saints_is_the_south

Don't think it's a money issue. If Osvaldo comes here, then his chances of playing for Italy in the World Cup next summer will decrease greatly IMO. If it wasn't a World Cup year, then I suspect we'd have already signed him. Roma won't sell him to Inter, a) because they don't have the money and b) because Roma do not want to reinforce a direct rival.

Train to Smethwick Galton Bridge, change there and then on to the Hawthornes (that's the name of the station too, a stones throw from the ground). Takes about 20 minutes from Birmingham New Street. Alternatively, you can get a direct train from Birmingham Moor Street or Birmingham Snow Hill. A lot more info here: http://www.footballgroundguide.com/west_bromwich_albion/

We've not been at our best in this series, but you have to give England enormous credit for the grit, determination, never say die attitude and team spirit that they have shown in grinding ourselves out of difficult positions, and turn them into winning ones. At Trent Bridge and Durham we were behind after the first innings, both times we've then managed to bat ourselves into a commanding leading position. Today, with Australia 100 or so for nothing, all looked lost but amazingly again the boys have turned it round. If anybody had told me at 4pm today that 4 hours later we'd have won the series, I'd have accused them if being mental! Great achievement, great win. Time to round it off in style at the Oval and make it a 4-0 thumping.

England 3-0 australia. Get in!

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/421558/Roma-pushing-Fulham-target-Pablo-Osvaldo-to-accept-Southampton-move?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-express-sport-news+%28Daily+Express+%3A%3A+Sport+Feed%29

Incredible turn around, England looked dead in the water up until about 2 hours ago.

148 needed with 8 wickets in hand. Khawaja just gone. Really need to knock 2 over in quick succession here if we are to stand any chance of winning this.

He is the archetypal modern day forward, he has got everything in his locker. On his day, he is one of the best strikers in Europe. Capable of scoring any type of goal, got a good physical presence about him, strong in the air, he's not lightning quick but he's no slouch. If he didn't have his personality issues then there is no way Roma would be selling, and if they were they'd be looking at €25-30m rather than €15-20m. He's a great player. His record in Serie A & La Liga over the past 3 seasons speaks for itself. As a Roma follower, I've watched him 60+ times in the past 2 seasons, so I'd like to think I'm well placed to form an opinion on him. The personality issues have only reared their head at Roma, I've been unable to unearth any reports of him causing problems at other clubs, including at Espanyol under Poch. The Roman atmosphere does not suit him, Rome is a crazy city when it comes to football. Would love to see us sign him, don't think it'll happen though and the longer the summer goes on, the more chance I see of him staying at Roma, especially as their other main striker (Destro) is injured and won't be fit to start the season.

Answers in bold above.

Thought he was one of QPR's brighter sparks last season, always looked good whenever I saw him. Made a mistake with the gambling thing, but who doesn't make mistakes in life? I'd be happy to have him here.

3 years today since his passing. 4 years today since the signing of Lambert.

This. And all for one million quid. Bargain of the century.

Minor amendment!

Fumata bianca (white smoke) is a bit of a saying in Italy, normally referring to the Pope as said above! It's used a lot when talking about football transfers. It means there's a breakthrough and the deal is more likely to happen, whereas fumata nera (black smoke) is used when there has been no agreement between the parties involved and the deal looks unlikely to happen.

Here's the brief response I got from a friend in Rome when I asked him about the guy reporting this, "Yes, he's quite famous among italian football shows as an expert in trasfers. In my opinion he's full of s**t but who knows, hopefully he's right!"

He's just responded to me on Twitter. Solution to be reached in 2 or 3 days he reckons. Sent from my BlackBerry 9780 using Tapatalk

According to my research he works for the Italian sports TV network SportItalia. No idea if he's reliable or not, attempting to find out through some friends in Rome. Hopefully he is, because his article appears to be good news (for those that want Osvaldo)!

1982 to 84. I wasn't even alive, but I've read and heard so much about these years. If I could, this would be the times I'd go back to and change. Keep Keegan for another 2 seasons, and we'd have won the double.

Stop it, this moment is emotional enough as it is. No, forget that, carry on!

I have friends who were shopping in town at the time, who claim to have heard the roar from SMS. Incredible game of football. If we'd stayed up then it would be classed as a legendary Saints game. For me it is anyway.

A lot of good ones already mentioned. I'll add Camara 88th minute against Norwich in the relegation season. To this day I have never heard SMS as loud as it was when the ball hit the back of the net for that one. Insane celebrations. Sheffield Utd 3-2 survival game in the Championship is another, probably the 2nd best atmosphere ever at SMS after that Norwich game. What a topsy turvey, nerve shredding, emotion draining, but ultimately very relieving and great day that was.

Don't think Gervinho will be used as central striker, been signed more as an attacking winger option. Would not be surprised to see Osvaldo stay at Roma now, something that seemed very unlikely a few months ago.

+1.

Joy - Sky Sports News breaking news ticker confirming Markus Liebherr had saved us. Nothing will ever rival that for me. Sadness - Administration, and the very real prospect of liquidation. Amusement - Punch trotting off for a dump against Everton last season, his new chant and celebration against City.

Bit of a shame about the weather really, would have meant a thrilling end to the test today, and I think we'd have seen out the day to get a draw, maybe even get close to the target. Prefer to get a natural result, rather than one forced by the weather.