david in sweden

if the defender was "protecting his face " then why didn't he raise his left arm?....., the ball was coming from that side........ Clattenburg is a disgrace, and we're not the only fans to say that...

well at least Martinez' job is safe .......

I agree Art, let's hope he can hold some decent form till Boruc is back in contention.

This has annoyed me in two ways.... I think the ruling was made because some players were using shirt fronts to do "unofficial advertising " especially when another sponsor has " bought " the shirt space, but now it's out of all proportion. but the thing that is worst is that (surely) any player who takes his shirt off (in celebration) knows he is going to be booked for doing so - so why do they do it? Do they want to get suspended? Also what constitutes " over-enthusiastic celebration "? . I noted that one of the recent goals scored against Saints (forgot just now) ended up with the scorer in the crowd (but with shirt on) but then most of his team-mates mobbed him afterwards......with everyone rolling on the ground .....and yet no-one was booked at all ? Consistancy in refereeing decisions - or lack of it - is the most annoying thing for fans and players. Getting beaten fair and square is one thing, but blatant incompetence is indefensible.

...of an Irish mother (hence Irish qualification), but he undoubtedly has a British passport.

As someone noted above, JP has one or two good games / and / good goals to his credit, but one swallow doesn't make a summer, or a wonder goal turn an average player into a legend. He is one of half-a-dozen players who were with us .....in League 1. (that long ago), and he is about to drop by the wayside, as he is not consistent enough to warrant a place on the bench with fresh, young talent coming in every season from the Academy. Nothing is forever, and there will come a time (dread the thought) when even Adam Lallana's place will be up for grabs, such is the nature of football.

Sam is just the sort of manage that a struggling side (like Wham) would want ot get in, so I think his job maybe safe ......for a while yet, but despite them finishing mid-table last season, I wasn't convinced by their performances, and we know that spending big money (£15 million on Carroll) on a striker who can't play ...(memories of Delgado).... limits your options for a suitable replacement. How would it be for us if Osvaldo ..or Rodriguez was out for a long period and there wasn't Liebherr money available to buy someone else?

most peole seem of a like mind, with one or two. But I think Pulis and Poyet have a better chance of keeping their clubs up.....so I'm going for; Cardiff, Vincent Tan has destroyed the clubs image, and the faith of even their most die-hard supporters. Whoever (is stupid enough) to take the job will need to work a miracle from Day 1. Fulham 4 defeats in first 6 outings is not a good start for any new manager. Hull (not the best midtable side,) had a field day against them 6-0. Seems like only one way now - down. Stoke.....I think they were impatient to sack Pulis and with Begovic out in injured ( 6 weeks-was it ?)....a lot could go wrong as it did for us (after Boruc) and they don't have the buffer of points. I hate predictions and all this may well go to the last day. Burnley and Derby to comeup. I think QPR may go to the play-offs, although their defence is quite good, they haven't been scoring lots of goals. If they get injuries to defensive players late on in the season, they might lose it, and there are too many " almost clubs " around them. Anyone in the top 10 could make a play-off place and that's a real lottery.

It's often the case that " good/promising/talented " players have a better chance of a career - elsewhere. Not sure which category JP comes into? , but career-wise it's unlikely to be at SFC......same goes for Sharp.

Are we really held in such low esteem in the footballing world? yes, those clubs have no style have they.... we do it The Southampton Way ...we sack' em AFTER they get good results (not bad).

I wasn't seeiing to compare Eric Martin and Gazzaniga, but I recall that Martin was a hero in keeping a clean sheet in his debut game (1967) at Goodison Park. It was a rare win in those days. ...and would be even more so now,but if Gazzaniga were to keep a clean sheet, I might re-assess my opinion of him, because the PG I've watched since last year doesn't fill me with confidence.

I think that this analogy (2nd World) means ......The United States having been newly-colonised in the 15th/16th century....and the Third World is the under-developed countries around the World.

Whilst I agree with most of what you wrote, let's not hide the reality.....you mean SCOTTISH - don't you? Matt Busby, Bill Shankly and Jock Stein were amongst the first in a long line of very successful managers who were born north of the border. Shame really when you consider that the number of English-born managers in the Prem. today can almost be counted on one hand .

Mackay ....was bit of a foregone conclusion really. Their Chairman - more or less sacked him by e-mail, and to lose a home game when he 's sitting in the stand with the axe under his seat is no surprise. If the Chairman wants you out (for whatever reason) - there's little alternative. Remember both Pardew and Adkins were sacked after some quite acceptable away results. .......and just look at WHO .....Abrahamovic has sacked in the last 10 years.

perhaps .....they are really after Calum Clyne ?

I didn't say that, but keeping a clean sheet against top class opposition (away) is surely some sort of benchmark - isn't it ? Anyone (out there) old enough to remember Eric Martin's debut ?

NO! we don't want to sell him .....Anyone who read #51 (back in august)...... may understand my response now.

the man is happy and LOYAL. Money can't buy that - as many have seen before - and he's surely getting more game time than he would at Man.U.

Do you have children, I wonder....? it's a very patient wife ....and a lazy husband who don't share the caring of a new baby.....(not to mention they have two youngsters they already have).

one in the eye for those who criticised the signing last season. Although he's no stand-out star, he's reliable and hard-working and I don't feel worried if his name appears on the team sheet. He won't get to start many games (except in the case of Injuries / suspensions ) ....but he DAJFU every game and has the experience that many of the youngsters lack.

.....? probably because they both have the same role......as we can't play 12 men at the same time ...who would you drop from the " regular " team if we played both Cork and Wanyama?

yes and I'm all for seeing youngsters coming in, but I'd be happier to have this conversation again when the lad's come off the bench and played half-a-season and scored a few goals. Rickie has another birthday soon (32) , and he hasn't got Rodriguez' pace .... but his first touch /passing is nothing to complain about. IMHO just now - he stays. He's said that he wants to finish his career at SFC .....and (quite frankly) so do I.

Lambert to WHam? ..........this is the third time this story has emerged since the summer. Rickie is on a good thing, almost 32 ... and .......a 3 year contract, and won't always be reguired to start every game. A house and a new baby ...whatever would possess him to want a move ? Maybe.......a chance to play in the Olympic Stadium for a Championship- level side

I have to admit it was his best game so far.. which isn't saying much as there was scarcely a shot on target from the Cardiff front line (such as it was). Everton might present a bit more of a challenge in that area.

I have been a critic of " the management " who left us in the position of NOT having a suitable back-up /contender for Boruc's place, and playing this inexperienced youngster. Gazza. will surely improve (given time) and I will admit that today was his best performance so far .....BUT he wasn't tested in the way that top 6 teams will attack and thats what matters. However, as others have mentioned a clean sheet will help his confidence. IF he plays v Everton and keeps a clean sheet there, I may re-evaluate my opinion, but ......we'll wait and see.