Badger

In the first half yesterday we managed to put several good crosses into the box, but the efforts on the end of them - Hammond - were not on target, or it sailed over the head of shortarses without the ability to jump (Connolly and Barnard). For me the answer to how to break down the 11 players on the ball lies in having someone on the pitch in the middle of the pitch with a bit of inteligence/cunning,and the ability to organise and direct those around him. We just seem to continue to head up the same 'blind alley' time after time. Matt Oakley could be a 'been there,seen that ' experienced player having won two promotions. Unfortunately we have not had such a player since Jimmy Case,and I've no idea where we will find such a maestro,other than suggesting Oakley. We are not alone in this area though,and there seem very few managers at club (or even international level ie Cappello) who are able to put in place a 'Plan B'.

Yes, I'd also accept that a CM is probably top of our priorities.

I was commenting on two posters "missing" WGS. Listening to the radio on the way home and the point was made that he has not really won Boro fans over, and many remain sceptical about his ability to turn the club round. I'm not suggesting he is on the way back,nor am I canvassing for AP to be replaced, before this gets out of hand. And on topic, I think AP interviews reasonably well, although like all managers does often lapse into 'managerspeak' to provide a smokescreen to a question.

I'm sure many a Boro fan would wish him back here too.

The Plymouth player was left gasping for oxygen as Dickson released the vapours - and some remaining solids - from the previous evening's Stella and Madras mixture.

As one of our current 3 is Connolly, who is 35 and cannot be relied upon to be fit for the season , the yes we definitely need another.

Totally agree. I might support this measure if we were in the Prem and NC was taking this stance, but at L1 level it really does smack of trying to be a 'Billy Bigbollicks' taking advantage of Hartlepool,Argyle etc, who have genuine fans who want to read about their team when playing at SMS. A little humility now,and there will be a feeling of goodwill towards the club IF we overcome the last few seasons troubles and climb back up the league.Continue with this stance and we will be seen as grabbing bunch ofA-holes,with all others rejoicing at our failure to match our own stated ambitions (as we did today).

Five minutes later NC calls back the chairman of Rochdale or wherever : NC: "....and another thing don't bother coming to St Mary's expecting free hopitality in the Directors suite, you can contact our hospitality department to find out the cost of a package ...." Opposite number : "you leave us with no choice but to reciprocate,and withdraw your invite to any pre-match fare here this season.." NC : "fine, you keep your tripe and onions, and we'll serve our five star catering to more discerning clientelle...... afterall we've got the best catering in the Football League..." Opposite number "yes, some bloke was telling me about this at the Rochdale Hockey festival the other week.."

"Jidda" ???

Probably accepts the inevitabvle that Dawson will eventually get his move to 'Boro.

In my time supporting Saints I can only recall opening day wins as: 1975/6 3-0 v West Brom (we know what happened that season) 1980/1 2-0 v Man City (Keegan's debut) 1986/7 didn't we beat QPR 5-1 ? 1988/9 (?) 4-0 v West Ham The above games I saw. 199SOMETHING 1-0 away to Coventry. Have I missed any ?

Hope it stays that way.

Also, will it lead to a vast shift in contracts of employment. Can we agree with our employers that we will work for a nominal salary, but they should pay heavily for our image rights ?

misses

Baron

Fair point.

I doubt that LM is in the know, as he is not in NC's inner cabinet is he ? Furthermore,I doubt FF would post rumours from that source.

No, I'm not saying that.

Some good points in there. Agree that NC is essential and central to our progress with everything he has brought to the club.AP is probably as good a manager as we could have attracted twelve months ago and there are not many, if any, I would want instead. Like you though, my gut instinct is that all is not well and I am anticipating a bit of a rocky road ahead.

A case of its all quiet on the Preston front. I did read that Ferguson jnr was trying to bring in some players, so perhaps they will be keen to do a deal to get some £ in. Whether we want Carter is of course another matter.

bemused

Sorry to say Pilchards, that I did not read the statement - and the delay in issuing it - to be the overwhelming ringing endorsement that others have seen it as. Yes, it rubbished the rumours , and made a particularly barbed attack on two former Saints who had expressed an opinion but it fell a little short of praising AP and stressing he was the man to take us forward etc.This came after the rumours had circulated and gathered a greater momentum than they deserved. A speedier but perhaps shorter public denial would have culled the issue long before the Echo etc went in pursuit of a quote from anyone with a Saints connection.

madness

baggy

90 minutes gone...and some Saints fans are quick to post how good a manager and motivator 'monkey heed' really is,and that they wanted him appointed at Saints years ago.... (personally I can't stand the bloke and the result on Saturday will not change that).