WALK DMC

Try http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xz6nkv_swansea-vs-southampton-0-0-motd_sport?search_algo=2#.UXO4VMsaySM

I think that we are generally agreeing, but my main point remains that unless we can demonstrate that we can pick up some away points here and there we will find ourselves in big trouble. Our current away form of W1, D0, L6 which is abysmal and if it is the inbalance in the number of our home (played 9) and away (played 7) games that has been a big contribution in our climb up the league. However, we threw away winning positions at home to Swansea and Norwich which means that we cannot rely on home form alone. As per my previous message, I think that Fulham and Stoke away will be the real proof of whether we have really turned the corner, or whether it has been mainly due to good home form against lower half teams. Fingers crossed that we can pick up 3+ points from those away games, but the performance at Liverpool disappointed and hasnt yet convinced me that the turnaround is permanent.

While I agree with many of the comments on here about the reasons for the improvements; Cork, Shaw, more settled side and playing easier teams I still would like more evidence that our away format has really improved. Last season our away form was okay even though we won three less matches than WHU and Reading and conceded more goals. However there were some bad signs such as Bristol City, Blackpool and others where both the performance and result was sub-standard. Our defence away from home often gave away silly goals. It was our outstanding home form that made the big difference in getting us promoted. This year our away form with the exception of a win against a really poor QPR side has consisted of only losses and in the most recent game against Liverpool only the home sides inadequate finishing let us off a hammering. I hope that when we get a period of consecutive away games that the old problems don't suddenly reappear. Hopefully the confidence gained from improved home results against bottom half teams leads to increased confidence and a better defence when playing away. I would really settle for a few solid draws and occasional victory in our away games before celebrating our turn around in form. Fulham and Stoke are good tests and will in some ways will be a better indication of whether we have truly turned the corner.

Purely speculative, but couldn't the answer to question 1 is that if Pompey don't pay the wages then they could move into administration. Thus they would only pay their creditors a % of what they are owed ? So Chenrai could get 5p in the £1, which would be a heck of a loss. Alternatively, if they go into administration and are deducted 10 points then they also become less attractive to potential suitors, so they could go completely under and he could lose part of investment anyway. Previously Chenrai had a secured loan, so he was guarenteed his money, but perhaps that situation has changed when CSI bought the club. Either way, I think Chenrai has to keep Pompey alive and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he ends up as owner of Pompey again.

I agree with the original thread (with the exception of the comments about Belgium). I remain convinced that Saints can gain promotion this year and to do that investment in players better than we have already is imperative. I've been impressed by De Ridder, but he needs a spell of games to demonstrate what he can really do (same with Fox). The arguments that we don't need to worry as we are top of the league are irelevant at the moment, it will only count if we are there at the end of the season and to to achieve that I believe that we need a strong centre half to partner and a forward with pace to offer something that we don't currently have. However, I'd like to believe that the people brought in would be automatic (or close to automatic choices) on the basis that they are higher quality than what we already have which means spending a significant amount of money. For me Saints have a good squad already, the aim now is to increase quality not quantity; At the moment, I'd rather have one top player, than three lesser ones. Let's see how Nige addresses this; but after the likes of Stephens and Forte and with Fontaine appearing to be of a similar type, I have some minor concerns that we are not looking at the right type of person and/or spending our cash on players in positions where we are already well covered (e.g. left back). Still Nige is doing a great job at the moment, so lets see what he and NC come up with by next week.

One of my friends who is a Bristol City season ticket holder just sent me this email when I asked about Fontaine. He is on holiday so wasn't aware of Saints interest. It seems to validate some of the other opinions about him. See comments below; "Liam Fontaine - good 2nd defender if you have a dominant centre-half for him to play alongside. He's a good footballer - more Bobby Moore than Stuart Pearce or Terry Butcher. He'd probably command a fee in the region of £250k-£300k. Don't tell me Saints are being linked with him! You must be delighted with the start you've made in the Championship!!!!!" His estimation on price is a little concerning though...

Could the rumours about Zola being in Southampton last week have some substance ?

Harding played in the infamous 3-4 defeat by Leeds a few seasons ago. I always remembering watching the match and thinking that their Left Back was extremely poor and Theo had him time after time. However, looking up the teams on the Internet it suggests that Harding may have been in midfield. Have a look at Saints' 2nd goal and the way Theo walks past the left back. Is that Harding ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJagxcCY41E Theo was good in his time here, but I cant help but thinking the left back helped make him look good in this instance. I just hope my memory is wrong, as there are few times when I remember a left back as vividly as that day for being so inept .....

:smt095:smt095:smt095:smt095:mad:oh dear

:DGoalllllll

I seem to recall that in previous transfer windows that loaning players extended beyond the deadline for permanent transfers. If this is the case perhaps Saints are waiting for confirmation that the injury has healed (or is healing as planned) before confirming the loan deal. Can anyone confirm whether loan signings extend beyond today or is my old memory playing tricks ?

It's not enough to state "that isn't why people dislike him". You need to explain why. You could say that it's because despite his wonderful use of the English language and his articluate use of words, imaginary and emotion he still comes across as a man who is actually only interested in his own ego. His own thoughts. His own take on everything and a willingness to express it at every opportunity. I laugh when I see comments that he is passionate about Saints. He is passionate about himself and no matter how articulate he may be, he offers no more than any other poster on the issue that really matters; getting Saints up the league and out of this awful financial demist that we currently face. Forget RC. Support the Saints.