trousers

If we signed Owen that would almost be an omen

Out of curiosity, anyone know why Leeds released him season before last? I know that Leeds signed Jason Crowe from Northampton around the same time but was Crowe really that much better than Richardson? Just interested in the background. (btw, 'small but interesting' fact....when Frazer Richardson left Leeds in 2009 he was the last surviving Leeds player from their last Premier League side. So congrats to Cortese and Pardew for signing another ex-Premier League player :-) )

Sounds like how some Saints fans talk about Redknapp....

Why are we announcing this early enough for the Echo morning edition? ;-)

Zig and Zag (aka Wotte and Portvliet)

I make that about £4m left in this season's war chest?

Just the "massive" signing to go then....?

Can't we wait for the "massive" signing first....?

Kelvin Davis (Southampton) Kelvin Davis has played a big part in what has been a fine campaign for Saints despite their 10-point deduction for falling into administration. Less than 12 months ago, he turned down the opportunity to join West Ham, instead deciding to sign a three-year contract with the Saints. Frazer Richardson (Charlton) There were a few eyebrows raised when Leeds United released Richardson last summer but what has been the Yorkshire outfit's loss has definitely been Charlton's gain as the 27-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season at right back for the promotion-chasing Addicks. Patrick Kisnorbo (Leeds United) The serious Achilles tendon injury suffered by Kisnorbo last month cruelly brought to an end what was a stand-out season for the Australian international - and with it his dreams of playing in the World Cup finals - who Simon Grayson describes as a 'warrior-type leader'. Gary Doherty (Norwich) Veteran defender Gary Doherty appeared to be on his way out of Carrow Road at the end of last season but the Republic of Ireland international has thrived this term under the guidance of City boss Paul Lambert as the Canaries prepare for a return to the Championship. Ian Harte (Carlisle) Ian Harte has always had a good goalscoring record but his tally this term represents the best return of his long career. The former Leeds United and Republic of Ireland international is closing in on 20 goals for the campaign which is a remarkable total for a defender. Wes Hoolahan (Norwich) The Norwich midfielder continues to be a revelation, operating in behind the two strikers for Paul Lambert's men. With City in such free-scoring form this term, the 27-year-old could yet break the 20-goal barrier between now and the end of the campaign. Jason Puncheon (Southampton) Attacking midfielder Jason Puncheon enjoyed a successful loan spell at MK Dons earlier this season, but his impressive performances didn't go unnoticed by Southampton and the 23-year-old was signed by the Saints from his parent club Plymouth in January for an undisclosed fee. Robert Snodgrass (Leeds United) Leeds may have had their problems since the turn of the year, but arguably their most consistent performer this season has been exciting young winger Snodgrass. The 22-year-old Scot has already reached double figures for the campaign and his silky skills on the flank have led to the former Livingston player being linked with a number of Premier League clubs. Nicky Bailey (Charlton) Nicky Bailey continues to pull the strings in midfield for promotion-chasing Charlton in what has been an outstanding season for the 25-year-old. The former Southend player was linked with a string of teams in January, but Addicks boss Phil Parkinson was adamant that his man was going nowhere. "He is our captain and it would be great if he led us back to the Championship." Rickie Lambert (Southampton) Rickie Lambert has been a revelation for Saints since joining from Bristol Rovers last summer and he has already broken the 30-goal barrier. Manager Alan Pardew has been delighted with Lambert's all-round contribution, not just his goals, and rates him as 'the best player in the division in terms of his position'. Grant Holt (Norwich) City skipper Holt has also reached the 30-goal mark in what has been a brilliant second half of the campaign for the high-flying Canaries. And now Holt has his sights set on Terry All****'s club record of 37 in a season. "First and foremost, the most important thing is to get promoted and win the league, but I want to beat it," he said.

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So THAT'S what Pardew was doing up in London when I saw him a couple of weeks ago....

Never heard of him

Slighty more crackers is that we are 8/13 to win the first game against Plymouth....

For me, it's not a case of pre-allocating funds for leisure activities, such as watching football, it's the other way around; i.e. if I've got a 'spare' £100 at the end of the week and I've nowt else happening on Saturday afternoon then I'll book a couple of tickets for me and Trousers Jnr (online or over the phone) and hop in the car. Thus, a few extra pounds here and there this season won't really affect how many times I go to see Saints. However, I suspect my number of trips per season would reduce the higher up the leagues we got (much in the same way I have been to see Saints more since being relegated from the Premier League). But that's also to do with ticket availability too and not just price. In other words, the price of "success" is that I'll see Saints less than I do now.

Maybe Lowe is still in the background pulling strings. He bought SFC in secret installing a cuddly looking man as 'owner' and a fearsome Italian chap as chairman. Their brief was to bring the good times back to the club but to annoy as many fans along the way. Promotion to the premiership would be achieved but at a price: the supporters despise the Italian one. Solution? The fans friend Lowe returns to 'oust' his stooge Cortese and everything is rosey again. Brilliant. You gotta admire Lowe for such ingenuity.

Was Pardew smiling?

Sir. Would you replace Cortese with Lowe tomorrow?

They may, of course, have sold him to someone else and be in the same position re: 'Billy' and Gillett

I agree, difficult if not impossible to "judge", but what about gut feel if push came to shove?

Monkey Tennis (we've got a new monkey chicken petting zoo so we may as well make best use of it)

With respect, I think he's asking you who you would install as chairman now in today's situation rather than trying to compare the two in different circumstances. Perhaps the question would be clearer if posed as: "Would you replace Cortese with Lowe tomorrow?"

Mods: On a serious note, I think a poll might not be a bad idea on this. Might help get the whole thing out of people's system once and for all....perhaps....

I'd rather Saints came out of the traps on 7th August blowing caution to the wind with all guns blazing for the first handful of games rather than adopt a safety first approach. However, I've got this gut feeling that Pardew may favour an 'avoid losing at all cost' approach which could result in more draws than wins in the early part of the season (and, yes, potentailly less defeats too) All conjecture I know but, hey, it's an internet messageboard where people debate stuff and suchlike. How would others rather see us play in the early games? All guns blazing from the off or safety first?

I'll make it easier for people.....