VectisSaint

Not quite. He developed thigh injury during the Brighton game, but didn't (apparently) inform the coaching staff that he was in trouble and stayed on the pitch while almost immobile. Ralph rebuked him for being unprofessional immediately after the game, though later he appeared to withdraw his criticism. Macca has not been seen in a squad since but does appear to be back in training. It was said his injury was hamstring, but now being reported as thigh problems, which might make some sense since hamstring issues in themselves tend to clear up quicker than this one.

Surely the Skates were a top side when they won it. I' sure they told us they were "massive", maybe I just missed the last word of the sentence. It really is no surprise that two thirds of the finalists are Top 6 sides (assuming this means the current Big 6), though 22 years ago there wasn't a Big 6, and not really sure there is now. Man U, Arsenal and Liverpool have always (well post War) contributed to the FA Cup finals massively, teams like Everton, Leeds, even Villa and Forest and maybe Derby were all top teams in their day. If smaller teams made the Final more than 1 in 3 times then it wouldn't really be a surprise/shock, would it? That said we all know they rig the draw these days so its no surprise anyway.

What happened to the Albanian bloke we were reportedly in for last Summer? Forster is gone, we offered him a contract for significantly less than he is currently on (allegedly) and he turned it down (presumably because we couldn't or didn't want to afford his considerable current wages). It would suggest that we are looking for, or more likely have already agreed a replacement who will be on less that Forster and more than McCarthy. I suggest that what will happen in the Summer is that we will offer Willy a one year contract, Forster and Lewis will bid farewell and go to pastures new that they have already sorted (after knowing for a year that they are on their way) and a new keeper will come in ostensibly as first choice, probably from a European League. The only slight doubt in my mind is whether McCarthy might be sold as well, since he fucked up with Ralph when he was injured, I do feel that his absence since then is a little fishy, it has gone on for too long to be just a hammy, especially for a keeper, Ralph's seeming desire to keep Willy suggests this might be the case.

It's what happens when you offer someone a contract and they turn it down. Reckon he has next season sorted already and has had for some time. To be honest up to the game where he got injured McCarthy was absolutely fine. Then he made a complete twat of himself. Wouldn't surprise me if we move Macca on as well as Forster and the other guy who's name escapes me, and go with Willy as a backup to a new no 1 next season.

Yes, because the Watford goal has been disallowed and then it wasn't, fuckin VAR

KWP and Perraud playing in their correct positions is good to see. Would have preferred to go stronger in CM with a 3, but it looks like Diallo is injured (not even on bench), highlighting our major weakness, options/backup in CM. To me it is the most important area to strengthen in the Summer, we can't continue relying on Oriol/JWP putting in superstar performances week in week out, we need strength in depth, 2 for every position to start and options to go 3 in the middle to avoid being overrun against some teams.

Because other teams have sussed us out by overloading us in central midfield. Our losing streak started with Villa out playing us with 3 in the middle including Coutinho and it has carried on since. To counteract being overloaded in CM we have to sacrifice one up front.

Think Eric Martin was the best 😀

About the only thing I can think in their defence is that the game is going to be played much later than would have been originally scheduled due to all of the postponements. Many grounds will be closed for summer refurbishments.But that's a feeble excuse. With due respect Stockport County are not even a full member club (haven't checked if they have a Ladies team), was supposed to be held at a Professional Stadium. Still, sure that Saints will win, whatever the venue.

Have never heard that said about Mane.

3-0 and no passes.

This is where things have been going wrong for me, starting with Villa. Teams have sussed us out and know that unless Romeu and JWP are absolutely at their best having 3 in midfield opens us up like a sardine can. Coutinho completely wiped us out, and Chelsea did the same in MF yesterday, and I think Everton did as well. Its not a case of our strikers being woeful (thought they are), or even our defenders (though the current Salisu and Bednarek are woeful), we lose matches in midfield. I said all season that we needed more midfield players, we have 2 in every position apart from CM where we really only have 3 players for the 2 places. Having that extra player would allow us to have 3 in the middle at times when it is needed, obviously Diallo could play in there but it leaves nothing on the bench to make changes. What did happen to Romeu yesterday, why was he subbed? Even at their best (and they can be very good) JWP and OR can be completely overrun by an effective 3, when one or both of them are having off days we have no hope.

League Table after today's matches, 3 wins from last 5 will clinch the title: Pos Team P W D L GD PTS 1 Southampton FC 21 18 2 1 68 56 2 Ipswich Town 23 17 4 2 54 55 3 Oxford United 22 16 2 4 51 50 4 Bridgwater United 23 14 4 5 29 46 5 Crawley Wasps 23 13 0 10 14 39 6 Gillingham 22 11 6 5 6 39 7 Portsmouth 23 11 4 8 21 37 8 London Bees 24 9 2 13 -2 29 9 Milton Keynes Dons 25 7 5 13 -12 26 10 Cardiff City 23 8 2 13 -13 24 * 11 Plymouth Argyle 22 8 0 14 -15 24 12 Chichester & Selsey 24 5 3 16 -33 18 13 Keynsham Town 23 6 0 17 -67 18 14 Hounslow 22 0 0 22 -101 0

Salisu started being shit before Ramadan started.

I missed why Romeu went off. Was he injured?

Walcott?

wrong Mike. That is Mike Reid. you'll probably say you knew that.

Main football presenter on Sky for several years, nowadays presents horse racing on ITV.

But not the same story as (K)GBNews.

No Schneiderlin, mad.

We wouldn't be blown out of the water if Bale wanted to come here. Of course he could go anywhere, but its still his decision, he has suggested in the past that Saints are a special place to him, as with Cardiff. There were rumours when we were taken over that he is mates with Dragan (or whatever his name is). He clearly wants to wind down his (club) career, it is not really that far fetched that he might do so at Saints. Whether we would actually want him is another matter.

Actually we could afford to lose to Oxford, and we would still win the league if we both win our other games. Technically we could lose one other as well, but it might then be goal difference to decide. All unlikely, I think we will win our remaining 6.

England - Mings, White Denmark - Hojbjerg Netherlands - Clasie Uruguay - Does Ramirez still play? No, last cap was in 2018

To be fair, even then its not guaranteed, still have to meet eligibility criteria, though I think Saints & Ipswich would have no problem. The women's game is still in a state of flux, promotions have tended to happen thus far with teams going out of business etc. That's why the FA made it an almost closed shop to ensure the clubs could develop without worrying about relegation too much.

Last time I was there we drew 2-2 in the League Cup semi (79). The open corner of the ground in a blizzard. Long bloody drive home in the snow. Stevie Williams scored a peach (Peach didn't score), Phil Boyer sent off. Ivan Golac.