Badger

Added to which, if you believe all that you read, it isn't Puel's job to focus on recruitment as this rests with Les and his team of soccer boffins monitoring the black box. I'm sure Puel has an input, but the prime mover in the bringing 'em in is Reed.

A copy of which is in my attic.

Long's traditional ratio, although he has stretched it to a few more this year.

In the summer we were linked in a couple of articles with Gabbiadini at Napoli. Nothing came of it, and most likely it was either idle speculation or agent hyping interest. I think Everton were offering 20m, but he preferred to stay. Saw an article a week or so ago, the likely price has fallen to 14m, but largely because he's had a bit of a barren spell for Napoli. So there's a possibility that even if a player is affordable the likelihood is he's low on confidence, and out of form. (Perhaps similar to the Berahino issue).

Do you think it might be better received by supporters of Liverpool, Utd, or another club then ?

Dreadful, seems like a self inflicted humiliation. My Way - Frank Sinatra. I was expecting Long to begin with the original lyrics, which would have been more fitting after the last two performances: " And now, the end is near And so I face the final curtain.." Perhaps a fans group - remember the MLT effort v Leeds at the Dell - should do a remake for Long & Co, for them to run out to:

If VVD had taken the chances that came his way in Israel and Milan we'd have been through before tonight.

A player who has mostly been associated with relegation during his career. There's probably a good reason for that, and we shouldn't have signed him. Just hope his form with relegation doesn't continue.

Hopefully bells are also banned. They leave most Saints fans feeling quite sick in fact.

Home to Middlesboro in December. Brings back horrible memories of 'arry's first agme in charge. 2-0 in the 89th minute and still only managed a draw.

Yes - very disappointing how a player who has been such a relaible part of our rise appears to be behaving like a stroppy diva after his elevation on the international satge, and a change of agent. Certainly worth more than £5m. Personally I'd like to see us make him see out the season at least. & CERTAINLY NOT SELL HIM TO KOEMAN.

Good player no doubt, but two concerns here: Work permit ? Experience to date of Saints mixing South American imports appears a risky strategy and hasn't yet really worked. But good clips though, and good to see the red sash shirts his club are wearing.

The article linked would suggest it pre-dates Lowe.

isn't he still injured ?

The GK is a regular, and that was our strongest back four today. Generally the rotation provides a reasonably consistent product in my view, reasonable defence (today an exception perhaps) but poor attacking threat. The MF probably sees the most changes in personnel and performance.

its the old adage, "you're only as good* as your last game". or sh!t in a few cases.

How long is McCarthy out for ?

According to the BBC stats: 59% possession 9 corners 17 shots (only 3 on target - pathetic) Inevitably - 0 f'kin goals

All too common though just to write it off as an uncharacteristic 'blip'.

Was probably considered a legitimate form of negotiating an 'out of court settlement' at the time though . A stronger case to argue over complicity is if the known or suspected offender was left in place to re-offend.

For those of us living out of the region then can you offer any updates of anything new ?

Or perhaps Puel is our best manager in being able to utilise the squad.

Interesting points in Lighthouse's list but Liverpool seem pretty consistent under Klopp whereas you don't really know if the Mancs will gel on the day. Hull in the final perhaps then.

Nivea possibly out with period pains. Has to change at some stage then.

Expect the Van Dyke, McQueen, Sims, Hojberg, Foster, Yoshida, (... or insert any other of what looks like a first team player) to Liverpool stories to escalate in the media before the first leg now.