Badger

And a GK who can be called upon when needed. Hopefully one that will give Fraser a bit of competition as well.

Given our lack of options in this position, I think leaving Forster out is the right decision. If he got injured in this match we'd be buggered.

Be a good option. As McCarthy doesn't seem to be in contention and no suggestion of a return date from injury I'd be surprised if we're not considering a GK option, otherwise its Lewis or Taylor. One inexperienced, the other, none of his previous clubs dare play him. (Now watch Lewis perform heroics today).

Fair point. I recall phoning the ticket office and giving a membership number at the time in L1 & Championship. Had forgotten it fell off the radar for a couple of years.

As we've taken the EFL Cup seriously, even whilst in Europe, it would be a disappointment to treat the FA Cup less seriously and put out a weakened team here.

Don't they have to be allocated by way of a membership or subscription though ? In which case the club would seek a fee for the administration of it? What you're advocating is a registration scheme without any charge for it. Great if they'll provide it, otherwise I'm relaxed about the scheme as it currently stands. We wouldn't commit to ST's living too far away, so the membership is fine by me.

Seems an absurd move that as you say won't encourage the uptake next season. Interesting that tickets purchased Thursday onwards qualify for the count. In 1976 I recall Saints had been promoting sales of half season season tickets after Christmas, then buying a st for the remaining season. Until we beat Palace in the semi final, after which any remaining ST's were withdrawn from sale. Disagree, the whole purpose is to enable a priority booking and choice of ticket for a match (for a normal home match never mind a SF , or Final). The alternative would be a graded system allowing purchases if you have a number of previous tickets to your name, as they're doing now, or just a free for all so anyone on the data base can obtain the Man Utd, Liverpool glamour fixtures when they come available.

No,but try a Sunderland forum. Good player but didn't fulfill his potential once he made the old First Division as I recall.

From Google: Gabbiadini -Southampton , it continues to treat. Agreement with Napoli on standby, waiting for the British raise their offer, stops when 16 million plus 4 bonus and a 10% discount on future sales. De Laurentiis would like to prevent Gabbiadini to explode just after the transfer by the club blue. Between Southampton and the tip of the Naples agreement already exists: contract until 2,021,000,000 to 2.5000000 per season. T ra assumptions made by the president blue is that of renewal (the contract expires in 2018) and the loan for a year and a half. However the solution is unwelcome to the tip of Bergamo, who does not want to go out on loan and does not intend to renew. Developments are expected. Pick the bones out of that !

Wasn't that down to His Rupertship who thought we don't need him as we've got James Beattie or someone else at the time..?

Agree. The Liebherr era has been a steady climb and progress. Don't really want their involvement to be changed. That said, I couldn't criticise KL if she wanted to give up on a football club that she just happened to inherit.

Do we realistically expect it to filter down to 6 or 5 home matches ?

or sign for us, then twist his ankle...

1979 though the away leg was first.

Found this amusing. Feel sorry for Ranieri and the calls for him to go after last season, but that demonstrates the fickleness of fans.* * at other clubs that is, not ours.

Result was just what the Doctor ordered. Needed boost to confidence ahead of our trip to Anfield, just hope it isn't undone by VVD's injury and not being available on Wednesday.

Neither did I. Wish I hadn't seen that record before the match, we know how obliging we can be for teams turning round their bad fortune, or players having not scored for weeks.

Is he a team mate of Gashton's?

Agree,although we'll have to see if new leaders emerge, especially after VVD if he leaves in the summer. At the moment though we do appear to lack leadership, on the pitch, on the touchline.We can only speculate on the boardroom.

That ended well at West Ham didn't it?

Best - his part of the climb from L1, and seeing both the team and him reach new levels. Worst - agree with Nordic, this season has gone a bit sour, amidst various rumblings of the 'Billy Big B ... ' , and rumoured falling out with various parties. Will also miss his song, okay a bit tiresome after 7 years, but at least it was different.

A disappointing end to his time with us having been such a stalwart in our climb from L1, the last of the nucleus of the team that have seen us climb two divisions and into Europe. Whether its a good deal or not will depend entirely on what Saints do next to replace him. Will be fondly remembered for his time with us and being an integral part in our climb up the league. Shame it turned sour towards the end.

Bertrand is an interesting option. Keane - no chance. Leeds bloke - would they even consider selling whilst in contention for the play offs ?

I think we were linked with Simon Kjaer before but nothing came of it. On the subject of whether to replace Fonte or not, I too think it would be foolish to rely on VVD/Yoshida, and only the untried Stephens, and unsure of Gardos as back up. Of the names mentioned Schar stood out for me. He was highly regarded as an up and coming prospect at Basle, and linked with Chelsea, Arsenal etc. Now he's had a year or so in a stronger league he may be ready for a step up to the Premiership.Not sure if we'd prise him away in January though. Hoffenheim seem to be a bit of a German equivalent of Saints bringing young players through, and giving 'imports' such as Schar their chance in a stronger lead. Perhaps we should look to them to replace Celtic as our main 'feeder club'.