Badger

Sometimes it seems people are watching different games. Thought Charles quality shone through in the first half, less involved in the second, although was a bit surprised he went off. At the time I wondered if the thought was Jander is more creative going forward, although a couple of people thought he’d slowed down after taking a knock which might explain him going off. As for being “ruthless” this might cut the other way, leave him on and see him pull up as he did at Blackburn and out again for another two months.

there seemed to be a skirmish between a few players. Most separated but from where I was - opposite end of the ground - Downes appeared to lean his head in towards the Charlton bloke. Not a close up view by any means but I was half expecting a red card to come out for him( possibly a Charlton player as well)

Yes, the spurious argument of “on another day…” . Naive and over optimistic in the extreme. As you say if you’ve watched Saints long enough,or just in recent years, you know that other day seldom comes. If anything, ‘on another day’ someone slips in their arse in the last minute and Charlton or whoever sneak a 2-1 on the break. At least that didn’t happen.

Some may have lapped it up on the back of his appearance with Carragher , and a French journalist praising him but several - me included - thought it ridiculous and a huge risk at the time.

No, although those Christmas results haven’t helped, the failure to go up (let alone reach the playoffs) will be due to the ridiculous appointment of Will Still. Then keeping him in post over a month too long

A Blackburn win would be good at both ends of the table

I don’t share the spite towards Jones. He was a poor appointment but the blame is with the dickheads who appointed him for a job he wasn’t suited for.

Should we get up, then that opens up a new and different debate. Like Martin, IF we go up then he'll have deserved the opportunity to manage at the top level, although everyone knows it is an almighty leap, and even with resources and getting our recruitment right it is a tall order. Unlike Martin perhaps he'll be a bit more adaptable. But we could be going through the same pain of 'looking for a change' by the end of September if results don't stack up.

No but they’ll be quick to insist we change our own ways and how we should prepare mashed potatoes.

So if these aliens do arrive on earth, and come to the UK, will the taxpayer be burdened with the cost of hotels for them ?

Wait till he’s holding the FA Cup above his head in May!

Not sure I’d go as far as describing them as insightful as too often he (and many managers/head coaches) seem to be ‘on message’ and trotting out some of the script from above. Not a criticism of Tonda, but that’s the way it often seems. But, agree with you that he interviews well, and comes across as quite enthusiastic for his role and the club despite inevitable nervousness at his age, and of course speaking in a second language. I like him (although still concerned this is too early in his career). He’s light years ahead of Still in communications, and a great improvement on hearing Martin smarming his way through interviews when doing well, or getting prickly when he wasn’t.

Didn’t realise Jamaica had a bobsleigh team at the Winter Olympics. I’ll look out for it. Unlikely to be for their football team on current form.

In a Posh Spice sort of way ? Diversity and all that.

The only interview I’ve heard with Blackmore on BBC he praises the youngsters and doesn’t attempt to take the glory. He mentions that he’d worked closely with Bragg as captain of the U21’s. Nothing wrong with that, it was just said to reinforce the confidence he had in him.

We were lucky. Grow up ! (said in jest on behalf of an imbecile in Leicester)

Await MLG reminding us how many he Championship goals he scored in 40 games once upon a time, and that he's good enough for the Championship this season...

Except playing in Europe would be a real hindrance to our promotion push from L1.

Last one I remember was Coventry in the FA Cup, (2022.?)

Got the impression it was a match neither side were bothered about losing.

Tonda should have taken my advice and replaced him with a cone. Waste of space.

No 54 obviously trained to keep arms down when facing a shot in that position. No 8 clearly not listening

A cone ?

I’d have expected us above Burnley and Bolton as well. Certainly in the time I’ve followed the game (late 60’s). But both I think had long uninterrupted spells in Division One before my time. Which is a fair way of reviewing it rather than just since the EPL was founded. Skates position lifted by their brief success after the war rather than just the Redknapp years.

Found this, shame it’s black and white. Spoiler alert: despite this weeks epic comeback, this one has a more familiar feel to it.