Badger

I read many years ago that he was a devout Christian and a lay preacher. Always strikes me as one of the gentlemen associated with the game. Despite the criticism from some on here, I quite enjoy his summaries (although realise his lack of 'Xgoals type of analysis doesn't radiate with the cyber generation fan). He was treated quite shabbily by the club at one point in his dismissal as manager (probably a job he didn't want in the first place) so the fact he still has affection for the club and its supporters is to be admired.

Is that more likely than, they get reinforcements, and we get the injuries ? (With a suspension or two thrown in for good measure).

The last lockdown didn't do us any harm, form wise that is, on resuming.

Hasn't JWP done a job on him a few times ?

Some good points in your post. However although you say you're positive there's a manager to save us, fourteen paragraph's later you've not identified or suggested one. Agree with your conclusion though.

Read a couple of these names on a list someone linked yesterday. Don't know about all of them but: Koeman - mistake to go back ? Favre - 64 , does he want a new country and a relegation scrap in it ? Might have been a decent shout at the end of a season. Nuno - interesting, but I had doubts it would work for him at Spurs. Obviously a difficult club, and he walked in at a poor time with the toxic Levy - Kane battle being played out, but part of his success at Wolves was down to the agent connection they had. Marsch - don't know a lot about him, but he's taken RB Leipzig to a mid-table slump. (Similar story for Van Bommel, sacked after a few week). Fonseca - this too is an intersting name to throw into the mix, but am left wondering why he's regularly been jilted at the alter, by both spurs, and Newcastle (who even preferred Howe who wasn't too popular on here either). Sad fact is we're unlikely to get a proven name on the up,(and given our attempt to be clever and unearth one in the past this may not be a bad thing), so we're left looking in the bargain basement for someone to rehabilitate their career.

This for me is the great unknown quantity, what input and final say does a manager have in the recruitment process and final decision making ? Not just here but elsewhere nowadays. In the days of Ted Bates and Lawrie they were regarded as the "brains" and decision makers for identifying players and bringing them in. Probably the same for a few more afterwards as well, including Branfoot, up to Dave Jones. But was Strachan responsible for all the signings whilst he was in charge (Williams and Telfer aside)? Its often trotted out on here that he wanted Malbranque and Rupert said no you can have Neil McCann instead or similar. Then there was Delgado, who no one will take responsibility for. Moving away from us for a minute, Howe has been slated on here for the AFCB recruitment and spending, how do we know that was his choice not the recruitment DoF etc ? Similarly, I wonder if Ole really wanted Ronaldo and his ego, or if was presented to him by SAF and the board. In Ralph's case, we just don't know if he has gone to the board wanting Orban or Hinterigger (both mentioned on the internet, so possibly or possibly not any mileage in it) only to be told, no we're signing this Ghanaian kid from La Liga, he's only played 20 games and may not be ready for 12 months but he's half the price of those you've asked for. There may be just criticisms of Ralph on the back of results, and some team selections, but the day of judging a manager alone for the signings made are long gone in my view. I'd like to think the recent recruitment shows more promise than it did a couple of years ago under the Dream Team of Les and Wilson.

Especially on here

I suspect the nailed on Plan B that Crocker and Semmens had up their sleeve is now in Newcastle leaving them scratching their heads. The new direction though for me has to start at the top, with the ownership for it to make a difference. Strikes me that there is a void of leadership throughout, from the owners to the team.

This seems a recurring theme, he plays well in a few cameo appearances off the bench but when given a start isn't up to it.

Have they stated what the injuury is ?

Have read some positive stuff about Favre, but why would he (at 64) or some of the others look to come to a new league and join a relegation scrap ? Not an exciting and long term project as things stand.

We've got the Palace defeat to look forward to first though. I'd be happy with a couple of limping to 1-0 wins, it's the meek surrendering for a draw and defeats that depress me.

That's because its longer and stiffer ....

Was highly rated at one point. I wondered what had happened to him, but obviously off the radar as far as we're concerned.

I think the two games that stand out for me from that era are this one, and the home game v Liverpool the same season where we lost 3-2 but scored involving about 15 passes. Armstrong's winner in this game though was a great moment.

Hope so. Just hope he's fully fit and not too rusty needing a few weeks to get up to speed.

Some interesting comments in your post but just to respond on this point. I'm inclined to agree although it also be seen as refreshing that we get an honest response rather than trotting out a bland textbook response about "behind closed doors" etc. Brian Clough once made his goalkeeper and a defender stand next to him like disgraced schoolboys when he gave a post match interview after they'd made a balls up in a high profile match. The GK was Peter Shilton, and no one questioned Cloughies man management at the time. (Think it was the League Cup final in 1980).

Perhaps they feared the prospect of Lewis having to come on.

Heaton would be an excellent signing if possible.

Never tire of seeing this, any excuse to post it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9SXa55s2OM One of the most memorable moments and games in my time following Saints. Enjoy the nostalgia, great football at the time, one of our best ever kit designs, European Footballer of the year having signed for us in 1980.

First thing Monday then, the training ground tactic should be for someone to nobble Lewis.

Where's a Kasey Keller when you need one?

Just seen the BBC highlights looks as if they had numerous chances to win it. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59479806

How does he rate on the Fourpast Scale ?