Badger

But too cold to walk Rosie on the beach...

Two more than Rupert gave Luggy.

If he takes a chance, and we are left defending the lead he has given us, I suspect he will be taken off .

There must be a Tim Flowers moment somewhere...the one that springs to mind was a point blank header saved at WHL V Spurs in the cup 1990 at a crucial time of the game.

Exactly, a good save but not in the world class league by any means. For me the comparison is closer to the free kick at Arsenal last season that KD got nowhere near. Yesterday, Boruc positioned himself well, and made the leap at the right time as you'd hope a premiership quality gk would, whereas KD wrong place and too late. Is this his triple save v Arsenal ? Honourable mention for Paul Jones at Old Trafford some years ago, when he seem to retrieve the ball from behind him at low leve.

You'd probably have to go back to the late 1970's/1980 for the last time we were so far apart in league positions. At the time we were in Division 1 signing KK, European Footballer of the Year, beating Real Madrid and other big name clubs for his signature, skates were signing Les Briley or someone from Orient (probably lauding that as a statement of intent!).

That probably sums it up. Seeing him the other week, and he reminded me of a scaled down Ruddock when he first joined us (not the bloated f^cker he became).

Outstanding result. Why do we make it difficult for ourselves by not beating the "lesser" teams, especially at home ?

Don't worry I'm sure it will reappear if we don't beat Palace at home.

Ask the same question after the home games v Palace, and Swansea depending on results. Today is probably a game that MP will not be called to task for even if we lose heavily. (not that a 4-0 win away at Bristol Rovers, or 2-2 away at Chelsea have saved his predecessors of course). I remain convinced that NC probably still has Di Masturbatteo's phone no on speed dial though.

I concluded last season that we could not afford the luxury of Ramirez and Lallana together, unless something has drastically changed I'd be reluctant to play both, who easily disappear from a game anywhere, never mind at Anfield.

You're right it is a moot point, although there is an element of a myth about MP attracting players to the club in my book. He has not it appears used - or been allowed to use - his knowledge of La Liga to bring players in. Okay,so Osvaldo signed eventually and made some comforting noises about MP, but this was after we'd chased him for two months whilst he waited on other offers. Personally I was quite confident in NA in spotting players and given time building a side. At a club like ours players tend to sign for the ££ rather than the manager. I doubt Wanyama or his agent(s) gave a monkeys who the manager was once the dosh was on the table.

If you go back to the posts made on here on 19th January, I don't think you'll find many people expecting a giant leap forward. Although of course the wins vMan City, Liverpool and Chelsea did raise it to perhaps unrealistic levels. Interesting that you draw a comparison with an average manager like McLaren, as after MP was appointed someone posted a text from a Spanish mate with knowledge of both English & Spanish football, his comparison was that MP's time at Espanyol led him to the conclusion he was another Steve Bruce. Would we have been happy with that appointment then ? Doubt it. Results, which are average at best seem to support the comparison. No idea who the poster was, or his Spanish mate - think he said it was not Javi before one of the humourists ask, although I suspect he might too offer an interesting view on the topic.

As I've written on the post match thread: In my view MP will have to chalk up a fews wins, points by the end of October or Nic Nasty will be showing his ruthless streak again. Just a hunch, but for all the nice talk, and plaudits for our play, and those coming through the academy we are probably going to be in limbo rather than pressing up to the next level as was the goal. Agree with all of that Turkish. The fact the wins you mention in your post were against high profile opposition has papered over the cracks as far as many have been concerned. Last season of course he had the fact they were not "his" players or squad card to play, this season that is no longer an excuse. Lets be honest, our only win follows a last minute penalty, had that not been given - and we've all seen appeals for things like that, and better turned down - the table would not look so comfortable.

Can't argue with that either.

Was it not touted at the time of his appointment, in particular amongst some of the speculation on here ? Much of the speculation was about his knowledge of Spanish and South American leagues.

That for me, and most I suspect, was the critical hub of the team last season. No good reason to bugger it up. Add to it, yes, put better players around them etc, but to rip up our most effective platform was a mistake.

Yes.It appeared that neither Wanyama or Osvaldo really wanted to come to Saints despite the talk since. Makes a mockery of the idea we were bringing in a manager more likely to "attract" bigger names, or exciting continental talent.

All too often it is "on another day...." Much as it was last season, dominating the first half perhaps, not taking chances, then living to regret it.... At least we forced their goalkeeper to make saves today, very often we dominate without even that. In my view MP will have to chalk up a fews wins, points by the end of October or Nic Nasty will be showing his ruthless streak again. Just a hunch, but for all the nice talk, and plaudits for our play, and those coming through the academy we are probably going to be in limbo rather than pressing up to the next level as was the goal.

Why was he omitted today ?

Niemi was a better threat in the opposition box. FACT.

Of the two I'd have Jaaskelainen, top goalkeeper who proved it for years at Bolton, BUT simply can't agree that Boruc is our weakest link. Grossly unfair. Current international for Christ sake. Our inability to score is probably our "weakest link".

Bottom left from that lot , anything else "ain't saintly". BUT: I bet Ajax won't be selecting from that range. Just depends if Cortese - Mr Big in the transfer world - is prepared to negotiate for something special, or will just roll over and be palmed off with third rate rubbish AGAIN.

And there was a young lad we signed from Orcheston.... BUT without doubt RL is up there with the best, in my lifetime that includes Big Ron, and Alan Ball (£60,000 for a player who drove and inspired us to promotion, then played his part in us becoming a top side for a few years,).

So now it rests with Bill Roach (Ken Barlow) to try and take the 'Len Fairclough Award' for fiddling on the street.