NickG

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Totally agree. I can understand slagging players off for poor attitude but not for trying and not being good enough. People seem to expect him to tel MP not to pick him rather than wear the shirt with pride and try - even if at times lacking. He did seem to stay off Dyer a lot, which isn't Fox's natural game - if anything previously seemed to rush in and commit. I wonder if he was told to stay off and let him run as Dyer is most dangerous beating a player for speed rather than doing anything clever with the ball. It worried me at the game but no, in relaxed hindsight, although Dyer ran with the ball a lot did he create as many chances as he would have done with a LB coming out to meet him? Not defending his ability as clearly no Ashley Cole but not deserving of negative groans etc.

Was talking about this yesterday - who are going to be our competition in whatever mini league we end up in. Early days still but rough guess would be; mini-leagues (not in order) Man C Arsenal Spurs Man U Liverpool Chelsea Saints Everton Villa Swansea West Brom West Ham Newcastle Palace Cardiff Sunderland Hull Fulham Stoke Norwich So at moment happy if Everton, Villa, West Ham, Swansea and West Brom drop points. Could quickly change - maybe Man U will stay in our group or we will keep up with the top group. I'll be happy with wins for saints, chelsea, spurs and arsenal today, but win for us, Norwich and West Ham puts us clear in 3rd and would send me to work tomorrow smiling!

Very strange angry reactions from The9 and alpine, if enjoying this, possibly unequalled change in fortunes offends you I am sorry. The reason behind the thread was when looking at the league table grinning like an excited school boy I wondered where we had been at this stage each season. I don't expect us to finish 4th so was enjoying while it lasted. Also, I'm sure remember that you never used to see league tables until after 6 games?? I spent few minutes looking up each season, on same date, since NC. When saw the position exactly three years ago I thought it was pretty stunning and worthy of mention. We all knew we have moved on hugely since NC, but we had never reached 4th - and the three year anniversary ties in with just before we raced up the league. I doubt those sneering were aware of the comparison to three years ago on the same date. As I had looked up 1, 2 and 4 years ago thought I would include those, interested me and if no one else cares they can ignore them. So thread, OP, title were all aimed at sharing what I found surprising and something to be proud of - how a club went from bottom end of league 1 to champions league position in less than three years. I can see how some may think old news, boring stats etc but thought most would take pleasure in our success. I am at a loss as to how my OP caused the toddler tantrums but if it was inappropriate thread I apologise.

Ramsey, same age, first two seasons in prem - one goal and two goals. In his third looking amazing...considering Ramirez had a much better return in his first.... Wonder how he will do in his third!

Read the post chaps! although for interest included 4 years ago, the comment and comparison details 3 amazing years. If tedious, not sure how saints fan would think it is, ignore thread

29 September 2009. NC was settling in, we had heard talk of returning to the top and European aims. We were 4th from bottom of league 1 (21st). 9 points from 10 games, letting in 12 goals. 29 September 2010 We were 17th in league 1. 9 points from 9 games. 8 goals let in. Three years ago today, when 17th in league did anyone in football, other than NC, think that three years later we would be 4th in country?! Even if only for a day and we drop that is 3 f%£&ing amazing years! 29 September 2011 We were top of championship. 19 points from 9 games. Letting in 12 goals. 29 September 2012 We were 17th in prem. 3 points from 6 games, letting in 18 goals. 29 September 2013 We are 4th in prem. 11 points from 6 games, letting in 2 goals.

We scored twice to win 2-0 As others said, didn't take anything in, sip of offered drink, not aware of any rule breaking. Discretion comes to mind!

Starting to feel there will be disappointment if we don't finish in top 8. You do wonder whether there would be a push with January transfer window if we are in sight of Europe.

Just accept your criticism has been wrong over last 4 years, they are not amateurs, know what they are doing and are building a quality young squad - including Ramirez... ..and enjoy it!!!!

3rd after Palace game? Win Saturday and we could be 3rd, but at worst 5th *****il Sunday / Monday games)

So first game attendance down by 8 people?! Second game down by 2815 - but last season's second game was Man U, most sought after game of season, our first big game back in prem. This year's second game West Ham, probably least appealing side to watch in prem. If this causes worry try meditation

But is that trusting him more than Cork? More our depth in midfield. I agree if he continues to miss out its not working out. He does worry other teams - would have liked to have seen him against west ham. Decent scoring / assist rate but also gets a lot of free kicks in Lambert range.

Two regular criticisms from this forum: 1) we are not scoring from open play, lacking plan B, something different to unlock defences and make possession count. Turning into a team working hard but lacking creativity etc 2) Ramirez too hot and cold, scores good goals, will unlock defence, earn free kick in dangerous area, but disappears and doesn't work hard enough. Would we have done better against Sunderland and West Ham with player not as involved but provides a couple of runs on edge of box, a volley when the ball is bouncing around, a flick for Osvaldo to run onto to change the game? Personally think he is worth using more in these sorts of games, starting this weekend. He makes mistakes, wastes corners, frustrates etc but often looks the player who worries teams the most - for example, in his short appearance in a poor team performance against WBA last season, he did more in half an hour than the others in 90. I think we all are subconsciously affected by his price - good things become world class, mistakes should never be made by a player of his value. In considering the fee, we should remember its not lost money, did Bale, Walcott and any other expensive young player pay back their fee quickly? No. Much of fee is for either resale value or long term performances. Also, seemed huge fee for us, but when you see fees paid for Bale, Torres etc £12m is not the standard fee for a world star

Last season, after 11, Top Man U - 27 4th Everton - 20 8th Fulham - 16 If we are near to 20 points will be amazing start

Think this is a significant time for any rivalry. On a weekend when we won away at one of the world's most famous clubs, a victory that caused radio 5's commentator to say we could be surprise contender for champions league this season - skates lost to a team I honestly didn't even know were in the football league. Look here rarely now. Was explaining to my sons how I didn't see them as rivals until recently as they were insignificant. If they don't make play offs this season they are doomed. Support will continue to die. Community feel good factor gone. They will have no chance of rich takeover as fans won't want to sell. A nothing lower league club but fans will proudly talk about winning league before any of us were born. .ahh.bless..

Radio 5 report, 6.05, ..there's every reason to say Southampton Could be European contenders this season

Thank, yes it was total waste of time - that post was my biggest achievement of the week! Generally agree btw, they are slower but ordered two things Wednesday morning (one Amazon themselves and one from their suppliers) both free standard delivery arrived next day.

Alpine places order with a company. Most people expect that company to deliver within 7 days. Alpine says company don't know what they are doing, moans about everything to do with them but decides to stick with them. Alpine predicts delivery in 10 days. After two days there is no news on despatch. Alpine is told its early days. But he is not happy. Alpine says his order is doomed and will not arrive. The order is delivered before expectation after 5 days. Alpine says its only by luck they over achieved and won't happen again. Alpine moans about company. Alpine places another order with company. Says they haven't learnt from they mistake of last order (although unable to say what it is) Alpine places another order. Alpine predicts slower delivery than most. Company deliver quicker... The cycle repeats. Yes I am bored on course

A lot of moaning considering we are higher than a lot predicted! (I know, easier games etc. Just now think its funny that some people set pessimistic predictions each season, we do better, then they moan that it's not good enough!)

Stand by my views but you do wonder if, judging by comments from within club, whether NC has set a very high target (Europe?) This year? Still would be disappointed if not above 13th, and no reason why shouldn't be aiming 6-9th.

Agree. Clyne/ Lovren / Yoshida / Shaw VW / Schbeiderlin Lallana / Lambert / Ramirez Osvaldo Lambert in his England v Moldova role (one goal and two assists again ) Front four interchanging. WHU struggling with Ramirez's run & giving free kicks away in Lambert range.

Do you think? I don't. Tandari has 11 caps so think it shows he is more than just someone to run around. Can't remember if you go to games but I can think of several times last season when energy and speed off the bench could have helped. Often those players change games.

Only started 3 or 4 didn't he? Looked good enthusiasm, speed and energy, scored one lovely goal. Didn't jump out as being someone who would star in prem but equally didn't see enough to right him off. Those qualities are often just what's needed as a sub

Less than a goal every two months for us, hardly prolific!