Badger

I can echo that it has always been the case in my time. I'm not sure it is unique to us though. In my time supporting Saints the scapegoats I recall are: Joe Kirkup - always seemed half asleep. Hugh Fisher - in the post relegation era (1974 - 77 whilst he was with us) Hugh was the one routinely critiscised and villified,although he divided opinions of fans.Some (my father was one)regarded him a good ballwinning midfielder,others (including me) saw him as a potential liability who offered little.In truth during his time with Saints he probably satisfied both cases,the pivotal point being the Bob Wilson incident and his broken leg, understandably he was never the same player again. Despite the critiscism at the time,even I acknowledge that Hugh Fisher played himself into Saints folklore with that equaliser v Villa,something my father never let me forget.I also remember how Fisher played vFulham in 1976 when the Best &Marsh circus came to The Dell.The announcement of HF in the line up was met with usual groans of disapproval and questions as to what the hell is Lawrie thinking of.However HF gave a great performance,putting Best in his pocket that afternoon. Lew (Lady)Chatterley - played for us at a time when being a favourite of Lawrie was not a means of popularity having been brought in from his previous lower division club. Ian Turner - as above,and also worsened by the fact he was clumsy and appeared the eventual replacement for Eric Martin. Steve Baker - no comment. Paul Moody/Ian Dowie - signed by Branfoot to fit with his gameplan. Glenn(da) ****erill - probably stayed with us too long and stagnated. Before my time I understand Jimmy Melia was the main focus for being "too gentlemanly" and shirking tackles.Even recently older relatives have described some of our more tackle shy players as "a bit like Jimmy Melia..".

In his second season Ron was joint top scorer with George Best Ithink,both scoring 38 (from memory). How many milion would Big Ron be worth now with that kind of record ?

Coppell is their target according to The Times.Whilst he may be on their wishlist that may of course be a bit too ambitous for them.

Any names mentioned yet ? I suppose a return by Coppell would be unlikely.Hope so anyway,or at least until after we have played them.

Thank you for that .I think the MP610 is now discontinued,and even the MP620 looks as if its being phased out.It does appear that the Canon MP range is from a good and reliable 'stable' though which is encouraging.I shall continue the search re MP620/40.

Thanks for the advice above. I'd still appreciate any further observations if anyone has experience of the Canon MP620or MP640,or other recommendations. There must be more than three of us who own a printer !

Is this bloke you know out on a limb in his appreciation of AP, or does this represent a warming in the attitude to him at Reading ? At one time of course he was hated there for the manner of his leaving for West Ham but it would be a concern that his friendships and remaining connections there might be able to persuade him he has "unfinished business" with Reading. Personally I still think Saints are a bigger club with far greater potential,and that the Liebherr/Cortese team will provide him with better backing and support to achieve the dream than Madjeski can.But it's surprising how players/managers find lame excuses to go to a "spititual home".

I was the one to mention this.An interesting and important distinction is that in the 1960's and in our referendum in 1975 (?) it was to join/remain in the EEC and not the EU that we now talk of. Several people I have spoken to on this subject admit to voting to remain within the European Economic Community,which was largely sold as a trading community at the time, rather than a federal European Union which has evolved. My own vote would be to stay outside a federal Europe and if necessary withdraw from the EU.

Didn't we once have such a thread about Nigel Pearson ? On the subject of Cortese he certainly does seem capable.I've only heard one interview with him, this was plain speaking and honest.He promised an "exciting" signing and within 48hours Lambert was a Saint.

Thought about this long and hard. On reflection I don't think any have really matched the original or come close: Had previously thought she was Swedish.Only realised this year that she is Swiss and as we Saints fans now know some of the truly great things in life come from Switzerland! The Halle Berry act was merely trying to recreate the Dr No scene and did not match it.

I think it is true to say that the French always begrudged the fact the British were instrumental in helping to liberate them.No more so than De Gaulle who was very anti-British.To his credit though he did later veto our approach to join what was then the EEC,and help keep us out of it but that is another issue.

Can votes be made from Eire ? If so,this may account for many of the votes.That and hair freaks .

Yes a good one. Where did you download that from? Shortly after ML arrived there was a sudden influx of Swiss women on here to brighten some of the posts.

The Jewish Chronicle seems to have spent a lot of time covering the purchases of clubs on the south coast over the last few months.Perhaps he's a friend of Fialka's. As another thought,is it not surprising that Tony Lynam and his Penisicicle group are not behind any negotiations for nameless obscenely rich backers ?

Now that would be good.

In truth his best years were probably with us.

Having read the Pompey article,it is fair to say there are indeed some good players in their list albeit from previous eras, far more deserving of respect than the modern prima donnas.Jimmy Dickinson in particular is a worthy leader at No1. Don't recall seeing Albert McCann though,surely more deserving than the motley shower from the 1980's ie Biley,Quinn and Webb.

I had forgotten about some of those great illuminaries of the beautiful game.: This bit made I laugh : Bit like now really. Can't wait to see what number Albert McCann is.

I always thought Neil Ruddock might have achieved more out of his playing career by staying at Saints.He would probably have ended up captaining Saints and eventually could have been an England international,something which eluded him after leaving SFC.No doubt he would have moved on eventually but he probably moved too soon. Although his time at the yids and Liverpool may have been more glamorous I don't feel Ruddock ever fulfilled his potential after leaving Saints.

I think it predates the 70's,as I recall them being pretty hated in the 1960's although that was the same group of players that you refer to. I'm pretty sure I read in 'Dell Diamond' that Ted Bates had a thorough dislike for them.He also had a dislike for Liverpool and Shankly if I remember correctly. The hatred was of course intensified by that defeat at Elland Road,and the way Coleman et al used to salivate over Leeds and Revie at every opportunity as they did with Liverpool and more recently the mancs. Had a few mates who supported Leeds whilst I was at Uni so my view of the club for a while thawed.No longer under any misgivings about Leeds although I can share their view of ManU. The fact it is the sort of fixture that I would avoid taking my kids to just about justifies why anyone should dislike Leeds. Good point about them taking points of others though. Surely the tackiest and most ridiculous football fashion ever ? Paul Reaney (sp), was he not the original monkey head ?

I'm looking to replace my current printer (Epson R300) which is after a few years good service becoming unreliable. I've looked at a Canon 620 which has had some good reviews,and Kodak seem to be on a keen marketing campaign about ink costs. I'd appreciate any experiences of manufacturers/printers (especially if currently available) from any of you. The printer is used for both photos and text.Ideal cost is up to £150.00 Thanks.

That sounds about right.Infact I think it may have been on New Years Day. Two of us arrived to find Brisbane Road in a deserted street except for a line of coppers heading off duty to a minibus.They advised us that the nearest game was Tottenham v West Ham so we made our way there to see that friendly encounter,getting in just before half time.

I remember Davies,Paine and Sydenham playing although they had past their peak by that stage (1969/70). Two forwards I do wish I'd seen as older relatives rave about them are Derek Reeves and George O'Brien. Charlie Wayman perhaps also deserves a mention.

I would not be sure about PNE or Reading to be honest. In NT's case it might give an early indication of Preston's intentions.

And I suppose Aaron (Eastleigh bloke whose name escapes me) might be cup tied even if he were considered able for selection. (Perry,or recall for Lancashire perhaps ?)