Badger

Agree, you wonder how Reed, & Ross spend their time, or if they watch some of the same slow plodding performances in front of goal that we do.

You've got one hell of a memory if he was. Unless you're confusing him with another character in a western , Sam Clucluxclan ?

I was surprised and disappointed McCarthy didn't get a run out tonight. Just don't understand how FF retains his place without a challenge, let alone why he was offered a contract extension.

I prefer the MP approach play, but we're left with some of the same deficiencies as last year: weak in front of goal, a number of players wanting too many touches no pace up front (the player who might have offered pace and strength is out on loan) gk - immobile, and not commanding Accept that the VD situation is not of the clubs making and taht hasn't helped, but why some of the above have not been adequately addressed is annoying.

Bunch of c^nts (again).

Understand the point you're making but: He's on a long enough contract for us to able to sell on our terms next summer not be dictated to by the buying club/VD or his poxy agent. If we sell now, there wouldn't be the time this window to strengthen, although with Hoedt coming in perhaps we don't need too many immediate purchases and some could wait until January, or possibly next summer.

Disappointed we haven't brought a better GK in.

Certainly looks a good player. The youtube (ok I know even Steve De Ridder can look a world beater on there) clip of his long range cross field passing looks outstanding. If he lives up to expectation then signing him for £15m looks a great bit of a bargain. Wouldn't mind if we sold VD for £65/70m, but not to L/pool (or Everton).

Very sad news. He seems very well respected. https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2017/august/billgreen17aug17/ I remembered his name from his playing days as at one point in the 1970's under Lawrie we were linked with him, not sure if that was whilst he was at West Ham or with Carlisle.

Yes, we know where this is leading ...

Well I'm hoping at some stage MP sees merit in playing two strikers, which could change things. Austin is of course an excellent goalscorer, but lacks the mobility we might need. SG offers this. If we are going to persist on a solitary striker, then fair enough 4 is a luxury, and SG would be better off - at the right club, with the right manager - gaining experience. But of course an injury to MG, or CA , both of whom had spells out last season (no idea if MG has an injury track record, but we know CA is prone to them) that leaves us with Long. In which case we might give up on goalscoring altogether.

Think he had a few given against us as well, and he was 'outed'as a 'shirtpuller' after we got back in the Premiership. (Arsenal away springs to mind).

"He's behind you..." As the crowd all called to Stephen Davis just before they conceded the penalty

Agree. I also think Gallagher could offer us some power and pace up front which we lack, so would prefer him to remain.

Don't recall many of these long passes in Fonte's time with us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rjPd8LwE9s

Pretty much sums it up. I think we all know he wanted a move to Manchester United, and didn't set out to go to West Ham, but daft bugger through his agent and new found post Euros attitude burnt the bridges himself, so I can't feel sorry for him how its gone at his new club. Despite that, I didn't boo him yesterday as he was had been such an integral part of our recent success. Just satisfied we obviously had seven years great service and got the better of the deal on his departure.

Agree it was a good effort on his part, but some of the comments around him are quite amusing (with the benefit of hindsight especially). There were also some pretty honest assessments of the match at different stages.

Amusing link. 12.22 - apparently Arnautovic "never done nothing..." 21.40 for a Hammers eye view of Austin's penalty.

Of the little I've read of the two would prefer Hoedt, but expect Wimmer is probably better than his Spurs reputation suggests.

Not sure Villa are a step up at the moment, talking to a Villa supporter this week and many believe Bruce is walking a tightrope. Don't think I'd want any of our lot playing for Derby or Brum.

Edwin Jones wasn't it in those days ?

In Division 2 days(70's) it would normally be a midweek game at home to Oldham in February.

Noticed a programme shop on the walk to the match last week, just up the road from the King Alfred I think. No idea if they buy and sell though, and it did look a bit run down. Have heard of a bloke in north Hampshire whose family buy and sell old books, he might be pleased to take your Saints programmes off your hands. Think he's in Petersfield.

On the subject of programmes , I remember when I first went to The Dell (1969) I'd often have to scrounge a shilling (1/- or 12d as I recall) off my Dad for the programme. Can't quite believe it when its now £4 or more for the Matchday Magazine. (leaving aside the £2.50 for The Big Issue effort last week). Can't answer the ticket costs though.

So they'll probably sell him next summer then. Assuming it is not a two year extension on his current contract.