Badger

I had a ticket for today but a family illness put paid to that. Thankfully. Turned in the box to watch the wimmin’s rugby, just as France scored a try. ( Used to happen frequently on Solent v Saints so shouldn’t have been surprised). I’m done with sport on a Saturday. Have to find a new hobby. Any good ‘stop the boats’ protests next weekend? Doesn’t matter which side you take, bound to be more entertaining than this shit

This stood out like the dog’s bollocks I most fans. Why the fucking retards we have in our recruitment team couldn’t see it is bordering on criminal neglect. But there were people on here saying our GK’s were adequate for this level, as were our strikers.* *To save MLG the trouble I’ll remind everyone that Archer scored 18 goals in 40 championship games earlier in his career.

He’s had two weeks at Staplewood. We’ve coached any talent out of him

Did you ? Can’t say I was over enthusiastic. At least he’s lived up to expectation so far. BUT, in fairness to him he’s another manager let down by recruitment. What was the fucking point in Downes, (as with Archer 12 months before).

Again. Of course, no one saw that coming, with our track record of careful hand picked selections. But, but, but …. a French journalist spoke highly of him. And he gave a good talk on tactics to Carragher once. (Or so some said - from what I saw on YouTube it was as dull as ditchwater),

They’ll give him until Christmas

I can’t see Lallana as a head coach or manager. Perhaps doing him a disservice, but just doesn’t seem to have the drive. He may of course be ‘one to watch’ as he could well fit a Rasmus identikit for an appointment (young, enthusiastic, few coaching badges, someone no one else would consider.., plus cheap and available)

Perhaps a change of career. On the stage as ‘Blackbeard the pirate’ in panto season

I’d expect a mid to lower Championship team will see he’s had a promotion, and also worked with small budgets at Swansea and MK. That will make him attractive to them but his ego and expectation of his own worth might be greater. Failing that : MK Dons - “unfinished business “. Forest Green - and their eco owner - might be closer to his spiritual home ( and level!) Or perhaps Leicester if your current bloke doesn’t work out.

John McGrath was one of my earliest Saints heroes. The game you mention might have been the League Cup match (quarter final ) in December 1978. Ball was with Saints at the time but Rodrigues had moved on (and was at his pub - near you of course - King Rufus in Eling).

The Alehouse Team. Legends. If you could set up a football match from two teams from different eras, our Alehouse v Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang would be great viewing. You mention TC. That’s something from a 1960’s childhood.But do you realise that he was really designed as Sgt Bilko for kids ?

Thanks. Don’t feel like it though. Think I’ve been watching Saints too much, it’s worn me down

There is a danger of this becoming a love fest for 1960’s/early 70’s Leeds. Just to balance this, I’ll add that I detested them at the time. Derby and the big mouth Clough just as bad. (Clough did mellow in the mid80’s, but a horrible loudmouth and arrogant bastard at Derby). One if the most puke inducing things in the 70’s was Leeds and those bastard ridiculous number tags on their socks. Then seeing them running to the crowd on MOTD to give them to fans after a match. Complete with Barry Davies or Coleman salivating over it all.

Older relatives told me about this, and there was an underlying hint that Dodgin had in some way got Saints to ease up a bit. Then of course he joined Fulham who had been promoted. Do you recall any suggestions or stories at the time hinting at wrongdoing ?

Weren’t we 5th when he took over, having been widely credited with his part getting us there ?

Yes. But more worryingly sounds like a misspent childhood. Kids might be taken into care for less nowadays. (Joking). Good player (not that I’d have said so at the time as my best mate was a Leeds fan). He did. If you’ve not seen it before well worth watching the clips on YouTube. Incredible that both teams finished with 11 players on the pitch.

I’m in my 60’s and thought I was among the old guard of Saints supporters (first game late 60’s). But some of you put me to shame, I’m a mere stripling by comparison. Hats off to TottonSaint, Charlie W., and Tommy Mulgrew. Well done on your years of Sainthood and not giving up (as tempting as it can be sometimes).

I think David Armstrong got the other goal, and that it was Worthington’s last game for us. He must have fallen out with Lawrie a few days later as he disappeared without trace for the next match (Stoke away from recollection). The Wallace goal by the way was a cross from Mark Dennis (fantastic player when his mind was on it). Seems incredible to see him pitchside now remembering the athlete he was in his prime.

Agree Armstrong could be important for us, and although “a big number 9” sounds good, do we realistically have anyone who can play that role ? I’d have thought Stewart but does he play that way, or did he at Sunderland? He has the height, but the strength ? Always seems a bit Bambi like from his time with us. Downes might have been bought for it in a few years perhaps but hasn’t shown anything like having the ability or being ready.

Looking at the level of fight shown by some of them I suspect he’s delegated this to Nivea.

This was my understanding. Might also be worth bearing in mind that he and a colleague were recently voted off the board by the new owners (or whatever they are within the company structure), which seemed pretty bitter. There's probably a lot of shit flinging going on.

Who was he talking to ? If he was consulting Trollope that's one thing, conferring with Nivea another. Or was he just talking to himself in the Tech Area. ? That might mean deeper problems for both us and him.

This isn't just him though, as you say, seems fashionable, Bloody stupid though.

That’s no bad thing in my view. I’d rather they showed it on the pitch, and talked about it afterwards. Rather than a load of fake posturing beforehand just for the media and some fans benefit.

Only after making sure his hair was in place....