spyinthesky

Went to the Guildhall last night to see him arrive, I think only Matt Le Tissier with an association with the club was there to welcome him home. Shame really. No Civic dignitaries either. Franny really shows the Spirit of Southampton to the best degree. I am not one to promote the distribution of honours but if anyone earns one it is definitely Franny!!

Anyone going?

Spot on my Canadian friend Results from top division since 1888. During this time Saints were running away with the Southern League most years which is hardly ever mentioned.

If I read this correctly the table makes no allowance for the League in which the games were played I must dig out a table I have somewhere where teams were given 92 points for winning the top division and one point for coming bottom of the 4th tier This was a bit bit representative in my view

Probably sat outside a pub on the outskirts of London this time 43 years ago, enjoying a couple of drinks in the sunshine prior to heading to Wembley fo the greatest day in my long Saints supporting life. Like many Saints fans I was just pleased to see my relatively small 2nd Division club take on the might of Manchester Utd who were odds on favourites to win. We did it though and throughout the rest of the fabulous 1976 summer, we all baked in the reflective glory. I hope one day the modern generation of Saints fans can enjoy something similar. Whilst the memories remain fresh, it make me realise quite how quickly the time has passed!!!

Indeed A major omission from my wish list!!!

If we get rid of our 'dead wood' these are the players I reckon we need to hold on to, along with the assumed contract terms. Gunn 2023 McCarthy 2022 Valery 2023 Bertrand 2021 Targett 2022 Bednerak 2022 Vestergard 2022 Yoshida 2020 Ward Prowse 2022 Hojberg 2021 Romeu 2021 Lemina 2022 Slattery 2020 Armstrong 2022 Sims 2020 Ings ??? Obefemi 2022 Redmond 2021 So 18 players plus need for another right back, left footed midfielder/striker and a big striker Interested in views

Anyone think that Danny Ings is really an old fashioned inside right who would fit in well with a big target man. Since Pelle left we have no real presence in the opponents box nor an outlet when the keeper has to kick from hand or goal kicks

I think I have said before but a colleague of mine who is an avid Blackburn fan reckons Harry Reed (and Gallagher when he was there) were decent Championship players but, in his opinion, neither of them are up to the Premiership class required if we want to be a top 10 side which is unfortunate as we all like to see out youngsters do well

Now that we are safe whats the general view on take up? I suspect numbers will be down but possibly perk up a bit IF we get some decent signings. Two of our group of 4 will definitely renew, one 60/40 and one wont due to job restrictions.

You may well be right. My estimates are based on contract length and wages but I am certainly no expert. I do hope I am wrong in my conservative projections and we can prise more out of any interested parties.

My view on squad for next season Consider moving on; Player.............Wage?........Contract Expires........Value(Top)......(Low) McQueen.......£30k pw.............2020....................£1m...............Free. Forster..........£70k..................2022....................£5m...............£2m. Cedric...........£50k..................2020....................£8m...............£5m. Stephens.......£50k..................2022....................£5m...............£2m. Hoedt............£60k..................2022....................£10m.............£6m. Claisie...........£50k..................2020.....................Free..............Free. Reed..............£30k.................2021.....................£2m...............£2m. Boufal............£60k..................2021....................£8m...............£5m. Elynounoussi...£60k..................2023....................£5m..............Free Long...............£60k.................2020.....................£3m..............£2m. Austin.............£70k.................2020......................£2m.............Free. Gallagher.........£40k.................2021......................£3m.............£2m. Carillo.............£60k..................2021.....................£8m..............£2m. Hesketh...........£20k..................2021....................Free..............Free. 14 players.......£34m.............................................£60m........... ..£28m Reckon we need: 1. Right Back 2. First Choice Central Defender 3. Left Footed Midfield/Attacker 4. Decent striker (either someone with height or robust with pace)

I was surprised that it is not a sold out game but £42 is too rich for many people

Fair play to those who went to the game Saints support came over really well on the feed. Loud & consistent. Shame we cant replicate the same on a regular basis at SMS

Whats the latest odds on relegation?

He does a wicked Donald Trump impression

Brilliant,as ever Laughed out loud about the John Moss 'Bunter' comment You are a treasure, dear boy!!

Which one? The son who tragically died in the road accident (a bit later than portrayed in the film I believe) or the son from 'another relationship'?

How much does it cost for a season ticket/match day ticket at Fratton nowadays? Presumably the cost will have to increase to help fund the upgrade and help pay increased wages as and when the team finally move out of Division 3

My mistake the film is called 'The Keeper'!!

If anyone is interested in seeing football related films, I recommend popping along to the cinema to see 'Trautman' about the life of Bert Trautman an ex German POW who ended up having an illustrious career with Man City in thew 1950's. Released this week and available at the new cinema in West Quay, although when I went last night, there were probably less than 20 in the audience. Bert Trautman played in the 1956 Cup Final for 20 mins or so with a broken neck. Some interesting computer generated shots of Maine Road and Wembley with some footage of his early career at St Helens Town filmed at grounds in Northern Ireland. Football generated footage was generally OK but one shot where the ball played back to him (as a goalkeeper) and he kicked away was based on the modern rules whereas at the time a goalkeeper would have collected the ball. At no time was he ever barged which used to be the prerogative of the big centre forward in those days. All that said, a decent film for footie fans tinged with a bit of love interest and pathos for those who prefer that sort of thing.

Think George would not have made the end of any game these days. Made me smile thinking of George though. Unfortunately not many of us left who can remember him

I can only agree with all the previous comments Our throw ins are basically an opportunity to give the ball away to our opponents. There was a report a while back that Liverpool employ a specialised throw in coach. Not sure we want to go that far but surely we should be better prepared in this part of the game

Quite a few tourists around us in the Itchen

I agree re McCarthy He came here as 3rd choice at Palace but has done well for little outlay. Only possible blunder was at Watford last year but the goal was handball so probably unfair to hold that against him