Badger

What "incredible manager" is going to come to us as we are ? Totally agree about buying experience.

Serious question, but how does a manager do that ? Adkins was critiscised for some of his 'psychobabble' , perhaps that's the way. The players are grown men and should be able to take responsibility for themselves when they go onto the pitch. But they don't seem capable of it, too focused on their millionaire lifestyles, and what the next tattoo wiil be. We don't sign experienced players who will act as leaders on the field, that doesn't help. Imagine Bally or Jimmy Case putting up with this bunch of softies.

The blame for recruitment of players during his tenure remains with Reed (and his lackie Wilson), these are players we can't shift. If any manager can get something out of the poor squad at his disposal then he deserves credit.

Agreed. Only problems no one will take the players and we probably don't want to spend what little we have on paying up Watson's contract.

Has to take responsibility for the team selection and motivation but whichever way you look it's a pretty poor bunch to select from. I think the forum is already decided that Djeneppo for example offers fuck all.

Will only improve if it starts at the top with the owner.... And that cunt who wants to make the Kingsland centre into an area for corporates/padded seats shoud f.o as well. As ridiculous an idea as much as misguided.

Another masterclass in scouting .... thanks again, Les.

Just creating another area of the ground (sorry, stadium) with no atmosphere. The club are in danger of pricing out the thermos carrying and blanket over the knee brigade. Not sure we are successful or fashionable enough to attract the fuckers they want (ie the Surrey commuter who'll pay the £22 for burger in the 'wine bar' under the stand type of bollocks). Perhaps I've done them a disservice though and the padded seats are for those with lumbago, or just don't want a cold and uncomfortable arse when watching.

Okay, don't suppose they could resist that link to launch it, but agree with you 135 years isn't such a noteworthy milestone to commemorate.

I didn't think it did personally, although I don't recall the club heavily marketing it as such. If they did, then I missed it (or it's an age thing ...)

I'd like to see the sash reserved for anniversary kits.

What has his position been for them ? I thought he was a LB on leaving Bristol City but a quick google search indicates CB ?

Wasn't Ralph and the club in a similarly buoyant mood this time last year when the talk was of signing Zeefuik ? Shame looked too good an opportunity at a relatively low price.

Club rather than a pub but Hulse Road Social was the gathering point for the first 10-15 years of my Saints supporting days. Not as 'lively' as some of the places mentioned on here though I've learnt in later life.

The great days of 'The Alehouse'. Honorable mentions to Jimmy Gabriel, Dave Walker, and Dennis Hollywood, but I think the two you mention were a cut above the rest.

Totally agree. It is partially the Reed inspired 'resell' doctrine that has seen our decline, trying to make the "clever" signing with growth rather than build the team with youth and experience. For those obsessed with "resell value" just remember the Huddersfield chairman who declined his managers suggestion of signing Rickie Lambert for about £850,000 on the grounds of his age and no resell value about 12 months before we paid £1m for him.

Is he the Albanian Tommy Fourpast ?

Including getting a deal done this early.

Romeu is 30 later in the year. Perhaps the penny has dropped in the last few months that we need some experienced heads in key positions to assist the younger players in coming through, and they can't just be thrown in together in the hope it all comes together.

Apart from Romeu they are all pretty lightweight, if you exclude Jankewitz who may or may not be here next season, so I think Delaney offers a bit more power in the MF, something often lacking.

where does this rumour actually come from though ? Has anyone seen it from a credible source ?

Is it too early to start looking nervously at next season's table?

Wasn't just a good GK though, he was outstanding with many pundits and neutrals calling him the best in the league. Of course over his career Shilton would take the accolade as the best GK to ever play for us, but I rate Niemi as the best GK I've seen for Saints based on their displays for us. (Expect to be shot down by many now).

Have read good things about him, so would be pleased with his signing, especially at the price suggested. Seems too good at that price so expect a Blackmore exclusive distancing us from his signing. No idea if the source is reliable, anyone know ? Always a concern it's an agent leak to drum up interest, or that it will drag on expected to be announced after the Euros, when he'll go elsewhere after. Did read he was mates with Vestergaard from the international squad, may even have played together in Denmark. Problem if he does sign though, based on the photo there is that he'll reduce our arm tattoo quota so we'll need to sign someone else to make up for it.

Think he did, but long before Koeman's days with us though.