SuperMikey

Ah, so it was you that 'followed' me earlier. Was wondering who it was for a minute!

The Germans were running around like headless chickens in the first 20 minutes trying to get the ball off the Spanish, but it just wasn't coming off so they cooled it a bit. Agree about Klose being isolated though, part of the reason why he's scored so many has been his excellent service from Muller and Ozil, and without Muller in the side the Germans just lacked that bit of incisiveness up front. Spain were pretty poor going forward, quite often tried that one pass too many and lost possession quite a lot outside the area (mainly thanks to some heroic defending from the likes of Lahm and Mertesacker).

Francis would be quality on a free, quite versatile as well I hear, he can play across the back 4 and in midfield. Think I also mentioned Nathan Tyson a few pages back (although tbf, i'm not sure there's a player I haven't mentioned!), he would be absolutely quality at this level. Pace to burn and quite a big lad too, good in the air as well. Would be ecstatic if that particular transfer was pulled off, a front-line of Lambert/Barnard/Connolly/Tyson is definitely above this level and they could score bucketloads between them.

Were you watching the Euro 2008 game? The Germans had hardly any of the ball, the Spanish just passed it about all game.

Spain grind out results by passing the ball around for 89 minutes, it's frustrating and boring to watch them play. Germany played with a lot of energy and excitement in their game this tournament, and when the broke on the counter-attack you knew something was going to happen. Holland haven't been great either, but I want them to win because I don't think Spain deserve to. When you look at the players in that Spanish squad, they should be crushing most of the teams in the WC, but instead they had a pretty dodgy start and haven't looked convincing since. Holland have been consistent at least, not sure if they've lost a game yet either, and at least they work a lot harder than the Spanish! The Germans were frustrated by the Spanish tactics, the Spanish set out to wear them down and perhaps nick a goal in extra time. They didn't play with any urgency and although their goal came from a good set-piece, they never really looked like scoring aside from that and the chances that Puyol and Pedro had. You don't win unless you get the ball. People say that the Spanish were the better team, but that's only because they had much more of the ball. Germany were very precise with their movement on the pitch, and defensively they were completely watertight for most of the game. I also loved the fact that the German CBs didn't hoof the ball out of defence even when they were surrounded by Spanish players, they either nodded it on to another German player in a better position or looked for a short, simple pass out of trouble. As St.Landrew said earlier, they played like how I would want England to play (if I supported them). (And i'm in no way bitter because I could've won some dosh on the game if Germany had won...)

I decided to make a toasted sandwich, so I put a whole pack of butter (including foil wrapping) in the microwave, promptly blowing it up. Used some of the runny butter from the microwave to butter a couple of pieces of bread, and put them in the cupboard, then wondered why they weren't toasting. Not a patch on some of your stories though guys...

@Macdoodle Very rarely use Twitter, but feel free to follow me if you like. I follow; Stephen Fry - because he's godly officialsaints - because it's good for club info/photos Charlie Brooker - because he's also godly Emily Eavis - good for Glasto information Raoul on the Run - thanks to the thread on TMS Justine Joli - because she's purrrty and filthy in equal measures

That Twitter page is f*cking gold

Pretty sh1t tbh, looked okay going forward but lacks any physical presence and any defensive qualities were non-existant. Having said that, he's decent at this level on a free, but you'll probably look to get a better RB in the January window.

Why? He was dog sh1t! Couldn't pass, couldn't tackle and never won a single header whenever I saw him play. The squad is taking shape nicely now though, there are no positions that I think need filling now, we just need to sign some cover at RB, CM, RM and ST. Here are some of the players we've been linked with; RB - Danny Coid, a bit-part player at Blackpool. Could do worse for cover but I think we should look younger, possibly a loan from a Prem club/promising RB from the lower leagues? CM - Brian Stock, Donny Rovers captain but struggled with injury over the past few seasons. He's a Saints fan though, so a move could be on the cards. RM - Michail Antonio, looks as if he's staying with Reading for the time being unless we stump up some serious cash, although Leeds are rumoured to be tabling a bid. ST - Rory Fallon, decent striker at Plymouth, wouldn't see him as more than cover but a useful player to have at this level.

I wish the Germans had won actually, they've been by far and away the best team in the tournament. Spain have played some really negative football considering the attacking flair they have in their team, they only ever seem to pass it sideways or backwards. Germany have been very well organised, efficient and strong-willed and have a very young team compared to others like Italy or England, and i'm sure they'll be a major force in years to come with the likes of Ozil, Schweinsteiger and Muller coming into their own and becoming world-class players. I hope Holland win now, because they are relative minnows compared to Spain and their players actually work hard as opposed to the lazy Spanish (what other country has virtually all of its citizens having a nap at midday!?).

I've got a fiver on us to win the league at 5/2 with William Hill, fair odds considering we have one of the best English managers about, a team full of established CCC/L1 players and a billionaire owner/hard working chairman combination who have shown that they're not afraid to pump money into the club if need be. You'd be stupid not to put money on us to gain promotion at least just looking at those statistics!

Derbyshire would be a massive signing but it's extremely unlikely that he'd want to leave Olympiakos, where he's playing top flight football and competing in Europe, to join a League One team.

Brilliant signing, that's RB sorted! Pardew, Cortese and the team have come up trumps time and time again since they've been here, it's fantastic to be able to put your faith in the management staff to bring in top quality players rather than worrying about dodgy signings.

I think you'll find that particular accolade goes to Emmanuel Panther.

I've not even met you face to face yet Ponty baby, talking about that already is a bit rash...

We all need to cut loose from time to time Ponts

Alternatively, http://www.monster.co.uk do a good line in applying for jobs, including CV templates, cover letter templates, tips for interviews etc.

BBC 6 Music is a radio station that actually plays decent music as opposed to what's in the charts ala Radio 1 and 2. Has also been the birthplace of many fine radio shows, such as my particular favourite, the Russell Brand show.

Christ, this is actually getting a bit pathetic now. Hate to sound misogynistic, but Georgie, will you kindly f*ck one of; a) Dave Benson Phillips/ StuRomseySaint b) Turkish c) Thedelldays d) saint_stevo e) Smirking_Saint f) Ponty (not because he's flirting, just because he could probably do with getting laid)

Lampard: Do you want to see my impression of a fat, lazy, overpaid, untalented, overrated, obnoxious, arrogant, poorly endowed c*nt? Bleakley: Haven't you been doing it all your life?

Would like 90+ team goals, we scored 85 last season so that's very achievable. As for individual players, it's very hard to predict. RL has been on fire for the last few seasons at this level, but he may have an off season this time round or may get a serious injury (god forbid!) so we can't all say "Oh, Rickie should get 40 goals easily." because there's no way we could predict the situation in 48 games time, unless Doctor Who happens to be a Saints fan, in which case expect me to rake in some serious winnings at the bookies!

Think I mentioned Aliadiere early on in the thread, would be a good signing on a free and ties in with what i've heard with regards to a striker being on trial with us while still contracted to a club. Injury problems in the last few years though, not sure we need another crocked striker on our hands ala Connolly. However much I think Steven Caldwell was a crock of sh!te at Burnley (and when he played for Scotland under GB), I can't help but think he'd be amazing at this level alongside Fonte. Proper bruiser and a good replacement for Jaidi. Saint_Lambden seems to know quite a lot as well! Even if it's bullsh!t, thanks for keeping us entertained over the last few days!

STILL not got this game yet. Next paycheck, this will be the first purchase. Anyone know where I can get it on the cheap? Cheapest I can find is around £39, but i've not looked around very extensively.

How long ago did you put those bets on? I did my long-term bets in the first week of the tournament, just after Germany played their first game so the odds were probably hastily reduced, but still decent anyway. I bet with William Hill.