the saint in winchester

BBC Gossip page a few days ago, quoting red tops. Don't know if we can go back in time on the site? OK, here's a couple of links that refer. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/7134275/Chelsea-transfer-news-Incoming-Blues-boss-Antonio-Conte-eyes-up-his-Italy-striker-Graziano-Pelle.html http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/antonio-conte-wants-graziano-pelle-at-chelsea-as-arsenal-bid-for-boltons-rob-holding-mondays-top-a3243131.html

Talk that Conte wants to take him to Chelsea, for £8M. Less than we bought him for and is now proven in the EPL ..... but like a car, older and more miles on the clock. Unlikely we can take Pelle, Long, Mane, J-Rod and Austin into next season. We just bought Austin so unlikely to be moving him on. Guess we will just have to wait and see.

Hard to say. Cedric was clearly intended as first choice and Martina as a backup. However Martina does now seem to be first choice. Either we stick and keep them both, or we move Cedric on and bring in another RB who would be expected to assume first choice role. Either Cedric has not proved to be as good as RK anticipated (believe he was Fonte's recommendation) or Martina has exceeded RK's expectation and become first choice. Whatever happens, I don't see Chambers as coming back.

Didn't you hear Dwight Gayle on MOTD say they have been told they have to impress Pardew in the next 2 games to get a place in the cup final team? This won't be the walk in the park we hoped it would be. However, if we put in the effort and intensity of the last two games, we can still win it.

I really find the notion of "sacking" Koeman quite distasteful. I want to ride the Koeman train to its end. WE HAVE NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD. I don't expect him to go to Everton or Aston Villa after us, but if Arsenal or Barcelona want to employ him in a year's time, we shake his hand and thank him for the last 3 years. Then we will be an established Top 8 side and the quality of applicants will amaze us (in a good way).

Disagree completely. Let Koeman complete his contract next season even if he makes it clear he won't renew. In a year's time we recruit a new manager. No need to sack him now because he has ambition to manage another club after us.

I hope NOT. Over-rated egomaniac. Doesn't fit in with our profile at all. Hungry? Hungry for cash, that's all.

Koeman's doing a great job. Not surprised we want to extend/re-write his contract, but I expect him to honour the final season then move on to Arsenal, when Wenger has indicated he will step aside. Don't about you, but I am happy to have Koeman manage us next season, and we look for a new manager when he goes. I don't want him turfed out now because he wants to leave in 12 months time.

That's my thought too. At first it was sell with a year left on the contract, now it's two! If we are going to sell every player that delays to sign a contract extension with still two years left, we will be selling all the time. We typically offer 3 or 4 year contracts. If we want players to stay 5 to 7, then give long term contracts at the start.

True dat, bro. I would expect Tottenham will be charged with failure to control their players .... but Clattenburg needs to explain why he didn't show the red card on at least 3 occasions - Walker, Dier and Dembele. Had he actually left it in his jacket pocket in the changing room? They should be coming into the game at the weekend with suspensions in place. If the FA charge anyone tomorrow, how long do they have to admit/deny the charge? 72 hours? Any suspensions will likely not kick in for Sunday's game. Or will they?

That's a good summary. Satisfying that you can't (always) buy success.

We've 'ad worse days.

I'm also all for checking out the Championship scorers. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/championship/top-scorers Burnley, Hull and Brighton all hope to get promoted. That leaves Ross McCormack at Fulham. They paid £11M for him, wouldn't want to pay anything like that for him. Someone mentioned Nakhi Wells already. (Huddersfield). Maybe Chris Martin of Derby? When he's not on tour with Coldplay, he could be an option.

Going to be a tough game, no matter what team they put out. They will be looking for 3 points whether Arsenal win, lose or draw. We need more points on the board to hold onto 7th to the end of the season as Chelsea have a game in hand. Yes, there could be goals. Statistically so, as few games involving Saints are bore draws. Hold onto your hats, this could be a goal fest.

Agree. Why couldn't Poch just be honest and say "Alli is a good player, improving all the time, but we must all remember he's just 19 and still has a lot of growing up to do. Sadly he needs to improve his self-discipline and not get involved in playground scraps. I'll be having a word with him about that."

Pretty much agree with all that. I believe Ronald has made negative comments on Depay's attitude previously, so I can't see him going in for him, at any price. Ox-C I would definitely like to sign up, but he will have more flashy suitors. And don;t forget his papa was pretty glad to get him out of Saints. But you never know. Maybe the lad is ready to tell his dad to wind his neck in and he can see that Saints will give him a regular starting place. When Woy Hodgson omits both Ox-C and Walcott from the Euro squad, they will have some thinking to do. Townsend would be a let down when we are looking at the other two. Maybe unfair to him, but there you go.

I'd take either ... if they accept our wage structure.

For £8M YES. Don't want to have to pay the full £14M they paid, but if we could get him at £8M I would do it. He has looked very good last few games.

Leicester are playing a tight game these days. One goal, then shut up shop. Batten down the hatches. I think they're better away than at home, so if we can score on 91 mins, we could be in with a shout.

Talk about a game of two halves. We were jittery and careless (or 'shloppy' as RK would say) in the first half, committing players forward and being caught on the break time and again. Spot on substitutions, especially Wanyama. I'm no fan, but he was the difference second half. Played like Iron Man. Definitely MotM. The Chapel was rocking second half, although I hope I aren't sat next to Misery Man again. Moaned about everything, literally everyone and everything. Totally emosh when the winner went in. Lost my voice and have an interview tomorrow. Hope the interviewer is a Saints fan. Doubt she is though.

2-1 defeat for Chelsea tonight means they have to play a strong side vs PSG. The tie is still alive. Has to be good news for us that they may rest one or two.

So....dismissed, contract terminated. Morally the right thing to do. But writing off a £10M asset as zero on the balance sheet takes some doing. Brings back the case of Adrian Mutu. Did Chelsea ever recoup their outlay on him, from the player or underwriters? And will another club now come in for Johnson ...... or after a discrete period of time offer him a route back? Ignoring the post above.

I go occasionally as the price is usually over £30. I would go regularly or get a season ticket at £20 per match.

Definitely keep. When he's on his game, he's red hot. Admittedly, many times he doesn't look interested and just backs into defenders claiming free kicks all game. But when he's in the mood, he's unplayable. This Leicester link is simply because they let Kramaric go. Not sure if its paper speculation or genuine interest, but Pelle must command over £10M even at 30 and with only a year on his contract. He was at £9M as an Italy hopeful. Now as a regular starter for his country, market value has to be £12-15M. But I still don;t want to sell at this stage.

Yeah, Southampton lad. DJ as well IIRC. Not familiar with his work though. Think he played at the Winchester Comedy Festival 2015.