trousers

Yeah... @Wade Garrett is defo your man @Jerseybean

Martin: "Downes will miss tomorrow but won't be out for long" Good news!

Agree... it wasn't on target so should be a Smallbone OG....?

Yep, it's competition specific.

Hopefully he can hold out until after matchweek 37 (9th March) as that's the cut-off date for 10 yellow cards (after that the trigger is 15 yellow cards for the remainder of the season, but that would result in a 3 game ban)

Yeah, was a bit of a coin toss for me that one. I went for Stu on the basis that he has more experience and that could prove vital in the middle third of the park given Downes' absence. But, if he's out-of-form then, yep, there's a case for dropping him (although, of course, a player has to play in order to have that first game where his form returns... he's not going to be out-of-form forever.... #chicken #egg)

It is possible to be extremely happy about an unbeaten run yet not view it as particularly significant in the general scheme of things. The two feelings aren't mutually exclusive. #biggerpicture

Aye; if one cuts through Trump's usual rhetoric / hyperbole / poor attempt at tongue-in-cheek humour, there is a valid underlying point there. Out of interest, does anyone know the history / backgrouind behind why so many countries don't adhere to the 2% of GDP committment? Are there underlying valid reasons why they don't / can't comply or is all based on political posturing etc? (I've never looked into it so genuinely interested if there's any Saintswebbers out there who are experts in this area)

Bazunu, KWP, Bednarek, THB, Manning, Charles, S.Armstrong, Rothwell, A.Armstrong, Mara, Brooks Subs: Lumley, Stephens, Meghoma, Smallbone, Kamaldeen, Edozie, Fraser, Adams, Dibling F*** me, that was almost impossible... doesn't feel right benching some of those players, yet it feels right to promote the likes of Rothwell, Brooks and Mara. Don't envy Russ at the moment although, to coin a cliche, its a nice problem to have....

ah, thats ok then.... case closed.... #robustmyarse

I'm inclined to disagree (all subjective of course). My gut feel is that we'll stay undeafeated during these 5 games. My concern is more about how many of those will be draws rather than the wins we need to secure automatic promotion.

# MLG MODE KLAXON # If we want to guarantee automatic promotion, then every game is a "must win" from here on in....

Good to see all politicians being called out on this....

What the f**k is wrong with these people....? Is there some kind of aptitude test you have to fail before you can become part of the Post Office management team....? https://uk.yahoo.com/news/horizon-scandal-ongoing-sub-postmasters-202022770.html

I think we'd all agree with this 'fantasy' choice but, of course, in the real world there is a third, less palatable option, and that is losing in the play-off final. So, yes, given all real world options, the only sensible and pragmatic choice is auto-promotion by any means, rather than the relative lottery of the playoffs.

Fair point 👍

IF... - We win our game in hand - Leeds beat Leicester - We beat Leicester - We match the points haul of Leicester's and Leeds' other remaining games Then we'd finish 5 points behind Leicester and 4 points ahead of Leeds. No idea what point I'm trying to make here though, if any...!

Jump into a DeLorean and join Saints on loan in last month's transfer window...?

Hi @Reggie Rodway- sorry for delayed reply... Have been on the road. Have just replied to your Dad's PM. Will get my son to call you

My son has a ticket for this game but can't make it now. So he's selling at face value (£26) or near offer. Must be collected from Basingstoke though. (Note, it's an Under 25 ticket).

After yesterday, I'm more convinced than ever that we'll go through the rest of the season unbeaten. (There, that's put the kybosh on it... Lump your life savings on a Bristol City win...!)

With Downes possibly out for a while, could we see Bragg coming into contention for selection? I could be wrong but he's perhaps the closest match we've got for Downes in terms of style/type of player...? Yes, he's possibly "too young" and/or "too inexperienced" but I reckon he's looked very composed and not out of place in the cameos he's played this season. I think Russ rates him very highly too. Probably Charles to start and Bragg on the bench for this game? Prefer either of those two in the holding midfield role over Smallbone, who I think is much better suited to a slightly more advanced midfield position.

Just seen the score... Looks like I picked the wrong day to be out and about... Never any doubt...?!

That's a very good read - cheers for posting