yorkie

Should be a stress free couple of weeks - neither competition matters - this year! Let's face it would it be worth winning a trophy at the cost of promotion? If Southend do go into administration they will go below us with the 10-point deduction, and then a win against Brighton...then Norwich - who knows what our position will be. Expectations are rightly high at the moment - but my biggest fear is injuries with a extended campaign due to long Cup runs. If we had to go further in one competition I would say JPT as we have a beeter chance of getting to Wembley. Sure a plum 3rd round draw against a Premier League club at SMS would be fantastic - but honestly after where we were last season to go out in 1st round of the FA Cup would be no real shock. I hate losing but as far as the next two games goes - as long as we get not silly bookings, sending offs or injuries to key players it won't hurt that much! Pardew confessed to both games being a nice distraction from the League...what does that mean? I see it as a chance to rest some players and blood some others. We have a massive squad - we should take advantage of that and play some hungry fronge players. Will the loanees be Cup tied is a key question? Trotman in particular - and then Antonio? I want the club to go all out for the paly-offs - not some Mickey Mouse Cup. Then again who could deny Herr Liebherr's day out at Wembley and lifting some silverware? After all he did save our club! Whatever the outcome - whatever the result of the decision made by the club. one thing is for certain...I'll still be following Saints! Now what would Rupert have demanded under the circumstances?

Just happy with a point after going 2-down. A rest from the League - and the team next week will show Pardews intent! I would be happy to rest a few and not risk an injury to key players. Couldn't care less about revenge - I just want us to concentrate on reaching the play offs. Selfish perhaps but what do we gain by extended runs in the Cups? I'm sure the travelling fans were superb - and must confess when 3000+ Saints fans get it together they are pretty special. Big game at home to consider in the League - Brighton on a Sunday...but not sure how to feel. We could continue winning in the Cup games - and when we need that extra 10% in the play offs the extra Cup games may have taken their toll. Hate losing but what is more important? Know this is probably the wrong thread - but it needed saying!

We all have great expectations tomorrow - and the players must not feel under any pressure. In days gone by expectations killed our team's ability to continue with good form. I somehow get the feeling that the current team concentrate on doing their job - rather than listen to the crowd and what the press say - I just hope they listen to Pardew and the changed tactics to win at Brisbane Road? I believe they ned to just play their way and dominate the game from the start. Sure Orient will try to throw everyhting but the kitchen sink at us in the first 10-minutes - shock horror we should be 2-up by then! Can't make tomorrow - but good luck to all those 3000+ fans making it a day out to remember. Heart says another win - but common sense says we are due to be knocked off our perch! He stands at nearly six foot three...

I don't think it's all that brave in this day and age - now back in the late 70's when I went to the Poly (which is now the University) it was something slightly different. Often got into scrapes around the town - didn't help I had a Mk.2 Cortina with a red "SUPER SAINTS" sun strip and always wore a red & white scarf (still have it to this day!). Rivalry in those days was quite strong - I remember the Channon last minute winner at Fratton and the pandemonium that followed...but the best for me was the last minute Moran strike in the Cup a few years later. Those were great days - signing Keegan...oh the memories.

Will they get -10 points though? I thought we only got -10 because we declared ourselves in administration after certain date? Could be I've got it wrong...but didn't Stockport have -10 hanging over them from last season too? Bloody rules - where's the consistency?

Apart from the legend on the pitch - my lasting memory of big Ron was a walk to his house in Shirley to get his autograph...in Perrie Close. It seems years ago...but as clear as a bell I can remember walking up his path and ringing the front doorbell, and a lovely lady coming to the door. We weren't even sure it was the right house..."Does Ron Davies live here?" - she turned and called up the stairs "Ron, it's for you!" Very fond memories of those days...he was truly a superstar in those days, but lived in a semi (I think) in Shirley. All these years on, I can appreciate your loss.

I think that's easy the smallest crowd - there was about 90 of us at Sunderland one cold night at the Stadium of Light. It has to be a close second to a game at Hillsborough in the mid-1980's stood on the Leppings Lane End - it was cold there too. From memory we drew 1-1 against Wednesday. Some of the biggest crowds at away games I can remember: West Brom in 1976 Cup run Forest in 1977 Cup run (already mentioned) Orient the season we got promoted in 1978 (already mentioned) In my experience it needed to be a big day out to attract hoardes of Saints fans...probaly why I can't remember all that many! However the reverse can be said for a normal Saturday when you can virtually count fellow Saints fans on one hand! Although I think our away following has got much bigger in the last 3/4 years, must be the quality of football we play away from home!

Dispicable behaviour. When I visit a city I do want the thought of a revenge attack just because I'm a lone Saints fan looking for a pint! It's not a matter of shopping a fellow Saints fan - these people are committing a crime...GBH/ABH or common assault. Why do people think it's acceptable just because it is football related? It's not big It's not clever And it is not the pot calling the kettle black! If any relative of yours got "done" by a fan visiting Southampton - you'd all have a dicky fit!

That's Andynorthernsaint dodging the bee, the mighty Bungle, Turtle & me...never mind on Facebook - they'll be on crime watch next week! Where was Michelle? Oh that's right she'd been sent to the bar for more beer!

Do you know what...I've lost the plot...I can't remember!

Back in the East Riding after a great awayday. Must confess the fans were a bit quiet during the second half - subdued I think by winning 2-0. Only ever one team in it - Ricky Lambert is a hero! Scored a goal and hit the bar twice. Connerley had an instant impact - what a change to see a forward take his first chance with virtually his first touch/chance. Antonuio came on for a cameo appearance he will trouble defences at this level. He stands at nearly six foot three - Ricky Ricky He'll take us to the Premier League He gets the ball and takes the **** He wears the shirt of Matt Le Tiss Ricky Lambert Southampton's Goal Machine Rang out time and time again. The good times are back. A big game next week against the MK Dons sitting in 3rd place...but we're off the bottom at last! It's great times to be a SAints fan - let's pack out SMS next week and force them to open B;ocks 1,2 & 3!

Morning all from a cloudy East Riding. Just about to put me Doc's on for a trip across the Pennines to cheer the lads on! Must be wary of walking around Oldham though as I seem to remember Asians baniing whites from walking in their street...good job the League of St.George are not rallying for members today in Oldham! Match report later after the game...but no doubt by then those not at the game will be one of these two scenarios...slagging them off because we lost/drew or waxing lyrical because they won! As for me a couple of pints, a bit of a laugh and no voice left after shouting (rather singing) for all I'm worth. Come On You Reds! No doubt I'll bump (being the right word of use) Bungle today...he was such a Luvvie. In case he has one of those internet phones and checks on here - mines a Guinness!

Strange to think we are going to places like Oldham and worrying about getting beaten again! How strange it is for people on here to think it our right to win at places like Oldham - sure we should have been scared if we were still a Premiership club as we always underperformed at such places butnow...? Forecast is bright, just hoping the match goes our way - then the trip back across the Pennines won't hurt as much! COYR...

Should be a fun day out - wrap up warm it's gonna be a cold damp one! Not sure what pub will be the first port of call - but I can taste that first pint already!

I do smile at all this "Up north S h i t hole" Have you taken a look at Southampton lately? I left nearly 20-years ago and apart from visits to SMS, walks theough town down to Town Quay from Bedord Place - I would say some of you should look closer to home! As far as where do the Southern s h i t holes start - I would suggest from about south of Doncaster...but that's a southerners take on it!

Evening all - watching closely - I think we should be alright as long as we don't have 6-mins of injury time! Great performance by the lads on and off the pitch - really looking forward to Oldham next week!

I won't have a word said against TalkSport - I won there "Stick it for a ticket" promotion. By putting the sticker in the back window of my car and registering on line - I was lucky enough to be selected to win the price of a season ticket at SMS! I think from memory they gave one out to one fan at every club in The Premiership...spoke with Brazil & Parry when waiting outside a company in Hull (Bericap) before going in for an early appointment. My Manager was in the car totally gob smacked talking with Alan Brazil on my handsfree!!!! Unfortunately the week after the cheque arrived the TV blew up - so the money went on that instead...sorry Rupert!

Must be our lucky day...it wasn't the sameside as we put out on Saturday and I don't think we can read anything into tonight except this: We lack height at the back without Jaidi and Trotman and Kelvin panics! We can create chances - but can't take advantage from corners We have penalty takers Strange game - I bet the Torquay fans were creaming themselves at HT!

I really cannot understand why the Itchen North remains closed. Rumour has it that in the lower divisions away fans tend to be a bit more aggressive, not goody two shoes with prawn sandwiches that sit down like in The Prem! Hence I guess there are Saints fans health issues at heart! No I don't buy it either. With the faces I have seen in that part of the ground over the last few seasons I would suggest the away fans health may be at risk! However we are all a lot older and wiser, and as someone has already lamented - what goes on in the ground - stays in the ground. The local plod must be such pussies to enforce such a rule...if extra police are required to keep every one safe then charge a pound extra per seat to get the right atmosphere. Sure other parts of the ground will look more sparsely populated - but at least we will drown out any of the away fans for good. It never ceased to amaze me the reaction of the away fans when the Itchen North started up - it really did seem to shut them up! I accept it is all very tribal - but isn't that what football is (and was) all about? I suppose reducing the risk of a "flashpoint" is the real reason behind it - however if all the labelled trouble makers went there to cause trouble - where are they sitting now? I seem to remember the party atmosphere against Southend that failed play-off season...there was no trouble then and we all had a so called "fans love-in". Strange how the club cuts it's cloth to suit itself. Poor old Markus has never seen or heard the mighty Itchen North in full battle cry (not literally of course) - why not make it a special day against a non-descript side (say Leeds) and see what happens...let's face it has to be a sell out then it will have to open. What a great compliment...what will the police costs be that day regardless if the Itchen North is open or not? There is a certain homeliness in the Itchen North. It's a bit like your local pub, or that comfortable pair of slippers. Mostly gents of a certain age group ranging from 45-55 years old. Father & sons (and daughters) Sometimes 3-generations of a family united together. Everyone acknowledged each other & chatted. Personally I didn't get that anywhere else in the ground. Hopefully not for the last time... We're The Itchen We're The Itchen We're the Itchen over 'ere. Oh for Pompey in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup at SMS - what could be better? Is there any other opponent that invokes such passion? Sorry to go on - but after closing the Itchen North Blocks 1,2 & 3 I feel as though I have been robbed of a part of the matchday experience. Awaydays seem to be almost as much fun - but it isn't the same.

Life sure feels better some Monday mornings - and I still feel anything is possible in this league with a good run, no serious injuries, and no stupid bans! I didn't go on Saturday - but the pasing and movement for the first goal was fantastic! I also feel as though Gillingham did give us a lot of time on the ball & they paid for it! How nice it is to see Saints payers having a shot on goal from more than 6-yards. Looks like fitness and shooting practice has been high on the agenda. Not sure where we go from here but another 3-points at Southend, followed by another 3 at Oldham will surely see us start on the climb up the table, and towards the top half. A couple of draws would be disappointing when you look at the calibre of the squad. No pressure lads but you should really be pulling your socks up and going undefeated until the end of the season!

I understand the post and can relate to the feelings you have...but in this day and age it's a must have mentality and that includes winning. We have a club We have a squad We have a Manager We have fans - fine & fickle The only thing we lack is a winning mentality... We still have too many losers at the club! There is a massive psychological corner to turn at Southampton FC. The likes of Saganowski need to show they are up for the fight, and do what they are good at. Seasoned pro's are OK - but what about the pace of youth? It seems strange from a game with one substitute allowed and a reserve team to get replacements from, we now have such a massive squad, and a reserve team too! And we still can't find a winning combination. We have been close a couple of times this year - unlucky again on Tuesday night, but is it a concentration or fitness issue? Winning is habit forming - just like losing or settling for the draw. You can see how much (and how little) it means to some of the players - perhaps a change in direction will change our fortunes - something as simple as kicking towards the Northam for the 2nd half? Tomorrow afternoon cannot come around quick enough as far as I can see - but I'm hopeful a home win will take us to +2 points and on our way up the league (eventually). Me hoping isn't going to make it happen or 20,000 voices cheering for the team - they have to want it as much as we do...

I only followed the game on here but here's my view on events last night. We scored against the run of play 1-0. We conceded just before HT 1-1 - concentration thinking of HT team talk and half an orange? We score virtually straight after the break 2-1. They make a substitution with immediate impact 2-2. We bring on Mills & Saga and then Wooton (or was that a joke?) When you are 2-2 at home and nothing to lose you go for the win...seems we wanted to hold out for the point. In my opinion the Manager got what he deserved. Tremendous attendance - well done you lot. It's a shame the team don't deliver on a more regular basis. Hard to say where we stand in the league of things - but our position is confirmed on -1 points for another few days. We lost to a team 3rd in the league - and they have always been a bit of a bogey side too! Still to ship 3-goals at home is not a good sign. Finally for those who want Pardew out already...I think the root cause of all our problems are a long way from his door. There is something not quite right at SMS - and we may never know why!

I was at that game - I seem to remember the chant being... "Your support is ****ing shti" I joined in though with my daughter!!

Have you noticed all the "Dads" are posting about taking their kids? What about this so called revolution where women - yes women go to football too! Well I guess that sums it up for me - it's still a man thing with his offspring and wifey comes sometimes too! Still football stadiums are much better for Dad's bringing there daughters when they are 19 years old before I get accused of being a paedophile! Never understood women at football - sure they can swear, drink pints and fight as well of most of the youff...but do they really enjoy it?

I brought my daughter down for a game when she was about that age. We popped in to see Nanny, got the No.5 to town - The Dell was just being pulled down and I pointed out all the landmarks with a tear in my eye. We went in The Chapel - and that ferret faced mother f....r - Lee Bowyer scored for Leeds in The Northam and Leeds won 1-0. It was along drive back to Yorkshire with all the Leeds fans - but we have done several awaydays since - the last game at Maine Road, Barnsley when lost 4-3 (seems like years ago!), Blackburn - but not Leeds! She still talks about it with her boyfriends - the other day she asked me if Saints were ever any good...I could have gone on for hours but I settled for 1984, coming second and the Battle of Highbury. Her boyfriend was taken aback that things like that really went on - Scousers asking me to meet Stanley!