austsaint

We had that little bit of luck today denied to us v Man U. The side showed more desire for the win than Everton. Reed's performance couldn't be missed; Toby was good and so was Steve Davis - but a special mention for Yoshida; really good today and took the goal well.

plus 1.

Great days, weren't they. Ricky really was at the heart of our revival and I always admired Wayne Thomas for his "no prisoners" approach - lacked a bit of skill but gave us some steel at the back.

I want to add my voice to the "he is actually a good player" brigade. While, like a few others, he has made mistakes and missed opportunities, Mane has also caused problems for defenders; shown good touches and even as recently as the Blades debacle, produced our best effort on goal with his weaker foot. The mass bagging on this site is mind boggling. If you want to start doubting some of our players how about having a close look at JWP, dead ball deliveries aside.

Good points S. Clarke. MY point would be we have seen 60 or so appearances from a young academy player like JWP and apart from some reasonable imitations of Gerard and Beckham with dead ball delivery there has been very little else from him as a player pushed forward; as an attacking midfielder and certainly not as a DM. Therefore, why not throw Harry Reed in against the Toffees with Vic and Morgan missing. What do we have to lose?

Not as funny as the obsession with JWP.

But we've got our future English International, goal scoring, goal assisting JWP back - is that not a positive. I'm sorry I could not resist some sarcasm. PLenty of stick for Mane and Long, but sooner or later people are going to wake up to the fact that JWP isn't that good.

Good call. Another factor which hindered Nigel, in my opinion was his assistant Andy Crosby and also Dean Wilkins - needs a better support team around him.

Cold, wet pitch; fired up opposition and supporters and a little bad luck make for a dismal afternoon.

Has broken ribs apparently (Lallana) - hence the no show v Basel. I'm fairly confident his career will steadily decline from this point, even if his pockets will be much the healthier.

Agreed. Mane is a good player who has plenty to offer our side; I am sure he will improve with more experience of EPL. He has already demonstrated special skills and speed which can unsettle rival defences. Get off his back, encourage him and see the x factor he brings to our attacking set up.

As far as unlucky defeats go that one was right up there. Jose chose a bad time after 200 games to pull out a slack back pass like that and Forster, despite his many good qualities once again showed a hesitancy which cost the second RVP goal. The continued improvement of Victor is a joy to watch; once again the full backs were good; for all the stick Maya has taken he was very solid tonight and Tadic and Pelle showed improvement after several quiet games. I can understand the frustration with Mane however he also produces several moments of quality which can and probably will win games as the season goes on. Young Hesketh coming on was a surprise - can someone describe what sort of player he is and what he's shown in Hunter's team?

Agree with this. Not strong enough defensively and too cautious/limited in attack, apart from good dead ball delivery. Yes, he may improve as he matures, but seriously over-hyped at present. Would like to see Reed given the game time JWP has had over the past 3 seasons.

I might be a minority view here but much as I like and admire J-Rod for what he's done so far at SFC, I think cashing in and replacing him with a RK/Black Box team signing is the right way ahead.

The bit you've written that I agree with is the prospect of Saints finishing top four is a panicky prospect to the EPL status quo. With the money and prestige at stake we shouldn't be surprised when journalists and the established 'big" Clubs start to hiss and boo, and covet what they think we have which could be an asset.

I expect Morgan to be off next summer; like many, I hope it's to an overseas club like PSG, Real Madrid, Inter Milan. With respect to JWP, I would be very worried if he is seen as the direct replacement for MS; he certainly doesn't have the qualities in the short term and I have my doubts about him developing into a top class mid-fielder.

Toby A. reminds me of a CD you're not sure about at first listening but follow up plays reveal more and more appreciation. If he wants to stay then I imagine/hope the contract is being drawn up as fingers are crossed.

Well, Man U pinched our physio, didn't they? Let's hope our Media Department doesn't get tapped up!

These segments just keep getting better - the sights and sounds and absence of dialogue convey so much beyond the actual 90 minutes on the pitch. The Club media people seem to be matching the on field results with improvement and high performance. All we need now is the return of the handshake or introduction of the silent fist touch like the West Indian cricketers.

What is the closest Championship side to Anfield? Will never forget his prime years here though; Legendary player.

I was slightly underwhelmed with Toby early on; just looked like a RB filling in at CB, but in the past 3-4 games his class and calm authority shine through; I'm sure if needed he could fill in with distinction for Nat Clyne; if he stays with Saints beyond next Summer it will be a happy day for us. Mr Bertrand has been excellent from the off - he is tight in defence, has pace, gets forward, is every bit as good as Baines with his whipped-in crosses which have just the right amount of bend away from the GK and has a cracking left foot shot. Additionally he comes across as a good lad, well liked and a team player. Can't we have them both?

Time to put the "Vic can't pass" theory to bed. Quiet game for Dusan - he is human then. Both FB's excellent and great for Long to bag those goals.

Still remember that sublime left footed goal v Leeds - was it the first game of the promoted Championship season? I didn't expect to see DH playing in the Prem but good luck to him. Also wish Nigel P. all-the-best too; got a rough deal from the duck hunter. I'd be happy to see the Foxes go on a run after an emphatic defeat at St Marys.

Superb piece and thanks for going to the trouble to write it up. The whole set up is a remarkable legacy of Marcus Liebherr's vision for the Club.

Clarkey - they did look better than us at WHL even if Sadio should have levelled things up. They are not a rabble, and MP is not a bad Manager. Spurs are an impossibly overhyped team with crushing expectations and MP let us down with a drawn out, guarded departure. Despite all that I expect several sides to pass us in the next 28 games and Spurs could we one of them. I bloody hope not though.