Saint Fan CaM

We do, because you said we do. And you will be held to account if you're wrong, mark my words.

LOL - don't be a dork...you know what I meant - we will probably lose, but my prediction is 1-1. Meh.

With a £7m shortfall in operating costs this last season, the vast majority of any transfer fee money will not go directly to Adkins coffers. He might see £3m to bolster the squad if he's lucky (possibly not enough IMO to sort us out for a push at the Championship playoffs). If Alex wants to go to Arse, nothing will stop him and for what it's worth I think that's why we've got Forte here to 'replace' Alex. We will see another signing but I don't think (and hope) N'Guessien will be invited to stay.

We will lose this probably. Squad is starting to look a little depleted and the 1st team starting to look a little jaded. Bumchums 1 : Saints 1.

We won - that's all that matters until the next game. My biggest fear is the number of players getting crocked by cynical fouls or from trying to go for a difficult ball. The tally is getting worse every game - we're fortunate our defence has not had too many injuries to this point. Concerned that this weekend will see us slip back 1-2 places as I don't think Brighton will want to take their foot off the pedal now - there's some bad blood for some reason and they will want the win. The big test will come next Monday - how the players react and what kind of team Adkins can field. I am hoping Lallana has been rested for the Brighton match and that Morgan will be back to bolster the midfield either Saturday or the home game. I think Guly will partner Lambert with Connolly coming off the bench. We will draw at Brighton and win on Monday - will that be enough to stay 2nd? Who knows.

Well I didn't say it would define his ability - just his future. The rationale for my statement is that I see this game as the pivotal point in the run-in...win and we keep hold of 2nd or indeed gain needed confidence in the squad to start to move ahead...lose and we could easily see ourselves drop to 3rd which in turn could trigger a drop in form and if that leads to not going up auto, then all bets are off. I would not be confident of our chances in the play-off lottery and another season in L1 would not be tolerated IMO.

Make no mistake, this game will define Adkins future.

This plus SMS decked in red and white, whether it's sash or stripes.

Are we starting to see a bit of a trend with our Nige? Seems to me that there are quite a few games that we start poorly and he then has to change things around. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't, but he also says quite categorically that there is a lot preparation prior to the game where the opposing team is studied. It's clearly what a Manager and his coaching staff SHOULD do - so is Nige getting something very wrong? Is he underestimating the opposition Managers ability to study US and come up with tactics that nullify our approach? Is it because this un-remarkable Rochdale manager has the measure of our Nige after spending time with him doing his pro-licence? Not saying we've got a bad manager or anything like that - but there are some minor cracks starting to show IMO.

Yep - as others have said, well done Brighton. Have always had one eye on their fixtures as it's my 'home' town, although always been a Saints man since we moved here when I was 4 yrs old. Been a bit weird this season seeing them above us and wanting them to lose sometimes so we'd still be in sight of them. Fair play though - they may not have better players, but they've got a better team.

We will lose this I fear 2-1 meaning squeeky bum time until the next match. Rochdale are a team in form, at home. Saints will take it to the wire - it's what we do.

No we will not catch them. Does it matter? No. Who remembers who the Champs of L1 are? No-one. I tell you what will be remembered though - if we obtain back to back promotions by storming the Championship next season.

Sorry but that kit with the sponsor logo to boot is quite frankly awful IMO. More than happy to keep the sash - it's a red and white stripe design - just one stripe that's all! I would like us to hit the NPC and then the Prem with some originality TBH.

Every game is a must win game - it's stupid to think otherwise with at least three clubs coming into a run of form and quite capable of pinching our 2nd place if we falter. Doesn't matter by how many goals now.... 1-0 wins all the way down the line will do nicely.

Great win - funny but I don't feel nervous anymore throughout the games. I just feel like we'll win - it's great to feel that confident in your team. I do hope our injuries and suspensions sort themselves out soon because that could be the one big defining issue as we start the run-in. And in connection with that, I was again disappointed with Goberns efforts. For me he makes too many errors and looks like Bambi on ice sometimes - no wonder Stephens gets into the side ahead of him which says it all really.

I didn't clap him and found it a bit strange that others did. That is all.

I am more concerned with our injuries than I am with any other team to be honest. The midfield has been knocked severely by injury or suspension or a lack of commitment in the tackle for fear of getting booked/suspended. If we can steer our way through these situations we will go up 2nd.

3-1 Saints. We've gotta do this and do it well.

Good stuff. NC is consistent in investing in the future - Saints are going places.

Can't afford to have him and Barnie in the team. Our right side was terrible weakness in the Dons game until Forte came on. The only time I would play him would be as an attacking central midfielder with Lambo the lone striker, otherwise he's a luxury. When Forte came on he gave the team the balance it was missing in the 1st half. I've noticed before that Lallana wide left and no-one on the other side of the park doesn't make for a good outcome. Fair play to Adkins for sorting that out comprehensively.

This. Plus also does anyone else not notice his pace and trickery? He was no one trick pony and the comments about him being lazy are rubbish IMO.

Err, no. I meant we don't play the ball into positions in the box quick enough...i.e. to the feet of our strikers to shoot BEFORE we run into a blind alley and CB's. We don't strike with pace often - we fanny around with umpteen passes - trying to be patient until eventually a move breaks down because we're OVER played the ball. This league is not about pretty - it's about brute force and passion and that's why we need the likes of Barnard in the team.

Wow - pretty broad brush analysis I would say there. I don't honestly think it's that simple though. For example, have you noticed how LB takes players with him and away from other attacking players? I don't think it's so much LB, but the pace at which a ball is delivered into an area where he can take advantage (same for Lambert for that matter). We sometimes mess about too much and end up losing the ball without even getting a strike on goal. Anyway, who knows you may get your wish soon if LB gets a custodial.

Not much more to say thats not been said already - I hope I am able to take my Grandson to see Saints (his Dad's a fan too but has to work Saturdays), but I've got a few years yet to wait. RIP fellow Saint - never good to lose one of ours, but at least he's left a legacy with his Grandson.

Probably no more than we could expect at the arse end of the season. I hope he does well for us and doesn't turn into 'Agent Stephens'.