decision will be made to review. It'll be easy enough if the ball goes out of play but what will happen if the ball smacks against the crossbar, bounces somewhere near the goal-line before being hoofed upfield where it's duly smacked into the net at the other end?

At last the day has arrived and I'll be setting off in a couple of hours or so for what I hope will turn out to be a party. I'm sure there'll also be some tension in the air but that can be alleviated by a couple of pints, getting right behind the team and then a couple of early goals (by Saints). I've witnessed many a last day where defeat would have meant playing in a lower division and in a way this is similar. Saints, with the backing of our support, normally wins out on such occasions and I have every confidence that come 1430 we'll be wondering what the fuss was about. Even in the unlikely event that it does go pear-shaped, well Saints can go again in the play-offs. Enjoy the day! This sort of occasion is what it's all about.

Saints on a par with Barcelona!

It's enough to remind us how football is a funny old game eh? I'd suggest that there's more chance of Hull putting in a solid defensive display than Coventry but it's a reminder how a "certainty" never really is.

I woke up in the night after dreaming that we had Kelvin sent off early on. Penalty! No idea what happened after that. Probably essential that we keep 11 on the pitch even though I'm sure we could beat them with 10.

Managed to get through on the 01271 number. Block 44 row F. Now off to work. Didn't really want to be late on the first day.

Ditto

I've taken to it as well. Had a few quid on a WHU win tonight and am now feeling lucky so have invested some winnings on Saints to win 5-1.

I feel strangely calm and confident about Saturday. I suppose the nerves will build but if I think about this fixture logically then surely there has to be a happy outcome. Saints have actually been pretty good over the years when a last day result is required - as long as I dismiss that capitulation to Manure a few years back. I know that the press will be full of talk about pressure and nerves but really, when I think about it, this is what competitive football is all about. Coventry are coming along with a team that seems to be made up of a few that'll get a game as long as they turn up with their boots. Forget about the recent stumbles of recent weeks. I'm confident that Saints will be professional, cut out the wobbles and put the Sky Blues to the sword. There's also a chance that Hull just might enjoy their day out in East London.

It is already cursing us. We'd be up if it hadn't been conceded. Oh well. On to Saturday and a comfortable home win.

Sky already talking about the pressure being on Saints. I guess this is going to be the narrative as we approach kick-off on Saturday.

Not me. I handsome win would be nice. Just saying, that's all.

So one point will be enough as long as West Ham don't do better than 3-0.

Jeez! Leicester are rubbish.

Just tuned in. Sounds like a practice match. Leicester look like they've given up.

Yeah, he did well. 'Keepers playing well seems to be a recurring theme at St Mary's. Maybe it's about time the opposition turned up with someone prepared to give us a Bart Blackpool-style performance.

Monday evening's referee will be Mr Eddie Ilderton. Ilderton has never taken charge of a West Ham United game but has refereed one Leicester City game this season. He was the man in black for the Foxes 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Millwall.

... or silly mistakes and poor finishing. Our form has been reasonable in the last two home games but I thought we were just a tad pedestrian in our attack. An early goal (or two) against Coventry should allow us to finish the season as well we started it. What would worry me a bit is 0-0 after an hour or so with the tension rising. Could be the chance for someone to be a hero.