macca155

Well that's that then Not alot of respect shown to the uber Saints fans who are making the trip up to the dirty north. I had a ticket but my two petrol buddies dropped out so I didn't go as it would have cost me over a ton... looks like a sensible decision although I have now matched one of the plastic fan criteria. Bugger 47 years of watching Saints blown. That's a reserve side with knobs on, probably win 5 - 4 now

Weston not wishing to state the obvious but they are 2,3,4,5,6,7 because they have beaten us, Three points at this stage is worth several places in the league. Take your point though the stagger has to unwind at some point and it is the games against those around us which will count in the long run. There are a possible 42 points from Norwich, Reading, QPR, Swansea, Stoke, Villa, and Sunderland. Plus any points from these teams will mean they stay below us or not as far above. We've played just one game from this lot and have maximum points.... we'll be fine I do wonder if the team has the grit and or passion to beat these teams but we'll just have to wait and see. I guess Swansea on the 10th will be the first real marker.

Fab idea my lad is a 200m runner so he can earn his keep for once:) Be as funny as though to see that level of mayhem, there would be some dirty tactics going down the stairs. I missed out on Arse tickets as expected but I knew the rules I choose not to go to City and fully accept that those that did should have priority. I could have gone down to the ticket office early this morning but once again I was too lazy to do so. As Steve says it will even out over the season. There are other ways of getting tickets it's a big stadium I use to like the old voucher system. They would chose a game at random and give out a voucher that allowed you to buy cup tickets. It was always some desperate home game against Bolton or Coventry. News that vouchers were been given out would spread like wildfire and it was a mad scramble. I use to ask for extra one for my brother even though he was standing behind me and he did the same never failed. I remember getting a couple in 76 and just chucking them down in my room somewhere. There was the mother of all searches come April Maybe they should select one game for double points or have a fat bloke race around the pitch at half time for guaranteed ticket.That would beat warm larger downstairs.

"Depends where in Ch. and if you're near the border but it's on Sportitalia 1 so ask just in case...." Thanks but I'm near the middle surrounded by mountains so not much chance. I've managed to get some wireless so hopefully I can find a live stream. Cheers Alps as well I've checked and Sport Digital is subscription here as well... can't have everything on holiday I suppose. My own fault I thought I could grab a weeks skiing and still see Pompey and Reading. Then they moved it to Friday ....gutted.... but never mind come on you reds this is the moment.

"I've just found out its on live here in Austria." Which channel is it on Alps I'm stuck in Switzerland and we seem to have every european channel on the Tv except sky of course. That would be awesome if I could watch the game rather than waiting for updates on my mobile. I'm seriously nervous about this one... come on Saints

Not very good mind games either, it's a bit like when a centre half tries to shoot he really should have used his head.

Some interesting mind games by Sam...... can't believe players or fans want to hear this on the eve of an important game. Starting to look like the only people who believe Saints might not be promoted are ............ Saints fans. This won't work Sam http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4220741/Sam-Allardyce-The-Championship-title-is-Southamptons.html or http://tinyurl.com/cazcwvn WEST HAM boss Sam Allardyce says Southampton have the Championship title sewn up. The Hammers face a trip to Peterborough on Tuesday before a home game with second-place Reading on Saturday. And Big Sam says it's that second automatic promotion spot that his team is fighting for. He said: "The title's gone now. "I can't see Southampton losing three or four on the trot for us to gain those points back. "We've made life a little easier for them now. They must look back and say 'we never thought we would be this far ahead at this stage' because we were always on their heels. "They must be delighted this morning, the position they're in. "Fair play to them, they've been there all season. We've always been playing catch up.

12 or 13 points will do it no question. The West ham/Reading game works for Saints whatever happens. Saints are currently 1/8 to be promoted that is essentially a non bet. I would say 2 wins aganist Donny, Skates, or Blackpool and the others will give up and start fighting amongst themselves. Lets be honest the only people now who think we won't be promoted are Saints fans! Everybody else thinks it is a done deal.

114-1 to be precise I've put a bet on for you and if I win I'll buy you a Carlsberg next home game However you're right some pretty long odds there draws alround has more value. Saints are 2/1 for an away win which is bloody good value considering their home form. I'm having some of that come on Saints make me some money

Medic! What a performancve but I seriously cannot go through that again Brilliant well done lads

That was pure football porn I wonder if the Barnsley fans started to sing it's like watching Brazil Either Barnsley aren't very good or Saints are playing some of the best football seen since the early eighties

I arrived 10 mins into the 2nd half and still got in. Don't ask had to work late seriously fed up but was determined to see some of the match. There is usually a late gate or just bang on the door and a steward will let you in. Avoid half time if you can they don't like doing it then.

A decent thread what a rarity! There's no question that Brighton stand above Saints at the moment. They are playing with confidence and have a large enough squad to see them through injuries and suspensions. They play as a unit and Poyet is without doubt a good manager. I don't buy this nonsense about his tactics, niggly fouls, harrasing the ref etc we'ed love it if Saints did that to grind out a 1 - 0 win. Having said that Saints are a dangerous beast, they're not cooking on gas right now but Brighton would do well to keep an eye over their shoulder. Making up 10 points is a tall order but not impossible, particularly as one game involves both teams. All it will take is one weekend when Saints win and Brighton lose for the nerves to set in. In reality I would imagine Saints are targetting 2nd place and I'm confident that Saints will cruise into position once these delayed games are played. There could be hiccups on the way but class will tell for both Brighton and Saints. Frankly I think this season is a given for both teams as the opposition are too busy knocking lumps out of each other to put up a decent challenge. Next year will be very different. Saints will have a settled squad boosted by some quality signings (hopefully), a bigger crowd and the confidence that comes from a successful campaign. Leeds and Norwich have shown the way this year and I suspect both Saints and Brighton will follow suit. We'll also both have a chance to beat Portsmouth again and again and again. Let's just enjoy the ride

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2170637,00.html Brilliant signing WIFM

Great appointment at last an intelligent manager who won't talk nonsense, cause problems and have a better tactic than just hitting the ball long to Lambert. I remember seeing S****horpe play us a few years ago and whilst we won they played the better football by far just a bit inexperienced and lightweight. Let's just hope the fans give him a chance. I suspect that 'put it in the mixer' isn't one of his favourite expressions. He's seriously qualified no problems on that front.

I still think its going to be him,

Solent talking about it now. Howe being strongly touted B'Mouth Chairman pretty much giving the green light Howe being diplomatic. Over 30 WORKING managers have expressed an interest let alone unemployed managers I think we have all forgotten how attractive Saints actually are. Laters

O'Neil would be great but surely that's kite flying we remain a mid table league 1 side at the moment hardly that attractive however ambitious we may be. I don't think it will be a new boy Cortese needs someone proven to apease the fans so maybe he is thinking big and looking to bring in a big name currently off the radar.... maybe Hoddle Bernd Schuster Jürgen Klinsmann Marco Van Basten Michael Laudrup Any of those would do thank you very much Cloud cuckoo land I think... probably end up being Buckle of Torquay

As moon monkey says Dodsy ongoing rant at the officials was the most entertaining part of the evening. He really doesn't give it a rest but good on him. Were you standing next to me Moon? The fourth official was about 16 years old but he had no hesitation in telling Dodsy to calm down. He has a buzzer to alert the ref that a substitution needs to be made... I never knew that, you learn something new every day Saints had about 100 players warming up all with heart monitors .. very professional. Havant had that hard edge of a solid non league side who take no prisoners. The match itself was men against boys. Havant were strong experienced and very organised. Whatever system Saints were playing they didn't get it in the first half. They were always second to the tackle and constantly allowed themselves to be pressed back into their own half. Two soft goals 'down the slope' with Sammy igoe showing a bit of professional experience to undo the defence to slot the ball home for their second. It's difficult in these games because you really know many of the players but I thought Rancine played well and he imposed himself a lot more in the second half. Saints made about seven substitutions (I lost count) in the secondf half and started to play with a bit more purpose and pace. It was pretty much Saints all the the way in the second half and they managed to grap a goal from Spooner who shot low and hard from the edge of the area. I thought they might grab a second but in the end it was a fair result. On this showing I wouldn't be surprised to see the Hawks challenging for the conference this year as they are a tidy side so the score didn't disgrace a very young Saints side but I don't think we'll see many of these lads in the first team any time soon. The only exception in my view would be Racine who is enourmous and has great distribution. Anyway a tenner to get in, 80p for a cup of tie and a great view by the dug out. A thoroughly enjoyable evening I'm looking forward to the season now. Macca

That's rubbish I live in Havant and will be there. They make a point of not having aggro with Saints, they're pleased to see good sides at west leigh. I've been to every friendly there and never seen any trouble. Wearing colours is probably a bit strong as the ground is right in the middle of Leigh Park but should be a good game. Havant are quite strong so the academy will have a game on their hands.

What a privilige to speak to the great man. After Steve Williams he was simply the best What a privilege to speak to the great man. After Steve Williams he was simply the best Saints player ever and I will have a proper fist fight in the car park with anybody who says otherwise Oh ok keep you're jacket on I suppose Le Tissier, Channon, Paine, Davies, Keegan, and now Lambert have a shout at that but Steve is the same age as me so when I watched him play I had more empathy with him as a player. He was a poacher of extraordinary talent and like Lineker he chased everything and never let the goalkeeper relax. He could turn on the skill when needed but most of his goals were from being at the right place at the right time inevitably unmarked. He was a Prices boy as I remember and had some 'trouble' in Portsmouth that did his back in and sadly he was never the same player again. We were very privileged to see a team containing so many great English players I wonder if we are about to repeat that.

Huddersfield were going to buy him but decided not to in the end as they said he wouldn't be worth anything in three years. I think Sir Rickie has a few issues with them about that. Good decision boys

I think we have to be careful about not confusing transfer gossip with reality. Lambert cost a lot but he is already worth double. James, Lallana, Morgan, and Hammond would all bring in decent fees. From what I can see the club is operating a transfer policy that increases the net worth of the company. What is also clear is that some of the deadwood needs to be cleared out. For a league 1 club the squad size is quite big and that obviously needs to change. I guess Cortese views that as baggage from the initial purchase and contracts are being run down. Marcus is a very successful business man and I suspect he wants Saints to bring in as good a return as his other businesses. With no debt the club can easily support itself. Gates of 20,000 three times a month will bring in a million at an average of £17 per ticket, Add TV money sponsorship, catering and merchandise and you have a very viable business. 40 players on an average of £2k per week gives a wage bill of £400000 lets say £600,000 with all employees included. The one thing old Rupes had right was a plan to diversify and grow the business. I don't think we'll ever see massive high earners at St Marys again but I do think the club will be a big player again. I get the distinct impression that there is a cold wind blowing in football. Portmouth will probably be first to fall but Wigan, Hull, and Bolton are all in the same boat. Palace, Watford and Cardiff are already in trouble and I bet there will be others. Coming through are lean well run clubs Leeds, Saints, Forest, and Norwich as well as well run smaller clubs such as Doncaster Rovers. The established order in England is being challanged and thankfully Saints are on the right side for once. I wonder if England can still sustain four professional leagues. League 2 is disintegrating and is on a par with the conference and as we know all too well the lower end of Div 1 is pretty desperate. If Saints make the Premiership in five years I wonder what it will look like. Anyway we've endured more than our fair share of pain in recent years lets enjoy this for a while. Macca

Hey I was sat right behind you , hope I didn't swear She seemed to enjoy the occasion certainly was less troble than my old Dad who was sat next to me ha ha. I took my daughter when she was 3 and that was standing on the Archers... hard work and as I remember I left early too. Anyway she saw a win for her first game and that's important. She'll have to go to every game now. Macca

I rate him Duncan he certainly isn't the finished article yet but he has time and vision and we haven't seen that since Le Tissier strutted his stuff. He's the sort of player who needs direction from the manager otherwise he looks out of place. He's still only young and lets face facts we will need some class if or when we go up. Funny how players divide fans I guess it depends when you watch them. Macca