Badger

I thought Crocker was more of a DoF, and that a permanent Director of Recruitment was also lined up. Glover was a temporary appointment when first mentioned. As for your last comment, "what's the point" , after following Saints since the 60's , this is a question I'm increasingly asking myself. Today, 46 years on from our one and only major trophy, it's not so much a question of will I see another one in my lifetime as much as does the club really have any real intent or appetite to try and win something, or just tick over with a squad of disinterested players ?

Super Shane... well worth a new contract.

Can only hope that the new owners have a game plan and that it is implemented quickly at the end of the season, and display it, other than by a Semmens Five Live talking shop. Yes, he comes across well, but his last interview was a little too close to the Les Reed manta of "we're relaxed about it .." on the topic of everyone leaving. Giving Long a new contract won't allay anyone's fears. On a positive though, Rasmus had a good reputation and record at Brentford, although they seemed to work their scouting network quite well in recent years. Shame he can't bring in their Director of Recruitment, as to my recollection we are still overdue an appointment to replace Jimmy Krankie. There was the rumoured one who was under contract and couldn't join until the summer ... but then it went quiet never to be heard of again. What was that two or three seasons ago ? Agree that expanding the group of clubs should be secondary to sorting out Saints, but then we're biased, and football might be secondary in the thinking to just expanding the dots on the map.

Just to lighten the mood: First team to go down when they introduced three automatic relegation spots. First time a team bottom at Christmas escaped (WBA) meant we went down. Can't se why you would be so pessimistic JB Saint. Don't think we will drop, but the fact that it's even being remotely considered is a disgrace.

That looks potentially more like a Terry Hurlock than anyone mentioned here previously. Doubt many will nominate him as the ideal candidate though.

Really ? I liked Fonte but don’t think he comes close to Alan Ball, or Jimmy Case from my time, also the 1960’s. Ball reportedly called a team talk without the managements knowledge to rally the troops ahead of the promotion run in. Case had the respect of the rest of the squad, and was also seen as a bit of a ‘protector’ on the pitch to younger players. Whats different? Probably that they had the experience, and also respect of the rest of the squad. Have to wonder if now the rest of the squad give a toss, and have respect for anyone, knowing that they can engineer a move with a phone call to their agent should a nasty bully like Bally or Case say something to them. Delicate little flowers that they are with a millionaire lifestyle. With the changing times, not sure Ball or Case would get Broja for example out of his current slumber. He knows he won’t be here next season, so barely goes through the motions.

Have thought the same for some time. As good as JWP is he doesn’t cut it as captain and on field leader for me, nor did Hojberg. Can you imagine the lacklustre performances we’ve had, getting stuffed whilst players aimlessly mince about, with Alan Ball or Jimmy Case on the pitch ? Think they’d have got a bit more effort and organisation out of the others. Either of those two, although Fonte was probably as good as you’ll see in modern times.

Difficulty is none of us know what, if any, clause may be in his contract. If the club have agreed to accept and notify him of any bids of say, £60m, then the player will be in the driving seat as to where he wants to go. A bidding war is unlikely and like Hojberg he will decide. Hope he goes to City, or even Liverpool where he might win something (providing they pay up). Man Utd will be in a season or so of change so that will be pointless. The prospect of spurs is too galling to think about. Suppose the positive is that at least it won’t be Everton.

Overall a half-arsed performance.

Unbelievable looking at the table this evening to see that could happen.

Many of us said this about Chris Nicholl and thought a change of manager would see a change in fortunes. It did of course, but in the wrong direction. Not to say that we shouldn’t make a change for fear, but have to wonder who would be the decision maker and are we confident they’d get it right ? True and I’ve offered this in defence of Ralph but some selections (Long for one at 35) and formations are less easy to justify This may be the extra incentive the board need, if they need something other than results to go on. If Semmens and Ankersen are committed to Ralph, wonder if they’ll consider bringing in a Designate to work with him as the Board did for Ted and Lawrie many years ago.

Weak and feeble. Again.

Still at Lazio. I think he's out f contract at the end of the season, although linked with several bigger clubs than us. (But then again Salisu was linked with Man Utd before signing for us).

What chance this turning into a punch up like the youth fixture a few years ago?

Have seen his name mentioned before, and generally good articles about him, linked with bigger clubs (Dortmund last summer for example). Bit of a ‘headcase’ as well. looks to be in our ideal age range (24). Other GK’s mentioned in the last couple of years, or just on here: Strakosha (Lazio) - also linked with bigger clubs, incl Newcastle and their Arab funds Rajkovic (Reims) Lafont (Nantes) Siegrist (Dundee Utd), now 30 so less likely. probably none of them then.

Thought the Richard’s era kit pretty average at the time, and hope for something better this time round.

I hope Bournemouth come back up but have a hunch they'll blow it. Their fixtures include four (out of six) against promotion rivals (think it includes Coventry and Forest). Very much in their own hands though. Luton ? Having been to Kenilworth Road in the 1980's I wouldn't consider anything magical about that cesspit being in the top division again.

Think we were linked with one of Dundee Utd's GK's at one point. Entirely co-incidental I'm sure.

Did come through the ranks and was highly thought of - possibly England U23 - but finished by injury I think. Agreed, if your criteria is: 1)studs up- face height -challenges on oncoming forwards 2)pre-match entertainment of throwing the balls into a sack. No one else comes close.

Niemi. I liked Tim Flowers but don't think he really hit the heights we thought he might after leaving. Good GK, miles better than what we have now, but not in Niemi's league. I'd go as far as saying Niemi is the best GK I've seen based purely on his time with us - and I might be in a minority here, possibly a minority of one - but for their time with Saints I'd prefer him to Shilton. Fully accept Shilton was one of the greats, but I think memories of his time with us are enhanced by his reputation, and especially his years at Forest. I saw many Niemi stops which were spectacular and you came away wondering how he kept something out, not sure I'd say the same of Shilton. Shilton was far better at pointing and shouting at his defenders after conceding though, and on more than one occasion the thought of 'ialll very well pointing at the FB/CB whoever, if you'd been a bit quicker off your line then...'

Not sure Ralph can be held accountable for what goes on in Bednarek's head, any more than Koeman was responsible for Wanyama's 'toys out the pram' moment before we crashed out of Europe a few years ago. The starting team v Man City wasn't as I'd ideally have liked but that didn't really cost us. It was probably going to plan when he looked to bring on Broja and Adams, but in the space of a minute Elyonouusi dithered and lost possession when well placed, and Salisu gave a needless and soft penalty away. At that point we seemed to be in a good position. But the lack of quality, and inexperience of two of our starting team cost us.

or a nailed on defeat.

Most people probably give as much of a shit about Linekers domestic arrangements as they do about Beckham's son marrying some rich bint in USA.

I remember Lawrie in the 1970's when someone on BBC mentioned shots on target ... and responding along the lines of, and if the striker hits it from about the halfway line and it bounces three time before it reaches the goalkeeper who catches it, is that a 'shot on target' ?