Badger

You mention Sholing, yet an interview Colwill gave (after the Chelsea v Saints match last season) and he sounded as embittered towards Saints as a Skate might sound (although he did stop short of referencing Scummers !). Was delighted when Sholing won the FA Vase some years ago, and came to St Mary’s, but that interview has strained the goodwill felt towards Sholing to some extent - given his links with the club. Good luck to Totton, and Fareham (and any Saints there) today. Always good to look at the non-league local results though. But I’m with Dr Who today, good not to have to spend the day, evening worrying and miserable about our results.

There has always been an imbalance in the relationship between club and local press. The journalist wants the contact and ‘insight’ from within the club, who expect (if not dictate) that it is done on their terms, ie portrayed positively. There is nothing new in this. Even in the 80’s the club would try to influence what went out. Of course things were different in terms of coverage, but also the personalities involved. Lawrie was a dream for the local press, articulate and charismatic for tv, and always a decent quote for them. He had brought success so no need for Brunskill and Bobin to look to question or criticise ( it was reported that he gave both an early heads up about something special at the Potters Heron). But I remember hearing that in 1982 after the Swedish rape allegations, the club declined to offer comment, and then stopped and removed Southern TV cameras from filming their news piece in the club car park ( on private property). Although House might enjoy a decent working relationship with the club, both should realise and accept that he should also be scrutinising and asking searching questions. Obviously there is a limit on this and I wouldn’t expect the Echo or Solent to lead a ‘Lego Head must go’ campaign with Lego figure images ridiculing the manager ( this perhaps isn’t that far fetched if you recall the national press and the ‘Turnip’ images for Taylor) The one thing that did surprise me was how far Adam Blackmore went re Nathan Jones (eg the Doswell phone-in). Thought they were pretty mild in the treatment of Martin.

Good point, but based on what we’ve seen over the last few months: Not sure Still would motivate him to get into the kitchen to have a chance to make it. And despite having a lengthy shopping list this summer Spors overlooked buying a kettle or cups. There was a kettle there already, (although hadn’t worked properly for 12 months).

Remarkable rise from his time with us which was a bit of a non-event, and Rangers where I seem to recall he wasn't popular at the end, BUT is regarded as a success at Forest. He's probably more to offer than we saw here, but wonder if he's getting out of Forest at the right time, whilst they're on a high, before it comes crashing down.

There seems to be some contradictions in your post. He has a poor record, but although you don’t think it will go well, you want him to continue. I’d rather we didn’t have to make another change, but I’d rather the board face up to the error rather than just continue to blindly ‘show faith’ in their appointment. Seem to remember this was the case with Pelligrino, and we know how that eventually ended.

But someone might ask some difficult and awkward questions. That would never do. Much better that ‘Cretin from Millbrook’* asks about the catering in August. * other cretins are also available to attend these events, and this in no way is meant to imply Millbrook has a monopoly on them ..,

I was once told by a well known journalist that Reed had declined repeated requests for an interview during our barren years towards the end of his time with us.

Not sure if this is a correct interpretation, but it appears Alfie House is due to be pegged by someone from the club this week. Perhaps tells us all we need to know about the impartiality and accuracy of his reporting.

I’ve asked this before, but how on earth has Solak been successful in business? He’s been a magnet for buffoons, and incompetent egotists to latch onto him in his time here.

Yes, to a point. But they’ve subsequently spent what, close on to £200m is it ? And made us worse at each step. That’s an impressive achievement.

Their match day ratings of over 6 seem a bit generous

Ah yes, but … did you hear the French journalist, Laurens, talk about him and giving a glowing reference? That apparently was all we needed to hear (as I was told) to convince us. I watched part of the Carragher talk, and either I was missing something, or you’d have to be a simpleton to be impressed (or a Saints DoF desperate to make an appointment).

It still seems to be under research, but early reports tends to support a link. https://www.mndassociation.org/about-mnd/mnd-explained/what-causes-mnd/is-there-link-between-sport-and-mnd Doddie Weir’s experience seems to have helped draw focus to this. The footballer, Marcus Stewart was also diagnosed with MND a few years ago.

Very sad news, he’s still in the prime of life in his 40’s. Feel for him and his family. Will be horrific for his son, especially if he’s also in the spotlight. I’m sure Saints will offer some protection and support.

The way things are looking you may well get your wish.

Not sure it is purely hindsight to question the sense in this signing. I think several raised concerns at the time. Here’s my offering 30th June: The only surprise is exactly how poor he has been. That has exceeded expectations.

Fucking hell, a ‘poor man’s Cameron Archer’. That’s something to live up (or down) to.

Agree that he’d smarm his way in an interview. But a bit difficult for Lego to conceal his previous problems to a potential employer though when it’s highlighted in the media..

And sometimes they’re so fucking useless they’re promoted to another role where they can be less damaging to the business. Easier to promote than get rid (and less embarrassing than admitting the mistake !).

Thanks for highlighting this bit of skill and the excellent graphics. To really get the full impact of this bit of skill your post is best read with either Alan Hansen or Alan Shearers voice in your head as they talk us through it. Intrigued as to how he controlled the ball at point two, whether leg, testicles, or other male appendage. Think he deserves a song. Perhaps one of our wordsmiths here can come up with something (politically correct) for a big black bloke with a pineapple on his head, and how he controls the ball with his middle wicket.

What’s the name or collective noun for that strata of our support below being “nods” ?

He’ll end up talking the game on Sky or somewhere. Along with the other ‘expert’ managerial failure Rooney, although he at least has a successful playing career on his CV. But credit to them for at least giving it a go in the manager’s chair unlike pricks like Carragher.

Spiritual home. Although I’ve always thought Forest Green was a better match.

Resounding Fuck Off to that. I don’t think Still is the man to take us forward, but I’d rather stick with him than have that bearded egotistical bellend back.

Where does it feature on the Mara Scale of slide rule passes though ?