Minty

What else can we expect however? If we've made good efforts to sign players but they don't happen for some reason, then what next? Just because we want something to happen, doesn't mean it will. And frankly, sometimes, we just have to deal with that. (If it turns out to be the case) And if fans can't deal with it, what do they propose?

To be honest, while I know journos have a job to do, we should all know by now that Adkins gives nothing away and if anyone is expecting him to they clearly haven't listened to him before.

Lots of positives, players coming back, youngsters getting experience. Martin very good today, Foxy also played well in an unfamiliar position. Reeves great pass to Harding before the goal. Good to have Puncheon and Barnard back but have to be careful not to push them too hard after so long out. De Ridder taken off because of his tight hamstring. Fonte should be available for selection Tuesday. Hooiveld unlikely. No comment on officials whatsoever. We never got a grip on the ball to pass it, a little bit of counter attacking, great cup tie, but we're still in the hat. (Re: transfers) See what happens - I think history shows that a lot happens in the last few days of the the transfer window so let's see what happens. Maybe some players who we thought would 'cross the line', haven't happened for whatever reason. Chairman has been great, working very hard behind the scenes an continues to do so. Did the best I could!

I would've been amazed if there was none... we know we have some ***ts as fans, as every club does, so there was bound to be some, but hopefully the reception he got as he was subbed was more appropriate and that's what he'll have noticed more.

Purely from Solent commentary: - Sounded like Martin had a good game, Fox did ok considering he's not a CB, and they were put under a lot of direct pressure. - Full 90 minutes for Reeves. - A good showing from Puncheon, put in a good shift and well received by the Saints fans. - Tadanari Lee seemed to have good movement and awareness which is difficult to teach... promising debut if not much end product but a tough game to come into. - Debut for Luke Shaw too. A shame to lose the lead but if it gives fringe players another game and helps develop the squad, then I think it's a good thing.

lol... about right for SaintsWeb.

Replay doesn't bother me... means more game time for fringe players.

Certainly sounds that way, a lot of important touches and blocks. Despite all Millwall's pressure, I actually don't feel that nervous. Strange.

Your wish...

'tis a bit, but can't help but think it's actually a good test for some of the new/fringe players...

Come on then Saints, a 2nd goal please and control the game.

Indeed. If he continues to improve and gain experience as he has been, he could be a solid player for us for many years to come. He's a good communicator too, which is invaluable. If the likes of Mike Williamson can make it in the Prem, then Martin can go a long way.

Not possible, can't be. lol Long way to go yet but good to hear we're competing better now. I think we have more quality, just need to make sure we want it enough.

Or shat themselves?

It's 0-0 and we're creating chances... that sure is a massacre.

So we've already agreed that if we don't win, it's because of Fox at centre back, have we? lol...

I can't see it myself. I'm obviously not expecting a flawless performance... Fox isn't a centre back obviously... but he is sharp and not easily pushed around so I really think he can do a decent job. We'll see!

Strange that by not playing, Barnard suddenly appears to be rubbish in some people's eyes? Not sure where that came from... I agree he's down the pecking order but if he's on his game he can be a threat.

I don't think Fox did badly there last Monday night and he attacks the ball well, so I certainly wouldn't say 'shocking'. And I don't think it's an 'awful' side at all. I think it's quite interesting and hope that the lads who've come in take their chance.

posted in error

So what's your opinion on it dune?

I doubt many fans feel any different. I don't, I agree completely. But as with all things, a balance has to be struck and breaking a wage structure to get one player could undermine everything if other members of the squad know about it. 'Together as one' as Adkins would say, probably applies to the wage structure and overall playing budget just as much as anything else.

As I said above, in order to even discuss wages, we have to get permission from a club to talk to a player under contract. That usually means submitting a bid which they want to accept. The two are not directly linked and a players wages do not necessarily automatically link to the transfer value of a player.

But we're talking specifically about new signings in the transfer window. The club hasn't hyped that up. Adkins has responded when asked in interviews, and now this minor comment at a dinner with the Chairman, neither of which I would class as hype and certainly nothing that deserves some of the rhetoric above with people criticising Nicola for 'not doing his job' because we haven't met their personal expectations. Personally, I would like us to make another signing or two before the window shuts, but that's not the point at hand. Some of the criticism for a perceived lack of activity is, IMO, misguided and partly comes from some fans own hyping up of the situation. FWIW I agree that sometimes the OS press releases can be OTT but if people haven't got used to that by now, I wonder where they've been.

Not to mention the 'hype' mostly comes from the fans in the first place. The club just try to go about their business in their own way... one small piece of info from this dinner about 'big bids' gets passed on in good faith and here we are. Some fans create their own expectations and then moan when the club fail to meet them.