derry

I have just spoken to the ticket office, selling really well, not many seats in the Itchen left. Estimated capacity without the three corners about 28k to 29k. As of yet the corners not being sold, but they are expecting a good crowd.

Personally, I like the football they are trying to play. In the financial situation, we are seeing an attempt to play good football, within an affordable scenario. I expect an unpredictable rollercoaster of results this season. I want to see more of the football I've seen already, having said that, whilst the season depends on results, I happen to think that the way we play, is the most important thing for me. I do however think, that if the fanbase buy into the good football and support the team, in increasing numbers, we will end up with winning more than we lose and regain our sense of identity. Furthermore it could be the only way to move forward and even break even, in due course.

It would make more sense, and not try to tinker with the draw to put all the names in a bag and draw like the FA cup. The top teams have enough advantage already. If the two top teams have to play each other, so what.

No surprise there then Ron.

Wotton at CB ,Sncheiderlin back at midfield, attacking a lot better.

Derby 0 Lincoln 1

Against Stoke his timing was well off. He went for numerous CH type challenges and on quite a few occasions got nowhere near the ball. It really was a worry.

It referred to media speculation, (NOTW_Sun) re Shearer.

I thought that was the position all along, losing £5m last year despite selling circa £21m of players. I am a realist, the football last year was absolutely dire, I know that for a fact because of the 30 odd games I attended. On top of that we escaped relegation by the skin of our teeth. This year I have seen the three main friendlies and have been delighted with the transformation. I couldn't care less if every one of last years team with the exception of Davies, Surman, BWP, and Dyer went. In fact I hope they do. The passing, movement, enthusiasm is brilliant to see. The concerns are all the attacking players weighing in with goals and the ability to attack and defend crosses. I actually think, as I've said before, it's going to be a roller coaster. As I watch about 30 odd matches a season, I know what I prefer. This team can get a lot better, last years team would not and could have been even worse. If we can unload the highly paid underperforming journeymen, we may be able to get in a couple of young reinforcements.

I think people haven't come to terms with the fact that we are now playing affordable football. The high earners are going to go, it's no good criticising the kids they are doing well. The last two years we paid out a fortune in fees, wages and agents and what did we get, in the main dross. Players with no pace, motivation, pretty average fitness, poor results and before somebody mentions the playoffs we only performed in the last six games from a pretty average position to get there then lost at home to a pretty poor Derby side.

I'm sure you are right. From the three matches I've seen it's the experienced players who have struggled to pass and move. Last year they didn't do much of either.

Didn't NOTW float a bit about Shearer yesterday? Sky mentioned the media. There are rumours, however with the exception of hostile takeovers, most takeovers are a done deal before publication. West bank of the Itchen redevelopment could be the motive but now hardly seems the time to get into property development or borrowing large lumps of money. Phil and Weston for me are nearer the mark. Put me down as a sceptic.

For those reasons I can't see it happening. We really need them to clear off ,so we can get on with playing football, without outside interference, causing problems for the coach and players. Planting rumours of Shearer, investment, etc is an unnecessary distraction.

IMO the Saints Trust has no relevance.

What is obvious, is that the people trying to set up a takeover, themselves don't have the money. If they had it would have happened. Raising third party money no matter on what basis, interest or property developments demands a return. Who in their right mind would see a return in this football club. Massive ongoing investment would be required to even survive in the premiership let alone get there.

Sky actually said there was conjecture in the media. I personally think it's time for any takeover to happen now before continuous rumours damage our season. Otherwise leave the club to get on with the football. If Fulthorpe has the interests of the club as a priority the consortium should either now close the deal or push off. They have had long enough, the football is the priority now.

In some ways you are right, by using cortisone injections club doctors put players through matches by masking the pain and ruining the player in both the short and long term. How else did Delgado and Pahars play in the world cup whilst being longterm injured at the club?

Then not walk at all without replacements and a lot of pain. Just not an option. That's why Claus decided to retire.

I understand that the advice gave him a choice of two options, the other was retire, having taken the second option the medical advice is to give it a go.

I know for sure I wouldn't.

It seems unlikely that someone with £50m will in present circumstances throw it away on a failed football club. If someone has the capital to buy the land and develop a large area of the west bank of the Itchen what do they need a consortium and an extra £50m outlay for. If the allegedly far eastern money is available then they can go it alone without any consortium. According to rumours we are close to D Day and the money is in town. I think this conjecture thread is going the way of all the others, like nowhere.

The club, in the light of their financial situation, will surely be looking for a good run in the cup competitions. It would be a surprise to me if they made many changes. Thomas for Svennson, with John one of the substitutes. Maybe Bialkowski in goal.

Whilst the man may be determined to succeed, I personally give him the credit for being a very sensible person who would retire rather than do himself irreparable damage. Over a year ago he was given the choice of retiring or going through what is a proven procedure to give him the chance to continue. Knee joints after surgery take quite a time to settle down. Moderate exercise or heavy exercise for shorter periods povoke no reaction but go past that time and stiffness and soreness show. It doesn't mean damage purely reaction and settles down relatively quickly.

Believe me, he does have talent, his passing is perceptive, he looks a very educated footballer, he and Gillett anchor the midfield, but unlike Safri last year sitting in a comfort zone added to others giving the ball away, these two get around the pitch and rarely give the ball away. He has played at the back, his tackling is not bad but he will develop. potentially and probably in the short term he will develop quickly. There is no doubt he has quiet times but all players do, from reports we were being pushed back and that is what substitutions are for. However it sounds aas though Wootton didn't convince as his replacement. It's early days, I'm hopeful of a better season, if not an altogether winning one.

I know, I don't suffer fools. There is a time to re-assess, I think yours has come. If you pull it off you will enjoy it more on here. Who needs hassle. As an aside, I was devastated when Lowe came back, but I have to say I can't find much wrong with what he is doing, and the football played in the three matches I've seen, is far better than the dross of the last two years. It will be a rollercoaster and I can live with that.