austsaint

One of my main concerns too; he is such a quality player, only 22? And while CC's development has been outstanding, I just wish both lads could have been accommodated more; probably by pushing Chambers further forward.

He was terrific today - I would like to see him pushed up to midfield, partly to accommodate Clyne and partly to see what he could do in the role Steve Davis has been occupying.

I thought MP erred in subbing Davis and playing Ramirez out wide - better to have dragged Ricky and play Gaston in the hole, where he made such impact last week. Chambers, Shaw and Adam the pick. Poor from the CBs particularly Fonte.

I'm hoping MP plays Clyne to combat the scousers' pace down the flanks; but I'm not confident he will.

Have to agree with Baz on this one - Ricky is barely playing well enough to justify his spot with us, let alone represent England. As a reward for his amazing rise to the top league, well done; but as a selection on form, no chance. For all that, well done to our fab four - Luke Shaw, you little beauty.

And the return on that money for those three would surely exceed the 35 million paid if they were to be sold. If you use your analogy for success what would Norwich be thinking? The other factor in this season beyond improving a few places on the ladder and achieving safety earlier is the continuing development of Academy players playing alongside the 35 mill. additions - which in turn increases their value should they be sold.

You have nailed it for me CB. Watching SFC play good Football and finishing somewhere between 8th and 14th for the forseable future sounds just fine - preferably with a stable ownership, board and manager/coaching staff.

What I liked about Gaston's shift was his role sitting a little deeper with great passing and touch; not so much of him running too far and being dispossessed.

This post, plus the offering of S. Clarke re the Club reaching a ceiling where MP might feel less enthused to continue (unless further funding and certainty continued) is the nub of the Manager and Clubs short term future. MP is an excellent Manager, and it would be ideal if a new contract was offered and accepted. There is though that nagging doubt a parting of the ways could follow this summer. The witchunt and hysteria stirred up in the past week from several "well known" odd bods is quite demoralizing/funny in equal measures. It's been a great season and there's still a lot of attractive football to be played by SFC.

A rare post of perspective among the hysteria - dominated the second half, yet lost it 1-0 - we have played much worse this season and won! Gaston's shift was very sharp.

Well, he (Kelvin) had played every other Cup tie leading up - time to stop beating the drum on this one.

Already discussed in the Summer transfer window thread, and in my opinion will become a better player than JWP. Keep up mumpty.

On what I've seen of Reed he is a better player than JWP. I hope he gets more playing time as the season winds down.

From left field I'd pursue Alec/Alex Smithies, the Huddersfield keeper - 23 and looks the goods to me. Sign him up.

I find the content of MPs interviews/comments as relayed back through the interpreter much more informative, open and free of cliches than Nigel's ever were - whether the words come in English from him or his interpreter seems quite irrelevant.

You can't be a ****e/stirrer and moderator at the same time, one or the other.

Give it a rest (and us) you gormless ****.

Like many, disappointed not to go through - but Duck's post is spot on; the once magical FA Cup isn't the drawcard for many Clubs it used to be. It's all about staying in the League and finishing as high in the table as possible. The rotation of players and Media commitments by Perez has been consistent in both Cup Competitions this season.

I thought you claimed in an earlier post to being 37.........it's a wonder the truant officer wasn't snapping at your heels.

First amputee to play for Saints too.

A condescending post from the long standing GDP basher. Guly has always been better than "ok League 1 player" - show some respect.

It would be the right decision, but appreciation for his contributions in the past four seasons should flow generously.

Cannot let your post go unchallenged - anyone who saw the game last night does not need a newspaper report to know Yoshida had an outstanding match. As others have said no one is suggesting he should be replacing Lovren, just that with a run of games he is demonstrating his considerable skill as a left sided CB. His distribution and passing v Hull was pinpoint.

Clyne is the more complete RB, and his speed and touch are impressive. Credit to MP for giving so much game time to CC because his development this season is outstanding - needs to tighten his defensive game though.

So glad to see Yoshida getting his chance and showing what a good player he is - and his disposal and passing tonight were top shelf - I thought he and Curtis Davies were among the best on the pitch tonight.