Badger

Just back from the match, so a few random thoughts/observations; Should have won, but possesion simply not converted into real scoring opportunities, and those that came not threatening enough. Too often we tried another pass around the penalty area rather than someone 'driving forward', or heaven forbid taking initiative and shooting. JWP - first half, was a square peg in a round hole. As early as the first minute or so, he was woefully out of position; straight out of the Danny Fox School of full back play, standing nearly by the middle of the penalty area leaving acres between him and 'his' touchline for Ipwaich to ride coach and horses through the gap. No surprise that the build up for their goal came on that flank. He was better second half. Midfield - didn't grab control of the first half as they should have done. Wanyama never beaten in midfield, or not that I can remember. Davis - MoM for me, our most creative player, and the one most likely to unpick their defence. Long - a few touches, great effort, but for all his 'huff and puff', not the player you want to rely on in taking a chance Pelle - frustrating display. Tadic - seemed pretty anonymous for much of the match before being taken off. Penalty appeals - sat in the Chapel End today (for an enforced change, but it won't become a habit!) so had a reasonable view in the second half, two appeals looked more out of hope than expectation. Thw shoulder challenge on Long though I thought started in the box so IF it was worthy of a freekick as given, it should have been a penalty. Not sure who'd have taken it or if we'd scored. Substitutions - would like to have seen Seagar get a run out late on. Atmosphere - poor, due to ticket re-arrangements etc.

Police

My recollection of the 1970's - 74 onwards, was Hugh Fisher being the scapegoat.There were audible groans when his name was read out on several occasions.

Cockerill's mistake was staying a season or two past his prime.Saints had a bid from someone, Sheff Weds I think, and accepted it, but GC wanted to stay. Obviously can't fault him for that, but had he left at that time he'd have been fondly remembered as a pretty outstanding midfielder, who as said scored some good goals. In staying past his prime he became a little tarnished in some peoples minds.

Really ? Never seen or heard that connection before. But Chatterley did become the scapegoat after our relegation in 1974 and poor start in Division 2 when people expected a team still containing Osgood & Channon to storm back at the first attempt. Part of Chatterley's problem was the fact he'd come from Lawries previous club (at about 32, having not played a higher level for most of his career), and like Ian Turner was seen as a new managers favourite. Ian Turner was also a bit of a whipping boy for a while, having replaced Eric Martin.

Glenda... as callede by some of the terrace wits at the time.

hatred

Any 50:50 scarves, or shirts on your stall Turkish ? No matchday experience at Old Trafford is complete without them.

Thanks for an interesting read, and a bit of an insight into Elia, as seen at Werder. It does seem we've brought another heap of potential trouble to the club, but if anyone can sort him and get his head on the straight and narrow, then Koeman can. If not, then we'll just send him back to you at the end of the season, with a label, 'return to sender, best wishes, Southampton FC.'. Although as Angelman said he may be a temporary cover for Mane. Good luck to your team for the rest of the season. I remember Saints playing Bremen in a pre-season friendly tournament a few years back. Small group of your supporters were in the corner of the ground and had a 'wavy hands' motion every time you had a corner. They also supported Saints against Bilbao in the final match of a three way tournament.

Clearly out of the Lallana School of Grooming. Don't think those tw^ts will beat True Geordie in viewing figures.

Where I heard it.

I thought Yoshida was away after today's match.

Woot

We need an understudy GK. Injury to Forster and the season will soon come crashing down.

Data protection - can't give the bloke making the enquiry a name, fair enough. But nothing to stop the club flagging up her seat no - Block 24 seat 626* on youtube - to the world on the internet. Bet she's well chuffed !! *Unless of course that is a fake no solely for demonstration purposes of course

clothes

My recollection is that Swindon rejected our bid,as they saw us as a promotion rival, and then accepted a lower bid from Burnley who were in the Championship. I think either NA or Cortese made a comment about this at the time (although without mentioning either Austin or Swindon by name).

No, it was the "new Ibrahimovic" posted a few weeks ago, Gianluca Scamacca: http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?52642-Saints-sign-quot-new-Ibrahimovic-quot-Speculation#.VKQziiusV2o

Saviour

Could we do that and would that be legally binding ?I thought the whole purpose of only permitting pro contracts at 18 was to protect young players from committing to contracts (unfairly) at a young age. Seems strange that you could then 'contract out' of that.

Weren't we also inked with an Italian "wonderkid" a few weeks ago? Would be a bit of a new variation on our approach to the academy if we are looking to sign up the best youngsters in Europe as well as locally.

and Bialkowski play a blinder as well

Interesting seeing behind the scenes, especially Mourinho greeting for Erwin,Ronald and Sammy Lee. I remember the match 40 years ago that Martin Tyler was talking about Sheff Weds at home in the old Div 2. Weds scored after two minutes, and it remained 1-0. We were dreadful, fans were beginning to turn on Lawrie at that stage. The Sheff Weds rb that day was Peter Rodrigues.

I've read he has been given permission to speak to Palace, nothing more than that (although probably a forgone conclusion he'll go rather than wait for the push at Newcastle).

stoat