positivepete

I agree. That was technically the best performance I have seen from Rickie. His first MOM from me, he must have worked really hard over the summer, his improvement was incredible, the ball used to bounce off him, his touch was great today. And how does he stay so calm in the face of so many assaults during the game.

Arriving 12th September for two weeks of kick off meetings. Catch you soon.

I am due to watch the Leicester match sitting with the home fans. My Leicester supporting mate is convinced after tonight that they will win, "after all Saints cannot carry on like this"! Here is hoping...................

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/aug/13/david-james-riots-footballers David James has more about him than most footballers

Besides the obvious Taking le Tiss, Jellyman's thrown a wobbly by Jeff Stelling is a good read, and I recently read a book on Wenger written by a French Journalist and translated into English which was very interesting.

Yes they do

You have it wrong. Punch is demanding that he is sold for £20m, he cannot bear the thought of being sold for less than a 17 year old

My son and I comment about both these things every week. How many corners are over hit?! I think with the man up debate for corners, transition is the new buzz word, so having quick players that break away from the penalty area when corners break down is the current trend, and Saints were using Chamberlain as the out ball for that last season. I assume last night that NA was using the ploy of three up top to allow more space in the area for Bart to collect. I am away so did not get to the game, be interested to hear if Bart did collect more corners last night

Jay Rodriguez with four goals tonight

Looks like the project kick-off meeting second half of September. When the dates are confirmed I will drop a note to see if we can meet (at the Moo Moo)

A shame that PFC did not have a player to sell for £15m so that they could pay the CVA on the original timescale.

Agree. If he continues improving he will be a very good player. Glad I saw him play against Bremen.

I missed it. I enjoyed the high tempo, and the fact that the ball was in play for more of the 90 minutes than will be the case now.

http://stats.football365.com/dom/ENG/D1/overview.html This site keeps good stats and sequences. I am sure if you dig around you can find those from last season

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/championship/8686416/Henry-Winter-short-sighted-football-Leagues-are-shooting-themselves-in-the-foot.html Henry Winter reports from Forest about the press dispute...."After a 40-minute queue, I bought a ticket (£25 with a £2 administration fee)". So clearly we are not the only ones

The improvement under Adkins that started last season has continued through pre-season. We are far better organised now, with much better shape, and have really improved when we do not have the ball. This foundation clearly allows our creative players to shine. The team spirit is also clearly there, so I will be happy if the only the players who fit into this team ethic are the ones we sign. Well chuffed with the match today, but I will wait for 10 games when the table settles down to see who are the weak and the strong teams.

Not a lot pace up front, especially having sold DJC

He under estimates Middlesbrough, who will be contenders this season.

Still negotiating move, but starting to plan details. I have been advised to sort out a bank account before I leave the UK. Which banks are decent in Brisbane? Cheers

Thanks for the tips. The kids are grown up, leaving them behind. Contract award made today, just waiting for the dates now. I will let you know as soon as the dates are confirmed. Not sure where the office will be yet. Looking forward to my first drink at the Moo Moo

Hi upsidedownsaint Not sure yet. Anytime from the end of September. Still waiting for contracts to be signed. That will leave me a few matches to catch before I leave my seat in the Kingsland empty for the rest of the season!

Not wishing to be a pedant but you will not get an answer from an Athletic Blibao fan, they hate being called Athletic(o). Which game? They wore 1-11 in both games with different teams.

Calling all Brisbane Saints! You may have a new member joining soon. Hoping to tie up a deal for about 18 months work in Brisbane starting later this year. All local information on apartments, local living costs etc. greatly received! When confirmed I am happy to take orders from the club shop to bring out with me.

It was fine except for the temperature. Far better than the rubbish we have been sold as "bitter" up to this point.

Pretty unfair, it is hard to look good when you dont have the ball. Bilbao were twice the team Bremen were. Would have been interesting seeing the first half team play Bilbao. Good day, enjoyed the format, we did indeed play some good football in the first game. Who was the big sub in the second match? Looked like a centre half.