Badger

Talented yes. But also seems brittle.

Don't think it helped though. First half we looked content to sit back and defend, and hit West Ham on the break. We were almost trying to play as an away team. Ok against Liverpool at home in the league when they were on form, but this was West Ham for Christ sake. Silva has had the benefit of his club being able to bring players in, and as we know we have been rather slack in that department, Gabbiadini aside.

It was certainly relegation material that I witnessed today. Bury your head in the sand if you like.

A concern for me today is any suspensions picked up as without any games between now and the final that will rule them out of that. (Unless we hastily arrange the Arsenal home fixture for the week before if its only a one game suspension). Worst case is Romeu getting an early yellow today, then having to tread eggshells for the rest of the match *****il subbed of course).

Yes, that's the fella. Same one that has taken us into the final third of the season with an inadequate selection of CB's - one injury or suspension away from a real crisis - after starting the season light on goal scorers. Like players, he is judged on his current and recent form rather than over his entire career or time with us.

#itshappeningbutnotasweintended

As does Snodgrass

Yes, I wonder what his contribution is meant to be. For a club that has a much lauded black box and recruitment dept we do seem to have ended up with several Koeman connections whilst he ws here, and more recently from Ligue 1.

Hugh Fisher put George Best in his pocket that afternoon. Best was sent off, and Marsh had a sulk most of the afternoon.

Keegan is the outstanding signing in Saints history. Although Osgood at the time was equally as dazzling as it was the first time we had entered the bigger pool, paying over £200,000 for a player at that time was considered an incredible step for Saints. As Steveo says bringing Channon back was high profile at the time. One signing that probably went a little under the radar when it happened but proved to have great significance was Alan Ball.

Couldn't have been simpler could it ? But no, Les managed to f^ck it up.

Perhaps they'll both be on loan with a view to buying. GK - possibly a better option than those available as back up. The CB has played for Bayern , & Germany, so that suggests some sort of pedigree.

Often said that was Eric Martin's best game for us. Notice he's playing without gloves.They were hardy breed in those days.

I rest my case.

Within reason though. Don't want a Callum Davenport Mk II

Fabian Schar looked promising and would fit our model of signing, as a player on the up.Doubt that we'd prise him away from his club in January though. Probably not one that is readily available.

But did we have a retard with a bell and bugle, accompanied by friend from his special needs group on a drum, banging out an inane noise towards the end of the match, then applaud the Arsenal players off the field ? If not, you can see why they have the bestest fans the world has ever seen.

Very much so, their changes included Walcott , and Wellbeck.

Fair point of course, but wouldn't it be better to bring in someone we actually want, rather than desperately scrabbling around for someone who is available (or that another club is prepared to release) in the event of an injury. If we're relying on favours we could end up with a Kasey Keller, or a Tommy Forecast.

Interesting. Amongst the assorted saves shown that also shows him coming off his line to collect a cross (at 2.41). Not to worry I'm sure we can eradicate that from his game.

Agree we have priorities, but take issue with your comments on the GK's. Lewis - looked a bit like a lamb facing the slaughter, not altogether his fault with a hapless defence in front of him, but that won't have done his confidence any good. Taylor - has spent most of his career making the numbers up as a back up,there's a reason for that. McCarthy - shame he's been injured as he might have given FF some much needed competition and possibly replaced him after his recent run of form. But as he doesn't feature anywhere at the moment I wouldn't include him within the options. FF often looks as if he's playing in wellies, but he's our only option at the moment. Injury to him, on top of our CB issues, and we're in Sh1t Street.

A misguided hope on my part perhaps. But reinforces the need for an experienced and competent GK.

Bit of a paradox really, they're protecting Forster from injury. And as proven by Lewis's inclusion, and Taylor on the bench, we have no adequate replacement for FF if he picks up an injury. Need to add GK to the list for the window, but doubt we will.

I think Fratton Park will be the first ground where after about 85 minutes a home player puts the ball out for a throw so the team can stop and boo the last remaining supporters as they make to the exit

Might be a good addition, but am I missing something in your post to link him to us ?