Saint Fan CaM

Having watched AP's interview on SaintsTV player, I have to say I interpret his words on transfers as meaning there will not be any more signings...i.e. his words were roughly "I don't want to harm myself or the club by discussing transfers". Or perhaps that meant "I cannot discuss this as I might reveal my disatisfaction at not being backed with further investment in players even though we're short due to injuries"? He even mentions losing his job at West Ham because an injury to a key player affected results. I might be wrong, but I am starting to believe we'll not see anymore signings for some little while. By the same token, I also think the injuries to Lambert, Spiderman, Lambert and possibly Lallana also, are somewhat fabricated to keep them safe and away from scouting clubs etc., so perhaps it's not all doom and gloom eh?

Does anyone care that much? I don't.

Do you know anything about the squad? Check out how old Pulis is, then comment again! Suffice to say, if he has progressed to his current level when at the peak of his professional career age-wise, then I think it's time he hangs his boots up and gets a proper job. And for all those that say enough is enough - NO IT'S NOT! I paid good money to go see the ONLY home friendly game of the close season and I expected the club to play a team of decent footballers, even if that meant playing some of the best Academy guys. At least the youngsters had a go - Pulis was so poor and contributed so little that to be honest he was just a spectator - the freakin' ball boys saw more action! He has done nothing to deserve that amount of time on the pitch at SMS and I truly hope that he is released as soon as possible.

Good post. I agree to an extent with the Prof too on this one. I have considerable concerns about the depth and strength of the squad at CM...Wotton and Pulis as cover for Hammond and Morgan?!?! In those positions alone our season could be significantly shot to bits if we they get injured or suspended.

Dia and Todd were better footballers or at least were able to do better impersonations!

Doubt the accuracy of the OP to be honest. I cannot see AP going if we're doing well - no way. There are a number of people who loved being 'friends' of the old regime and don't like being on the outside now. Sour grapes talk IMHO although there might be some mileage in the Waigo rumour.

Possibly the worst player ever to don a Saints shirt IMO. Shockingly out of his depth and I don't usually slate Saints players but for this lad I make an exception - he really is dross. He came onto the pitch with about 20 minutes to play yesterday and he touched the ball THREE times, one of which was a 'shot' that he shanked so badly the pigeons in the roof were disturbed. OK, perhaps me and my Nephew blinked and missed a kick...so perhaps it was four times he touched the ball. But he fannies around in midfield doing a kind of poor Wotton impression while the game completely passes him by. He runs like he's (still) got something stuck his @rse. How he get's his name onto the 1st team roster is beyond me - someone is doing somebody a HUGE favour - must be, there's no other rational explanation.

In terms of transfers (or not), this week could be extremely significant for Saints. If we do not sign a couple of good cover men (CM particularly) we could be staring at another L1 season before we even start this one IMO. Replacing Hammond and Morgan with Wotton or indeed Pulis will ruin any chance of promotion - we need central midfield cover urgently - (Jeez where have I heard that before) - and while Waigo would be welcome, he ain't the answer 'cos he's a striker.

Well me and the Missus are going. Nephew might be going too. Hoping for an entertaining match and one where we will look equal to Reading TBH. However I suspect Rasiak and Antonio will do us - it's the law.

Wow that lad looks really handy - break play up skillfully, can cross the ball and can distribute really well too. Sign him Pards!

He is exactly what we need at the heart of our midfield. Passion for the club and the City and a damned good creative midfielder who is at the peak of his game at 27. I would love it if we were to sign him, but it isn't going to happen IMO.

How the hell do you know that AP has not identified all the targets he wants, but for a variety of contractual reasons NC can't do the deals? These types of comment are completely over-the-top and unfounded - wait until the season starts and if we're still lightweight then perhaps we can all have a coronary, but until then chill FFS.

Absolutely fantastic post.

We could do a lot worse than get this guy, however I don't think he fits in with AP's plans - not the type of player AP would sign IMO.

I would suggest that AP really is stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to talking about new squad additions. Clearly there are targets, but he's not got hold of the purse strings and so really its a case of expectation management. He cannot say "we're looking to spend a whole pot of money to get the players we want" - he has to be quite cagey. Let's not get concerned...I fully expect us to get 2-3 players in, but it sounds like we may have to wait a bit longer and perhaps even right up until the season starts, to get the man/men AP wants.

As NC has taken much time and trouble to state, if its not on the OS don't believe a word. (:

What goes around comes around. Disband the Trust and get used to not being some kind of trumpted up minor celeb (in his own mind perhaps) without a mandate.

I've got the Insignia 2.0 diesel 160bhp with satnav. Great car - no complaints.

I sympathise with you - sounds like your situation was not as straight-forward as mine, although like I said it pays to act quickly. It doesn't take long for the lines of demarkation to be drawn up and as any dedicated estranged Dad will know, it's the woman who has the trump hand. And almost every estranged Dad I've talked to has experienced some form of emotional torture from the ex-wife playing the kids against him. This alone should be made a criminal offence in my opinion - it's truly disgusting. Keep it together SOG - if they're anything like mine, your kids will respect you for it one day f'sure.

This.

Sorry - meant on squad news - what with Lallana probably not featuring, new faces etc.

That's not good news for Adam or Saints. Knee injuries tend to be significant and will require careful treatment or permanent damage can occur which would be terrible for a young guy like Adam. I wish him all the best in his recovery and will keep everything crossed that it's a full one. ):

It's 23:23 and no word on the OS. Must be bull. (:

Update anyone?

Wow, there's a lot of common issues here - incredible that so many suffer the same misfortune when it comes to care of their children in particular, however this I am sure is the tip of the iceburg. It is true to say that many men will not speak out about the problem because they are too embarrassed to talk about the subject, particularly if the situation has come about from their partner having an affair (more and more common nowadays and a subject in its own right). I was 'fortunate' as my ex-wife had an affair - that's never been easy to disclose, however it gave me 'leverage'. I did what many guys in that situation fail to do - I kept my calm and kept my own council. When I found out I started putting things in place - manipulating the situation to ensure that I would not lose out. The first step was to ensure I had financial control of MY finances. I politely made sure that it was understood that I would not 'go away quietly' (i.e. give up my claim to the house, it's contents and indeed custody of the kids) unless certain conditions were observed. I drew up a Seperation Agreement which we both signed and which was witnessed by a Solicitor. I made sure all of this was done at no expense to myself. My maintenance payments were agreed and set in stone - how? - because they were linked with every other condition of the Seperation Agreement, including issues that were beneficial to her (e.g. giving up any rights to her private pension). Indeed when two of my kids came to live with me, the Seperation Agreement included the provision for a reduction of my payments to her. Needless to say, I have continued to support my children way beyond the requirements of the Seperation Agreement (still have one at Uni), however I have remained in control throughout without a sniff from the CSA. Unfortunately, the whole system is set-up to work against responsible Dads. So you need to be supercool and make sure you think things through logically - act as swiftly as possible - don't let issues drag on and fester because they'll not get any easier to sort out. There's so much advice to give to younger guys but would start with, (a) don't create a child unless you are 110% sure you are prepared to stand by it at all costs - i.e. take full responsibility for birth control (b) if you have one or more kids don't play away from home - it could cost you more than you think, © keep your cool - try at all costs to work things out with the ex without having to involve a Solicitor because there's only one person who will benefit from that game, (d) try not to blame yourself for not getting access to the kids - one day they will find out the truth (i.e. you're the good guy) and you'll be vindicated IF and only IF you've not done anything stupid. Good luck SOG and all others currently going through the trauma...