Badger

They did look disorganised at times . Looking at our third goal - brilliantly worked and calmly finished as it was - you can imagine the uproar if Bazunu or McCarthy were seen left on their knees as the ball was rolled past them.

Why ? Thought he was a regular starter for both Middlesbrough and Plymouth

Yes, had to do a double take on it as well!

Fair point to some degree. The passing from the RB position upfield was exceptional. But we’ve now scored a goal of that quality once. How many times have we seen possession given away from that position ? I can immediately think of two from McCarthy alone (albeit against better quality opposition).

Playing around like that just infuriates me. But when we did move it out we played with far more purpose. Re the last point as long as he keeps winning Spors doesn’t really have a decision to make.

“There’s a player in there” - volume 57

For a bloke of his size he seems pretty weak as well. Easily bundled off the ball, and we had his usual slipping and falling over routine at one point today. Someone on the thread mentioned Kenwynne Jones as a comparison. Difference for me at a basic level was that Jones had a bit of energy and physical presence. Perhaps it’ll click into gear for Downs one day. But difficult to see it coming based on what we’ve seen to date.

I watched Jones making his way onto the pitch a full time towards the centre circle, and half expected to see him berate the ref for something. But no. Jones made a point of congratulating and shaking hands with all of our players, and a hug with a couple of them. Credit where it’s due.

Certainly didn’t expect that today. Well worth the effort getting there. Compared to the last couple of years, an uncharacteristic and unsaints like performance; good passing moves, attacking at pace. Scienza, Fellows and Armstrong outstanding. Boost in confidence for Azaz and Bragg. Jander running through for his goal brought back a memory of a Steve Williams goal (and they were pretty infrequent for a while) at Sunderland. Negatives - still a bit of pissing about at the back for my liking. Inevitability of being caught out at some point. Support - a bit tame at times, but 12.30 kick off doesn’t help.

Agree with your opening comment, and conclusion. But I wouldn’t read too much into the substitutions today. Subs don’t normally come on to the luxury of a 5-1 lead. They didn’t need to chase or change the game, all they had to do was stifle an already beaten and demoralised opposition. Avoid any monumental fuck ups, and not lose a 4 goal advantage. Not too much to ask even for us.

As was Hull, and to a lesser extent Derby. He should have gone then.

Whole thing seems bizarre. Appoint Trollope and promote Lallana to first team coach in the summer but overlook them for interim manager. Lallana now it seems moved out of the way. Eckert highly rated we’re told, but in danger of pissing him off and him walking out if we appoint someone else.

Always thought we’d go for Eddie Jones. Not sure where he is now. Perhaps we’re waiting for the end of the Autumn Internationals or something

Well if it’s as effective as the six weeks he had with us once…

Despite doubts about elevating him to a post ahead of his experience you can’t really take issue with him as an individual. Comes across well, and just hope this experience doesn’t see him sink. He might find the media thing a bit more challenging if results take a downturn. But at least he’s not an egotistical bellend like a previous one in the post.

Not sure they can give a meaningful update without just whipping up speculation, uncertainty, and hysteria. Plus undermining Eckert in the process. Any statement is likely to be so bland it would cause anger among the fans in itself. Yes, we’d like to know more about the intentions, but it seems the club are damned here whatever they do and say. Go back to Ruperts default position of “no one’s ruled in, no one’s ruled out “ kind of bollocks.

Yet incredibly Branfoot wanted to offload him as a makeweight in a player exchange. Can’t remember who it was for, someone uninspiring, and was shocked when I read about it some years later.

Have heard similar. I have it on good authority that Houllier has been our number one target for weeks. Spors and Rasmus are refusing to consider other options until Houllier picks up his phone to let them know if he’s interested or not.

Is it on tv for the 12.30 kick off ?

No they didn’t have saturation coverage in those days, it was just MOTD with two games, and ITV stations for a local match on Sunday. I also read somewhere that both stations would often ‘wipe’ the film footage tapes sometime after, so even if shown there’s no guarantee it was retained. I did find a collection of Channon’s goals in Youtube earlier in the year that I posted on here. There were quite a few on there that I didn’t expect to see again (hat trick v WBA in the 1976 Cup replay for example), although quality of film not great.

Come on Xavi, you know that after Barcelona, The Dell and therefore St Mary’s is your spiritual home. Romeu as assistant is already here. A couple of years as manager here will set you up for life. Never have to work again.* * and two years working with Rasmus and gang, you either won’t want to, or get another opportunity

The video is still in the video drawer and hasn’t been watched for ages. Good watch though of a fantastic player at his peak. Great shame that a similar collection wasn’t available for Channon who was equally exhilarating to watch. But he was before the video fashion, or have I missed it ?

Thought he retired about 15 years ago. Only on Planet Rasmus would we think of dredging him up. Wonder if Hoddle was sounded out, “unfinished business” and all that. Or perhaps they should ask Lawrie if he’d like to supplement his pension with a part-time job.

Is a visit to Fratton any “reward”?

Have to wonder where and how he was dredged up after years out of the game. Can’t remember when he was last managing or involved anywhere.