Badger

Remember Lawrie's analogy of violinists and roadsweepers (may have been dustbinmen). We shouldn't have those three on the pitch at the same time in my view, far too lightweight and powderpuff. .

This is nothing new, has been the story of the last two seasons though. Even under Poch there were times we could dominate the first half, not make that count, and fall apart in the second.

Is that taken from the Branfoot School of Coaching ? Seem to remember him talking about MLT having flaws in his game and having to work on the defensive side of things.

But who is there at the club with any knowledge and likely to make such decisions ? Kruger has entrusted the football side of things to Les Reed so until Gao or Nelly appoint someone of their nomination it seems unlikely. Unless Gao already has a 'football consultant' giving advice of course. Given some of the other kneejerk selections by Chinese owners (Zola at Birmingham comes to mind) be careful what we wish for.

One of the most detestable individuals ever to play for us. Only David Speedie comes close as a rival. Surprised Hughes has made it as a manager, and credit to him for that as seems more dignified as a manager than he ever did as a player (but NO - would never want him managing us).

Should have spent more time and money in Scribes nightclub and he'd have been a regular starter.

Someone posted a link to Nelly's Instagram last week and if you are sad enough to scroll through the photos there were a couple from the end of last season, and one from late 2016. So it seems she at least has been to St Mary's a few times.

He did a job for us during his first season with us when he could be bothered. At the start of the following season he was part of a sulking bunch of 'has beens' (Hughes, Ripley and David Hirst I think were mentioned at the time as others) who felt they were too good for Saints and helped destroy any spirit in the dressing room. Can't be sure what changed over the summer to cause that,was it the arrival of the toxic Mark Hughes ? I expect Palmer is too thick to be the instigator.

Can't beat observing some urban regeneration on a matchday.

So there's an account account named Ivanajewelry. Is that a company owned by the Gao's ?

.. but less likely if we start with FF in goal

I think we've shuffled the same pack often enough now without having the desired effect. Radical thinking called for unless we wait for the next window and leave it to Les. Wonder what the White Witch is up to these days ?

Does this mean it will ease Gao's transfer of funds to the club ? If so, I'm all for it. Or is that a euphemism for money launderers?

I think the doom stems from an inability to score at one end of the pitch, and a weakness in goal that is always likely to concede (if the opposition manage a single shot on target). These traits have been recognised over a number of games, last season and this without being addressed.

Just hope it's not with us....

I have wondered the same, but if Cortese wasn't happy working under KL, I'd be surprised if he readily accepts a role with the current owners. He'd be under greater scrutiny under the Gao's than with the Liebherrs.

Think we'd settle for his performances at 6 or 7 out of 10, at the moment they don't reach that scale.

Weren't we the first team Inter played after he was sacked at Inter Milan last season ? Bet he has a sense of foreboding ahead of next weeks fixture.

Seem to recall similar being written whilst we laboured under Steve Wigley from September through to end November in 2004.

Sacking Puel wasn't necessarily the wrong decision, although question remains over the selection of his successor. At the time my view was that we should only get rid if we had someone better lined up (almost signed, sealed and to be delivered the next day) such as Tuchel. Don't blame him for giving us a wide berth, but in his absence it appears Les did what Les does best, dither and scrape around for who might be available after giving the previous one the boot, and hope we all acclaim it as an amazing bit of recruitment.

Don't disagree with you, but it's a pretty damning verdict that we're having this discussion less than a fortnight after the last window closed.

It must have been you that wrote the summary of the pre-match GK ritual last season drawing attention to Watson's constant preening of his locks. Most telling thing is probably who Koeman didn't want to take with him, Dave Watson, FF, & JWP. Christ, he even signed Martina again. Strange how Steklenburg looked an inspired GK last season at the Everton.

He goes through the motions, or just stoops slightly outstretching an arm with a facial expression to say ' oh, I couldn't do anything about that...' Every other club seems to find a f^cker who can...

Yesterday was an utter turd of a performance, the worst I've seen for years, even compared to last season. Reminded me of the days of the hapless Wigley. From the first minute Watford were allowed to take the initiative. Too may issues to address throughout the team - Forster (not sure you could blame him for the goals, but whenever its on target there's a high probability of conceding. Seeing him dive is like timber being felled). Betrand looks a shadow of himself. Midfield - no bite, Gabbiadini is isolated seemingly playing the match in a parallel universe from any creative player. Redmond - sh!t again, Tadic and Boufal - nothing more to add over what has been written by many on here. JWP - the enigma continues. Seeing the Keegan era shirts is wonderful, but it does build expectations as I am expecting to see the commitment of Nick Holmes and David Armstrong, not to mention the guile of and skill of Ball etc. When Redmond gets on the ball, my old mind reverts to looks like Danny Wallace.... but Redmond isn't a fraction of the player Danny Wallace was, never mind Rodney. Atmosphere again poor, although difficult after such a dire performance.Noticed dozens of Chinese students spending much of the game filming it and taking selfies. hope at least one of them can tell Nelly on Facebook, Twitter or wherever that "this is sh!t".

I wasn't convinced he was the answer, but on yesterday's showing he certainly had a team set up, and players knowing their role and performing efficiently as a team. Compared to our shambles.