Badger

Someone also likened him to Franz Beckenbauer bringing the ball out of defence. I think they were serious. Perhaps they were right though as Beckenbauer is now in his 70's.

Excellent. Anyway, hope this bloke lives up to expectation; more Mane than Mayuka. Wonder if Brio will make a wooden Ralph Express for Christmas. Children are in their 20's but so what.

Didn't manage it for two games in the Cup last season, although hopefully a Ralph inspired pre-season will have us firing a lot better.

Burnley home, either 8th or 15th of February

Depends if Ralph thinks he can recruit better from Bundesliga or elsewhere.

Did Skacel drive him there ?

They're 'holed up' in Martin O'Neill's flat in Winchester. He's not letting them out till they've signed.

Rupert Lowe seen driving on the Aston Expressway one Sunday evening in 2003.We must be signing Darius Vassell. Obviously no other plausible explanation for the sighting. Darius Vassell did not join us in 2003 or any time after.

Adrien Rabiot. We can probably file this with Mario Goetze, and Ibrahimovich. We were probably closer to signing Bierhoff many years ago.

even from the penalty spot

Hadn't heard of him until this link. Quick google search and I've read Mainz signed him as an unknown about a year ago although still about £10m. That was the clever scouting, wonder who Reed and Wilson were looking at the time.. Agree with Toadhall, he has height and pace. We only seem to sign shortarses.

Headbutted the back of Alun Evans head v Liverpool at the Dell c 1970. Legendary. Alun Evans was a blonde ponce but from this Shankly coined the phrase Alehouse footballers. Several candidates for best foul must have been committed that season, Jimmy Gabriel, Hugh Fisher and Brian O'Neil amongst the contenders I'm sure.

Read that at first as David James.

and Bobby Stokes.

No sulking, but a couple of comments - possibly quoted on here - over performance and lack of pace. Bit surprising as some of clips seen he looks to have a decent presence and some skill (albeit in the Championship). At £5m though, probably worth a punt.

Think he might have fallen out of favour there with the manager after the Villa debacle. Not sure about this though, highly rated 12 months ago but have read some damning comments from last season.

Now you mention it, I recall that being put on here. If we're solely looking at signing Saints supporters then perhaps its return of Andrew Surman and Wayne Bridge coming out of retirement.

Saw this earlier. https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/cricket/hampshire_cricket/17682145.ex-hants-cricketer-iain-brunnschweiler-is-back-at-southampton-fc/ Looks like someone coaching the coaches.

... along with Sam Vokes, one of the great Saints supporters never to have played for us after being linked on here year after year.

Might also be a refection on those promoting him. I remember when we were first linked with him the story was that Les had identified him. That being the case we should have every confidence that he will be a resounding success. When did Les Reed's recruitment ever let us down?

Wonder if that could be a trade off involving one of their players we were supposedly interested in ( with some £ going their way as well).

Nice bit of nostalgia there SOG, hope you find the info you're looking for. Can't help about the cricket etc, but if its The Albany off The Avenue then I think it closed mid-late 1980's. It used to be one of our meeting and parking points before matches from time to time. Nice to see it referred to as Whitsun as well.

As we did with Mepham. Quite alarming if we are being left behind Bournemouth in the transfer stakes. On the other hand this bloke could be another Bialkowski.