Minsk

Sorry guys, another double update: Match Day 27 - home to Liverpool - lost 0-2 Match Day Comparison Last season we lost Match Day 27 (2-1) away to Spurs. No change in points keeps us at a..... 9 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we drew at home to Liverpool, 0-0. One more point dropped outs us at a..... 16 point deficit Match Day 28 - away to Burnley - drew 1-1 Match Day Comparison Last season we drew Match Day 28 (0-0) at home to Bournemouth. No change again means we remain at a...... 9 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we lost (1-0) away to Burnley. Two points gained moves us up to a..... 14 point deficit Next up, today, is Match Day 29 at home to Stoke. Last season we won Match Day 29 (3-1) at home to Crystal Palace; whilst our home match against Stoke was a last day of season defeat, by a goal to nil. Needless to say, with Stoke being one of the few teams below us, we desperately need a repeat of last season's Match Day result and to avoid, at all costs, the Match by Match one! COYS

Even the site you have quoted lists him as an 'Attacking Midfielder (left)' I am not saying he is who we should go for, nor that we shouldn't go for better. But he does seem to be more of a Walcott/Promes back-up than another out and out striker. Also his stats are better than Glasgow was alluding to (surprise, surprise - reducing goals scored, increasing games played, ignoring other matches - including the fact he has scored for two national teams; a feat that not many have ever achieved!) So my dig that Glasgow bends facts/stats purely to have a pop at Saints at every opportunity stands. Which is a shame, because he is capable of being a decent poster.... on some rare occasions. Name: Saman GhoddosCurrent Team: Oestersunds FKShirt Number: 93Positions: Attacking Midfielder (Left) Forward Age: 24 years old (03-11-1993)Height: 176cmWeight: 75kgNationality: Iran

Unlike you to be economical with the truth in order to bash the club Glasgow. It's actually 37 goals in 161 (relatively poor level) league appearances; 53 goals in 191 domestic matches + 2 international goals (1 for Sweden (in 2 int apps) and 1 for Iran (in 4 int apps). Plus, he is more of an attacking midfielder/winger than an out and out striker. Most likely we will state we are in for him when Promes signs for someone else (like Everton, for example).

Too modest, leaving yourself off of that list.........

vab Dijk was not replaced by Hoedt. We were told so when he signed. They categorically stated Hoedt was signed to play alongside VvD, not as a replacement for him. I disagree that he is improving. Yes, the last two team selections (starting 11) have been better than the previous 25 matches, but his in game tactics and substitutions are still as baffling as ever. 10 minutes to go, losing 2-0 at home, do you: a. bring on a striker? b. bring on a defensive midfielder? as just one example. Thanks for at least offering up something other than, 'I think he is improving' and 'we will only replace him with someone worse' as a reason for voting keep. However, you admit that you think he is out of his depth! A question for you, do you think he will keep us up? Also, as others have said, we only need a short term replacement for now. We don't HAVE to appoint anyone long term; plus, when he takes us down it will be even harder to bring in a manager of any quality. I think this is top quality Trolling. However, if not: If you are the average fan God help us all!! Did you back Branfoot? Maybe you did, or maybe you are too young; whichever, this guy is worse. I agree supporters should support the team during matches, but only an idiot blindly follows and accepts anything without raising questions and concerns. Spot on! Absolutely this. I am extremely inclined to believe this. He should have gone after Leicester. It is quite obvious that Reed has no intentions of firing him, as that would an admission of his (Reed's) own failure. Scarily. I am not even sure he will be sacked if we go down! So, you admit that we might not get a win for a month or two; yet you still voted to keep him!? How many wins are you expecting us to have by the end of the season?

Match Day 26 - away to WBA - won 2-3 Finally, a win! Our 5th of the season and so badly needed. Match Day Comparison Last season we also won Match Day 26 away from home. On that occasion it was a 3-4 scoreline at Watford. Our points stay at a.... 9 point deficit Match by Match Comparison It seems we like to play at the Hawthorns, as we also won there last season but that time by a single goal to nil. Again, no change to points deficit which remains at a........... 15 point deficit It would be great to now go on a winning run, especially as next up on Match Day 27 is the return of about about half-a-dozen ex-Saints with Liverpool. Last season we lost Match Day 27 (2-1) away to Tottenham; whilst our home league match against Liverpool last season resulted in a 0-0 draw. To be honest, right now, I would be over the moon if we got a 0-0 draw tomorrow. But, whatever happens, I just want us to remain out of the bottom three going into Match Day 28 (and, even more importantly, at least 4 points off of the bottom three going into Match Day 38!) COYS!

Fully agree. Last season I was comparing our points to the highest we had ever attained in the premier league. This season I am comparing them to 46! Yet this season is reading very much like the last one in terms of points deficit. At least I won't have to do this next year if, as seems likely, we will be playing in the Championship. Anyway, as I'm here, time to get depressed again........ Match Day 25 - Home to Brighton - drew 1-1 Match Day Comparison Last season we won Match Day 25, by an amazing four goals to nil (yes, there was once a time when we could score four goals in a single match) away to Sunderland. Two dropped points gives us a..... 9 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we beat the team Brighton replaced in the Prem (Middlesboro) 1-0. Two points dropped here moves us down to a.... 15 point deficit As things stand, given these deficits, it seems we are on target to end the season with a points total somewhere between 31 and 37. Yet this is not enough cause for concern for our board to replace the inept manager; nor, indeed, to sign the pacy, goal-scoring, forward/winger we desperately needed to bring in. Any how, I digress...... Next up, tomorrow, is Match Day 26 and a trip to the Hawthorns to play bottom of the table West Brom. Last season Match Day 26 was the 4-3 win away to Watford. Our visit to the Hawthorns last season also resulted in an away win for us, 1-0. I know I said it before the last match but this time it is even more important, we desperately need to win this one. Personally, I think it will be another 1-1. A loss by two or more goals could see us bottom of the table (especially given Swansea's last two results).

Just realized that I hadn't updated this since the Spurs match, 10 long days ago. At least updating it now will take my mind away from the usual transfer window farce for a few minutes...... Match Day 24 - home to Spurs - drew 1-1 Match Day Comparison Last season we lost Match Day 24, by a 3-1 scoreline, at home to West Ham. Another point pulled back puts us at a...... 7 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we Spurs beat us 4-1 at St. Mary's. So a point clawed back here too gives us a...... 13 point deficit Next up, in just over an hour, is a crucial home match against Brighton on Match Day 25. For purposes of the Match by Match Comparison I have substituted them with our results against Middlesboro last season. Last season we won Match Day 25, 4-0, away to Sunderland; whilst our home match against 'boro saw us win by a single goal to nil. We certainly need a win tonight, whether that is 1-0, 4-0, or anything in between, just give us the 3 points. PLEASE!!!!! COYS

I see Swansea are close to resigning Andre Ayew; paving the way for us to bring Nathan Dyer back??

I called it.....

What I want: home to Hull, Coventry or Millwall/Rochdale (possibly Brum City) What I REALLY want to avoid: away (or home to that matter) to either Manchester team, Chelsea or Spurs (if we have to get one of them I would prefer the latter) What I expect (barring away to one of the above): given our next couple of matches - Brighton or WBA Thinking about it (but not wanting it) a home tie against Leicester could be interesting........

I think it is more a case of many fans getting frustrated because sold (arguably) our best player even before the window opened, with the club telling us that they know we need reinforcements and they would be incoming. Yet, more than three weeks later, all that has happened (in regard to actual signings) is that we have loaned one more out and seen the club's stated number one target go elsewhere. Strange how this hasn't stopped many other clubs from making signings......... Or, at least, do away with the January transfer window. All signings should be done before the season commences (as it will be from next season) and you have to make do with that squad until the season ends. If a star player gets injured and will be out for months, live with it, use your squad, promote the youth players, etc. Maybe clubs should be banned from appointing new managers/coaching staff during the season too? Of course they should be judged on 1st February; just as they, and probably the manager, should only be judged at the end of the season. But part of being a football fan is to criticize the managers, players, directors and owners, as well as refs and their assistants, other fans, etc, etc. However, as I mentioned above, I think the main point of frustration right now is that: VvD was sold (more or less) before the window had opened; the club keep telling us they know we need to strengthen the attack, yet three weeks later nothing has happened; almost everyone remembers what a clusterfluk the board made of the transfer window twelve months ago (and, it could be argued, this and the previous summer too). Do you not see any similarities between this January and the last? Admittedly, Fonte was sold later in the window than VvD was (on 20th January) but then, as now, we were desperately short in attack the entire month before eventually bringing Gabbi in on deadline day - despite having been linked with him virtually the entire month. I am certain that his services could have been acquired earlier, for a little bit more shilling. Is it any wonder that many are now expecting our only signing to be Carrillo on deadline day? I am generally one of the happy clappers. Even in 2005 I was sure we would stay up. This time around I will be surprised if we do; and there is a feeling of certain people playing the fiddle whilst our premier league status burns away around us........ I hope that feeling proves to be baseless come February 1st and, more importantly, May 14th.

Okay, it's match day again and, once more, I haven't updated this for the previous fixture. So, let's have a look at how bad things are now - not that this thread is required for that, given we are now in the relegation zone............. Match Day 23 - away to Watford - drew 2-2 I am actually still seething that we were denied a win by a last minute punched goal by the cheating c**t Doucoure, and that he has gone completely unpunished for doing so (I know the reason he has gone punished is because there is nothing in the rules for retrospective punishment for handling the ball into the net, but still........) Match Day Comparison Last season we lost Match Day 23 (2-1) away to Swansea. One point gained puts us at an...... 8 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we won 4-3 away to Watford (which have been 4-2 had it not been for another last minute goal by Doucoure) so 3 points dropped. This puts us an awful..... 14 point deficit Next up, as we are all well aware, is Match Day 24 at home to the north London yobbos. Last season we lost Match Day 24 (1-3) at home to West Ham; whilst Tottenham went one better than The Irons, beating us 4-1 at St Mary's. On the one hand, that doesn't help install any confidence for today's match, on the other hand, at least our points deficit can't be any worse afterwards; and, there is always the outside chance that it could be better........... Come On You Saints

Excuse my scepticism but I will only believe we are in for, and have any chance of getting, Promes when the ink is dry on the contract and he is running out on the pitch in a Saints shirt. Would love it to happen but, right now, seems like more smoke to me....... (or, at least, someone has been smoking something...)

Well said. Spot on!

This... And most certainly this! This thought also crossed my mind. To be honest, I really wouldn't be surprised if we did.

I think you could add: Austin Classie Redmond I also think that PEH, Hoedt and JWP could stay, possibly Lemina too. And that we would probably offer Pied a new contract if we went down. Also, I think Forster would go - probably to one of the promoted teams.

Match Day 22 - Home to Crystal Palace - lost 1-2 Match Day Comparison Last season we won Match Day 22 (3-0) at home to then champions Leicester. Three dropped points moves us to a.... 9 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we beat Crystal Palace at St. Mary's (3-1). Three dropped points here puts us, for the first time this season, in double digit deficit territory with an... 11 point deficit That's an ELEVEN point deficit compared to last season's total of 46! Doesn't look good does it? Anyway, next up on Match Day 23 is a trip up to Watford. Last season we lost Match Day 23 (2-1) away to Swansea; whilst our match away at Watford ended in a thrilling 4-3 victory (thanks to strikes from Dusan Tadic, Manolo Gabbiadini and a brace from Nathan Redmond). Please, please, please give us a win today Saints. COYS

Ooopps, too much working, travelling and partying has made me somewhat remiss with updating this thread - to the tune of 4 matches; and that will become 5 after this evening. So, here goes: Match Day 18 - away to Chelsea - lost 1-0 Match Day Comparison Last season we lost Match Day 18 - 4-1 - at home to Spurs. No change in overall points means we remained at an..... 8 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we lost 4-2 away at Chelsea. So, whilst this result was an improvement the points difference remains the same at a...... 9 point deficit Match Day 19 - Home to Huddersfield - drew 1-1 Match Day Comparison Last season we lost Match Day 19 (1-2) at home to WBA. A point gained here moved us up to a mere..... 7 point deficit Match by Match Comparison As the team that come up via the play-off, I am comparing Huddersfield results with those of the team who came bottom last season - Sunderland. Last season we drew 1-1 at home to Sunderland in the league. No change means we still remained at a.... 9 point deficit Match Day 20 - away to Tottenham - lost 5-2 Match Day Comparison Last season we also lost Match Day 20, on that occasion 3-0 away to Everton. No change kept us at a.... 7 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we were beaten by Spurs at WHL by 2-1. So again no change in points..... 9 point deficit Match Day 21 - away to Man Utd - drew 0-0 Match Day Comparison Last season we lost Match Day 21 - 1-0 - away to Burnley. One point gained puts us at a...... 6 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we lost away to Man Utd, 2-0. A point gained here moves us to an..... 8 point deficit So, after having not updated this for 4 matches, matches which we drew 2 and lost 2, amazingly we have improved both our respective points deficits - 2 better (at -6) for the Match Day Comparison and 1 better (at - for the Match by Match Comparison. Of course this means we are currently on track to end the season on 40/38 points respectively (if no change in how the other matches went comes to pass). We desperately need a win, and soon!! Next up, this evening, is Match Day 22 at home to Crystal Palace. Last season we won Match Day 22, 3-0, at home to Leicester; we also won our home match against Palace, 3-1. That was on 5th April, and those were the last goals we scored at home last season (but shouldn't have been given the chances created and penalties missed). Needless to say, we need to match last season's wins tonight if we want to have any chance of even coming close to attaining last season's points total - of 46. COYS

I haven't had time to check everywhere to see if this has been mentioned at all, but I just compared Wednesday's starting 11s to those of last season;s home match against Leicester (in which Puel led us to a 3-0 victory): For us there were 4 changes: Lemina (who many believe to be our best performer so far this season) vice PEH = upgrade Davis vice Ward-Prowse (who many on here vilify) = upgrade Boufal vice Redmond (who many on here vilify) = upgrade Austin (our top scorer) vice JRod (who has hardly set the world alight since his injury) = upragde On paper, a better team this time around. For Leicester, 4 changes: King vice Drinkwater (now at Chelsea) = downgrade Chilwell vice Mendy = about the same or slight downgrade Maguire vice Huth = upgrade Mahrez vice Gray = upgrade On paper, slightly better than last season. So, was the transformation from 3-0 winners to 4-1 losers down to the players or the managers???

Well, it's that time of the year, a very busy schedule for both myself and Saints. So here is another double update: Match Day 16 - home to Arsenal - drew 1-1 Last season we also drew Match Day 16; except then it was 0-0 away to Stoke. No change in points means we remain at a..... 5 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we lost at home to Arsenal, by two goals to nil. A point clawed back(!) means we move up to just a..... 6 point deficit (got there in the end Tony F ) Match Day 17 - home to Leicester - lost 1-4 Absolutely the worst Saints performance I have witnessed for many a year, and that is saying something given the dross we have been served thus far this season! Anyway.......... Match Day Comparison Last season we won Match Day 17, 3-1 away to Bournemouth. A further three points dropped gives us an...... 8 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we beat Leicester at St. Mary's 3-0. These three dropped points means we now have a...... 9 point deficit For all those still saying Pellegrino should stay and those who refuse to believe we are in any danger of relegation (especially, in both cases, those who wanted Puel sacked for ONLY achieving 46 points last season): If, from now on, we match last season's results we will finish on 37/38 points; if we continue to slip away at the same pace we have so far we will end the season on around 28/30 points! Whilst I don't think the latter will happen, there is a distinct possibility of the former, unless something drastically turns around - and quickly! Next up is a (relatively) short trip to the champions at Stamford Bridge, for Match Day 18. Last season we lost Match Day 18, by that 4-1 scoreline, at home to Spurs (of course, who were also led by an ex-manager); whilst our away trip to Chelsea was marginally better, a 4-2 defeat. On the bright side, our points deficit can't get any worse after this match; and, if a minor miracle happens, could get better. COYS

My parents used to post them to me when I lived in Gibraltar in the early-mid eighties. I remember reading that I had scored a hat-trick (in a local league match) one week. Pretty good good going from Gib! (A team I had played for, and did so again upon my return, kept registering me every year and used my name for 'trialists'/'guest' players. Not exactly legal but hey-ho. )

because their players keep missing sitters and penalties.....

Well spotted. You are quite correct. Match by Match we are 7 points worse off than last season. Obviously, this means that if all results from now on equal those of last season we will finish on 39 points!

Sorry guys, I've been on the road - time for a double update: Match Day 14 - away to Man City - lost 2-1 Despite an amazing performance by the entire team we went down to a last minute, almost last second, goal. Heartbreaking. Match Day Comparison Last season we also lost Match Day 14 (3-0) away to Palace. Therefore, we remain at a..... 1 point deficit Match by Match Comparison We so nearly matched last season's result of a 1-1 draw at the Etihad. However, one point dropped gives us a..... 5 point deficit Match Day 15 - away to Bournemouth - drew 1-1 Match Day Comparison Last season we won Match Day 15 (1-0) at home to Middlesbrough. Two dropped points puts at a...... 3 point deficit Match by Match Comparison Last season we won, 3-1, away to Bournemouth. Another two dropped points gives us a.... 6 point deficit As we can see, despite a few more promising performances, we are now steadily falling further and further behind last season's points total. The points total that many used as justification for Puel being sacked...... Next up, on Sunday, is Match Day 16 at home to Arsenal. Last season we drew Match Day 16 (0-0) away to Stoke; whilst our home (league) match against Arsenal saw us beaten by two goals to nil. What is interesting to note is that this season we have won 4 matches. Between both the 1st and 2nd wins, and the 2nd and 3rd wins, there were 3 matches - 1 was drawn and 2 were lost. Thus far, after our 3rd win, we have had 1 draw and 1 loss. If the pattern holds to form we will lose on Sunday but win our following match - the return of a certain Mr Puel and his Leicester side......