the saint in winchester

As at HT, we are 18th (+2 places). I was hoping better than that, but it's up!

To TDD and Spuddy - be aware the renewal is automatic. You have to say you DON'T want it to be renewed. So don't ignore the mail, Spuds.

You're fortunate LadySaint is probably at the game now. But if she reads back on this ... you're in for it ... :-)

I would take the £5M and retire to a bar in the sun.

I can. It's myopic and xenophobic. I love other countries food and wine and actually I drive a french car. Zut alors, I'm almost french myself. :-)

I read all media, mate. I'm not relying on Ceefax for breaking news ..... but I picked this up on Ceefax the day before someone else picked it up on bbc site and started a thread on it as if it was breaking news.

Spelling is dictated on here - if I write apologise with a S, I get prompted to change it to a Zee (haha) Banter is ok, but unless it has been reported as such, it sounded rude.

thank you F T F - can't believe the way some of them have reacted.

... says the only gay on the forum! Or so you think ...

Just read on ceefax that MS hopes France are in England's group for WC2010 as "he hopes France knock England out". Allowing for the fact, that 2 teams progress from each group so they couldn't ...... can't help thinking his comments are in poor taste. He's a guest in our country and should behave with dignity. The fact he's a Saints player doesn't excuse his comments. MS, APOLOGIZE!!!!

Talking of Papa ... saw this headline today - Miss of the Century and thought it might be Papa's miss the other night http://uk.video.yahoo.com/watch/6535094/16964012 It isn't - phew! :-)

BBC gossip column today refers to "£6M rated Beckford". Flippin' 'eck, I would rate Lambert as highly as Beckford, so we have a 6 million dollar (ok, pound sterling) man!!! (Those under 40 might not get that)

He also says it in the SaintsPlayer interview about Papa's offsides ... he is asked about a lot of things, one being investment in Jan - and he says need to keep improving the side.

As with a few of you, I'm actually on the side of the League on this one. Clubs try to take advantage of this emergency loan dispensation. If a club steadfastly refuses to play any reserve 'keepers and then when the main 'keeper gets injured, they cannot say the reserve keepers don't have the experience. The answer is to give the reserves experience so they have the confidence if called on to play a run of games. Putting aside that we have a roster of keepers currently so we are not troubled ... any club should have 3 or 4 keepers and ensure they get match practice, as this is one position where 'make do's' don't work. On this subject, I'd like to see Forecast getting match practice (even if playing in the reserves) if he is the bench keeper to Bart. Pernecky looks capable, but Forecast is making the bench.

I'm neither a teenager nor a girl ... but I'd rather listen to these artists that the 70s prog rock many of you old duffers are still listening to! And I'm probably older than many of you. Get into the 21st century!

Yeah, you're right. The club doesn't need to sell, and he won't want to warm a Prem bench. He will stay (I say confidently).

Darren Ambrose at Charlton another one in the gossip columns.

Very harsh. Dodger needs to get this facts straight. They are deeply indebted the alleged 'tight old git'. Ungrateful Dodger.

Yes, this is a two year plan remember - phase 1 is a two year plan. Players know that and have committed for the two years, as have we fans (as a minimum, for the fans). If we don't look like getting promotion next season, players will justifiably be looking to leave. But at this season, no-one should leave. Hand cuff them. This is a two year plan everyone has signed up to.

Good result. Saturday's game now massive. If we won, and went to 22 points that would take us midtable! Of course, that supposes the half dozen teams just above us all lose, which isn't going to happen, I know, but tonight I say we have finally overcome the stagger and are back in the competition. Well done, the lads. The season starts here!

just got in - 1-0 up, Lambo on 41, I see Quick summary please - are we playing well? any shocks in the lineup?

I don't think anyone would prefer winning the JPT to promotion. That wasn't the question asked. If I'm honest, the OP question is ambiguous and needs a few 'givens'. Are we assuming safety from relegation as a given? For me, promotion would outrank every other option offered. But if it's a choice between (1) winning the JPT, (2) midtable anonymity, and (3) a good FA cup run ... then I would vote for option 1. If option 2 is actually (2) promotion from L1 to Championship, then I vote for that option any day. But if it's one of (1) win a game in the JPT, (2) win a game in the league, (3) win a game in the FA Cup, then option 1, please, as that gets us closer to the glory.

I like your shrewd financial reasoning, but I can't see Rotherham selling him, and definitely NOT to us before the match.

Got into football late. Wrote the Bridget Jones movies. :-)

I voted JPT. Daft, I know but it's winnable for us. We need something to replace that sword in the trophy cabinet, and a piece of silverware would be a boost. So, I'd go for winning the JPT and midtable safety in the League 1. Obviously, safety is No1 priority. If we could be guaranteed promotion that would outrank JPT, but that looks unlikely.