Saint Fan CaM

Tried to get my mate a single ticket in Kingsland yesterday - no go - sold out. Only places left were Chapel or odd ones in Itchen block 4 (which I what I got in the end).

I really like what he had to say about his partnership with Fonte too - basically he 'feels his spirit' on the pitch and so knows where he's going to be and how he's going to play. Quite an insight really and if that's the same down the spine of the team (i.e. Morgan/Deano and Lambo/Barnie) it's no wonder the team is really starting to gel and starting to thrash a few teams.

It's one thing analysing the whotsit out of the court proceedings etc etc., but the simple fact remains that Pimpley have been given ANOTHER stay of execution. Has anyone really thought about why TWO weeks? And why will the PL not rule on the points deduction like every other club?!? It seems to me that there are certain parties that are colluding to keep them in business until the end of the season at the very least - thus helping them without having to show publically that they've been helped. It seems that it is in somebodies interest (other than PFC's) to keep the wolf from the door and not deal with the fall-out. I would wager that in two weeks time we'll still not see a resolution to the matter and PFC will still be 'in business' and therefore still effectively trading insolvently. I just wish one of their relegation or FA Cup rivals had the balls to question or even legally challenge the PL over the matter.

Our loss to the so called Prem team was down to an aging defence that was tiring in the 75minute of the game and the exceptional saves of James on the day. Nothing to do with Lambo's ability as a targetman/striker. Personally I think he would put in a heroic performance if he was picked - cannot be any worse than Heskey FFS. Thought Carlton Cole looked very ordinary tonight to be honest.

Absolutely correct. This is what we didn't do at Wycombe - tried to play far too centrally and consequently tried passing through a cabbage patch bog. Even Wycombe got it wide at every available opportunity.

Yes, yes. Corrected with explanation thankyou. :-& #-o

It was the type of game that had you not bought a ticket and been there, you would never believe Saints could play so well. As a club we were awesome last night - a complete and majestic performance. Best chant? (Love this!) "Are you Walsall? Are you Walsall? Are you Walsall in disguise? Are you Walsall in disguise?!"

Are you Walsall, Are you Walsall Are you Walsall in disguise? Aaaarrrrrre you Walsall in disguise?! LOL

Never change a winning team. Use Connolly and Waigo as impact subs. We have an awesome squad.

Top, top post SOG - completely agree. =D>

They've got to put the Academy youth in the shop-window at sometime to sell 'em off...how else will NC raise the dough for Markus?

You know what, I thought that interview was a long diatribe of dribble frankly. He was outclassed and outgunned - simple. Take it on the chin like a man mate...you've just been hammered by the mighty Saints. We were the better team without doubt and made your players look stupid. Watch that DVD all you like because the scoreline will not change! As a reminder, we beat your supposedly in-form team 5-0.

Incredible performance by the entire team - you can just tell they are playing for each other and AP. Really difficult to name a MOTM, so I think it has to go the Captain Hammond for a colossal performance - he totally bossed the midfield with Spider, scored a goal and inspired his team. Lallana has found 50% more stamina and pace - just needs to clear his head a bit and finish better. Punch is awesome. Barnie worked his socks off all evening - ran himself into the ground for the team and scored a very good goal. Lambo was Lambo - dominated the full-backs. Fonte and Jaidi together are a level above in this league. Semi and Harding are the best wing-backs we have had here for years. The bench is stronger than its been for years. In short I've not been so happy about my team and club for years, regardless of the league we're in. I have hope and the football I saw tonight would not be out of place in the CCC. I would go as far to say that a lower placed Prem team would have struggled against us tonight. As for L1 teams - the playoff contenders must be hoping we don't make it and all those below us must be hoping we do, because if we're still in this league we will rip it apart next season.

Interviewer: "Well Alan, tonights shock 9-2 win certainly silenced the critics after Saturdays somewhat disappointing 5-1 win, right?" AP: "Are you f^cking serious?!" Interviewer: "Err, well...James was magnificent right?" AP: "Given that he was not in the squad, I would have to answer no". Interviewer: "Umm, OK...how's things at home?" AP: "Your Wife tells me things are fine when you're out of the house...is that all?". Interviewer: "Oh OK...thanks Alan".

Yeah, but who would want an old kit in XXL???!

Me & Missus CaM in blocks 140-144, £44 tickets. Better be good seats - i.e. hopefully not the corner flag end. On Greyhound coach 1. Woohoo!

Why would HRMC go back to court, spending a considerable amount of money to do so, just to "dot some i's and cross some t's"!!!! This man is an utter buffoon surely?!?! I was under the impression that as they were under a WUO they could not enter Administration - perhaps that's what HMRC are challenging? Just when Pimpley fans thought it was safe to ring their bell.....lol

Just heard on Solent. HMRC are challenging the decision to go into administration to attempt to get at the money they're owed. Seems they're trying to set a precedent and an example with Pimpley. Happy days indeed.

A very valid point and agree 100%.

Moi? I haven't unless you're talking about Murty. Unfortunately he will not achieve the fitness levels to compete with Semi IMHO and will almost certainly either be on a PAYP contract or will be released. As much as I like Murts and rated him highly before his injury, I believe we need to move on and find a capable back-up for Semi. I suppose this could be James or indeed Thomas - both good enough utility players for CCC.

That's a good resume LTC and I agree that there is still a chance albeit a slim one. Another thing to remember is that some teams above us may well draw many of their games against promotion rivals. A spread of remaining points will help us. The key as always is to concentrate on what we can influence - the next match. Get that right by getting some consistency to the team and we will have a chance.

My feeling is the TEAM could easily compete in the CCC. I am a firm believer that teams create success, not individuals. And that includes the Manager and possibly even the key coaching staff and Chairman too. Unity, consistency and of course the pre-requisite of skill will win out - but the Chairman HAS to show commitment and balls to create the environment to allow the team to mature. Our previous Chairman did not do this and it is a big contributory reason for our downfall. In terms of how well we could compete in the CCC is difficult to predict, because its another league where every team can beat every other team on its day. We can remember this only too well from our time in the CCC. The issue I have come to realise is largely about stamina and sheer physical capacity in players. There comes a point in a players career where he simply cannot give anymore - he just does not have the capacity to run faster, be more skilful, have more vision, etc etc. It is at this time that a replacement must be found and this is the most difficult time for a team manager, especially if more than one key player needs to be replaced. Team unity is increasingly at risk the more players you need to replace, but on the other hand if you get it right the team plays better as a whole and unity is restored or improved. Sounds obvious, but its the toughest part of being a Manager. AP has prepared us well for the CCC IMO. Look at his latest additions and you will see that he is planning not just for promotion but for a stable side in the CCC. The following players are definately good enough IMO... Lambert, Connolly, Barnard, Waigo. Lallana, Puncheon, Schneiderlin, Hammond (possibly Antonio) Harding, Fonte, Jaidi (if able), Semi - (possibly Seaborne but jury is out), Thomas Davis, Bart The rest of the 1st team squad is not good enough to make the step up and should be released in the summer or January at the latest. The key is to keep the above players together as long as possible and replace the leavers with fewer, but better players - particularly in defence and central midfield.

Key thing there is to ensure we make a big noise for the Gaffer on Tuesday then. The team will respond to that also.

I do think Morgan has come along quite a bit. I did not rate him too highly until recently and he still has much learning to do, but alongside Hammond he seems to be more assured and have more grit about his play now. I think sometimes the collective whole of a team seems to just click into place and I think Morgan has become an important part of that for Saints. Long may he continue to show his worth to Saints - I just wish he'd be a little more decisive with his shooting and score a goal...that would really help him even more.

You know what, one of the surprising things I've noticed this season when seeing some of the so called better sides (i.e. any of the top 10) is actually how poor they actually look. For example, I thought Brighton looked a far better side than MK Dons and yet they're not that good really. Apart from the goal, Walsall looked pretty poor too. Or is it that we have been making these teams look poor? Norwich did not look that special for a top of the table side. I reckon we might be shocked to see how poor Huddersfield actually are on Tuesday - whether Saints want to capitalise on that remains to be seen. We need to come out and give them no space to play their game - just like we did for Walsall and Norwich - and we will win comfortably again.