Saint Fan CaM

Someone has to play in the reserves?!

Preston - small backwards town with backwards people. Saints - large, progressive, vibrant City with top citizens. Should have stuck around here Chaplow, you loser.

I think the OP was really just about this Fridays game. But yes, if we cannot hold onto Trottman in January we need to find a good replacement and quick. It might be Martin - who knows - perhaps he is THAT good?!

Good to see Murty is progressing well, with a return to action possible in a couple of weeks. As AP seems to be very pleased with James progress, I wonder whether he will find it hard to get back into the side? http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~1850441,00.html (And Molyneax is nearing a return - ahem).

Excellent post Wes. I find it hard to comprehend that any supporter cannot see the clear blue water between Lowes policy of selling our talented youth to finance the business (he admitted as much) and Markus/Nicola's stated policy of investment in the Academy and a desire to keep hold of its best output. Regardless, surely it's time to forget the mistakes of the past and be thankful of the fortune we received when Markus bought the club. Why should we not trust Nicola when he says we'll keep hold of our telented youth? It's time to look ahead - not back.

It is absolutely inconceivable at the moment to predict the crash that would happen if Sky were to pull out (at worst). There are so many clubs that rely very heavily on Sky money to keep their businesses afloat that the Premiership and CCC would be transformed. Saints are one of the very few clubs that would be in an extremely strong position should that ever come about thanks to Markus. I've always been of an opinion that one should not fear change, however this would be an incredible upheaval that would shake the very foundations of the FA. Bring it on!

Difficult call - Thomas for his bulk or Perry for his composure. I think for this game, Thomas gets the call.

I absolutely loved the last part of the OS piece. Nicola is saying that they intend using the top talent from the Academy in the 1st team rather than considering them an asset to sell. Will these guys ever get anything wrong?!?!?! What a fantastic statement for not only Saints footie fans now, but a signal of investment intent that the whole of Southampton should be happy to hear. Also, I like the idea of using previous club players to act as ambassadours for the youngsters coming through - visionary, exciting times ahead indeed. We are VERY lucky to have Markus and Nicola - they are shaping a club to be SO proud of now. That's made my day.

I can tell anyone who's interested, I tried to get 4 tickets for the Kingsland or Itchen (including swapping my ST seat) and found it quite hard to get a decent set of seats. Looks like either they're starting to sell out OR they've decided to close a stand (I heard a rumour that the Chapel would be closed???). :confused:

Thought this worthy of a bump as we should hear something today whether he is staying or not. I think a loan extension with option to buy at the end of the season would be best policy.

Have to also point out how telling it is that Lallana is on that list as well. How long before Connolly is fit enough to get enough match time to start appearing there also?

Yep - agree with you all the way.

He wants the job!

There are a number of elements of Saints history which I believe would be best left consigned to the history book writers Duncan and in particular those elements that have failed to find success or have been a disruptive influence in any way. Now, I am not suggesting that Dodd has nothing to offer or would want anything other than the best for Saints, however if his opinion of what's best is in conflict in anyway with the current regime then I would not him anywhere near the club TBH. The old ways are not necessarily the best ways.

Great post - thanks.

Good game - well done to the team and supporters. We can't win 'em all, but happy not to lose again. Happy to be moving in the right direction once again. Whatever the formation, I think Antonio should replace Papa W on merit.

I agree - would prefer to start 4-4-2 and then switch back to 4-5-1 if the game dictates it. However, I have every confidence in AP and therefore will consider his better knowledge to be...well, correct.

Full-time - well played Saints. Not quite good enough to get out the zone, but it's one more small step forwards.

Connelly almost in.

Poopey 4-0 up ):

Don't sit back now Saints - attack = defence.

Come on Saints - one more goal please?!

Now 4 minutes extra time.

Need to go 4-4-2 next game with Connolly and Antonio - they've earnt their places.

Orient can't clear their lines - Antonio shot only just kept out.