Saint Fan CaM

Would have preferred to keep him to be honest. Not because of his ability as such - I think De Ridder is pretty much as effective - but because this is not the way the Academy vision is supposed to work...we're supposed to keep hold of our best players to play in the 1st team. I guess it was a case of too soon for Chamberlain - we'll have to wait for some years before we're even close to being able to compete with the qudos of playing for the likes of Arse, Manure or Chelski etc. again and thus keep our best youngsters. It makes me annoyed though that a lad of 17 can court those clubs interest when he's basically used our Academy system to create his career. At the risk of repeating myself, the FA/EUFA/FIFA should make a ruling that all Academy kids must stay with their host club until they are at least 21 and that no approach is made before then. Far more fairer and will ensure the kid's head is not turned.

Jay R sounds like exactly the type of player we would go for - develop him for the future in the Prem like Cork. One other point not mentioned so far - this is more or less the same type of tactic NC/NA employed in L1 - pinch some key players from opposition teams. I'm starting to feel we're getting a bit serious about a push for the Prem this season if this comes off alongside a Gorrks deal.

I heard a very interesting bit of info from what I consider a reliable source on Friday. Apparently, an offer was made to Brian Howard a little while ago at SMS, however he wanted to have time to discuss the issue with his wife. NC wanted an answer immediately for some reason, so Howard walked away from the deal. Don't know whether this has been discussed and/or revealed already.

Don't bother mate - she's useless in the sack. Take Lucy P any day of the week.

Mmm, I was not aware of that. Anyway, I wouldn't pay anymore than £25 extra for a meal, a programme and a chance to wave to the person opposite in my ST seat anyway!

No pen that. Great to see the goals again.

Its simple - the price point is far far too high when companies and individuals are looking to cut costs. Someone needs to remind the club the there's a recession on. I am surprised they don't let ST holders have opportunity to attend the lounge for a discounted price too - the seats already been paid for afterall.

It should never happen that OWTSGMI gets sung less than any anti-skate song, which is what seemed to happen yesterday.

Brilliant game and result. Fonte, Cork, Hammond, Lallana and Connolly were all excellent today. Thought De Ridder did an OK job up top, but will be better at RW. Davis - usual game...great stops but distribution at times shocking. Martin did look weak unfortunately and I was surprised he was picked to start. He'll learn from that I would hope, but we need a more dominating presence next to Fonte. Gorrks would do that. Word of caution - first game of the season - lets not get too carried away. Plymouth beat us last season and ended up relegated. There's a very long way to go yet. However, a very encouraging performance and it feels great to be on the up again.

What a bunch of infantile pansies crying over the Chairman of our football club appearing on ONE programme cover. It's the crime of century! Off with his head! Dear oh dear oh dear.

Good OP with some fine sentiments. Trouble is that alone will not win games. Always get behind any player who wears the shirt, however we really do need to raise the competency across the backline starting with a quality partner for Fonte.

Good spot.

By the way - just to butt in on the non-news. The OS training photos show someone in the no.5 shirt. It's Richardson, but perhaps just for training?

Thanks. Sorry it took a while to respond - I needed to recover from the shock of someone actually agreeing with me! (;

Yep - absolutely agree - it's the way it is here unfortunately, however it's not just the depressives, you get it from the 'everything's gonna be OK' gang aswell. If you have an opinion you feel is worthy of discussion you're invariably shouted down by those who cannot bear to comprehend their POV might not be shared by everyone else! Personally I think we'll have an OK season, but I don't think we'll be storming the league as some would like to think and (based on performances - not L1 results) I do think our defence could look weak when up against some of the strike options the top 10 teams will have.

I would just like to offer up some advice to those that think we will storm the league and also those that are feeling nervous. It's the same advice. In our first few games, don't react to the scoreline or the result, but react to the manner in which the team played. The heart, the spirit, the togetherness and understanding, the consistency of playing style (i.e. did panic set-in), the nature of the substitutions. I just think that by concentrating on the above stuff, there will not be the usual elated highs or depressive lows spouted on here which lead to throwing of insults and petty squabbles.

Oh dear. Perhaps Gorrks might be a better option, who knows. Seems there's only rumour and no hard facts about the swap deal.

Indeed...fancy wasting one your three posts on that...

I tend to try to take the long view. Results are not so much of an issue - it's the manner of the performance. If I think the team have not given a toss performance-wise then I am likely to be in a bad mood. Having said that, a win certainly does seem to brighten the day somewhat - it enhances the feelings of optimism I guess.

Lard has a point to make and he's said it. And as he says, there are the usual posters who can only attack the OP rather than debate the issue - such a shame for this forum - it could be so much better without the *****y backbiting. Anyway - I'm truly looking forward to the season start (despite the rubbish kickoff time Sat.). I think the squad has the potential to surprise and delight, however (as my thread on the subject states), I feel there are unanswered questions regarding the ability of the defence to cope with the strength of attacking players seen in the NPC. Having watched NPC matches my view is our backline could struggle, although it is very difficult to predict I accept. A really good complimentary CB for Fonte will go a long way to helping the cause. Not worried about midfield or attack options atall - we have scoring potential throughout the side. Midfield looks very strong in particular now. I would be quite happy to finish just outside the play-offs with Pimpley and Brighton below us. Not overly concerned with going up this season.

Agree with this. It seems he will be a last minute signing.

Thanks for a reasoned answer - you've made some good points, although I am still not convinced that attack presents more concern than defence TBH.

As above...

Well, if you're truly Supersonic, I suppose it would have gone very, very quickly indeed! (; Highlight? Mmm, either the hate Lowe stand-up (shivers down neck time), or, Crouchy's pen against the Skates after the hand-ball. Insanely funny and celebratory at the same time! lol

I was thinking this morning that it would make sense that a more complex deal would be the reason for the delay in getting something announced. The QPR connection might have some legs therefore, but if he's been playing for them why should a work permit be an issue?