the saint in winchester

Wow, wet pitch but good finishing. Time we gave them some first team action.

If, like me, you like a little sauce on your dinner, I'd go Isa Guha all day long. If only she could migrate from the cricket and get into football commentary.

Agree with y'all. Never a penalty. It's only cos its Ronaldo the ref is keen to give it.

I know we have all - most of us, anyway - agreed that we are using too many young lads and need some experience to be added ....but I'm wondering if NJ will have the opportunity over the world cup period to check out the young forwards who are doing so well at that level. If we are playing any friendlies around here or even in Florida, it would be good to give them a chance to showcase their ability. I know January is coming and we are likely targeting new signings, but what if we have some rough diamonds in the U21 setup that could save us millions in signing fees and wages.

Older fans will recall MLT was just like that. By his own admission, he never sprinted or chased back, but he had so much talent he was an ever-present.

pick the 3 from Everton, Southampton, Forest and Wolves. By the end of January, I'll harden on the 3. Next few games (when we resume EPL) will tell us if Jones can improve Saints, whether Everton stick with Lampard or bring in an upgrade, whether Lopetgui can improve Wolves. Forest can clearly win a game so they are unpredictable.

I would want to keep him. He has the ball playing skills going forward and the strength needed to play as a DM. If it's games he wants ....

Sadly, Winchester High Street is not what it used to be. Lots of empty shops, boarded up or pop-ups. Still, there is a coffee shop every hundred yards, so somewhere to sit down.

Yeah, he's not had a great season, so maybe that accounts for being passed over. However, seeing Philips get included after 10 minutes football last night must be sickening. Sadly this only reinforces the perspective that top 6 sides provide the players, whereas no matter how good you are for Saints, Brighton et al you won't get included.

I have to say that crossed my mind also. Remember when we wanted shot of George Burley and the Scottish FA came and gave Saints compensation to take him? I do wonder if secretly Luton would rather take the compensation and move on with cash in the bank.

Carlton Morris, their No9, top scorer - 8 goals, 3 assists. Will try to watch him if I can find a stream tonight.

Some reports are that we have basically chosen him, and it's more a coronation than an interview. However, other reports are that he is one of a number we have shortlisted and hope to interview. The comment from the club that we hope to have the new manager in place to face Liverpool makes me lean towards the first report. Personally, I see no rush and would rather they work to end Dec as the deadline and interview many decent candidates.

100% true. He was often last man back on the field after half time break as he had been watching the race finish before dashing back on the field. And I know, cos I was there (to quote Max Boyce).

Broja never would have considered staying with us. He has been at Chelsea since he was 9 and he only came to us to impress Chelsea he was ready to lead their line. Tuchel gave him the nod, and his performances for us dipped at the end. Sadly for him, Tuchel was replaced and Potter isn't so sure. He's rotating his front men, and some talk he could agree to sell Broja. However, he now has more attractive options than Saints. The frustration for us is that Ralph promised us a Broja-type to replace him. Instead, Che got a few pre-season and we seem to have kept our wallet closed, thinking he was up to it. Now we are going to have to spend in January when we are at risk of relegation.

Chris Wood (Newc unlikely to let him go with Izak injured), Mateta (the spare behind Edward)... or someone from the overseas market.

Has to be worth trying one or two of the youngsters - Dibling, that Jimmy Jam or Ballard. We can't go on with Adams and Aribo backing him up. I think Mara is just going blunt and losing heart at so few minutes. Even so, his goal record in France wasn't impressive. I've got to the point I'm gagging for Walcott to start or come on any change a game. It's desperate.

Bazanu JWP lyanco caleta-car salisu Perraud Walcott diallo S.armstrong Edozie Mara 5-4-1 : fresh legs where we can

If Aston Villa have hopes to bring him in, surely we should too. Poch in.

ST - I look through other teams' strikers and think 'who is surplus to requirements?' Newcastle are well-stocked with Calum Wilson, Chris Wood and now Alexander Izak. I'd love Calum Wilson, but maybe we could get Chris Wood???? How would you all feel if he came on loan?

No, it's not that. The CBs are the best in years - ABK and Salisu are good. The RB and LB are RWB and LWB these days, that's the way we play. For that to work you need strong DMs. As Vectis says above, we had Romeu as the aggressive DM last season and we have Romeo Lavia doing that this season, so no surprise without him we are weak. JWP is that nice son-in-law Roy Keane spat about and Diallo adds nothing, he's just a cog that goes round and round in circles. AMN hasn't showed us anything yet, he's not up to speed. We need a 'unit' in DM. Right now, we are easily pushed back to passing sideways and backwards, rather than on the front foot. Rather than criticise Bazunu for conceding, count what percentage he saves. He is constantly having to make saves as no-one up the pitch is cutting off attacks.

Talk today we have told him to stay away from the club? Guess negotiations have taken place now? Should we have him work out 6 months notice as per his contract? Or just get him out now, like a bad smell? Assume we get compensation if Chelsea take him now?

Both amusing and interesting. Wolves should go for Nuno, but will they? As for Saints, who knows? I would like Poch back, but accept it's the way forward to go for a young coach making his way, rather than go back to the future.

So, someone has to say this .... Ronald Koeman could well be on the market soon. Are we interested, or do we just think he was lucky to have Mane, Pelle etc on his watch? Pelle WOULD come back btw, he has said that on Insta.

Well, I like a bit of Strictly so I thank CBF for confirming one way or another whether Kai is Tommy's son. When the new pros were introduced, I say to the wife "Widdrington from Southampton? I wonder if he's the son of Saints ex Tommy?" Of course, she had no idea who I was on about. So that's Kai. As for AJ Odudu .... scrumptious. The wife looks ascance at me salivating when she's on. Yes, she's young enough to be my daughter, but as she clearly isn't, I can look and admire, surely. But yes, Ms Lancashire Hot Pot, don't talk so much, just smoulder and dance and know that us old boys are enjoying every minute.

Ok, I take above comments back re choice of manager. Lampard I would be happy with. That comment about developing youth with wise heads around them would work well for us. And I'd be happy for the camera to rest on his missus too. Welcome to Southampton, Frank.