Graffito

The stand off is down to Man Utd, or the possibilty of A N Other making a bid. With a replacement bagged, Saints have bought a bit of time and applied a bit more pressure than if they'd been reactive. Saints are playing it well in the circumstances. Never again the nonsense of last close season.

....or is it the money..

If a lion and a tiger had a fight, which one would win?

Except that we'd be paying an excellent full back to sit on a bench for a year and no sale value at the end of it. We've signed his replacement but if he stays because nobody will pay our valuation its not the end of the world. Clyne may then reconsider our contract offer but even if he doesn't we'd play him.

I think Fonte's really benefited from being coached by two quality international CBs over the past few seasons.

I don't understand what Hodgson is getting at here. Clyne didnt demand a starting place so why is Hodgson hypothesising? It would be reasonable for Clyne to expect to be selected on merit. He wasnt selected on merit despite Hodgson acknowledging he'd had a good season. Perhaps one season as Englands foremost right back isnt enough so lets go back two seasons. Still ok, he was outstanding then as well. No, the decision was, apparently tactical. Trouble is, tactics didn't work too well. Both full backs had a hand in the goals conceded and a flaky defence nearly threw away two points in a game England dominated. Henderson looked lost at right back such that Hodgson brought Clyne to shore things up. Imsuppose selecting the two full backs that have been integral to the best defence in the league for most of last season is just too obvious for Hodgson.

Is this nonsense from the "no nonsense" player or from a "close source close to the player"? I think it's from a close source close to player or even from a not close source nowhere near the player. I won't believe this nonsense until I hear this the nonsense from the no nonsense player himself so we can put to bed the "long and arduos speculations" about our key cog who is class laced with quality.

I didnt say he looked up. That was Lee Dixon. Ecellent finish. Sent the keeper the wrong way.

It was an excellent finish. Sent the keepr the wrong way.

That report suggests that the signing is likely to happen soon as long as we pay the full price and no other club comes in with a better offer.

Runs fast but he's no Suarez is he.

Where does this leave the points system that's never been properly implemented? In the bin I guess.

Yes, though I think we might see more Academy players featuring in the LC.

Well that was easy for Saints. Didn't even need to break sweat.

I won't call you an idiot but.....not your best suggestion.

Can't rule anything out but I'd be very surprised if he went there.

Ditto.

They were much the better side first half. Dominated central midfield and were able to get the ball out to Kolarov and Milner which occupied Long and Mane and back in to the likes of Lampard and Silva who ran the show. Thought we missed MS in there. Dont know what happened second half, maybe just pushed forward more, but we were very good, except for the all important sticking the ****** in the net. I left the match feeling a sense of disappointment which hasn't left this morning. We were not top four material, as Man City's quality yesterday showed, but we were good enough for fifth.

I always serve supporters of other clubs who are guests at our house their tea from my Saints mugs. I know its childish but I enjoying seeing the looks on their faces when they have to put their lips on Rickie Lambert or the club crest.

Robson Green.

Peanuts. Can't you read.

Somebody please tell me I misheard what Alan Green just said on 5Live. He was asked about the Mane hattrick and said something about not meaning to be cruel but that may be all that Mane will be remembered for as his days in the PL are numbered.

I've liked him from the start for what I think he can do offensively, e.g. 6th goal. We definitely need that creativity. My only reservation remains what he contributes when we dont have the ball and I havent seen enough of him to comment.