spyinthesky

Managers always get criticism However, as many people have pointed out, we could have Pep Guadiola or Clippity Klopp here but I doubt they could do too much with the players we have. Our recent recruitment has been diabolical and, in the main, the Manager's input (apart perhaps from the Pellegrino/Carillio connection) has been minimal. If Ralph stays next season he can be judged on the impact he has on influencing the arrival of new blood which is critical to our future whatever League we are in.

Despite the concern a lot of us may have about our current ownership/league position, the problems at Coventry (who may be thrown out of the League if they cant nominate where they are playing next season) under the stewardship of SISU puts our difficulties into perspective. We definitely dodged a bullet there. If I remember correctly this was largely due to Leon Crouch and Co

I watched him a few times a year or so back and thought he looked distinctly average. Just goes to show what a poor judge of a player I am and really good news that he has come on a pace in the past year or so

Sad to see that Sadio Mane had his house robbed whilst away playing for his new club. Dont think this is the first time this has happened to ex Saints players/Manager in this city on the bay. Much safer residing in Ocean Village, Winchester or other more salubrious areas in the south of this fair country!!

Chris McMenemy played local football for a while. Not much better than average and never paid his subs!!

Assuming Huddersfield and possibly Fulham are destined for the drop, I reckon it is between us and Cardiff and it is doubly disappointing that we lost to them I think we are marginally better than Cardiff as a team but our lack of firepower, without Danny Ings, will ultimately coast us dear as many people predicted.

Like many I am concerned about our new owner Having said that I reckon very few supporters are wild about their club's ownership (or team management) Almost every club owner is in it to make money and the Leibherrs/Gao are no different. The main problem with our club at the moment is the dreadful recruitment process which has effectively wasted a shed load of money from player sales.

Steven Davis didnt cost much when signed and could always be trusted to turn in consistent performances without setting the world alight It was the right decision to move him on but surprised he doesnt seem to be able to cut the mustard with Rangers

I heard a story that Terry Hurlock took a beating from a well known local tough at a club in the bottom of town during his time at Saints. Cant remember the local lads name but do remember he gave me a bit of stick when I was running the line in a local game. Needless to say I didnt offer any rebuttals.

Is Fraser training regularly? Really sorry to hear about the challenges in his life and hope there has been a big improvement Seems there has been zero news form the club re his situation

Any idea how many brave supporters mad the long trip north? The away end looked relatively empty, a bit reminiscent of the days of yesteryear when numbers were scarce rather than more modern times when our away support has been quite good

Apart from a couple of limited purple patches dear old Shane has been a complete waste of £12m Hull fans were amazed when we shelled out such a large amount for a very average player

Hojberg injured?

I liked it even though it is not my usual taste in music. The documentary was fascinating and made me feel very sorry for the Sunderland fans even though some were a bit odd The guy with the bejewelled beard was interesting

He made a decent save to his right in the second half

Lloyd Isgrove is a full Wales international and a scummah. Wish Lloyd all the best but wonder if he will join the list of the ex Saints who did us all proud and were totally useless down at Fratton Park Who would like to compile a list?

A mate of mine who is a Blackburn fan is suggesting they may be looking at getting Sam Gallagher back on loan plus Charlie Austin. Cant see latter myself

Spot on!!

Looks no better than Shane Long!!!

Just about to move from Lazio to Juventus. Who remembers his short term time at SMS? Think I saw him once playing for the U23's and a cameo performance in a first team game. Looked decent on the ball but nothing special which belied his time playing top class football on the continent and for Uruguay

Didnt realise that Fenerbache, one of the top Turkish clubs, are candidates for relegation this year. Presume they still have money though

3,500 non boycotters at Fratton tohight copared to 14,500 at Sunderland for their game v a team with an average age of less than 18!!

Is Fraser Forster actually training?

I agree with you here too. I think Charlie has had his day as a Premiership player and is on very decent wages which could be used more productively elsewhere. Personally I would like to see Gallagher be given more time as I think there is a decent player in there somewhere (in comparison to dear old Shane Long) and he has been hampered by injury

POSITIVES 1. The comprehensive win 2. Decent atmosphere 3. Relatively young average age of team 4. Eight players in the squad who have come through the ranks. 5. Obvious passion from players and management. NEGATIVES 5. 'Talent' not involved Forster/Hoedt/Boufal/Carillo/Claisie/Austin (£73m?) not involved plus Lemina/Bertrand/Yoshida (£30m) injured or away on international duty 6. Normal concern after conceding a late goal.