Badger

Arsenal & Chelsea feature prominently in the run ins,several clubs including us, play both. Only WBA face neither. Problem being that both can blow hot and cold, so bit of a lottery as to which one turns up for your particular fixture, and what stage the Wenger - Conte internal wranglings have reached at that time. You could probably add Everton & Allardyce into that category as well.

Lemina seems more of an Arsenal player to me, and would get more game time there but much depends on who replaces Wenger I suppose.

Is it too much to expect one of Gao's five pledges to be we won't deal with those scouse c^nts, or spurs ? Probably it is as Reed seems to like dealing with them.

Do you mean this one , but not late seventies as played in 1970.

Remember some of those games, but writer clearly didn't research it too well. Names our goalscorer as David Armstrong v Newcastle in the final first leg (in 1974) despite the fact he didn't join us until 1981.

Something that is Saints and curling related: Strange realising that was four years ago, a lot of changes in that time.

My recollection as well.

Agree, but for some complete knobheadedness on Fonte's part he might still have been with us, probably still playing a role. Incredible how things turned sour so quickly after his Euro 2016 success.

Even more tenuous link. Whilst McManus was an apprentice at Saints my cousin once met him whilst travelling to a home game on the top deck of a bus in Southampton.

I remember Arsenal - Sheff Weds had a bit of a marathon in the late 1970's. The only one I recall us being involved in whilst following Saints was v Grimsby where it was eventually decided at Leicester. Before that of course there was the famous early 60's match v Forest that was played at White Hart Lane. Great shame about the moving of replays to 10 days notice as the prospect of an immediate replay always racked up the excitement levels over a few days, remember WBA 1976 in particular.

Would yellow be too much to ask, or possibly a return to the sky/navy Keegan kit?

Why not a 12.30 Saturday slot?

Would MLT cope with Poch's rigorous training regime/would Poch cope with MLT's fitness levels?

B0ll0cks ! I think you may be right. There goes that theory then.

Someone pointed out earlier on one of the threads that Wigan have a game midweek,having looked on BBC they are away to Bradford on March 14th. Not sure how flexible their existing league fixture will be if they did want to change it. Hoping this rules out the Friday fixture

At least that might prevent a Friday night fixture then.

Fifth round - WBA away Qtr final - unexpected opposition from Third Division(L1). 1976 all over again.

Don't disagee with that either - indeed the Gardos comparison hasn't escaped me, but I'll give him another season to see if he's made any steps towards the first team before writing him off. CB pairings - definitely agree.

I think he can be put into the 'one for the future' file, and judged over two or three seasons though. I'm quite happy for this type of speculative signing, providing its not at the expense of players ready and capable of improving the starting team, not just bloating the squad.

Sh1t I hadn't previously made that connection, but it doesn't bode well.

Don't you think they sounded familiar to what you've read on here, or heard before then? Discipline - probably not a direct comparison, but we had the VVD issue which seemed to affect morale, and several comments have been made about the popularity of a coach leading to a lack of disciplined approach. Weak management is probably the comparison. Summer purchases - that's your opinion, Lemina I'd agree with you, but jurys out on Hoedt, and add Carillo to this list perhaps. This topic has probably been exhausted elsewhere, but I think most would accept recruitment (for some time not just the summer) has been poor. You can't rely on our available strikers not to fail from 6 yards, but not many would score a goal like Rondon's.

Talking to a WBA supporter after the match, interesting some of their grievances, and how familiar they sounded: Anonymous Chinese owner Sacking the previous manager, who had created a toxic atmosphere during his time in charge, but might have kept them up with his brand of football however dull, and then replacing him with no one better Poor discipline behind the scenes (as evidenced this week) Summer signings - poor recruitment, and money wasted Rondon - scores a goal like that but can't put it in from 6 yards when the opportunity arises. Have enjoyed our visits to The Hawthorns over the last few years. Hope we both stay up but unlikely.

Good day out, and result. Thought we were worth the win despite their chances created in the 2nd half which were kept at bay by McCarthy, and Bertrand's heroic clearance off the line (didn't realise it was quite so close until watching the highlights). A few observations: Defence - CB's still worry me, despite occasional flashes of individual flair from both Hoedt and Stephens they are equally likely to drop a monumental boll0ck (eg Hoedt's misckick or going to ground at a critical time). Either would be good alongside a good bruiser of a CB, but they don't quite cut it together, and I don't think Yoshida gives the physical presence required. Tadic - well taken goal, but noticed he wimped out of a couple of 50:50 balls in their penalty area near the end which might have given a further chance. Too easily dispossessed leading up their goal. Up front - looked as toothless as ever, although Carrillo did look to provide some decent movement, and flick ons, but all too often no one near him. MOM - McCarthy, could be criticised for positioning on their goal but don't suppose anyone in the ground expected Rondon to make that connection with it. But McCarthy made some good saves and did some of the basics of coming off his line that we know FF would not. No surprise how having a GK that does the basics provides a platform for a win.

It has always been quarter finals to me also, although media seemed to refer to 6th round more in recent years.

Always a chance of an upset, especially when nothing is expected of us. (okay, I know the likelihood is slim...)