The Saint

I wasn't thinking about his age, more the fact that Pickford and Butland are Southgate's top two and Pope got in ahead of Alex in Russia. Of course, things can change and although I wouldn't wish any bad luck on the other guys regarding injuries, I think that's the only way Alex will get a starting spot in the next few years. It's great that we have several youngish keepers in the frame at the moment.

I don't think it's a waste of time time players being called and not being used. They get to be part of a squad and experience the England set up and the manager at first hand. We all know the players personality is important as well as their ability so it makes sense for Southgate to actually work with the players to evaluate them on all levels. Of course we all wanted Alex to get some game time but as a neutral you can't argue with the fact that Butland got the nod for this game as he was generally recognised to be the Number 2 in Russia. But I agree, Alex is running out of games for him to get a start.

I don't think anyone would seriously suggest we play without fans, but the implication is that we could substantially reduce ticket prices and not affect income to any great degree. The figures are obviously skewed by capacity of the PL grounds, Bournemouth v Man Utd for instance. If the deals on offer from TV and sponsorship continue, then a lot of clubs would have a hard time defending ticket prices.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44850888 I remember reading an article by the owner of a big Italian club where he said that his club could easily allow the supporters to watch for free due to the relatively low percentage that ticket sales generated when compared with other revenue streams. Looks like there could be more pressure for PL clubs to reduce ticket prices.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44966231

I'm dahn saff, right on the Med. Don't know that much about wine, but I enjoy making regular visits to my local co-operative in an effort to improve my knowledge. They do some right good rosé in the next village and Picpoul de Pinet is produced right on my doorstep. It's hell down here, you wouldn't like it....

Love the OS telling us Saints are off to Dijon in the south of France. Would that be the same Dijon that's north west of Geneva...?? Hope they make a better job of finding the net..!!

The first manager when I started going to The Dell. Met him in the car park many times when hunting autographs and he was always very kind to the scruffy kid who'd approached him and asked if he could help get me Terry's signature in my book. Just a great guy and a true legend for Saints....

As it says really... http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43516116

Think Hoedt would be OK for us. He hasn't exactly set the PL on fire, so can't see him being chased by any other club..

Off to Russia..?? Pickford, Butand and Heaton have been favourites for most people since Hart slipped off the radar. But if one of those picks up an injury, I think Alex would get the nod.

^^ This ^^

It seems Virgil had to 'up his game' after leaving us, according to this article. I'm not sure if he's having a dig at us or just saying what he thinks the scousers want to hear. But if it's true, that the training at Liverpool involved a lot more work, could that be one of the reasons for our performances this season? Looking back, so many games often seem to lack a certain bite with so many passes going sideways or backwards and the apparent lack of players willing to take on defenders. I don't want this to turn into a 'Virgil bashing thread' just interested in peoples thoughts on something that might be wrong at the club. http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43222965

No doubt in my mind, Arsenal away on Boxing Day 1970. Never in my life have a I felt so cold. And just as a reminder to modern Premier League players, take a look at this. And take particular note of John McGrath's shorts. And he even had his sleeves pulled up FFS...!!!

Yep, really didn't see any problems that day. Lots bullish chants outside but no gang warfare. Now, Rangers at the Dell.... Jeez....!!!

That's strange, it normally works better in Chrome for me. Gremlins..!! The Five Live commentary was a disgrace. Not only biased but a complete monotone the whole game. If it hadn't been Saints, I'd have fallen asleep..

Along with many others I often listen to the Radio Solent commentary on the OS site when I can't get a stream, but a few times this season it's not been working. I emailed them on Saturday as it was down again. I ended up listening to the awful Five Live commentary where it seemed that WBA were the only team on the pitch...! Anyway, I received this reply first thing this morning from the Supporter Relations dept. Good to know they are aware of the problem are trying to fix it... --------------- Thank you for taking the time to send us your E Mail. We are sorry to hear that you were unable to access our Live Commentary service for this past weekend’s F.A. Cup fixture with West Bromwich Albion. The issue was a ‘knock on’ from a previous fault. Our colleagues had implemented a fix and the issue was rectified, however upon extremely heavy traffic through our servers on matchday, the configuration on our front end was ‘broken’. At this moment in time we can only apologise and we will be running full end-to-end tests this week to ensure it is back up and running, before our next away fixture with Burnley. We hope this clarifies the issue, and once again, please accept our apologies and rest assured we are doing everything we can to make sure this issue to corrected a.s.a.p. Kind Regards --------------

Cheers, hadn't thought of that...!!

Arggghhhh...!!

I can't seem to get any sound on the OS for commentary.. Anyone else having problems..?

Not really Saints related, but hey... http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43055733

I keep praying that Newcastle lose their next few games, in the vain hope that Rafa gets the chance to come here...

And breathe....!!

The OS has credited all four goals to WBA... Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we're actually losing 4-0....

Me neither....