austsaint

Funny thing is, Forren played quite well against England the other night. Strange he never made an appearance.

Well done Bletch. I think you've provided plenty of context and perspective to explain the turbulent summer the Club has gone through. Any one who did not have some concern about the Board/Owners intentions for SFC during that WC period are impressive characters to be sure. At about the point Chambers went out the door the mood from an outsiders view had to be worried and dismayed, especially given the fanning of the flames by certain journalists and pundits. For a time criticism and mistrust of the Board seemed reasonable enough. In the wash up though they have held their nerve; maintained late-in-the-window promises about player retention and picked up several handy recruits to bolster an increasingly strong squad.

I think you are forgetting Tadic, and while JWP may turn out to be a good footballer you could hardly call him a creative outlet (at this stage).

Hope he does well up North. I like his style of play but get the frustration with him too. I'm sure the freeing up of the wage bill was a big part of the move; my only concern is if Tadic gets injured there isn't a lot of creative play in the side and that is where he could have shone this year.

Does this mean Mane is out of Saints plans now?

Handy player, but the short answer is no. Consider that Chelsea are paying less for a striker of Remy's class and the answer to your question is obvious.

He's a decent player. I see a lot of the Japan Internationals and his form is good at that level too. Good reader of the game; very mobile, times a tackle well and has courage.

I noticed that too, Fat Sam hovered around and shook hands with Sammy Lee, but gave up waiting as Ron completed handshakes with the entire Saints bench. One moment in that excellent second half display I haven't seen comments on was the free kick taken by Tadic from the right side outside of the box - he shaped to whip in a left foot curler but then darted a low through ball down the right channel which Pelle latched onto and hit the side netting. Completely fooled the Hammers set up.

Great second half. The boy Pelle can really play can't he? Mighty games for Morgan, Tadic, both full backs and Davis. Someone said thats the first game Fat Sam has lost to Saints in 13 years. Cork and Gaston did their jobs - was a little surprising not to see Victor today. Fabulous result, no matter how poor W Ham were.

Surprised by Vic's omission. Would love JWP to prove be wrong by being highly influential aside from corners and frees.

Long replacing JWP on the right - will be more help to Pelle; from what I've seen Davis is developing a good understanding with Long and Pelle. Would also like to see Tadic being given more freedom to roam in an attacking role. Start with Yoshida rather than Gardos at this stage and Tadic to take frees and corners in the absence of JWP.

Don't you mean on the train? The bus has been traded in apparently.

Good player and by the sound of it a decent lad. He and Tadic are the best business we've done for ages - not forgetting Ron and Fraser of course.

He's special at about the 44 min mark.......fast before the break.

Agree with three of your four assessments. From what I've seen seen of Tadic he is easily the equal of AL - he has a more powerful shot; his vision for assists are at least the equal; his crossing is pinpoint and has great touch. The only area I would rate Lallana more highly would be the mazy runs and Cruyff turns.

Agreed. I can understand the desire for GK competition and also the idea of a quality player for the future, but surely AB as the incumbent should have started the season. He was among the best in the Prem last season and I can understand his frustration.

Thanks for the write up Gemmel - just one point though, the second goal (nor the first for that matter) had bugger all to do with Yoshida - for the winner, Victor headed away poorly and Fonte failed to pick up Sturridge.

Thanks for the write up Gemmel - just one point though, the second goal (nor the first for that matter) had bugger all to do with Yoshida - for the winner, Victor headed away poorly and Fonte failed to pick up Sturridge.

The bad header leading to the winner was from Wanyama (who was superb otherwise) not Yoshida, who like JWP had a really good 2nd half. One of the things I loved today was watching the growing confidence among our players....there's a point around the hour mark when Tadic breaks out into a smile which seemed to be saying...."this team's not too bad after all, and maybe I can cut it at this level".

The bad header leading to the winner was from Wanyama (who was superb otherwise) not Yoshida, who like JWP had a really good 2nd half. One of the things I loved today was watching the growing confidence among our players....there's a point around the hour mark when Tadic breaks out into a smile which seemed to be saying...."this team's not too bad after all, and maybe I can cut it at this level".

So unlucky not to get something from the game. Great second half - Wanyama terrific, Tadic, Bertrand very good. JWP had a much better second half; Clyne looked a threat despite a defensive lapse. Thought our two CBs did a fair enough job; Yoshida not the weak link some are portraying. A shame to come away empty handed but lots to be hopeful about. PS Isgrove's little cameo was impressive.

So unlucky not to get something from the game. Great second half - Wanyama terrific, Tadic, Bertrand very good. JWP had a much better second half; Clyne looked a threat despite a defensive lapse. Thought our two CBs did a fair enough job; Yoshida not the weak link some are portraying. A shame to come away empty handed but lots to be hopeful about. PS Isgrove's little cameo was impressive.

Agree...Bertrand looks good too.

Agree...Bertrand looks good too.

Can the JWP supporters tell me what he's trying to do out there so far?