Badger

Think he's one of those players who might excel if he had others around him to do the donkey work for him. We don't have enough quality and especially muscle to carry him, although I think he could be a good squad player, which with our limited resources we probably don't want, and probably can't afford the luxury of him and Walcott. At £5m possibly worth it, but if Liverpool are holding out for £10m that they think they can recoup from an exchange with a Spanish club then doubtful.

Fully deserves one. With a substantial pay rise as well. (But only if Les makes a return under a new owner).

More nostalgia, including a run down on the team from Mick Channon: ITV managed to get the club crest wrong. Comment from Channon on one of the team buying car mags " ...whereas most players buy Penthouse or Mayflower ..."

Shame but not surprising given the news over the last couple of years. I thought he had something to offer and would develop into a decent squad player, even if he eventually dropped down a league. Recall him looking impressive going forward but like Targett a bit suspect defensively (think he was highlighted by the media for being out of position at San Siro for their goal for example). Impressed that as a younger player he was prepared to 'stand up' to the Inter 'theatricals' a couple of times at St Mary's in one of his earliest games for us, didn't hide away or crumble as some of our lot do now. Hope he makes a good career in coaching or whatever else he chooses.

Both are capable of gaffes. Of the two McCarthy always seems more likely to pull off a decent reflex save, but then undoing it with a 'brain fart' moment. Would like to think they're competing to remain as a back up only, but given our limited funds that probably won't be the case.

Bobby Stokes: Skates like to mention how they brought the FA Cup to The Dell in 1939 and were applauded by Saints fans. They overlook the heroes reception their residents gave to Bobby Stokes for scoring for us to win the Cup.

Thought of this today. Great memory but sad also thinking back about some of those who were there that day and no longer with us (family, friends and even players, Bobby Stokes and Peter Osgood). Worth a watch again.

Just done a quick Google search and translation and it appears to be after his contract with us. Taken from one translation: https://www.diepresse.com/5973761/hasenhuttl-denkt-uber-ende-der-trainerkarriere-nach

Targett update: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56936723

Probably Lemina's agent has just come out of his hibernation from under a stone.

Fine in theory, until you realise what Ralph has at his disposal.

Same day as we play Leeds then ?

I think we may ahve signed our left sided CB in Salisu last summer so N'Dicka seems unlikely although I recall his name bandied about on here from some dubious internet link. Silva has been talked about in connection with a few bigger clubs and £25-30m. Seem to recall Hinteregger was at Frankfurt though and another name talked about on here. If only Gao had a pot to piss in that her could sell to raise some cash that is.

If we start next season like we've been during the last three months of this one, he'll be gone by end of September, but by then it really is 'Big Sam' time, and we'll all be asking why wasn't it done sooner. The replacements mentioned certainly don't inspire that's for sure. Eddie Howe might be another version of 'Arry, embarrassed by being here with his hear still a few miles down the coast, did I see Marco Silva's name mentioned somewhere on this thread, there's a throwback. Perhaps Ronald will be interested if his Barcelona jaunt comes to an end prematurely. I'd like to see Ralph turn it round, but its becoming increasingly difficult to see it without major investment - probably not happening - or to make a case out for him. Would like to see the gutless players fuck off, but whilst Ralph's hands are tied with those at his disposal, his selections, tactics are questionable, and motivational skills have gone down the bog. The club seems rotten from the top without direction, until that changes anything else is really just window dressing.

There's always next season I suppose.

Never a good time to play anybody with our lightweight wilting pansies who crumble all too easily. Hoping for a change in heart from them but not really expecting it.

Does Bednarek get near enough to the opponent these days to "clatter them" ? Perhaps leave it until the 85th minute , if the game is lost, and someone should seriously clatter Son as payback for his feeble 'going over ' in the cup last season. And to wipe that nauseating inane grin off his face.

Agree to a point, but it remains the manager's job to motivate .. and determine the tactics. He's falling down on both of those counts at the moment. That said I can't see anyone else doing much better with the feeble squad at his disposal. I fear who those calling for him to go want as a replacement, Eddie (???) for example !!! The rudderless direction starts at the top and until Gao goes there will be little improvement, if anything it'll go further down the toilet.

Personally I won't believe we are in a FA Cup semi final and taking it seriously until I see the Club Shop selling foam hands.

His name has been posted on here several times, especially by St Lard who is his leading campaigner it seems. I can accept the interest in him as Brentford play an attractive attacking game by all accounts, and possibly he's got them again 'punching above their weight'. But no one has explained why he'd leave a fairly well run and seemingly ambitious club for us. If we're looking at Brentford perhaps their head of recruitment should be considered rather than the manager. Lined up by Dortmund for next season I think. Would have liked us to consider another Austrian if needed, Adolf Hutter ('Adi' as he calls himself, can't think why), if only for the name. (Won't happen though as I read he's likely to go elsewhere in Germany.

Yes, we really are a soft touch. Didn't realise how poor until I saw this on the BBC site: Shocking.

Think today's result might have edged Jose closer to the exit door. Perhaps the League Cup v City will be 'shit or bust' for him. Poor Mr Levy having to fork out on compensation for Mourinho's contract.

Serious question for any IT/'cyber itk's' , but what benefit or advantage does this offer us in reality?

Interesting that the yellow shirt has been made available as a retro as my recollection is that we only wore it once (away v Arsenal), and it wasn't made available for sale at the time.

Think it is Bally's son. https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-alan-ball-matthews-1233975