The Kraken

It wasn't a "reserve team" and you know it.

Wrong about what? That QPR are equally as attractive a draw to Saints fans to go and watch at St. Mary's as are Everton and Newcastle? Sorry but no, I can't admit that as I don't believe its true.

Funny looking reserve side. 3 of the back 5 that finished the game against Villa, and arguably another CB who might have played against Villa had he not been injured. The return of a midfielder from injury who played every single game for us last season and is expected to feature heavily this campaign; plus another outing for JWP who is clearly not a reserve. And our £7M signing up front. the only genuine "reserves" in that team were Seaborne, Chaplow, de Ridder and possibly Guly. Besides, you make it sound as if none of the other sides put out any of their second string!

We played Arsenal and Tottenham at St. Mary's, last time in the PL (shortly after we moved in). I went to both games, we had just under 10K for one and just over 10K for the other, not 100% sure which way round, if guessing it was Arsenal just over 10K.

I did, yes. It seems those factors mainly influence Saints and not our competitors. MK Dons had a higher attendance than us tonight; MK Dons!! Chelsea had 32K. Leeds had 21K. Man City 28K. West Ham 26K. So yes, I was hoping for more.

Christ, are you still getting at it about this?! And using Saints categories of tickets to "prove" that QPR are a similar size club to Everton & Newcastle?! You really are a West London version of MLG.

Absolutely shocking attendance, really. I've been to a reserve game at St. Mary's with a higher attendance than tonight.

Did quite a few decide not to bother then?

31,000 is not as good at it can get for us. As our last 3 previous home gates in the PL against Aston Villa testify.

Frank, seriously. Sort your "teh"s out, will you!

No Andy, that's not how I see it. A fee had been agreed, a wage had supposedly been agreed, then the player's dad came back in at the death and required an up front payment as he had his fingers in the contractual pie. Cortese it woud seem balked at the idea of further add-ons to the deal and pulled out of the deal, as he refused to countenance what was perceived as an underhand addition.

I never tire of watching the 4-1 demolition of Liverpool. A Saints team that included youth products Dodd, Benali, Le Tissier, Wallace and Shearer; helped out by the old heads of Jimmy Case and Paul Rideout, backed up with young signings like Ruddock and Flowers. What a great time to watch Saints that was.

The payment was a one-off payment, so no, I disagree, I think the CEO's morals got in the way of doing a deal.

The Buttner deal broke down because of a required payment to a third party; not because of wage demands (which supposedly had been met).

I'd be very surprised if we get more than 10K tonight.

The league placing based bonuses seem to be a fairly standard thing in football these days; I know at least 2 or 3 Championship clubs who do exactly the same type of thing, so I imagine its fairly industry strandard (and like you say a good idea).

You sometimes have to admire the dedication and sheer unwillingness to face up to it, though.

It's ok MLG, it was only a minor error x

First Row don't have it as a listing (they only have Leeds v Everton and Chelsea v Wolves) so its unlikely it'll be shown anywhere.

Not about the "if any" part, no. It would seem there are likely to be some.

I was simply answering your assertion that "very few players (if any) will be on £90K per week". No need to get all sniffy about it when you brought it up in the first place. Sheesh.

Ramirez said we were the only club to come in with a bid; Spurs and Liverpool were just "interested" but apparently came through with no bids.

Having signed for Man City and being put straight into the first team, Jack Rodwell would perhaps be a candidate (purely given what his peers at City are on). Balotelli last year also, perhaps (before he turned 22).

I think you're confusing me with someone who believes Ramirez is on £90K per week, MLG.

Hazard too.