Brussels Saint

Interesting that season tickets are not on sale for another month. I thought initially it may be due to building some enthusiasm through expected signings, but effectively that will happen anyway even if you could purchase it right away. Therefore it's obviously in the clubs business plan to limit season tickets due to having a very short availability period. Any existing holder will be able to renew in the timeframe and there are clearly some good things in there (instalment plan etc.) for the loyal fan, though the price rise is expected. It does seem though they are not actively encouraging new holders. Its a good model and makes sense financially, but is based almost entirely on success. The club will know the missing 10000 are out there and will return if we are winning, but if we are struggling it would backfire. Conclusion - NC is about to get his chequebook out. Jack Cork for starters please, then a foreign forward we have never heard of who is as good as Marian and finally a CB who looks menacing.

Fast Show.............

Seems the season tickets are "going the distance".............see what I did there?

A midfield of: Lallana, Morgan, Cork, OXO would be fantastic if we could keep it together for next year. Some might say a bit too lightweight and likely to be muscled out of it by Championship sluggers, but I'm not sure I would agree. Morgan is substantially tougher these days and Cork has matured as well. Unfortunately, the Cork rumour is unlikely to true, as generally we never find out these days who we are signing!

Spent the first 18 years of my life in Cornwall and fully agree it's a magical place. Still get back occasionally to visit my sister in Falmouth. Once counted they had 9 pasty shops on the high street. Outstanding!

Even based on the current squad, I think thats just a touch pessimistic and would guess 8th or 9th. The quality of the 2 or 3 additions hinted at by NA will be the biggest indicator IMO, of the likely finish. Also based on those signings, I think will give us a good idea of the ambition (and possible Liebherr estate willingness to invest) for next season. Even if we don't invest that much, I would not necessarily automatically assume it means there is no money or the family are disinterested in Markus' vision. It's possible from a business perspective they would want to give it a season to see if we have enough already and if this proves not to be the case, heavy team investment next summer.

I think the emotions on the faces of fans when their club gets relegated from the Prem tells you all you need to know about what it means to be there. You don't get many saying "goody 20 quid less a ticket and away at Doncaster will be an attractive fixture" Southampton is a top division club, it's where we should always aim to be.

It also seems that some of their regulars have made a breakaway to a new forum called IBO. I read the UI about once a month and although we sometimes complain about this place, spending a few moments on there, makes you realise how good this forum actually is. Why anyone would prefer the UI to SWF is beyond me.

Theirry raicon anyone? Been released from charlton it seems.

Brussels is a great city to visit, and with all the above in relation to beer, restaurants, museums, architecture, dirt and grey probably true. If you visit just as a tourist, you could get unlucky and see a lot of the rubbish side. However with a bit of local knowledge you will love it. If you still decide to go and want sone local info just let me know what you would like to do and roughly your budget and I'll give you some ideas.

I know most people complain about Forecast, but personally I dont see the problem. Yes, he's crap, but isn't that the point of the 3rd choice keeper. I dont think any of the youngsters (Dovey i think?) are ready to step up yet and until thats the case keep him. Most people seem to moan at Forecast for Lowe's mistake of cashing in Bales sell-on clause for him. Not really his fault and as we need a crap 3rd choice keeper he seems to fit the job perfectly! Key member of the squad!

Connolly - No. Most of it has already been said, time to move on. Jaidi - Yes. One year deal, brings a lot and would still be a useful option. NA seems to really like him. Martin - Yes One for the future definitely. Harding - For me yes, but I think this one is going to be the shock. I think he might get released as we bring Mills back. I have a hunch Nige does not rate him that highly, nothing specific just a general feeling I can't quite put my finger on. Butters - I'm undecided on this one. If we bring in a quality replacement I would be tempted to release. Gobern - No, Yes, No, Yes, No.........................just about yes, as young enough to make the required improvement.

Posted on the promotion thread......... Yes they were! I was stood right behind the exec area during the pitch invasion. They stayed and watched the whole thing with NC, NA and the players. The atmosphere and emotion down on the pitch in front of us was truly amazing. One Marcus liebherr chant at the end was superb and would have hit home. They all looked very happy and a bit shocked (in a good way) at what was happening in front of us. Perfect atmosphere and pitch invasion. My favourite moment- NC's son lifting the trophy and getting massive cheers from the crowd.

Yes they were! I was stood right behind the exec area during the pitch invasion. They stayed and watched the whole thing with NC, NA and the players. The atmosphere and emotion down on the pitch in front of us was truly amazing. One Marcus liebherr chant at the end was superb and would have hit home. They all looked very happy and a bit shocked (in a good way) at what was happening in front of us. Perfect atmosphere and pitch invasion. My favourite moment- NC's son lifting the trophy and getting massive cheers from the crowd.

SaintJay, you don't need a paypal account, it just uses their system so you can pay by credit card. That's what I did anyway!

As others mentioned, I think it was positioned as the current squad wanting to give something back to the fans for free.

Thanks Mike this is a great job. Donation made.

Leave Brussels at 15.00 with Missus, driving towards Tunnel on Fri. Swear at a few inept Belgian drivers. Swear at a few French drivers for doing that thing in the fast lane with their indicator. Swear at a few British drivers who give me dirty looks, as I've been on the continent so long I've naturally forgotten how to indicate at roundabouts. Arrive in Southampton hopefully around 9 for a few pints at the White Star Tavern where I'm staying. Bosh missus as am in a good mood already waiting for the next day. Lazy morning followed by happy walk to the ground randomly hugging other Saints fans. Clean up bloody nose due to randomly hugging other less tactile Saints fans. Get in to hospitality area for free booze and light hearted banter with other punters wearing "slacks". Watch game in a misty eyed, soft focus state. Probably get slightly more than Misty eyed during renditions of One Marcus Liebherr and Glory Glory Marcus Liebherr? Find a few season ticket holders and Josh with them about being a Glory Hunter. Get knee-ed in the nuts for using the word Josh. Save face by saying FFS, proving I'm no Rupes clone. Back inside for some Stilton. Yum! Leave ground in search of some suitable evening Boozers Back to B&B. Attempt to Bosh missus again, but let's face it after boozing all day it's not likely to be successful. Wake up, check nose and nuts, find I have hangover but am deliriously happy. Can't Wait!!!!!!

Cant wait for Saturday now.................Brilliant atmosphere, lots of happy smiling people, random hugging etc......

I love the Saints! Simple as that.

45 mins, not much to ask now is it.................come on, I believe in this team..................

No bank holiday in Brussels today. Wonder if my secretary will mind if I have a small accident in my seat at work........... COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was underwhelmed initially at his appointment, but hopeful it was the right choice. On that basis, its "so far so good", however I agree with those that say next seasons perfomance is where we should really judge. Promotion (and god help us, lets hope we don't eff it up now) was the bare minimum with the resources at his disposal. As some have mentioned the signs do look positive (ability to adapt during a game and his teams resolute mental toughness). Also I think we may actually find it easier next year than this.

Its going to be an expat festival at this game. Tim also going I noticed and I've had my tickets booked for a while.

This for me is the big one to finish it off. Win here and we get a free trip to Plymouth. Lose and we will likely have to beat Plymouth, which won't be easy. A win this Sat and its all over.