SNSUN

I still think Rodgers is a good coach but cannot be trusted with a transfer kitty. Not that I'd want him here that much. Bring back Harry Redknapp. He'd keep us up. #b ollockswouldhe Not sure who I'd want. Someone either worldly experienced or experienced in the Premier League. Martin Jol?

I hate to say it because of the way he left but I'd have Lallana back in a heartbeat. I think he'd think twice about leaving again if he rejoined us.

Football Manager 2007 is/was my second favourite incarnation of the series, after the very last CM in 2003 (in which you could win the Premier League with Saints without actually signing anyone, as Ormerod was one of the better strikers in the game.) FM2007 was the game where it was easy to get Saints promoted, the first XI being Davis (who because of a typo was signed for 8 million quid.), Ostlund, Claus, Killer, Bale (who became very sought after), Prutton, Belmadi, Pele, Skacel, Rasiak, BWP. (With tweaks of course. Though I used to send Marcelo Sarmiento back straight away). Rasiak in that game was fairly prolific but I could never get him scoring many in the Prem. Leon Best though becomes a decent player, as does Tim Sparv at lower league level. Sadly my computer died recently and I can't get the game working on my missus's laptop, so i'm resorting to playing More modern versions. I'd love to be able to play CM 2003- 2004 again though.

A punt on Nacer Chadli? Always liked what I saw, can score goals, and isn't fully first choice at Spurs... I agree there are some good players in the Championship waiting to make the step up, if only we could find another Alli! Knowing us though we'll plug on with what we have or sign an unknown from Holland. It'd be nice to be pleasantly surprised though!

Poll please to see what people think. Are we in one? For me, not yet, I think we have enough quality to be OK this season, but I fear for next season without decent signings. We're looking over our shoulders though rather than up...

Ever Banega on that list. Brings back transfer window targets of old.

I was reading the 'Football Manager ruined my life' book yesterday and Alan Dzagoev popped up in it. I know he has attitude problems apparently but is still class and can score goals. Then I see today he's linked with Newcastle. Coincidence. Anyway could be worth a punt for us. Koeman seems to like decent players whose career has taken a wrong turn.

Is Trippier actually getting much game time at Spurs? He could be an option. Definitely need a couple of faces in.

What the **** was that? There I was saying I'd take a draw against possibly the best team in the country on paper and we ****, utterly **** them 4-0. Win against West Ham (as we've now proved we're capable of) and the season will start looking pretty decent again. Kicking myself for taking ever present Fonte out my dream team too for this game. Very unexpected result all round. I've got a lot of Arsenal mates that will be hearing about this for a while. Martina WTF?

We're gonna get a new arsehole torn tonight. Even a point could swing our form around but I just can't see it. Martina vs Walcott. Woof.

Merry Christmas all from Reepham in Norfolk. Hope you're all suitably full of food and drink and not arguing with Uncle Joe over who deserves the last Bounty from a tin of Celebrations! Here's to a completely shock 3 points tomorrow!

Mortgage on Arsenal win. r.p...

Tsk. I won't listen to these unsubstantiated womb-ours. Oh, and Come On You UteRuS! And other shyte puns...

It's almost like the Skates planted him fully aware of his failings...

Finger on the pulse of today's news there OTH! Gary is in charge there now. As for future managers, I loved it when we got Koeman as he's a name in the game, but I'd also be happy with an up and coming manager. Rowett at Brum or someone like that.

http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/norwich_city_u21s_7_southampton_u21s_2_1_4331473 Seager scored twice. Really pushing for a firsts team spot.

In terms of memories they gave me, since I've supported Saints in the late 80's, it's: Pardew, Adkins, Strachan, Koeman, Ball, Pochettino, Jones. For some reason I have strong memories of the Souness season too, but he misses the list.

I'd say the guy before Bennett (I forget the predecessor's name) at least enunciated his words properly. I could understand him, Bennett talked quickly and was largely un-understandable. Get the True Geordie to switch allegiance and give him the job, would be a larf.

So I've been playing an old edition of Football Manager and signed McDonald Mariga. According to the gospel that is Wikipedia, he's a free agent at 28 since leaving Parma. Is he any good in the real world? His playing history seems decent.

Stoke - decent team, started slowly but they'll hit decent form at some point. Will be a tough game but we're unbeaten in 8 ( and the Man Utd game we could've won before that) for a reason. Will either be a well fought draw or a piece of magic will win it for us. Mané to shine is my bet. 2-1 Saints.

I always thought loaning out Dyer was a strange decision. He did OK for them in the last couple of seasons. Plus Gomis is out of form, Montero started brightly but has faded, and now we see how good a manager Monk is as to whether he can change their fortunes. (Similarly Mourinho at Chelsea, if he's any kind of manager he'll turn their fortunes around.)

10-13 points there I reckon. Be happy with 10, ecstatic with 13. Any less and it's been an iffy run, and more and we're in dreamland. I would've said we'd have got 10-12 points from the last 6, but 14 is amazing.

I meant Matt Targett is another youth player who's made the step up and broken through, in response to the OP second paragraph. Should've made that clearer. :-)

...and Matt Targett.

There are a few for sale on eBay. Obviously the charity won't be getting the money (I'd assume) but any honest people could always slip some dosh into the poppy pot when they see one anyway. http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xsouthampton+poppy.TRS0&_nkw=southampton+poppy&_sacat=0