There when Franny scored

Good article on him here - http://readsouthampton.com/2017/01/17/scouting-report-manolo-gabbiadini/

Lovely post. Well done.

Nyom - as clear a second yellow as you will see. Robson Kanu - clear straight red (raised arm and contact, not that that's necessary). Must have seen it as he booked him. VvD - should'v been straight red.

Very good post. A microcosm of what is wrong with this country at the moment; a popularism that embraces the notion that those who don't have the relevant qualifications or experience know better than those that do.

PROBABILI FORMAZIONI Inter (4-2-3-1): Handanovic; Nagatomo, Miranda, Murillo, Santon; Gnoukouri, Medel; Candreva, Brozovic, Eder; Icardi

I only saw the second half (on TV) and thought Pelle was sensational. Skrtel didn't know what day of the week it was. Out of interest, did anyone else see that he was welling-up when he was celebrating after his goal? Maybe it was linked to that forearm smash he got from Sakho? Anyway, he plays much better when he's fired-up. The stick he gets from our fans is baffling. Lambert was just as inconsistent.

I don't think you've made a tw*t of yourself at all as lots of people have formed the same view so maybe there was something in it. Myself, I haven't actually seen anything that indicates he had a questionable attitude. I have a vague memory of him having an extended period in Uruguay, but I understood that was on compassionate grounds? I agree with you entirely that he suits the 10 role with 2 people covering, but that is what is so frustrating. We had arguably the two best defensive midfield players in the Prem in Wanyama and Schneiderlin. He would have been well suited to playing in front of them and at times under Koeman we have been crying out for some sort of creativity. I accept that he hasn't really done it in the limited opportunities he has had. My complaint is that I think we suffer from such a lack of creativity that it must have been worth giving him an extended run in the number 10 position during one of several barren spells. We are strong enough defensively to be able to take a few more risks, but Koeman (as much as I like him) is the most risk averse manager I have known. I accept that is not necessarily a bad thing where the Prem is now only about results and money. It is just not my idea of football. Gaston is such a divisive figure on this forum precisely because he is the embodiment of this dichotomy.

Nothing in that article questions his attitude or implies his injuries are not genuine. It just says he's had a lot of injuries.

I agree with the sentiment of this. I can't recall Ramirez having a decent run of games in the number 10 position under anyone except Adkins when he did reasonably well. Poch didn't like him because he isn't particularly suitable for high-press, constant high-tempo football. Koeman doesn't like him because he is obsessed with defensive organisation and maintaining defensive shape. Lucky Poch and Koeman weren't in charge when Le Tiss was around as he wouldn't have got a run of games in a free role either. Could someone point my in the direction of the statement by the club that questions Ramirez's attitude / feigning injury etc.? I can only find the below quotes, one of which appears to directly contradict such alleged statements: Daily Mail, 20 January 2016 - 'The situation with Gaston is different to our other players because he is ending his contract,' he said. 'He is not in the plans for the future of the club.' Reuters, 28 October 2015 - "I was always positive about his individual qualities as a player," Koeman told the club's website (http://www.saintsfc.co.uk). "Sometimes I had my doubts about his physical (ability) in the Premier League because a lot of time he had injuries -- he was on loan to Hull City last year because it was difficult. "What I like from Gaston is, with all that kind of problems and with not a lot of opportunities, he was always working hard. He was always a very good professional. "That's important and then I am the first to give him that chance to play, that opportunity, if he is okay." Sky Sports, 25 September 2015 (in the context of giving Ramirez another opportunity "He played more from the right and then he can go in. That's the freedom that every attacker, every forward, needs. "But, in my opinion, he took too much freedom and then it is difficult for your organisation in the team."

You will enjoy this dated December 2014 - http://thepremierleagueowl.com/tim-sherwood-the-invention-of-value/

The last four games are the worst performances I can remember from us in years. I don't think it's a lack of fight at all; I just think we are woefully short of quality. We have been desperately let down in the transfer market and tactically by Koeman over the two legs. Martina, Targett, Yoshida and Ward-Prowse are not Premier League players. Fonte, Davis, Tadic and Rodriguez are totally off form. Why pick 8 defensive outfield players for a match in which we must score. Abysmal.

Interesting that Koeman has said we will go more direct to Pelle. Their manager also thought that's when we were at our most dangerous and he will play a high line to counter that. Let's hope Mane is fit! Jess Thorup keys to the central Jutland success • FC Midtjylland should above all have the courage to stick with it when you have it. Thorup expect periods a large Southampton pressure and FCM must break it up, do not lose the ball quickly. • Jess Thorup expects FC Midtjylland be up to score to progress, although it was 1-1 in England. Therefore, FC Midtjylland create more aggressively than we did in the first leg. • FC Midtjylland will play a higher defensive line than in England. Thorup felt that Southampton was dangerous when they hit the ball directly to Pelle. If guests again choose the solution, they are forced to do it further down on the pitch. http://jyllands-posten.dk/sport/ECE7968267/En-Southampton-skalp-kan-holde-FCM-profiler-p%C3%A5-heden/ By training before one of the biggest European games for FC Midtjylland's story was just doubt Erik Sviatchenko. Vice captain suffered a thigh injury against Esbjerg on weekends. But both he and Kristian Bak according Jess Thorup able to play tonight's match.

Yes, perhaps I've been unfair and it is so early to judge. Just based on the first two league games, I feel he's looked a bit shaky and is not quite as commanding as FF.

Also, I have to say that I'm very much in the glass half empty camp when it comes to JWP. I'm amazed to see him leading the MOTM poll. I don't know what his position is supposed to be or what he offers except a great attitude and excellent set pieces. He was fine tonight, like Targett, but neither are capable of performing at a high level in the PL over the course of a season. Personally, I'd be much happier to see JWP leave on loan that Reed.

I think our recruitment has been really suspect this summer. Still very early days but the signs aren't good. Feels like we've replaced quality with numbers - Cedric and Martina are a case in point. I think we are weaker at GK, RB, CB and CM. To me, it looks like half the team aren't good enough and the ones that are are not on great form. I'm astonished that Koeman is only going to sign one CB before the window closes. It's not always about money but we've been too conservative with our targets this season. A long season ahead I feel.

Strangely also follows Tim Sparv. Got to be some conspiracy in there.

The whole team are at the airport. That is a hell of a welcome for a new transfer! Must be someone decent.

Chris Rann ‏@crstig · 23 mins23 minutes ago Just seen Ronald Koeman at Southampton airport, looked like he was heading to Holland. Incoming Transfer? #saintsfc

And Gallagher?

Any idea why no Ramirez today?

Did he not travel to Holland?

Thanks for your input. It's nice not having to try to work out "Google Translate"!

I'm afraid I don't know any more CC. Here is the link to the full interview, but you have to subscribe to the premium service (and be able to read Portuguese). http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Internacional/inglaterra/interior_premium.aspx?content_id=961157

Alex Goring Crook ‏@alex_crook · 1 hr1 hour ago Interesting quotes from #saintsfc captain Jose Fonte in the Portuguese media saying club are close to 'two or thee quality signings.'

Think Marko Jovanovic of Wisla Krakow is one we have been looking at.