david in sweden

one could think that having rejected Wham, Charlie Austin is getting cynical comments from Gold, who is trying to divert criticism by Wham fans for not signing him first.

I think that the 3-5-2 formation has helped several players to look better in recent games. At times, it looked like we always had 2 spare men in midfield. The back three seem both - confident and competent. Targett and Cedric looked better going forward, and when the opposition attacked it became 5-3-2, and although neither of JWP's goals came from open play, he did seem a lot more involved in the midfield play. In Davis, JWP and Clasie at least we have three MF who can control the ball and find the man with a good accurate pass. We've seen JWP "almost scoring " a dozen times from free-kicks in similar situations this season - but, at last it worked for him. The real proof will be if he can get another 2-3 on target (no pun intended) during the rest of the season. It must have certainly been a real boost for his confidence. People remember David Beckham's great goals - but he didn't score every time either, (although many people don't remember all those he missed).

you mean after he's properly "Saints fit " we look forward to watching " Bionic Charlie "

......and a bit more. It took a couple of seasons for him to become established (and accepted), and a season more to start becoming the Morgan we knew........

SSSSCH ! you'll put the mockers on the deal befoe it starts. Don't you know that " strong managers " are very single-minded and always get their man. Remember how Brendan was so keen to get Lovren ..and Lallana ...and Lambert:rolleyes: If the Liverpool chairman has got his cheque book out -keep quiet. Pochettino, of course also has a reputation for getting his man ...like Dani Osvaldo How can we, as mere fans, know better than "The Professionals"?

Absolutely. I really feel sorry for Jay Rod.just when he reached a peak, then one injury with a longer than average recovery time..and then this foot /toe problem. Part of the problem now must be more psychological than physical . Best left alone ....and say he's back ....when he's back.

.but someone whom understands the money..... so he can pay the toll charge over the Itchen Bridge.......

WOW Charlie...if that happens ....you might see us getting our money back, but who will you buy to replace him ?....all tips to Les Reed pls.

of course....bit of " brain-fade" there, thanks Vectis

I read somwhere £65k / week .. not bad for doing training sessions at Staplewood every week. No wonder he's in no hurry to move. ....anyone know when the baby's due?

Pochettino's career was long....(18 years) ....if not so distiguished. Debut aged 16..played in Argentina, France and Spain totalling 578 games and 29 goals. Capped for Argentina 20 times and scored 2 goals.

(goals ) .......and a jolly site more than a lot of "so-called " top level strikers. Career stats. (played for 17 years)....685 games scoring 239 goals. Holland 78 games scored 14 goals .

Lawrie Mac never played at a professional level. He was an amateur for Bishop Auckland (?), but got a bad injury, couldn't return to playing and turned to coaching instead.

I'm absolutely sure of it. One of my thoughts was that even going back to the 1966 World Cup side; I think Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Geoff Hurst ?, Bobby Charlton and of course brother Jack and Alan Ball all had a crack at managing, but only the last two mentioned came near having a career, but without winning anything. I won't make a list now, but most of the successful names I can think of had fairly good / good club careers and may have won a few international caps. Probably the best known would have been the (late) Alf Ramsey. Former Saints and Tottenham and (sometime) England captain.....and World Cup-winning manager.

I was following your revised attitude .....up to a point Charlie, but to criticise his performance v.Arsenal is... a bit harsh. He scored two, had one disallowed (subsequent slo-mo replays I watched on Match of the Day suggested it was ....a tussle between players - not a foul) .....and it was only the base of the post that denied him a third. ......and quite a few of our "presentable chances " this season have been the reactions of a goalkeeper who suddenly produced a " wordlie " to keep the ball out. NOTE; Pelle ....in his goalless spells during last season...hit the woodwork EIGHT times - do I recall ? Still comes back to the same stats. missed chances or not....Shane Long ....scores more often / per game minutes ....than any other player on the books.

....that seemed obvious before he left Liverpool, which is why I wonder if he would relish a place on the bench Saturday, or feel happier with a seat in the stand?.

that I agree with. Both have looked better and better in the last few games ...despite defeats (before yesterday, that is). Victor should be satisfied with a bench place this weekend, the team looked better without him. Do WBA look a bigger threat than Watford?. I wouldn't change it. Upcoming away games at Man Utd and Arsenal should "show-case" him for his next club ...after the summer.

I noticed that Lambert hasn't even appeared as a sub. on their team sheets of late .....injured ....or ?

hopefully not. I think he had quite enough attention when he was off with his first injury.. maybe that question should be a little "low-key" until we hear more.

Roanld Koeman has come in for criticism from fans who blame him for our recent slump. He is also in the minority in being a top grade manager who also had a successful playing career. Many former players have missed the mark by a mile.. (On this very cold morning, it's -17 deg C, in Stockholm ).....I'm racking my brains to think of another manager who's achieved the honours he has won? Some...like Wenger and Pardew scarcely played top grade football, let alone won titles /cups ... Am I wrong ...or is Ronald the highest-merited manager in the English game? OOPS..headline error MANAGER: cold hands, cold brain.

" .....the graveyards are full of irreplaceable men ...." quote by former French President Charles De Gaulle

Forster's back.......Cedric's back .....Pelle's back......Gardos - on the way.... just waiting for JayRod to get back to match fitness.....

is this suddenly a beauty competition?..........Some of the best players we've had over the years have been as ugly as ***

should we still sell Shane Long, Saint Charlie?...OK I know he missed a few chances, but......

I'm just waiting for the inevitable headline....CLASSY CLASIE..