Graffito

I thought Lawrie was a Geordie. Did I have that wrong?

Tell Liebherr Liebherr To put the champagne on ice We're going to Wembley twice Que sera sera.

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/401154653?-11205 Some anecdotes as well as his views on the rivalry. Some of it new, to me at least. Happy days. I didn't know Keegan signed a blank contract for instance. Who was the "thoughtless official" that told Lawrie he'd have to pay for his own tickets to attend matches and who only lasted 3 months in the job, Oldknow perhaps?

Ron. Definitely Ron.

That barrier looks like it's made of recycled caravans.

They're all mouth and bellbottom trousers.

Well it's such a small amount I'm sure the club wouldn't want to cause any ill feeling by delaying payment.

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/400226928?-11205

The JPT is the priority. If we beat MKD on Tuesday I believe we'll go into Saturday's fixtures much more confidently and improve our chances of a win. I also think that winning through to Wembley could very well carry over into improved league form but I doubt we'll make the play offs now.

More from AP on expectations "I've recruited again in this window with good financial backing. And we've found ourselves in a real positive area where suddenly we are expected to win, I expect my team to win, the players expect to win and the fans are turning up in their droves because I think they sense that."

The only negative in my OP is AP's comment on the state of the Exeter pitch. His words not mine. I think AP is saying we can expect better performances on a decent pitch. It's all to play for in this exciting week. Two wins and I'll be happy. Positive outcome.

Alan Pardew: "Tonight I am disappointed because we haven't won, but this is an exciting week for Southampton Football Club and you only have to look at us to know that if the surface is good, and there is a pitch that is in good condition, then we will cause team problems.' The remaining two matches in this exciting week are at St Mary's. The surface is good. The crowd will be up for it. Over to you Alan Pardew and the team. Two wins and I'll be happy.

Well said. Tim isn't moaning he's desperate for a ticket. Hope you get one Tim.

It's an article about Saints. It's a positive article. The only point I would question is reference to Saints' "dalliance" with the top flight. I wouldn't call 27 years a dalliance.

It's a nice idea to commemorate 125 years although I'd have been equally happy with sponsorship of a charity like Villa does. Saints may sell more shirts to offset the loss of sponsorship. I note in the historical shirts link above that Pompey started out in a nice shade of salmon pink.

It was triangular.

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/398542360?-11205 Seems we've bid for Danns.

I'll be pleased when AC Milan is interested in signing one of our players because that will mean Cortese will have completed the job he's only just started.

Count yourself lucky it wasn't the mother in law you picked on!

Ok but sticking with midfielders, which ones? The only opposition midfielder that's stood out for me this season (and this is probably me being one eyed where Saints are concerned) is Hoolahan. I think Lallana could play his role so who else?

Marginally less realistic than at 3pm yesterday before all the doom and gloom descended for having dropped 2 points.

Seconded.

Do you know any that want to play in the 3rd division?

Yes it's all about expectations. I'm not saying the 5 year plan has become a 3 year plan but I believe expectations have ratcheted up with AP's statement about the play offs and the acquisition of Forte and maybe others in this window [rather than in the summer]. AP has managed expectations quite well up to now but it will become more difficult. I think it's positive.

The pressure will be on AP because the owner will have backed AP's judgement in spending big in a mid-season transfer window rather than next summer. Witness two comments in yesterday's interview with Solent: 1. About "hanging his hat" ,or some such phrase, on Lambert and Fonte taking us all the way to the PL and 2. About stating publically for the first time that the play offs is now the aim this season.