Wurzel

They aren't at the moment. They may be in the future. Southampton could prove a strategic place in their Belt & Roads Iniative. Chinese do things differently than us. They plan long term. They place more emphasis on influence than we do. Google "Chinese Soft Power" to see how they plan long term whilst gradually increasing their influence in an area Then add "football Europe" to the search. You might just start seeing things differently. Here's just one paragraph from one of many reports on the subject. (my bold emphasis)

That's not what he's saying though is it. He's saying an owner of a local football team who has already shown that he can operate that on a sound and successful basis is more likely to have any future requests for land purchases/planning/development looked on favourably by the council than a relatively unknown. Of course the council would (within reason) snap the hands off *anyone* approaching them with £millions to spend in the city, but already owning the local football team would sure give you a head start over others. Bit in bold: That's why I feel more optimistic than many about our club and it's current owners, if, big IF, they have plans for the area in the future (and being a lover of conspiracy theories I think they do) then it will do them no good at all if they are seen as incompetent/unsuccessful at running a football club. First step on the ladder, obtain the club - tick Second step, make club successful - in progress Third step,- who knows where that will lead us.

Wan't the McQuarrie Bank facility simply the normal cashflow borrowing that most PL clubs undertake to cover early season outgoings until payments are received from the PL ?

My source at Under Armour tells me that thy have been asked to make some of the new kit shirts to fit an 8ft squirrel. Looks like Sammy Saint & Cos days could be numbered

^^^THIS^^^

Cheers

It is all a bit too easy. I wasn't even a free supporters club member until I tried to buy tickets. Quickly registered as one (and then as another one in wife's name) and 5 minutes later 2 tickets purchased. Question for the England regulars - will I now have to take the wife or can anyone use "her" ticket ?

Football - well professional sport in general - is also different to virtually all other types of business in that employees (on the playing side) are also assets. There is a need to constantly weigh up what they employee *might* bring to the club success wise in future seasons against what someone else *is* willing to give you for that same asset right now. As much as we'd like them to, it would make no sense - except for stubborn petty mindedness - for a club to banish a player to the reserves long term, and unfortunately the players know that and can use it to their advantage. Doesn't mean we can't dislike them for doing it though.

Slightly off track but does VVD *always* have his hair in that stumpy pony tail / bun thing? Assumed it was just pulled back whilst playing but even at the PFA awards the other day he had it . David Luiz and Mattéo Guendouzi manage to play whilst sporting enough hair for the entire team, what is VVD hiding?

Nope beats last year, I forgot Wanyama.

Won't it be same number as last time?;Liverhampton plus Bale a year ago. Could add MoPo to the players this time though. UEFA must be hating this right now.

That is sad news and a shock. Speaking to him only a month or so ago he seemed pleased how his general fitness was improving after his earlier health scare. Condolences to all family and friends

I'd have to see it again but my impression live was Valery played it to where Stephens was s second or so earlier but for some reason Stephens had decided to go 10 yards back towards his own goal.

I'd have to see it again but my impression live was Valery played it to where Stephens was s second or so earlier but for some reason Stephens had decided to go 10 yards back towards his own goal.

And that's all that matters. Wondered how old it was but Bournemouth on 150 games makes it easy to check it's completely up to date. Biggest surprise for me was Middlesbrough in 19th. Never would include them in a list of "sleeping giants", more of an "also ran" and their trophy count must be similar to ours yet they've been in the top division about half as long again as we have.

You've also only got 18 opponents in the list, but then again no-one wants to see Everton do they?

Steve, are you factoring in fees? Web sales is £1 a game, so an extra £19 Not sure of "over the phone" extras.

According to that he's cycling the marathon route, and running the marathon distance in the areas you mentioned. I'm surprised that the running is the last leg of the 3 events. Is swim/cycle/run the set order for iron-man?. I'd have thought leaving the cycling leg to last would be easiest* as it at least should offer opportunities for a bit of free-wheeling now and again when the tiredness really sets in. *I use the word "easiest" with tongue in cheek. Absolutely nothing easy about any of what he's doing.

Yep https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men%27s_netball

2-0 is enough for that (ours goes up 2, theirs go down 2), but 4-0 would be nicer. Much nicer:)

Request denied Well that has to be a first !

So this is an every day thing then, not just match days ? (application mentions 10 full time employees/5 part time, and used for showing live sports/entertainment non match days). Glad to see club trying new things but can't see any appeal for it there apart from match days.

Hmmm, is that figure correct or a guess? I had totally overlooked the the possibility of contingency payments in my desire for them to win bugger all.

For me, every season it's Arsenal that look like they have the ability to "implode" and have (by top 6 standards) a terrible season. And every year they have a few games to give me hope it's happening but always seem to recover and finish the season strongly. Maybe next year could be the year.

Well that makes a pleasant change