david in sweden

I agree 100%, my choice also.

I think we have to ask ourselves......WHY?....when other leading sports use "modern technology" at the highest level to assist referees in making decisions, Sepp Blatter & Co. make demi-gods of referees (who are only human) and defend them to the uttermost, when it's clear they can't be correct every time, and many are clearly not upto the required standard for Prem./ International football. TV replays can be seen within seconds of the incident. Frank Lampard's " non-goal" in the WC v.Germany made Blatter and his entire arguement look very pathetic. Although the so-called "goaline technology " has ruled out that future possibility, we have to admit the greatest problem still exists in penalty-type situations, and "diving " to "win" penalties and gets players wrongly sent off. I watch several games a week online, and can't recall the goaline cameras being called into use more than a couple of times during the whole season, whereas "dubious " decisions that eventually affect the final result seem to occur in almost every game. Despite all other arguements, I still maintain that if we can watch a game (on TV) thousands of miles away and see "what really happens" via TV replays, why can't the fourth official do the same at the ground? Sometimes what we watch is like a Hollywood script gone wrong, and some players deserve Oscars for "diving". Whilst referees struggle with many dubious situations, they will continue to come under (unfair) criticism and without defence, when they clearly get it wrong.

I think it's unfair to say " terrible ", but more like desperate (on our part). It's obvious that for a club like Hull ...it was an offer they couldn't refuse, but without JayRod and only Pellé as a striker we had to have back-up. However, after Pellés brilliant start, Long didn't get a look-in, and it was unfortunate that (Long's) injury came ...at the same time as Pellé s drop in form. I do think he is a much better player than we've had the chance to see (so far) ....and would like to see him get (at least) 30 mins. at Stamford Bridge.

....in which case, I will undoubtedly be proven wrong .....

Koeman in interview......were there any; interesting / controversial / humourous comments ?.........

Agree.... 'arry saw him as an answer to the QPR goal-drought and it worked, but I don't think there were too many other takers. ....with QPR in the Championship.....they'll be lucky to half of that.

more of less my feelings, too. Chelsea had the ref. on their side many times, but still looked poor, although Hazard is in a class of his own compared to the rest. PSG looked like they had 11 men to Chelsea's 10...always looked like they wanted to win more, They were quicker on the ball, and their strikers were incredible. You saw the " angry side " of Zlatan, which is the cynical attitude he tends to take when things don't go his way, but even without him PSG were superior. I'm sure RK noted that both PSG goals came from poorly-defended corners, let's hope we can turn that to our advantage on Sunday. Mourinho is sure to be more direct in the dressing room than he was in his tame apology interview, it'll be interesting to see the effect it has on his team.

a bit harsh, eh? ..if you mean he doesn't play any games - that bit's right - but he has been a great servant to the club. He is the longest serving player on the Saints' staff and has played more League games than any other goalie in the club's history. When everything went pear-shaped, he turned down the chance to go to West Ham, and stayed loyal to the club and saw us through L1 and back-up to the Prem. He holds the club record for clean sheets (in the Championship season), and although many would agree that he is not a Prem.quality keeper, he wasn't alone to take blame for the poor start we made upon our return to the Prem. He is (reputedly) a good influence in the club at all levels and well-liked by (almost) all. So - maybe you're right - (based on that )...he does have the " best job in the club", but I think he's deserved it.

there are some pretty dam*ing criticisms there already - and after only 8 starts. A bit harsh, I think. There was a period after Mané was signed that people were starting to compare him with Ali Dia. then suddenly he scored goals for us and he was the club hero. I really think Elia should see out his loan period (10 games to go) before we start making sweeping statements like that. Yes he's only scored 2 goals so far, but they were good enough to get us three points at Newcastle (never an easy task). NOTED: One might see that Pellé has only scored ONCE in the same period.

well JWP has been in first team squad since he was 17, but Matt Targett is amongst half-a-dozen lads who have long contracts, and obviously are developing well for the future. Luke Shaw got his spot because he was so good - and his only real opposition was Danny Fox (nuff said). Shaw was an exception, as it took Lallana 2-3 seasons to becomer a real regular at Championship / L1 level. Matt Targett will come good in time, but I can't see him getting a call-up in preference to Bertrand - not just now anyway. There are quite a few promising players in the U21 set-up, but very few will get a regular Prem. spot in the near future. Turnbull and Stephens are getting rave reviews at Swindon, which is good experience - but it's not Prem. level. A young player of 22-23 who hasn't made it to the bench, will look elsewhere for playing time, and a CV from our Academy will seem v.good to many L1 clubs.

is that just your tactful way of saying " a broken leg " ..or ?

I would question their ability to perform ....at any level.

Club Call states that Schneiderlin said..... " I haven't been in touch with Wenger "- which means NOTHING. firstly, (other) clubs are not allowed to speak to / with players without permission of the employer (SFC in this case), which doesn't mean that his agent hasn't been in talks with Wenger / Arsenal does it ? So he's not lying.. but it's a roundabout way of avoiding an honest answer. He suggests that "other clubs " have shown interest, but I still think Arsenal will be his final destination. Wenger is very good at signing players at the 11th hour, (most recently... Welbeck on the last day), even whilst AW was visiting ...The Pope (). Most people seem fairly convinced that MS will go in the summer....and if he does ...I'm still backing Arsenal...even though Morgan " claims " no interest from Wenger.

journeyman?..maybe not so appropriate....sounds a bit casual I suppose ( I thought that after having written it ), but having played for 10 clubs in 20 years, and (never more than 63 games for any one club) ......I guess that sort of categorisation goes with the territory, but not really fair. I recall seeing someone use " that word " about Rickie Lambert - at the time he signed for us .... how wrong can one be ?

it's going to be a real lottery by the end of the season .with 5 teams covered by goal difference. I'm really pleasantly surprised that B'mouth are still hanging in there. I think Derby look a strong outfit, and Middlesboro' would probably survive a season or two, but Bournemouth would face a real challenge to stay up. If Boruc stays (quite likely) they may stay up, but won't make much profit from an 11,000 capacity stadium, and they will need some real strengthening in all areas. As for the rest... think they'd be cannon fodder for many Prem. sides and looking at the bottom of the Prem. it's hard to remember how good those sides looked last year.

some people will say .....14 goals in 61 games, not so great, but in his day David Connolly was a class act, and also made a difference to the Irish squad for many seasons, and although he wasn't a stand-out player in every game, few could deny he showed class in quite a few of his Saints' appearances ..and weighed in with a few assists, too. It's the old story of an injury-prone ageing veteran, who finds 90 minute games just ...a little too much, but nevertheless is still an asset to have on the bench. Fond memories of a journeyman who DAJFU at a critical time in our progression back up the leagues. Enjoy your retirement David, you had a career to be proud of.

ah..think that should be " Lester ".

I've heard a lot worse ! It's not easy answering spontaneous questions, and although you may have prepared responses it's not easy if you've grown up with several languages. I thought he came over honestly ....and humility was (also) a word that came to my mind. His football quality speaks for itself, but also think he'll settle better next season, when he's got used to the City, the fans and the aura around the club at SMS.

.....especially when you consider who the team personnel were when he last played a match...was a good chance to mix more and think about his future plans.

careful - you do know that today is International Women's Day? ...or maybe you don't:blush:

Answers to OP 1- I did (then) 2-Yes 3-Disappointed but .....No 4-No.

surely a no-brainer.......has to be Jose Fonte.

1- lots of people have foot problems and need special soles in their shoes, etc......does that sort of problem occur much with the players? ...or ? 2- is it much of a problem getting suitable kit for players who are " not a normal size." whatever that is? (say around 6' and 80 kilos) Do players like Harrison Reed needs special kit?....and is it difficult getting shirts to fit Fraser Forster ?

red card YES ...and how many banned games, I wonder ? I always think a " mere " 3 match ban cannot be regarded as " real punishment " if it keeps the injured player out for a year.......