kpturner

Well on that point I concur wholeheartedly. I hope I am pleasantly surprised, and I hope we might scrape some decent results, even if it is in a West Ham stylee. The truth of the matter is that England are nowhere near the level required to compete in a World Cup, and I don't think West Ham are the cause of that. Still, makes a change not to be going on a fanfare of unjustified optimistic expectation

"Tragic"?? Seriously Alpine, do you think that might be a slight overreaction. It is hardly tragic is it, even if you truly believe the season has been thrown away. Personally I am quite chuffed to see my team comfortably sitting in 8th in February. There have been some events in my life that could be deemed tragic, but Saints current situation is not even remotely close.

The one where they are getting the best out of a group of largely mediocre players with a smattering of quality - just as you have just quoted. I made no reference to their style of play and how effective it might be in 30 degree (slight underestimate probably) heat. However, if you want to accept the slightly ludicrous premise in the OP that West Ham are the reason we will never win a World Cup then I would have to disagree. If England can win 4 on the spin by defending very well and scoring the odd goal on the break, they could do pretty well (regardless of the heat).

Point missed by a country mile!

Not wishing to labour a point......actually, that is not true, I do wish to labour this point. I am not asking you to explain your reading of body language or anything intangible here - just an example or two of people who have picked up on this seemingly lethargic attitude. Actually, just one would do for starters. I would prefer a real person rather than somebody hiding behind a pseudonym but that is probably asking the impossible.

It is "lose" not "loose"! But anyway. if England were to grind out wins from a mediocre overall team of players in the way the West Ham have recently, why might go a lot further in a World Cup than you think.....although you may be right about actually winning it.

Go on then - name a couple of those people for me. I need to be convinced.

Oh - right. I feel a bit foolish asking now

Where is the evidence of that?

What a load of nonsense! What is this based on....one "fresh in the mind" cup-tie?

When and where was it said that he was "desperate"? I must have missed it.

Unfortunately I am

His email address is swannymere@saintsweb.co.uk

Email is not quite "saying it to your face"......or are you going for Skype or summat?

Wasn't difficult to ruin though was it

Sorry Glasgow - can't read that 'cos you are on "ignore". Thanks if you were being nice though.

Whilst it is true that the draw might have turned out completely differently, it's got naff all to do with people's lives changing. I'd quit while you are behind rather than try to explain the butterfly effect or chaos theory on a footie forum if I were you

Those who genuinely think that would probably not have understood your post anyway - I even struggled with it, and I am seriously clever you know

Did you really feel the need to explain the obvious to all and sundry AND make reference to Trousers "butterfly effect" post? It is a natural fatalistic tendency for all football fans to see "who we would have got" despite knowing deep down it is both futile and nonsensical.

You are derailing your own thread Roge. You said you couldn't see it anywhere else, which although is not a direct question, it still clearly invites an explanation - which I provided. Please don't get upset and start sending me threatening PMs again

You asked - it would be rude not to answer.

Look at the match reaction thread - probably the most appropriate place unless you have Glasgow Saint Syndrome.

New thread? Why?

Could have been Brighton or Hull away - sigh!

Blimey Roger, not only do you work with loads of Arsenal fans but you also work with someone who goes to the school that his (Cortese's) kids went to. Remarkable how diverse your working environment is - is this kid who works with you on early work experience?