The Saint

Japan a goal down. Maya at fault, letting the ball sail past him....

I'm 60, born and raised in Southampton. First game was at the Dell when we played Aston Villa in the last game of the season. We won 6-2 with Big Ron scoring 4 of them. Thought it was always going to be like that..!! Couldn't wait for the next season to start and barely missed a game until around 10 years ago, when I moved to live in Vietnam. It was a bit tricky following things then as the internet wasn't so developed. I now live in France and still spend most of my computer time on here keeping in touch with things. Took my youngest daughter to the Zenith final at Wembley for her first game and she was hooked. We were both STH at the Dell for many years (and tears..!) mainly in the Archers right behind the goal. Great atmosphere there... My best moments now are seeing all 5 grandchildren in their Saints kit..

Wasn't Gazza's fault...!! The guy had a free header...

Jay Rod with his second. Good work by SRL leading up

Poor defending gifts them a goal

Isgrove wide right, SRL on the left, Jay in the middle.. VW is taller than the ref...looks huge. Isgrove looking like the winger we need....!!

MP just briefing the team on the pitch. Jay Rod I think is the only one to stay on....

It's been a midfield battle really, with saints edging most of the play. Kelvin has been a spectator. Predictable first game of the season really. We looked good going forward, never in trouble at the back.. Looking forward to seeing VW in the second half. We've just had the second 11 warming up at half time....

Jay Rod after a howler from the keeper

Jay Rod thumps the bar with a header...

JP looking lively, linking well with Jay Rod...

Wanyama is sat behind me in the stands. With Jos and Yoshida. Two teams, one in each half..

No Twitter, sorry.... Llagostera players have just arrived. In their cars, wearing their shirts...!! Hope Saints don't turn up in their shiny new posh coach.. Just about squeeze a couple of minibuses in at a push..

Just parked up outside the ground, chatting to some of the coaching staff. It's 32C at the moment, pitch looks good from what I could see, it's an athletics ground as well so seats are a long way from the pitch. Try to post updates when I can....

So that's me, JohnBoySaint and Barney all signed up to go... Who else will be there...??

I'm driving down with Mrs Saint, leaving in an hour or so. If we're paying €30 to get in, that's more than the fuel bill...... Anyway, going to make the most of it and enjoy my first ever pre-season away friendly.... Only 45 years of waiting.

JohnBoySaint I've PM'd you...

I'll be at Palafrugell with my wife.... Anyone know of a hotel nearby..?? We could do it as a day trip but we'd rather stay over....

Bloody hell, I was there...! Forgotten all about that one. Even though there had been a result, they definitely had a shoot out where the player dribbled the ball from midfield, the keeper had free run of his area just as in normal play. Thought it seemed a good idea on how to settle a drawn game at the time. Better than a penalty shoot out. Obviously I was in the minority....

Thanks, website worked a treat. It even gives the right result..!!

I know I've left this a bit late, but is this game being shown live? I'm a recent 'Overseas Saint' and haven't got my act together yet! I've been on holiday and just got back. So that's my excuse.... If not on the box, is there a dodgy website where I can view it? Ta everso...

Ok, just checked. Saints Player requires Adobe Flash, which iPads don't support...!! So I'll have to be watching on my ancient Windows laptop.

Thanks. Will Saints Player allow me log in whilst abroad?

Hi I'm about to become a 'Saint Abroad' for the second time in my life. During my previous time living overseas I was in Asia but that was around 12 years ago and the Internet wasn't as well developed then. Nowadays I'm hoping things are a bit easier... My question is simple. How do you guys keep an eye on Saints during match days? I can obviously read news on here and the BBC sites, but I'd like to watch some live games while sunning myself. I guess there are ways of doing it as all Premier games have cameras present. I'd like some advice on watching games on TV and on my Mac and iPad. I'd also like to tune in to BBC Solent for live commentaries. Can you listen in France? What about Saints Player? I'm trying to get some info now on the OS but my iPad won't allow me to click on it to get more info. Is that just me or doesn't it like Apple gear?? Any advice appreciated Thanks

I realise that there are great expectations and I will ensure that every effort is expended to meet these expectations, but effectively we need to restructure and create a solid base from which we can build and become successful. This will take time. We will take our example from our supporters, who already are what we aim to become – Premier League. With their support we will again become a Premier League Club. The supporters, the City of Southampton and the region deserve nothing less. Everyone at the Club will be fully committed to responding to this great challenge Nicola Cortese July 2009