SNSUN

We've done fantastically well this season with the resources at our disposal, we don't have the biggest squad, but nor are we threadbare a la the Skates. What has become clear in the last few weeks is a striker is needed, and January is the time to get it. I have no problems with loans, often they can work out very good, like Guly and Chaplow, but some players are signed to boost numbers a la Bignell. In my opinion we should sign TWO strikers in January, one on a permanent (to basically replace Connolly in the long term), and one on loan, to cover any potential absences of Barnard or Lambert. With your permanent players, it's unwise to keep them on the bench because you don't want to upset them, with loan players you don't share that same worry. The second half of the season will really test us in terms of injuries and suspensions IMO, so a big squad is important.

I agree, I do not see fit women like that every day.

Not quite sure how "style of play" affects a central defender, but he was a key signing, and will continue to be a key player whatever league we end up in next season. I know some people think we still need a central defender but I'm not so sure now. With Martin, Fonte and Jos, and with Danny S coming back from his injury, we are seemingly strong in that department. Add to that Harlee Dean, getting rave reviews as per that other thread, and Racine, we look comfortable in this position. I might be wrong, but other departments need strengthening as a priority.

Seriously, Swansea, and I was itching to think of a joke answer.

Well that ballsed up my caption!

The bus has stalled in the last few weeks, it's about time we found a new Driver.

"Greg, you're so sh it, you'll not just inspire ONE caption competition fred on SaintsWeb, but TWO."

Every club higher up in the English leagues tghan Huddersfield, and probably a few abroad, will be looking at Rhodes. Anyone would be stupid to overlook him, and I can see a bidding war in January for him. This will push the asking price up, and before you know it you're overpaying for him. The same will apply for any in-form striker - the key is to get in as swiftly as possible in January and cross your fingers other clubs haven't noticed.

Sounds like centre back could be one of our strongest positions in the years to come. Good experience for the lad, and not one negative comment on that site.

What surprises me most with our striker situation, is that with Barnard and Connolly out for chunks of the season, we haven't given the youth much of a go. We've relied on Guly moving up from midfield, De Ridder who's still finding his feat and was signed as a winger, and a not-up-to-it Forte in the cup. All we've had from memory is fleeting glimpses of Reeves, who until recently was a left back anyway. I'd have been interested to see one of the young-uns given some bench time this season, to see if they can make a last ditch impact in games. Jake Sinclair for example. Are they not yet good enough? Or too young still? Or is it that we've played ourselves into such a strong position in the league that Adkins felt like not risking it? That said, even with the promise that we'll one day have our own academy graduates in our side, I still want to see a striker brought in in January.

Nearly every other team we've played this season has said they'd kill to have Lambert up front. The Skates just can't see quality when it's right there in front of their deformed noses.

Jordan Rhodes scored his 4 goals against Sheffield Wednesday - and apparently his dad is the Sheffield Wednesday GOALKEEPING coach. Worth a lol IMO.

One of his nipples is higher than the other. This is unacceptable, we should strive for perfection from our players. Lambert out.

Hooiveld gets my nod today, I thought he was very solid and even the commentators sounded impressed. Honourable mention to Lambert.

Fox did play well today, I can only think that we were trying to protect the one goal lead with a more defensive minded left back. I'd still try Fox in left midfield, with Adam switching to the right, but then I'm not the manager.

We haven't truly replaced Oxo, despite Chaplow's excellent form there before his injury, so yes a right winger is a need, but a striker is a MUST imo. Someone pacy. Connolly's injury troubles continue, as do Barnards, and as much as Guly has come on leaps and bounds, I still don't see him as a true striker. For me, the areas that need strengthing in the short term are attack and right wing, and in the long term we need a keeper and another CB. (Oh, and I still think we would be more effective currently playing Lallana on the right and Fox or Holmes on the left. But that's just me.)

Are you an unhAppy Appy chAppy?

Granted it was against the fishy fuggers, but had it been against anyone else, this is a good away point. We all wanted a win, but this wasn't a defeat, and that gives us the platform to smash them at SMS. With reinforcements, which it's obvious to everyone we need, we can do just that. Plus we're top at Christmas. And home on Boxing Day. So I'm happy.

Like watching it, love playing it, but my snooker club fills up with Johnny come latelys when it's on the telly, so pleased it's over. For now.

God bless my colleagues. Such is the importance of this game, they're letting me watch it at work. Come on Saints!

More fool you! I bought a signed Southampton football on eBay yesterday. I placed it in a drawer at home, which also had a blue jumper in it. So... we'll draw today.

My missus wanted sex just now, but the smell of fish was so bad that I passed it up. Ergo, the fishy *****s get nothing.

Would've rather had a draw in the Cardiff/Boro game, but a good win for Doncaster today. West Ham drag out a result again though, but we'll be top at Christmas barring a catastrophic defeat tomorrow. (Which won't happen. Touch Wood). Jordan Rhodes now 4 goals.

Portsmouth played Saints on my game of CM2003 today. We won 3-0 with Beatts getting a hattrick.

Have to be under 23 right? Adam if he's back to his best, but the only cert would've been Oxo.