ant

Just to get a word in before the usual bickering about capacity starts up, that entire blog is worth a read (even if you couldn't care less about the pullquote posted above). The expandability is largely inconsequential information at the present time, though worth knowing. How many times do we completely sell out in a season? Really couldn't see an expansion meaning a reduction of ticket prices as the owners would surely look for a swift return on investment.

It was certainly that proportion in the blocks surrounding where I was stood. Same every game unless we're giving the opposition a comprehensive kicking (and sometimes even then).

Not helped at the end by people flooding out from the 85th minute. A time when we were still chasing the game, no less. What kind of a message does it send the players when 1/3 to 1/2 of the crowd has given up and gone home already?

We could beat Burnley and still lose a dozen matches after that, why is the next one specifically a 'MUST WIN'? If we were to lose to Burnley yet regain those points by beating, say... Chelsea, would Burnley still have been 'MUST WIN'? A strong result would help to build a little momentum again, but the next match is no more independently important than any other upcoming league fixture.

We got to 2nd/3rd on the basis of form against teams likely to finish 6th-20th. A similar run after these tricky fixtures would keep us right in the mix. I think it's absolutely correct to say that this - for the fans if not the squad - is the sort of game that can be taken as a 'bonus'.

That's a rather happy coincidence - we're a 3 too. Will check with the other guys but would've thought this is a goer.

Bought ours about 15 mins after they went onsale and we've got row D of the lower tier. Hoping it'll be possible to swap with someone on the day to move further back...

The widespread condemnation of the OP is good to see. Would be nice if have the opportunity in a couple of years to drag this thread up and have a good laugh about it. Mane's raw but already shown plenty of promise. Calm!

Having watched Boruc at the weekend (I was at Bournemouth vs. Ipswich), I don't think Boruc is at the 'Boruc' sort of level we'd expect from him anyway. One good low save aside, he looked to me like he's winding down. 5 goals conceded from 11 matches before tonight and still new to the team, but hey - why not string Forster up at the first opportunity, eh?

Final blot on the copybook, surely time to give them the silent treatment? A complete and utter irrelevance of a team.

Incredible - they've still not found their level.

The counterpoint to this is that if the players using us as a stepping stone have done enough to impress bigger clubs, they've probably aided in dragging Saints up to the next level. Therefore we're able to step into the market and attract better players than we might have been able to before said 'mercenary' joined us. If (big 'if') we can continue to recruit well, there's got to be a chance of us continuing to ascend the ladder. Though obviously you could say that for any club - and the margin for error gets ever smaller towards the top of the table. In terms of the ambitions of the player that chooses to leave, I guess it comes down to the 'shortcuts' alluded to in that promotional video we put out before the start of the season. You'd hope that future would-be want-aways might consider the trials and tribulation of the Summer 2014 exits.

Well I'm male, live on the south coast and like football, but that's not exactly extensive profiling. Absolutely everything else is way off! Oh hang on, was the sample size really 33 people? Says a lot.

That's interesting - I could swear the 'Adult STH' option wasn't there at 9am. Never normally need to use the dropdown but I did check there wasn't something I was missing. You'd hope the system was sophisticated enough to automatically be aware of who is and isn't a STH but perhaps that's expecting too much competency...

Bought my 3 this morning, although the season ticket discount wasn't applied. Hopefully the ticket office will do a partial refund.

The extent to which a few notable PL teams don't get it is just incredible. Has the money in the game completely blinded them? Our infrastructure and culture has more to do with recent successes than replaceable individuals. Look to the Summer for a mass of evidence for that argument.

63:01-64:00 please. Nice one!

Indeed, it should. Managed to nab another number though so I might as well get tickets sorted on Monday.

I'm part of a group of 4 that's been to all Capital One matches this season, using my ST number and those of three mates that haven't travelled. However one of the 'favour' numbers I've been calling in will actually be used at Sheffield United so I'm after one more if poss. Obviously there's a high chance this'll go to general, but I'd rather get it done and dusted as soon as they go on sale (plus one of you lot gets a bonus away on your account).

Pure persistence, with a game-changing performance from Long. Love it.

Proud.

The latter would surely make sense and be most fair. Then those with other aways, followed by ST holders and general sale.

Agreed! Watched the highlights this morning and the look on Crouch's face is one of a man possessed. Bizarre.

After stopping once on the M6 and dropping my mates into central Southampton, I didn't get home until 2am. Today's going to be a long one and I couldn't care less Slightly concerning that we let them back into the game, though not surprising the manner in which Stoke forced it. Showed great determination in going 'til the end - exactly the sort of spirit that could win a side a cup... All of us were absolutely buzzing on the way back. Mutually agreed, without hesitation, that we've all got to make it to Sheffield for the next round. What a time to be a Saints fan!

Also worth pointing out that the MK Dons match in 2009 was our fourth consecutive league win. Prior to that run we had 1 win from the first 10 games of the season!