austsaint

Amazing really - just the same, Ronald will go down in my book as just as big a sly dog as Pochettino was characterised to be. Les Reed's probably a sly old dog too - that's the difficult part for the average fan; the game's made up of a collection of sly dogs and opportunists, and the great Dutch hope ended up being another example.

post of the week along with the 'we melt-on" classic.

At this rate I can see myself wanting the North London yobbos and the Red half to turn the Toffees over next season - unthinkable 48 hours ago.

I don't think any prospective Club for Vic (probably Spurs) are going to be put off by his red cards - only one of them last season seemed justified and reckless. I have to say that Mason as a part deal seems like a massive downgrade on Vic.

I don't know....he played a few cracking games against Chelsea with the "special one" sitting on the sideline. The Club has to try and keep him, at least for one more season.

Wanyama is not a liability - he's an asset. He's delivered three highly influential seasons to Saints, and any fan who wouldn't want him to extend his contract and stay is misguided. Vic's situation isn't that different to Morgan last season; the agreement he could leave in the summer was probably done 12 months ago and his inevitable departure should be seen with same grace and appreciation Morgan received. I just hope it isn't to Spurs.

Spot on Batman. If there is one player we should break the bank for it's Mane - he is the spark for so much of our attacking force; brilliant already but much more to come.

A good thing there are more measured minds making those decisions.

You promised to leave and take your attention seeking posts with you a week or so back.

Off to Bournmouth? Circle complete!

It really does, and fair play to MP for accepting the invitation.

Bog standard poster boy for the Academy - sooner or later, he won't have youth on his side and his limited game will be increasingly questioned.

Nigel came to Saints at an opportune time to inherit a squad which was too good for League 1 and subsequently too good not to be promoted to the Prem. He was likeable, effusive and great with the team spirit side of things, and his legacy at Saints can never be airbrushed. However his coaching and judgement in the transfer market had to be questioned, particularly if you look at his time at Reading and the Blades. Cortese probably made the right call. I always thought that his trusted Assistant (tall fellow, name escapes me) was not up to the job and was something of a lead weight for NA. Great guy, Nigel. A Southampton legend, but his future in Football management is looking very shaky.

Doesn't he look a right plonker at the minute.

I've really enjoyed watching Big Vic impose himself on our midfield - he will be a huge loss; I still hold this faint hope that we read of him signing a new contract but I'm far from confident. Vic and Morgan were a colossal pairing and if he has to go I'll be following his progress with interest. No where near the passing liability some have made him out to be.

Great write up. If anyone has the chance to watch the replay - make special note at about the five minute mark when Vic legally clatters Dier to regain possession; a great show of strength.

It worked beautifully in the end.

For the first 30 minutes we were played off the park; and they did look a class above us.

Saints will play a lot better and lose games but who cares - we've finally stuffed Spurs at their place. Davo, Long, Bertrand very good and special mention to Romeu, who once again was far more effective than Clasie. Not a great game from Vic today; maybe he's staying!!

Indeed. Austin for Long next change.

Long not having much joy getting behind their back four - maybe Austin to come on to bully their Belgian Cbs.

It's looked like one of our poorest first halves of the season and to be 1-1 seems incredible. Maybe it's got something to do with Spur's press but we just can't maintain possession or build any pressure. Same change as last week, Romeu on for Clasie. It's difficult to see this finishing 1-1.

They look a class above us. It's quite embarrassing at the moment.

There goes the Clubs "no dic-khead" policy then.

Over the top Prof. I can understand people not liking the way he left SFC for North London, but he did some great things for Saints during his time and managed an attractive style of Football. At Spurs he has overseen a complete cleaning out of a bloated Spurs and then taken them to a Champions League finish in his second season. I remember him coming on to the pitch in the aftermath of our game at Norwich when Boric saved a penalty - it was mostly about supporting his players - the other night it looked as though he was trying to diffuse the conflict not inflame it. He's a very good Football man and his star is bright; best to accept that and move on.