the saint in winchester

12 games, for me. After 12 games, we will be a quarter of the way through the season. I'll name 8 teams then that I see as contenders. Early January, I'll narrow that down to naming the top6 and predict the top 2 at the end of the season. But right now, after 7 games, it's still just a good start to the season. A very good start. And we typically get better as the season progresses!!!

Really? "Would you like to have tested the keeper more?" Surely the answer is yes, so it is a daft question. Might as well ask "would you have like to scored more goals?" Overall this is their level, when they are not paying players 80k a week and living beyond their means. At the minute, we are better than them.

Agree with you, Ohio. He keeps telling us that he's "made up" to be here and "just lovin' it" at Saints. I'm sure he would want to stay on the bus until it is accepted the bus is out of gas.

Thought this was an odd thread for a player who has just bagged a threesome (of goals, I mean). So, an old thread ... we never lost the faith, Rickie. More please.

Another promotion and he will be a Saints legend. Arise, Sir Nigel!

Try Penyards. See if they have received an instruction to find a "little" something out in the villages.

McClaren says he is staying on after being reassured the Club's intent. As for us, it would be good to take max points and stay top 2.

Wouldn't that have been good? He must be miffed Pulis Snr seems to be playing fantasy league buying all the strikers he can!

In other news ... Anthony Pulis has come on for Aldershot ...

I don't see Barnard or Connelly being prepared to accept the tag of 'deputies' for an incoming regular striker. I look on Lambert as a regular first choice, and these two vying for the second striker position. To bench both of these to accommodate an incoming new boy would de-stabilise the team. I refer you to Rickie's recent comment about knowing each other's game inside out. I do take your point that based on the strikers we have offered for and are linked with then the job spec is clearly not a Lambert deputy, but I'd rather not bring in another striker who is deemed senior to Barney and Conners. Spend some money on a CB then roll up the bank notes and put them away until Jan. We can reassess then where we need to strenghen. By then, we may need another striker - even of J-Rod or Maynard stature - but right now IMHO I don't think we do.

my team bart butters martin seaborne dicko de ridder chappers morgan holms barn yard forte with game changers on the bench to win if first 11 struggling connolly cork lallana

Hang on, forget names for a minute..... think about the job spec for the type of player we (I believe) are looking for. A player who can deputise for Lambert in case he gets injured or tired, so occasional player. Prepared to lose his place when Lambert is ready again. Modest wage. Prepared to learn his trade .... Do the likes of J.Rod or Maynard fit this spec? No. Or are we really saying this player could be first choice over Lambert? We can't leave out Connelly. Barnard will want to get back in the side. Not sure we need anyone .. but if we have to get someone, how about that bloke at Bournemouth - Doble. He would fit my spec.

That pretty much agrees with my view. Not sure we need anyone yet - with 4 or 5 forwards or can-be forwards. I'd rather we keep ahold of our money until Jan and then if we (ie Nigel, Nicola) see the need to get anyone in, then we can do so. There seems to be an urgency to get someone in just as I don't see a need. Rickie said it works because they all know each others games. Why bring anyone in and risk unsettling the camp?

Yeah, Neil Mellor - we are one of a few clubs showing an interest in him, according to SS site.

How about "Grandad" by Clive Dunn? Or the theme from Steptoe & Son? We need something classy as we mature! Nah. Still Darude - Sandstorm for me! You can't whack it, and I get to dad-dance at five to three to it!

Me too. Shall be in Cyprus. Hopefully there will be a bar within walking distance that has access to Sky Sports.

Allardyce now wants Cork for West Ham and he has (allegedly) said he would prefer to go there. It ain't over yet, though. Sure Cortese and Nige can charm him back here.

Post of the month in my opinion. Much rather read this than endless pages of speculation over players we have no chance of signing. There's no doubt fathers still get a bad deal in a relationship breakdown.

How would we all feel if any deal with Arsenal included getting Theo Walcott back on loan for the season (or half season)?? Anyone changed their vote from No to Yes? You heard it here first. Make of it what you will. (I believe that is the in-phrase)

Don't know if anyone has mentioned it ... sorry, can't read 10 pages to find out .... but previously an adult and junior PAIR in the Family Stand set me back under £30. I see there's no such provision in the new pricing, so for us to attend on a match day it will now be £40. (£25+£12+£3 bkg) Will I go more this season? Certainly not, based on that price structure. Will I get us season tickets? Still not worth it, as I work out of the area and can't make the evening games. Looks like our 10 games a season will simply cost us 35% more. Hopefully the quality will be better, though, so like the Guinness, I'm not bitter.

I would say YES for Marlon Harewood, YES for that Ingimarsson bloke at Reading (released today) who would play alongside Fonte, YES to Jack Cork, NO to Michael Owen .... MAYBE for Lionel Messi ...

oh dear. Don't know much about this guy, but I see Nathan Tyson is confirmed as available for hire. I'd rather go for him.

This is from Reading FC's mail to me: (I took membership for £1 when I was working at Green Park, by the Madjeski.) Season tickets represent excellent value - adult season tickets start at £395, while young fans aged 16 & under pay just £99 and other concessions are from £250. If Saints offer those prices, I'll sign up immediately. Season tickets represent excellent value - adult season tickets start at £395, while young fans aged 16 & under pay just £99 and other concessions are from £250. I Season tickets represent excellent value - adult season tickets start at £395, while young fans aged 16 & under pay just £99 and other concessions are from £250. ISeason tickets represent excellent value - adult season tickets start at £395, while young fans aged 16 & under pay just £99 and other concessions are from £250. I

Matt Derbyshire - I like this idea. Any way we can float this onto the bus? I'd love the bones off him if he hopped on for the ride.

I see Wayne Thomas has been released by Doncaster today. They say 'never go back' but if we could do a fair deal, I'd welcome him back as cover. Am I alone in that view?