*Halo*

As many have already suggested, the issue we have with Morgan, is not his ability, but rather the role that we are asking him to play. Fitting a player of Morgan's technical calibre and style of play, into a rigid flat 4-4-2 formation, is tantamount to inadvertently stifling his creativity. Here's why I feel this to be the case, and how I believe we could see the best of Morgan: Exactly this. The reason for this, is that Morgan is neither a Defensive/Holding Midfielder, a Box-to-Box Central Midfielder, or an Attacking Midfielder/Advanced Playmaker. Those are pretty much the three standard roles available in a rigid flat 4-4-2 formation, if you are not wanting to compromise the defensive shape of the team. Morgan is a natural Deep-lying Playmaker, and the comparison to the style and role (if not yet the level of current ability) of Xabi Alonso is indeed merited. In the system that we play, there is unfortunately not enough room for us to afford Morgan the luxury of the creative freedom he thrives on to play at the best of his ability. He needs time and space within which to work his magic. The space, he is pretty apt at creating for himself with his vision and intelligent off the ball movement, but the time, is rarely available in the high tempo style we play, with only one other central midfield partner alongside him. (Not to mention in the blood and thunder of League 1). As explained well here: I believe this sums up our situation with Morgan very well. For the Deep-lying Playmaker to enjoy his greatest influence on the game, he ideally requires two central partners working alongside him. One in the role of Ball-winning Midfielder, which can either play a holding "anchor" role more or less alongside him, or equally be deployed to win the ball higher up pitch. The other, is that of an Attacking Midfielder or Advanced Playmaker. The former affords him the time he needs, by taking on most of the defensive responsibility and offering him protection, whilst the latter greatly aides him in creating space (in part by occupying opposition players in the final third) in which he can dictate the tempo, and effectively become the passing "heartbeat" of the team. Whilst he still needs to have at least some defensive ability due to the positions he mainly occupies on the field of play, his main responsibility is to find and create space, for himself and others, and to always be available as an outlet to receive the ball and keep recycling possession, until the opportunity to either deliver the killer ball arises, or to otherwise bring a more advanced creative player into play. Xavi is another excellent example of the type of role that Morgan has grown up developing his game to fulfil. Of course, he's not at that kind of standard ability wise yet (though has great potential), but as far as the role Xavi performs for Spain and Barcelona, that is the same type of player that Morgan Schneiderlin is. So yes, as for trying to accommodate him into a rigid 4-4-2 formation, it does at times feel frustrating, and that he is a luxury that our current system of play will struggle to cater for. This certainly does not mean that Morgan will be incapable of turning in some good performances for us, especially in those games where he is able to find more space, it just means that we will be very unlikely to see the level of consistency we all hope for from him, when he is not being deployed in the role best suited to his natural abilities. It is not necessarily that he is not capable of doing a job in more rigid midfield roles, just that we will be unlikely to get the best out of him in such restricted roles. Just to finish off, I thought I'd offer an example of a system we could employ that I feel would enable us to see the best of Morgan. It is a relatively fluid 4-2-3-1 formation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Davis/Bialkowski Richardson/Butterfield . . . . . . Jaidi/Martin . . . . . . . . . . Fonte/Seaborne . . . . . Harding/Dickson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schneiderlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hammond/Chaplow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lallana/Guly . . . . Oxlade-Chamberlain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Puncheon/Lallana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lambert/Barnard Not that I am particularly advocating that we start playing this way, just wanted to add my thoughts on the Schneiderlin debate, and how we might make the best use of his obvious talents.

Was he talking about himself in the 3rd person again? I jest. Heard it too, and it was a very impressive interview. He speaks with intelligence and passion, which is a nice combination to have in your manager. A stark and pleasant contrast from the incoherent post match slurring of the George Burley era.

Looks like we could have problems already. "Hey, Boss, I'd like you to meet my wife..."

As it's looking likely now that it may well be Nigel Adkins, I wanted to see if my "underwhelmedness" could be turned into something more approaching this new concept of "whelmed", so went looking for a bit of reading on him. Found these two interesting articles on Nigel Adkins, linked from his Wikipedia entry: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/jan/26/nigel-adkins-s****horpe-united http://soccerlens.com/nigel-adkins-profile/6223/ Don't know if already posted, but worth a read, as they give a bit of insight into the man. I am now feeling a little more whelmed after reading them. Sounds like a very intelligent man, with a playing style that coould well be suited to us.

Difficult one, this. Eddie Howe is undoubtedly a good young manager, with even more potential yet to develop. He's done a fine job with AFC Bournemouth, but, I feel this to be the case for some specific reasons: Firstly, Eddie is a bit of a 'legend' already in Bournemouth, for his committed displays at Centre Back during his playing career with the Cherries, and he returned there as manager at a time when he didn't really have anything to lose, in that AFCB looked royally screwed already, and it would hardly have been Eddie's fault if he couldn't turn things around. Against the back drop of the torrid time AFCB have had over the last few years, especially their financial mire and everything seemingly conspiring against them to push the club to the wall; he has effectively built a 'siege mentality' at Dean Court, from a mostly young squad, with a core of players who love the club and lead by example. Eddie has pulled them all together into a very tight knit unit, that work extremely hard for each other. Eddie's young age (by general football management standards) was not so much of an issue at Bournemouth, as he already had the respect of those at the club before he even started, and the players wanted to play for him and Jason (Tindall). As has already been mentioned by others, he is also an intelligent and very articulate man, who speaks very well to the media, with honesty and integrity. All these things combined, has lead to a very successful spell for Bournemouth under Eddie's guidance, and naturally, his achievements deserve great recognition. However: having what it takes to replicate that success at a Club such as Southampton, with all the weight of expectation that comes with the job under current circumstances, is another matter entirely. My main concern, is that with his age, and relative inexperience, will he have what it takes to handle our squad of (shall we say) 'bigger personalities' and expectations, and command the respect of the dressing room? Getting a young squad to rally around you at a club you are already loved, is one thing. Stepping up into the pressure cauldron that is currently Southampton FC, where success at this level is not only expected but demanded, is another matter entirely. I like Eddie Howe, and would support him if appointed, but I worry that he may not be ready for the intensity of pressure of such a challenge yet, and may well not yet carry enough 'presence' to stamp his authority on our squad at this early stage in his managerial career. He clearly has what could be a very promising career ahead for him, yet I feel there is too high a chance of this job being a step too far too soon for him, and that it could end up not only ruining his emerging reputation, but also setting us back a further season behind schedule in our ambitions. Simply put, I do not personally feel it is a risk worth taking at this point in time, unless there are not any more suitably experienced candidates with the kind of 'presence' I'm looking for to take this squad by the scruff of the neck, and drag us back up to the Championship. Having said all that, if he is indeed to be given the opportunity with us, I would love to be proved wrong, and will of course give him my full backing.

He "keeps going on and on" as he's put in the effort of doing the research to back up and clearly illustrate his points/issues (with facts), only to see his topic littered with uninformed and/or unhelpful comments and misinformation from those who've either not read (or comprehended) his original post, lack the basic intellect required to understand what he repeatedly keeps taking the time to try to explain (in perfectly easily understandable language); or are likely just trying to wind him up by playing the ignorance card. (That is not intended toward those who do get his points and just have a different opinion, to which they are entitled, but those who, for whatever reason, seem to be either unintentionally unable to grasp the basic concepts Stu is highlighting, or intentionally ignoring them.) I don't have an emotional investment in either side of the debate. I can't afford a Season Ticket anyway, and will just go to the games I can afford as often as possible; so I'm not affected by the lack of a payment plan option. But, for the record, whilst the Club of course has no 'obligation' to provide such a service to its 'customers'; I think the way it has been handled is very poor. To withdraw a facility that has been operational for such a long established period of time, at such short notice, at the very least, represents callous customer relations. The way the Club have have gone about removing a method of payment relied upon by many supporters, reminded me of the immortal words of one customer I once had the misfortune to have to inform his account was being terminated (at short notice), who, before slamming down the phone, stated: "Your standards of customer service are F*CKING APPALLING!!!" I agreed with him. And I agree with Stu now. (Just for the record, I don't intend to pass further comment on the topic, so please do not expect a reply should decide to quote me. I have no desire to involve myself with 'arguments' or debates; I'm simply stating my opinion and moving on, as is my way.)

A couple of youtube videos of Inigo playing for Brighton:

I noticed on Pardew's Solent interview that he was careful in answering the question on his future, and I wonder if there is any significance in his wording, when he said "for my part, yes, I want to be the Manager of Southampton next season". Was he telling us that he wants to stay, but someone 'else' maybe has other ideas? I certainly hope not, it would be crazy if he's not here next season, it just caught my attention the way he worded it.

His taking of an ('estimated') £800k "Golden Handshake" (as quoted in the Bournemouth Echo at the time) probably didn't help much, when he had the remainder of his contract paid up and jumped ship to become Assistant Manager at his 'spiritual home', West Ham. As for why he failed here at Saints, his heart simply was never in it.

Agreed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLT3PfNlIfA Ignore the slow start of the song, and pick up at the 40 second mark. Replace the lyrics with: We will follow you through thick and thin, Southampton... and we'll sing our hearts out lose draw or win, Southampton... 'cos the Red and White, means everything, Southampton... clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap... The Saints, are coming... The Saints, are coming... and no matter how you try, there is nowhere for you to hide, The Saints, are coming... The Saints, are coming... and no matter how you try, there is nowhere for you to hide, The Saints! Swiftly followed with the usual: clap clap, clap clap clap, clap clap clap clap, The Saints! (and repeat)

Quite like this one myself.

Very sad news, Keith Alexander was a good man, with a very entertaining sense of humour, and a very positive outlook to life. Still, you know you've done alright in your life, when you're eulogized by those who've known you, as a "tremendous character" a "splendid man" and a "truly superb human being"! RIP Keith, the game will miss you.

Just want to add a few words, in case Alan Pardew (or his boss) happens to read this. What this Club has been through over the last few years, left us on the brink of oblivion, with a (mostly) poor squad whose morale, belief, motivation and confidence was utterly shot to pieces. I expect that a large proportion of our fanbase were feeling a very similar sense of impending doom. 'They' say that hope dies last, and for us, it is fair to say that hope was in its death throes. Alan Pardew has turned our Club around. All you have to do, is just think back to a few short months ago, before his arrival (and of course the arrival of Markus and Nicola), and remember the perilous state that were were in. The Club was utterly ran through, dejected, and a forlorn image of its former self. Now, sure, some results have been less than we would like to expect, but when looking from a broader perspective, and not one focussed upon only individual games here and there where we were not up to par, we have come a long way, in a very short space of time. It can be easy to get carried away on the new wave of optimism that has swept the Club with the arrival of our esteemed Swiss saviour, and expect near perfection from the team; only to feel disappointed and let down when things don't go right for us in every game, and to an extent with the money spent so far, that may be understandable. But, personally, I choose to retain a sense of perspective. In the space of around six months, we've gone from a Club on the brink, battered and broken, to an emerging force in English football. The money is a big part in that, of course, but it matters not how much quality we have at our disposal, without the right man to blend all that obvious talent we've acquired, into a force to be reckoned with. The credit for that impressive feat, goes to a certain Mr. Pardew. He has rebuilt this Club, pretty much from scratch, and whilst we may wish to be much closer to a meaningful play-off challenge than we appear to be at this point, I cannot lose sight of the fact that the turnaround in our fortunes has been nothing short of remarkable. I've gone from dreading every game over the last few years, knowing the kind of abject dross that would be served up for me to savour at St. Mary's week in week out; to thoroughly looking forward to each game with a renewed excitement, knowing that more often than not, I can look forward to coming away from St. Mary's once again, having been entertained and treated to the kind of enjoyment that supporting my hometown Club always used to be about. The feelgood factor is back, and Alan Pardew has played a big part in that. Sure, I'm not blind to the fact that he's likely made some mistakes along the way, but I don't know anyone that doesn't make some of those sometimes. Above all, I now know that my team will at the very least, give everything they have, to try to win every game for us. I know that those players will put in a committed performance, playing for the shirt in a way I've not seen from a Southampton side in longer than I wish to remember, with passion, desire and dedication to the cause. With a spirit, and determination, that has fostered the famed "winning mentality". Much of the thanks and credit due for all this, lies squarely with our manager, Alan Pardew. We will get dissappointments from time to time along this journey as we work our way back up to where we feel we belong; but that is to be expected. It is football afterall, and there are two teams on the pitch every week, both trying their hardest to win. It's not always going to go our way, and sometimes, I think we need to accept that no matter how much we may feel that we should, we do not have a divine right to three points from every match, and sometimes we will also not always get what we deserve from a game. But the main thing for me, is that the improvement has been immense, from where we were as a Club, to where we are now. We're not the finished article yet, and there is still some way to go; but on the whole, we're playing well, and it is actually enjoyable going to watch our team play football again, knowing that there's always a good chance of seeing a Saints win. How refreshing! Success is not built overnight, or even over six months, but what we are seeing here, is the laying of the foundations of something that I believe and feel is going to be amazing. Mr Pardew must be given the time and support to continue the good work he has begun. He has laid down a solid base upon which to build, for a future that is indeed very bright. Alan Pardew just feels like the right man at the right time for this Club, and I for one would be extremely gutted if he is not given the support and backing from 'above' that I feel his positive start merits. The "Lowe Era" showed us all we need to know about managerial merry-go-rounds, and despite all the good that Nicola Cortese has done for us so far, I believe (if the 'rumours' of discontent are true of course) that failing to keep and fully support Alan Pardew would be making a monumental error from which we could take a long time to recover. ~ ~ ~ The short version: is that Alan Pardew is doing a sound job for us, and absolutely must be given time to finish what he has started.

Lol, sorry going mad. My chest size is 42" and they fit me, so it's probably about a 44" plus that'll be too small for.

I don't know if it'll be any use to you or not, but I have an old Vale Away kit left from when I used to manage my old youth team. They are not actually youth shirts, but small mens. They fit me, (38" chest) but would probably be a bit of a tight fit for larger than a 40" chest. I only have the shirts (as the little gits kept all the shorts and socks when the team ceased). Here's a pic (but mine are short sleeved ones): Unfortunately you'd have to collect them from Bournemouth too, but if you're out of all other options, let me know, and you're welcome to borrow them.

This old quote has to be one of my favourites: "The necessity of living in the midst of the diabolical citizens of Portsmouth, is a real and unavoidable calamity. It is a doubt to me if there is such another collection of demons upon the whole earth." It was written by General James Wolfe, way back in 1758. I think it's fair to say that P*rtsmouth has only gone downhill since then.

For me personally, the "linked ticketing" for the Skates game is extremely unfair. I've only missed 3 Home games this season (due to being away), but in my rather dire financial situation, there is absolutely no way I can pay for another ticket for a future game at the same time. (I'll still go to said future games of course, just paying for them as I always do, at the time of said future games.) I can't really even afford the "extra" Pompey game on top of my League attendances, but how could I possibly miss that, if I was able to get a ticket? So despite my loyal attendances all season, and for the last god knows how many years, someone who can afford to pay for two games at the same time gets the seats me, my father, and my nephews occupy at the back of the Northam almost every game. On top of that, because they give me the money for their tickets each week, and I pay for them all on my customer number, none of them can go either, even though they've also been to many games this season too. But, somone who has the financial ability to pay for tickets to Stockport, Pompey and Wallsall (or whoever else) yet has not been to another game all season, can have my seats in the Northam. Sure, I might somehow be "lucky" enough to secure a solitary ticket in some lifeless part of the ground in the unlikely event of it reaching general sale, but what would be the point in that. Anyone who stands in the Northam will understand that it is a completely different mentality of support, and sitting in the passionless chapel when I'm used to singing my heart out and having no voice left, just can't cut the mustard I'm afraid. Pretty gutted right now; thanks Saints. This is not meant to be a "rant" in any way, I just feel really disappointed (understatement of a lifetime) and needed to get it out. I just hope someone at the Club might read this, and consider replacing the "linked sale" idea in favour of loyal customers for any future such occasions as this. (Perhaps based on having already show your support by attending a certain amount of games?) Not everyone has the means to buy tickets for two games at once, or has credit facilities available to them. Which means anyone in my financial position who sometimes goes without food or heating to afford to make most Saints games, just has that dedication disregarded. Anyway, I'll shut up now. Just beat these fishy f*ckers for me Saints!

Excellent design. Replace "Est. 1885" with "Since 1885" and we have a winner.

This one just came to me; to the tune of Que Sera: "Insha'allah-shallah... you're into insolvency... wound up by HMRC... insha'allah-shallah." (could replace "HMRC" with "Her Majesty" if it sounds better) followed by... "Que sera-sera... Southampton are all debt free... and we're going to Wembley... Que sera-sera."

Notice on that front page, bottom left corner, they use(d) VeriSign as their Certificate Authority (to verify the site as one "Trusted" for accepting payments). Well, shouldn't they have removed such a misleading 'reassurance' in light of this?: They can't even afford to pay for a genuine Certificate any longer, and are now self certificating. But aside from that, the irony (of the parallels [of the error message] with the Club itself) is hilarious! "Certified by an Unknown Authority"... "Unable to verify the identity of http://www.store.portsmouthfc.co.uk as a trusted site"... "you are possibly connected to a site pretending to be portsmouthfc.co.uk, possibly to obtain your confidential information"... (or to defraud you of your hard earned cash and relieve you of your assets")

I won't be buying the Southern Daily Echo either, until such a time as the spiteful bile from Ian Murry stops, along with an apology; or even more preferably, he resigns or is removed from his position. St. Marco's explanation is as close as I think we have to the 'truth' of what happened, and is backed up and mentioned further by some interesting comments after this pathetic article: http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/4873124.Editor_s_comment_on_Saints_ban/

Awesome draw! I just knew it would be Saints Pompey. How could it not have been? You can just imagine it; after all they've been through, and possibly the worst for them still yet to come from the HMRC court case, and their last ever game is a defeat at Southampton! They'd have to live with that for the rest of their lives.

Thank you. Unfortunately though, if true, it makes for depressing reading. Hopefully it is just more skate Storrie-telling bluster, with no actual substance to base their optimism upon.

Weren't the Skates supposed to be meeting the PL at 1pm today? How come we've not heard the outcome?

Excellent, I really enjoyed reading "A Level You Wouldn't Believe". Most amusing and very well written. Thanks.