Saint Charlie

Gallagher isn't ready to make an impact in PL football. We hugely missed the runs Jay makes, Lallana, Lambert and Ramirez are all good, but occupy similar positions, and today we really lacked any threat in behind. Going to have to get some more attacking players in the summer.

A couple. But his saves to shots ratio over a decent number of matches shows he isn't good enough at the moment. He doesn't dive with any conviction and makes poor decisions. He might be a good keeper in a few years but needs to play every week and learn his game.

Ramirez has to start today if anywhere near fit. Will be frustrating if Lallana and Lambert are the only genuine attackers in the starting XI.

If only it worked like that.

His comments are good. Echoes the thoughts of all the sensible fans that recognise MP has transformed the team. End of the day, if the new regime let him go then it will have been a disasterous start, regardless of any seemingly encouraging off field openness, away ticket offers and upheld complaints re Newcastle tickets.

Wages wouldn't be the issue. Ambition would be what he is concerned about. If he feels the tools he is handed for next season are not as good as what he has had this season then it would be understandable for him to leave.

Worth considering for balance that MP has said already they have begun preparation for next season, and as he clearly reminds people every week, he does have another year on his contract. If he wants to stay in the PL, then he doesnt have that many options...it would be tough for him to walk away from Saints and the setup we have, although obviously Spurs may be an attraction if they really want him. But he won't be joining Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Everton, Arsenal, Man Utd this summer, so if he wants to stay in the PL it would surely be either Saints or Spurs. Hopefully they will announce Van Gaal soon and then we can be more confident. Also - the chat from the players is towards the club to get it sorted. Not towards Pochettino to beg him to stay.

Good bonding exercise for Ralph and the lads.

Interesting quotes from him today via Simon Peach: Pochettino: "#THFC still have a manager, I still have one more year on my contract, I don't talk about rumours and I'm focused on this job" Pochettino: "I said back in January that at the end of the season I'll be speaking to the club. The possibilities are open" #SaintsFC #THFC Interestingly, when asked if his long-term future was in the Premier League, Pochettino said: "Yes, yes, yes" Pochettino: "I'd like to be in the Premier League, it is the best league in the world, & I'd like to be here as long as I can" Seeing as there are unlikely to be any better PL jobs than Saints coming up this season other than at Spurs, and that MP wants to stay in the PL - is it almost a clear choice (if offered to him) between the two clubs? Therefore, if Van Gaal does join Spurs as is widely tipped, would it be a signal that MP is pretty much nailed on to stay? Obviously some brinkmanship from MP, and keeping his options open - but it rules out all these stories about foreign clubs, which is interesting. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mauricio-pochettino-coy-over-possible-switch-to-become-tottenham-manager-saying-the-possibilities-are-open-9254164.html

When they need to be assessed they usually are out. But not always. Ramirez always seems to pick up knocks at the times when he would be most useful.

Pretty sure there is also a sighting of Guillermo Ruiz-Ramirez in the gallery which is interesting. At least there is someone I haven't seen before who looks Mexican.

Mentioned in the Star this morning.

Stoke's stripe effort is horrible. As have been their last few home shirts.

Our outfield team will beat Cardiff but goalkeeping situation is a big concern.

Guillermo Ruiz-Ramirez to be added.

Probably has a Spanish passport or something to enable him to come over.

Probably true then.

Seen some stuff on Twitter about him, attacking player who apparantly was a street player when Chivas found him recently. Shows how far the net is cast to be honest, which can't be a bad thing.

Some excellent PL wide breakdowns can be found here: https://mobile.twitter.com/SwissRamble Interesting reading. Our matchday income is fairly competitive but Commercial is woeful.

Isn' t that what ITKs do? Same as a decent journo would.

Team lineups and injury news.

Would be great if they came up, they certainly have momentum and some decent players.

Its Lambert and Davis. Anyway, surely Llana is better?

Boruc should be in the top 3.

Wonder how this affects his contract talks. Potentially he will only have a year and a half left when he returns which is not ideal.