Dalek2003

If we sold Lambert I think the fans would be right to question the short term ambitions of the club.

If that is the plan fine, but they should make it explicitly clear so that people do not come up with absurd statements about all these big signings we are going to make. To me the policy of the club was clear by the end of the summer when none of the predicted big name signings happened because they cost to much or wages were too high. Like everyone, if we went up this year it would be fantastic, but I see that prospect as a bonus not the main aim, which is to build the club on a sustainable basis. Promotion this year, may indeed be one year to early.

Should we be relieved that we are stil three points ahead or frustrated that we could be 6 ? Could be a good day for the Smoggies !

A very balanced and wise post. We are definitely at a crossroads in the season that is for sure and only time will tell if my prediction of lower mid table obscurity is a more accurate prediction than those saying we will finish top 2. I have pinned my colours to the mast based on our fairly modest ambitions over the summer transfer window. Some people have done the smae. but not many. A lot of fans have re-adjusted their predictions in the light of the good start and no doubt will do again as our form dips. I am not surprised as most people do not like making bold predictions, particularly if they are not what people want to hear.

Nobody takes pleasure in wanting Saints to fail. I think that unfortunately the jolt of realism brought about by the December results naturally causes people to lash out in frustration. We can't all have the same opinions and it is good that people see things from a different aspect. I have always said things as they see them (from the days o the failure to re-appoint Hoddle debacle), and understand how difficult it is for some fans to accept reality.

On a positive note, and I mean this, if we miss out on promotion due to a lack of squad depth, at least the time we were top of the league will give us something to work on over the close season. By then we may have made some good buys and will have learnt to buy decisively in the summer so that we are ready for the whole season. This season is all about learning and as I have pointed out countless times the lessons are often best learnt the hard way. So, half way through the season, despite my predictions of a mid table finish appearing gloomy, there are some very positive aspects to the first part of the season which we should hold on to if the wheels continue to come off due to lack of summer preparation.

If true, a good buy and fits into our policy of a relative modest outlay on players that we hope to develop over the long term. I don't think we are in a hurry to go up this season but are prepared to stick to our long term policy of sustainability. As I have said countless times, this season is about consolidation and the management will be more than happy if we finish comfortably in a mid to lower middle position like 17th.

Mid table for sure.

I think the original plan was to use this season to consolidate and then build slowly but wisely. The fact we started so well took everyone by surprise but essentially we are a mid table team building for the future. I stick with my bold prediction of 17th, although we may be a few places higher. Still, it will be a lot more accurate than many of those predicting a a top 2 or top 6 finish and at least I nailed my colours to the mast before the season started.

Don't be such a WUM. We have enough points to finish lower mid table unless we completely collapse which is unlikely.

Just a little humour with a barbed edge.

Crisis ? What Crisis ?

That would give us 57 points, making us finish somewhere about 17th !

I'm not surprised he puts people on the ignore list. Its easy with your head in the sand.

Think that is very harsh on Alpine, but presumably you find it hard to argue with my predictions which are unfortunately looking more likely to be accurate than most.

This chap could be our big signing that we need, if only on a temporary loan. Thank goodness the management are acting so swiftly to ensure our place in the league for next year.

The good start either gave a good excuse or papered over the cracks. Now those cracks are for all to see we will get the chance to see what cards NC holds in his hand. I have said before, that the modest investment in summer transfer window was a disappointment and will stop us from being promoted. I expect little in January and that in itself should be revealing as far as the future ambitions of the club is concerned.

You are implying that I am pleased that Saints are stumbling and others have implied that I will be pleased if we finish mid table. You could not be further from the truth. Just because I have an opinion that is not very popular and a scenario that is less so, it does not mean to say I like it. You must be a bit stupid that if you think that people like giving opinions that paint unpopular scenarios. What should they do ? Keep quiet about them, just because they are not wnat people want to hear ? Double Plus Good ! As George Orwell said !

Actually it bloody hurts, but I never have and never will pretend all in the garden is rosy.

In that case, let us see what happens in January. NC and NA MUST know now that we need to act decisively in the transfer window. A failure to do so this time will reveal more than anything either a. lack of ambition or b. an inability of the clubs finances to achieve our goal. Could it be that the owners comittment is less than we would hope ?

Sorry to add to the depression but the slide is starting and will accelerate as the season draws to an end. We have enough points to finish 17th or just above.

Yes we will as I predicted.

You are right Alpine but I am not confident that we will act promptly in the transfer market. Either we cannot afford the quality, their is not the will to invest in quality or we trying to do it more cheaply by building slowly over a longer period of time.

You couldn't be more wrong. I wish I was wrong but my prediction of 17th will probably be much closer to the truth than those who predicted top 2 and even top 6.

As I predicted, with a small squad. Mind you our fantastic autumn run should see us comfortably finish in a mid or lower mid table position which is still a reasonable finish for a newly promoted team.