niceandfriendly

Perry for Olly and Rasiak for Pato, as already mentioned. Not because Pato deserves to be dropped but Rasiak is the obvious choice if he is still here and fit. I'd be a little cautious about bringing in Gillett for Wotton at this stage as the midfield would look a little weak with him and Schneedle in the middle - although saying that I rate Gillett much higher than Wotton... work that one out?

This from Charltons OS: Therry Racon About to embark on his third season in English football, cultured midfielder Racon was sorely missed during two spells on the treatment table last term. Following an impressive pre-season, the Frenchman started the first game of the new campaign against Swansea City, only to suffer a metatarsal problem in the next league match, an injury which ruled him out until November. By that time, Phil Parkinson had taken over as caretaker manager, and Racon returned and scored at Queens Park Rangers in his first game in charge - but the player's luck was out again when a knee problem flared up after the fixture and led to the star being sidelined until February. He was a regular fixture from then on, but despite some excellent displays - not to mention three goals, including a brilliant long-range strike against Plymouth Argyle - Racon couldn't prevent the Addicks' slide into League One. In total, he played 20 times. The schemer, signed by the Addicks in summer 2007 from Guingamp, was called up by Guadeloupe - a French colony in the Caribbean - for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup in July, although he eventually withdrew from the squad to concentrate on pre-season with his club. Racon, who likes to perform a dance routine when celebrating a goal, began his career with Marseille but played just one match for the French giants, departing for Lorient on loan and then Guingamp before his switch to SE7. A friend of Chelsea's Didier Drogba, Racon made six appearances for the Addicks in 2007/08, before a successful loan switch to League One side Brighton & Hove Albion towards the end of the campaign.

Pretty decent game, didn't get going until about 20 minutes but after that it was fine. Harding was my stand out performer, that guy is a proper left back and loves to get forward. Very strong in the tackle too. Murty had another good game. He's a very good crosser of the ball which'll be perfect for Lambert and Rasiak. Morgan had the best game I've ever seen him play. His range of passing was very good and he actually attempted to make some challenges which is encouraging. Lambert seems like just the player we heard about. Slow and doesn't move much but brings people into play, has a great first touch and can score goals. He looks a very decent buy. Paterson ran around like a nutter but also had a bit of skill about him and played well.

Interesting... if we can keep him and he puts the effort in that'd be unbelievable good news for us. Rasiak and Lambert are easily capable for 20+ goals each. Won't hold my breath though as Ras could easily play above League 1.

You still have to pay for that though and that takes time.

No you'll need to buy a ticket beforehand.

In todays Echo Pardew said (about the Jaidi deal) "I think that situation is probably against us, but I haven't completely dismissed it. I look at this side and I've made it clear a centre half is part of that brief and we will get one in. Whether it's the big fella I'm not sure." So it's not 100% dead but unlikely, but I guess we all knew that anyway.

When I was down there I was the only one in the queue. Perhaps everyone's booking over the phone.

As of an hour ago according to the girl at the ticket office. Not great, hopefully that picks up quite a bit by 7.45pm tomorrow.

Possibly but hopefully not. I've been away so no idea what's been said about Ras, what's the general consensus about his future here? Any hints that he'll stay? It's great that we've signed Lambert but we need competition, so keeping Rasiak would be just as good as this latest signing.

Es ist nicht on OS yetten. Shallen wir gewaiten longeren??? Ah es ist official!! http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~1749364,00.html ****ing brilliant

Yeah not bad I suppose. Agree with someone above who said we're too lightweight in midfield. James, Morgan (or Schneedler as the online commentator called him), Wotton and Lallana just isn't a good enough midfield. Why wasn't Gillett on from the start?? Harding looked like he did a good job as did Murty, but we didn't have anything going forward. None of the midfielders were pushing on and the two strikers weren't dangerous - although fair play to Paterson for his goal. In fact the midfield was totally invisible today, nothing going back and nothing going forward so that needs to be looked at. Otherwise not a bad result especially considering it was the first game of the season and live on Sky - we should have got thrashed!

Thanks for the bet365 link, allowed us to watch the game here in Delft in the Netherlands. Paused a lot but better than nothing. Dankeschon.

Really surprised and pleased by this news. He could get a job at most Championship clubs so we should be very pleased he's decided to come to us at the bottom of League 1.

We drew 2-2 in a pre-season friendly! ARGH!!! NOOOO!!!!! WOTTE OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not doubting that you are correct, but where has it actually been shown that this fella is involved and not the company itself? Is there any proof anywhere?

I'm going to Switzerland for a month tomorrow, anyone want anything brought back?

BBC South Today have some info coming up. Tony Husband said a deal "has been agreed which will save the club from extinction". Coming up before 7pm if you're near a TV.

I think they're probably just trying to attract people to their site with that story which it has done, so don't get too excited about it.

Hopefully tomorrow will bring the end of the nightmare which has been administration. If the Swiss take over it'll be the end of the worst few months in the clubs recent history. Come on Swiss you can dooo it.

Look at us getting ahead of ourselves again...

I'm going to Switzerland tomorrow for a month (coincidence) so I bloody hope it goes through today, but there's nothing in the Echo today to convince me it will be. No quotes or facts just speculation - doesn't sound like the Echo at all does it! - but my fingers are still crossed for a completion today.

Almost! Love is "Liebe" in German, so we're missing an 'e' and Herr means "Mr" so if anything it translates to "Lov Mr" Sorry to be pedantic.

All it said was "sources close to Gillico" (that could be absolutely anyone) "claim they have 12.5m" but fry said they haven't proved that they have any funds yet. Sounds like another waste of time but at least there is interest I suppose...

On SSN: Sources close to Gillico claim to have 12.5m to complete a deal Mark Fry says Gillico have yet to prove they have any funds and have not completed due dilligence.