spyinthesky

Hutch Good post Like you I have supported Saints for a long time and, at the early stages, never expected them to reach the heights of Division 1. Then it was a long period of fighting relegation then concerns about the future of the club before the recent resurgence. Problem is us supporters (particularly the newcomers) have an increased expectation level and any downward movement in the League position causes meltdown. I am quite happy for regular mid table finishes, without any flirtation with relegation, plus a go at the various cups. Like you I think it is unrealistic for us (and any club of our size) to challenge for the top places unless we get a mega rich Asian owner who is happy to chuck vast amounts of money at the club.

Vectis Thanks for correcting me on this. It is interesting to note that Harrison Reed (27.01.95), Sam McQueen (06.02.95) and Jack Stephens (27.01.94) would be classed as over age players, as would Lloyd Isgrove ( 12.01.93) if he was considered. Whereas Pierre Hojberg (05.08.95) and Matt Targett (18.09.95) would be classed as Under 21's. I could see merit in fielding your suggested line up with the added inclusion of an overage GK (Mccarthy or Taylor), plus Martina (if he is not on his way out) and one out of Claisie/JWP for leadership and match practice

Anyone going? Likely team??? 1.McCarthy** 2.Cucina** (or Valery) 3.McQeen 4. Reed 5. Stephens 6. Yoshida** (or Jones) 7. Johnson 8. Ward Prowse 9. Rodriguez** (or Olomola) 10. Clasie 11. Sims Subs Isgrove/Hesketh/O'Connor/Gape/Wood ** Over 23's

Duncan Have to agree with you re Targett In a team performance of mediocracy I thought Targett was one of the better performers. I like the look of Hojberg but contributed towards the goal, losing possession (for the second time in quick succession, a fact he was man enough to acknowledge) Disappointed with Charlie Austin's performance today and hopefully Jay R's goal will cause a rethink on his loan move. Fortunately the goal was the result of the keeper's mistake (after playing well otherwise) but at least JR had a shot. Too early to comment on Puel at the moment but it is a waste of time him being interviewed. It is impossible to understand what he has to say. I just hope his (and Eric Black's) appointments don't turn out to be the same as the 'Villa' effect predicted by an earlier poster.

The 'oldies' definition of a team's set up. 1. Goalkeeper/Custodian - Max 6', often shorter. Played in a green roll neck sweater knitted by his Gran. Wore his Mum's gardening gloves and a flat hat to keep off the chill or the sun, dependent on the season. Used to get thumped regularly by the opposition centre forward during the game (especially if playing against George Kirby) Often used to let the full backs take his goal kicks as probably suffering from concussion after the first 10 minutes of the game 2. Right Back Never used to stray beyond the halfway line. Sometimes passed the ball sideways to his right wing half, otherwise belted it forward towards the attackers. Spent a lot of time kicking the opponents left winger or passing the ball back to his goalie who could then pick up the ball before he was assaulted by the big centre forward (see George Kirby) 3. Left Back Same duties as Right Back but generally sporting a left foot and baggier shorts. 4. Right half Often a small, terrier like player (Billy Bremner/Nobby Stiles/Brian O'Neill). Accepted passes from his full back. Ran around the field a lot kicking ankles and knees and shouting at the ref. Couldn't kick the ball very far and rarely scored a goal 5. Centre Half Normally between 5'11" to possibly 6'1" tops. Could head a ball well. No passing technique. Often wandered round in a daze as a consequence of heading the heavy leather football too often or suffering an (accidental) elbow in the face from George Kirby. 6. Left Half Generally taller than the Right Half but shorter than the Centre half and more defensively minded. Often had to pair up with the Centre Half to overcome the gentle aggressiveness of George Kirby 7. Outside Right Nippy right footed winger with good pace and a decent body swerve and could arrow crosses onto the centre forwards head Once he had beaten his full back there was no other defender likely to apprehend him Sometimes tracked back. Occasional efforts at tackling. Didn't often win the ball but developed great technique in the skill of 'ankle tapping' to the annoyance of the opponents overweight and balding left back. 8. Inside Right Generally a 'poacher' who would stand talking to the centre forward around the halfway line mark for most of the game with occasional forays into the opponents penalty area. Not likely to wander back to his own area to defend a corner or indeed perform any defensive duties. 9. Centre Forward Almost always 6'0" ish and able to head the ball pretty well. Not so good with his feet and not possessing a great deal of pace. Never penalised by the Ref unless he actually de-capitated the opposing goalie (and in the case of Peter Grummit, George Kirby got away with it) 10. Inside left Often a left footed midfield player able to orchestrate play until such time as he was eventually scythed down by the opposing right half after which he spent the rest of the game hobbling on the left wing and getting in the way of the left winger 11. Left Winger Opposite of the right winger but possibly quicker and not so skilful. Never tracked back or tackled. Quite good looking unless you were Jimmy Leadbetter of Ipswich Town who was the spitting image of Old Man Steptoe.

In Denmarks squad for upcoming games, as to be expected

Claude 'only' drives a 64 plate Merc Perhaps he will change it for a 'blinging' Range Rover like Nathan Redmond

No Isgrove tonight Off to Barnsley?

Those in our group who went were concerned about the height difference before the game and so it proved. You are dead right that whenever Forster had to clear up field the ball came straight back. Of the 50/50 midfield challenges I don't remember seeing us win one. It gives me no pleasure to report that none of us expected Saints to score and so it proved. Bringing Austin on to play wide was naïve to say the least. On a non match related topic it would be interesting to see how many hotel rooms are booked by foreign Man U 'supporters' for home games, all decked out in their shiny new club related apparel. I wonder how many of the 70k + home support actually live within the Manchester post code area. Also interested to see two parties of Saints staff, all nicely logo'd up walking round central Manchester a couple of hours prior to the game

Not sure if anything is in this but recollect saying to my lad at the final whistle on Saturday that Charlie Austin walked straight off the pitch without hanging around to shake hands or applaud the crowd like the remainder of the team. Maybe that is his style or perhaps there is truth in the rumour

I went last year relatively optimistic as Saints were doing well and Man Utd were on a poor run with the crowd turning against Van Gaal, which we happily joined in with. This time I am fairly pessimistic with Man Utd regenerated under a new manager and a shed load of money spent on new players, whilst we are weaker. The real concern to me is the lack of height in our team compared to the opposition. Of the outfield players only VVD compares to the likes of Pogba, Smalling, Ibrahamovic, Pogba, Fellaini etc. Can see a bit of a tonking in prospect unfortunately

Nothing on either web sites yet

Interesting comment from Alan Curbishly last night on the Lower Division highlights programme in relation to Forrestieri, the Sheff Weds forward, who refuses to play for Weds after apparently being tapped up by another club. The Sheff Weds owner and his manager says the player is contracted and is going nowhere. Curbishly reckons (and was supported by, Gary Megson another well travelled manager who was on the programme) that there is generally only one winner in such dispute ie the player, ably supported by his agent, the latter looking for an additional pay day) Saints may want to keep Fonte but if another club has offered more money/longer term deal that Saints don't feel is worth their while to match, then Jose is offski. it is no point hanging on to a disgruntled player even though a contract should be a contract

I think it is good to ask the question in a sensible way Let's not forget that without the Leibherrs we would be owned by SISU, some other dodgy outfit of working our way back up through the lower leagues

I have a feeing that Fonte will go and that will be another real disappointment not only from the playing perspective, as I think he has improved in recent times and is an excellent reader of the game and a motivating captain, but another example of disloyalty to rival that shown by Ronald Koeman. There is some suggestion in the media that there was a 'gentleman's agreement' offered as part of Fonte's extended contract. Really? A contract is a contract and if the club decided not to honour any part of their obligation then Fonte's agent would be all over it like a rash. I have two hopes. First that if he is off then he b*ggars off aboard and we won't have to put up with the chance of him turning up at St Mary's in the future (Man Utd would be slightly more palatable than Everton I have to say) Second that, in such a scenario, we are able to replace him with another VVD (who is so classy and as a consequence is unlikely to be here next year!!) - or two, as we are already short of a central defender with Gardos permanently injured. All in all more turmoil when we appear to be short of a striker, a central defender, a taller RB, and possibly a Wanyama replacement, based on yesterday's performance.

I really hope not as it means we will be struggling. Having said that he hasn't impressed me with his on and off field performances. Mind you if I was managing a French football team my performance in front of the camera wouldn't be too inspiring

It would be interesting to know why the club made the decision to turn twelve of the boxes into what appears to be six double boxes Also in past days all the Executive Box companies had their details included within the match day programme as a way of advertising their support. No more it seems. I guess full credit should go to 'Mr Somers' who seems to have been an Exec Box member from the start. Going back to comments on Nicola Cortese, I remember back at the start of his regime he invited a number of 'Business People' into the main Lounge before an evening Div 1 game as a means of improving communication with the business community which in his view had suffered under the previous regime. All good stuff and a sense of anticipation ensued. Bubble burst when a clearly embarrassed Andy Oldknow came in with apologies that Mr Cortese was otherwise engaged. There was no repeat of the gathering

I agree. You cant blame Cortese for the current situation although he did tend to either **** off or ignore corporate activity at the game as well as alienating many of the staff. You can say what you like about Rupert (and I am no fan) but he used to pop into the Boxes on a fairly regular basis to say hello and check all was in order. Current prices need adjusting (downwards) Must also pick up on a point made by a previous poster. A mate of mine took a Box for his staff a year or so back and ended up next to some very unsavoury characters from West Ham. Not a nice experience and such occurrences seem to go against the Ground Rules of no opposition fans in with home supporters. I appreciate that this is difficult to regulate in the corporates where businesses will invite customers who support rival clubs but nevertheless their does seem to be a more 'relaxed' attitude as regards to who can get into boxes in recent times as well as the dress code. Probably a reaction to the poor sales.

Notice that one of the Warehouse stores in Whiteley is selling England Euro Competition Shirts at 'Up to 80%' discount. I wonder if they would actually struggle to give them away!!

Noodles I have some sympathy with Turks comments. Talking to an ex (long standing) Box holder after posting my initial comment, he advises that the product on offer has reduced year on year as the price increased. Rather surprisingly the current commercial team (which he feels do a relatively good job in general) were very unyielding when it came to price negotiations, which no doubt has contributed to the number of empty boxes. btw can confirm the comments from other posters regarding the product on offer at Chelsea. Miles ahead of St Marys, even had heaters in the stand roof!! Mind you lots of 'fans' who appear more interested in the refreshment their mobile phones rather than the footie

In our early years the 47 Corporate Boxes were sellouts at around £30k ish per season = £1.41 m revenue Looks like only 6 have been sold this year (and the possibility of some of these are tied in with commercial packages) I wonder is this due to incorrect pricing packages, pressure on company budgets or poor value for money? It seems that 12 of the boxes have been converted into 6 double boxes Wonder what the reason for this is? Poor catering? Bring back Rupert!!

David Interesting point you make about Ron's prowess with his feet I recollect (need to check though) that he hit a powerful right foot volley in the 6-2 win over Villa (last game of the season) which lodged in the stanchion at the Milton Road end. I wonder how Ron would have coped these days. At 6' he was a tall man in those days. Someone like VVD would probably have negated his aerial ability. Ironically one of the best defenders I saw play against Big Ron was Billy Baxter of Ipswich who was only about 5'9" tall but a great leaper. All that said those of us lucky enough to see Big Ron play will always remember very fondly his time at the Dell. I was also rather star struck some years later playing against Ron when he turned out as a centre half for Wessex Hotel in the Soton Sunday League

Still relish the fact that the County Academy side were totally outplayed by the next generation of Pompey stars but still managed a very lucky 2-2 draw. Pompey youngsters had 214 shots hit the post 173 times and County scored two lucky goals from breakaways which were both miles offside. Count yourself lucky!!

To put in context ...Bradford City 18,500

Verbal Interesting info and puts this into perspective. What was the source of the info?