ant

Aren't there time restrictions there on matchdays?

Well I'll be chanting the 'Gimme Shelter' one on Saturday - far and away the best suggestion.

If people are worried about complexity or length, that in isolation could do the trick. It's slow, but then so is 'When the Saints Go Marching In' done properly. Most of the 'Another Brick in the Wall' efforts are pretty worthy too.

Apples and oranges. To make such a direct comparison you have to assume that both clubs are run in a similar manner (a fair wager says they're not). Not to mention that Green, Cesar, Bosingwa and Park are the wrong side of 30 and Remy/Taarabt have... well, 'reputations' that rather precede them. Also bear in mind that the remaining fringe players ('reserves' in old money) will almost all be released next Summer as the majority of their contracts expire in 2014.

If we hadn't bought more than two players, there'd be a dozen more threads before 2nd September moaning about our 'lack of movement in the transfer market' or saying that other teams have done better business than us. Cortese has spoken out enough times about clubs needing to be run sustainably. Of all the decisions made since Summer 2009 how many have given us reason to question his ability to balance the books? Yes, we've spent a lot of money. However all of the early signs point towards Wanyama and Lovren being with their fees. I have every faith that Osvaldo will deliver bang for buck too. In the main or expensive purchases have been players that will hold their stock well. If you believe that we have have been irresponsible (personally I don't), the worst case scenario is moving them on in a couple of years and recouping most of said money.

Much appreciated. Repeat the sentiment - hope it's not put you in an awkward position

Although I made a start at lunch I think I'd rather do a proper job instead of simply adding or removing players. It'll take longer than first anticipated but bear with me - determined to nail this.

Hmm, have been pondering for a while what we could do with refresh of that top banner. Will mock something up at lunch and if it comes out well I'll share it.

On Facebook the club's also said they're exploring the option of having pre-packaged versions available in the club shop. So long as they stick to £39.99 (or no more than £44.99 if ST discount applies) I'd definitely buy my copy from the Megastore - as far as I remember the margin on videogames is about a tenner so it could be a nice little earner.

The best price you can currently get appears to be 10/1, although Betfred only offer 6/1. Fairly close between the stats and bookies in the main though. Both are lumping us with Swansea, West Brom, Newcastle, Fulham and West Ham in casual midtable. Seems fair.

Absolutely superb. Would be excellent for him to get a decent half a game (fingers crossed).

I'm scared - does that mean this entire thread is going to come true...

Looking at the database now, I don't think any of the pre-FIFA 14 big updates have been done yet so I wouldn't count on anything. Last year the stats all changed a couple of weeks prior to FIFA 13's release.

Southampton FC @SouthamptonFC Get down to St. Mary's early today - elected Entertainment Officer 'Turkish' has face paints at the ready. 2 for 1 on foam hands! #SaintsFC Southampton FC @SouthamptonFC We would like to remind fans that it is now a bannable offence to leave the stands prior to the final whistle. Support the lads, FFS. Southampton @SouthamptonFC Don't miss our matchday halftime extravaganza featuring a stunning performance of 'Gangnam Style' by our own Katherina Liebherr. #SaintsFC

Pffft, a few of you clearly not happy with your lot. Although my girlfriend was initially slow to pick up my love of Saints, since the first League One season she's got into it more and more. I guess it was an accessible time to get into us ('real' football as the skates seem keen to repeat). Anyway, she follows every game now and (despite my daily scanning of Saints Web/Twitter) occasionally pops up with news before I've heard it. She's very switched on tactically and though I'm no bed wetter is slightly more pragmatic after poor results. She doesn't come to as many games as I'd like, but Boxing Day at Fulham last season was a decent day out. Say what you like about women and football, but it was class having her involved in the celebrations of both of Saints' recent promotions.

Nice sentiment, but considering he's not been assigned a squad number it seems he has an awful lot to do in terms of convincing the coaching staff of his worth.

That's the ticket. Not ideal but workable. Signing a striker is my only 'wish' before the end of the window. While I'd love for Mayuka to step up, it seems a bit risky to rely on it.

That Soldado transfer may get the market shifting. No credible source, but have seen a couple of snippets that we may be interested in Moussa Sow. Whether that's true or not he's the sort of player that could take us to the next level.

Agreed on it being far better with mates. At my last job there were games consoles and FIFA was a big lure at lunchtimes.

Yep, almost exclusively. Never have the same desire to win when not playing as Saints, plus I find that knowing the players makes it easier. So many rage quits when I go three up against the likes of Real Madrid and Barca! Didn't play as much of Seasons in FIFA 13 but my Saints squad on Ultimate Team remains unbeaten.

Did nothing of the sort. Read it back - in other words I said that if you're debating with a reasonable person, they'll only call you racist if you're racist. As a term it's often bandied about wantonly, causing it to lose its real impact.

At no point did I accuse you as such. You proved my point though - 'sandal wearer' and 'extreme left' seem to be the Barry Sanchez Labels of the Month.

If the person you're debating with is cogent, you'll only get called racist if you're a bit... well, y'know. You seem to like a good name call or buzzword yourself though, Barry.

Hahaha, I am no sandal wearer. I'm also no apologist looking for an exit route. I'd prefer to fix what's here, thanks. Minty's summary is very eloquent, IMO.

Ex Lion Tamer's covered it for me. By entitlement I refer to the fact that many residents of this fair isle see it as ours, ours, ours and fear their slice of the pie reducing. A relatively meagre wage by UK standards still puts me in the top 1.5% worldwide. Have I worked harder than 98.5% of the world to get to that position? Not a chance, it's almost entirely borne of circumstance. That's a ridiculous example. If you're talking about an individual illegal immigrant, the nationwide impact spread as a percentage of your wealth wouldn't even be noticeable. It's not a case of aspiring to a utopian society, rather acting with some semblance of fairness and compassion. I am not in favour of an 'open door' policy but do not believe that the options are so cut and dry as some make out. Equally if we're going to start talking about defending wealth, how as a country are we entitled to that which previous generations raped and pillaged from other nations?