Andy Durman

Picture was taken when the players were coming out.

Special mention to the couple who have their hands highest and are leading the singing (on the same row as Alp's and I) they travel to every home game from Cornwall. These are die hard Saints fans. Fabulous down to earth people and represent what Saints are all about. I take my hat off to you both.

News for a few people but when you actually sit down and talk Saints with Alpine he make a lot sense and we agreed on many things. I would like to think that my positivity may have rub off on him, but looking at that photo maybe I came over as a miserable git.

Phil I've got news for you the person who took the picture takes pictures for a living

Must protest. I think Fox played excellent against Besiktas. He's very strong and a no mess defender, with a sweet left foot. I think some of you are far too critical

Sorry I've watched the replays and it should not have been disallowed as it was Puncheon offside and not Mayuka.

I think I was singing, but I have to agree I really don't look very happy. You have to laugh.

My son was covering his ears because of the noise from Besiktas. Although it could well have been because of our terrible singing. Not the best photo I've ever seen of me & seeing as I was wearing sunglasses this was just before kick off. I know who took the photo which means I know the identity of Trousers. I shall not divulge.

That's my son!!! Ow and I'm sitting to his right. Next to someone who may want to remain anonymous. :-)))

Absolutely knackered after driving back to Vienna. What a great few days. Thoroughly enjoyed the game sitting next to Alpine and I think his summary mirrors my views. Really pleased for Lloyd. What a really lovely lad. Many positives today. Anyway I'm off to bed. Good nite all!!!!!!

Calum Chamber is worth seeing at RB again tonight instead of Clyne

I didn't see Clyne at training today although I was watching Maya and Ramirez going through condition training with Ben. MP was watching over them. Ramirez has a slight Achilles problem. Training was light today in 30 degrees heat. Looking forward to the match tonight. Lloyd Isgrove is a lovely young man. It will be interesting if Boruc or KD starts.

Boruc and the rest of the squad are in fantastic condition. Although he does walk a little funny

There is something with Boruc and MP. I did hear that 1 player didn't report back to preseason on time. Also interesting to note that all players bike to training & Boruc is always first. I think he has something to prove to MP.

Was at Training both Morning and evening today. The Players are beginning to recognize us now and Mr Cortese is also waving back. Having a blast!!!! I have a theory that Boruc is not playing because he returned one day late and missed the first day of preseason training???

Can you confirm Kick Off Time as it was Posted that the Kick Off Time had been Put back

I'm confident that Calum Chambers has a Big Future. Löckend exzellent in Training today

Boruc did train on Wednesday Morning, but not with the main group. I think he's carrying a slight knock or being rested.

Agree with your assessment Alpine and total agree about the Schalke fans.

Yes he does

All in all it was good fun. I would have liked to see a goal by Saints, but at least I got back to the hotel in time to have my evening meal

Back from the game :-) I think if the match had ended at half time I would have gone home satisfied that Saints had controlled a top 4 German team without really creating clear cut chances. Chambers was not out of place and his positional play and forward runs showed maturity. I like him. Wanyama held good position was strong, but misplaced quitea few passes. I think it will take time for Morgan and Cork to get the understanding with Wanyama. Rickie looks a bit rusty. Isgrove is lightning fast and worked very hard. Jay Rod, Shaw and Puncheon looked excellent and Steve Davis quietly went about his business and was noticeable by his absence in the second half. Jos and Lovren controlled and had good understanding. Lovren is not overly quick and needs to work on his position, but he's strong and his distribution is good. I think it's to early to safe if he's the real deal. In the second half we pressed less. Lallana worked very hard, but produced little and Morgan and Wanyama seemed to struggle to understand how to play together. Fonte & Lovren lacked understanding. Jay Rod disappeared on the left and Rickie became isolated. Once Cork, Fox, Clyne etc came on we just seemd to lose the plot. Mayuka was non existent up front. Fonte made a mess with the first goal & Lovren was at fault for the second. Ramirez, Yoshida, Guly and Boruc were not played because of injury and fitness levels. As for the crowd there must have been 4,000 Schalke and 30 Saints supporters. yes I met the famous Alpine Saint and his two sons and may I say it was a real pleasure. Funniest thing at the match was the security man for Saints who stood on the athletics track and watch NC the entire match.

Training started I think at 10.00am and wasn't as hard as a lot of the players thought it would be. Probably because quite a few may ply the full 90 mins.

I will ask at the match

News from the training ground is that only a starting 11 has been chosen and there will not be a different 11 in the second half. Kelvin is starting in goal. I believe that Schalke want to play against our strongest team as there season gets under way next week. Boric will not be used. He trained on his own today. Other that did not train today were Yoshida and Ramirez. My family was the only fans watching the training. My son shook hands with Ward Prowse, Shaw, Fonte, Turnbell? Etc. It's funny watching NC driving around in a little electric car as he's broken his leg.