Badger

Combination of FF & the improved defence I'd say. Niemi probably edges it for me to be honest. Can't help thinking many are being a little unfair on Steklenburg. Think we'd have had a crisis if reliant upon KD , and the improved Gazzaniga for half a season. For all those criticising Steklenburg for the Palace winner in the cup the other week, I recall their third goal last season came from a FF save which pushed the ball back into play for someone to score the rebound.

Saddest thing of all though, is that this is no great surprise...

I previously thought Peter Reid was the ultimate scouse ignoramus, (recall him on MOTD ,completey disheveled, tie undone, picking his nose during an interview) but Cook makes Reid seem University Challenge material. Cook is the bestest manager they've had for being a knob in interviews since Clotterill.

What the hell was Merkel thinking, or expecting ? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3413728/Gang-migrants-arrested-sexually-assaulting-women-masturbating-historic-German-swimming-baths.html http://www.breitbart.com/london/2016/01/22/locals-fled-pool-after-migrants-masturbated-into-jacuzzi-defecated-into-kids-pool-molested-bathers/

me...

I thought he was limping a bit though.

Great fans of Branfoot were you ? Forget Austin, what we've really been missing is An Ian Dowie or a Paul Moody up front.

After MLT sent Atkinson on his way in 1986, I suspect the mancs will be thanking us again (& Austin)for our part in the getting rid of another buffoon in years to come.

Ok you win the John Motson award on this thread...

Yes. Saw it desribed as a 'free header', and so it might have been, but Pelle would most likely have hit the post, Long headed over. And just for £4m as well. How much have Brendan and Van Gaal spent on forwards in the last two seasons ?

Playing regularly as well if he'd stayed. Wonder if his move has jeopardised his place in the French squad.

Excellent result. Austin scores on his debut, another clean sheet. Expect RK is trying to hold it in having stuffed his old foe Louis .... Son has already exchanged texts with the glory seeking saps at his school, delighted to see plastics meltdown.

Exactly. (along with another two - John Sydenham). But since these two, who have actually been able to cross a ball ? I recall a relative describing a few crosses from Rod Wallace as a 'Terry Paine type cross' , but other than that there haven't been many. Danny Wallace was a hit and hope crosser, and too many wide players now (and for the last 25 years) have been regarded wingers because of pace, nothing else. Their idea of a cross is to launch it into the penalty area in hope. Mind you, Paine & Sydenham if playing now would tear their hair out, without someone like Big Ron to aim for and take advantage of their crosses. Lambert aside that is.

I like RK and hope he stays with us , but fact is though he hasn't really shown at any of his previous clubs that he is a manager likely to achieve a great deal more. Be very surprised if Abramovic would be that interested given his track record, and no experience of Champions League as a manager. If you look at the possible names they've been linked with, Pep, Simeone, Juventus bloke, there will be quite a few ahead of RK in the pecking order. Unless of course Hiddink has worked himself a senior role as a DOF, and RK would work with him (but given RK does not like working undr others - LVG for example - this seems unlikely).

Bit strange how that came about though. I think he decided to leave us, and a manager who didn't appreciate him, for one that did, Hoddle at Wolves. Hoddle left Wolves at the end of their season, and with that he joined Derby, and the poison dwarf who managed them at the time Billy Davies. Oakley had the last laugh on us captaining them and beating us in the play-offs. Although Derby were awful once promoted, at least Oakley ahd made it abck to the top some years before we did.

Last seen in Carphone Whorehouse

Played his part in an exciting time for Saints, new stadium, team seemed emerging, WGS, and the Cup run. Certainly played his part in that, and of course the goal v Wayford in the semi final. Good memories of his time with us, so wish him well on the retirement. Had one of the more original and amusing songs too.

I'd be surprised if Frank Worthington didn't manage it. I saw him score for Birminghanm against us, so that leaves Bolton (probably), Leicester, & Huddersfield. Dib Dublin for Man Utd (rarity), & Villa. Did he score for Coventry also ?

Ruddock - stomp

Dozy

Result caps a good day for us - 3-0, JWP, FF two clean sheets out of two, & Charlie Austin signs for £4m ! And it gets better ... Chelsea equalise v Everton, we're back up to 10th.

Excellent news, proven scorer,and it appears a bargain price. Just hope he stays fit, and we don't have months of waiting for him to get fit to play. Shame the deal wasn't done 10 days earlier, we might still be in the Cup. Agree, I hope Pelle stays until the summer, although if we could use him in negotiations with Juventus for the midfield player we were linked with for a deal sooner, then fine.

vaginal

If you go back to my original comment: Unfortunately we don't have the £££ to compete in attracting Sanchez or Messi. There have been some outstanding players fromSouth America, but our experience of them is far from encouraging.

Think we may have a bit of a polarised opinion here boys. Sorry if you find it a little offensive, but as you'll see from the list of names above , signing South Americans has hardly been a roaring success for us. I don't see much of a "burning desire to win" as much as players with a high tendency to sulk , and often show an indifferent attitude when on the pitch. I don't disagree with you that others often conduct themselves in similar fashion, and even our 'home grown' talent is happy to bugger off when chance arises. Yes, our scouting and recruitment has something to answer for also, esp with Osvaldo, but given the track record from South America my view is we'd be better off scouting elsewhere. A for Gaston, I like what he could bring, but he's had numerous chances and has never really grasped it. No wonder RK has no trust in him.