Minty

Back on topic, another interesting take on things, and why Cameron's decision might be a good thing, if for different reasons to that he intended: http://www.neweconomics.org/blog/2011/12/14/eu-deal-permanent-austerity-permanent-stagnation

That may be the case, but the way GM, alpine and dune responded was inappropriate IMO. But that's just one of the reasons people have little respect for their opinions, because they don't show it to others. Shame because there were some good posts in this thread, and then it gets brought crashing down by posts like theirs.

You gonna put a quid or two on that?

Part of me is impressed by Ho's continuing attempts to defend PFC. I'd be embarrassed to even speak of my club if I were in the same situation.

I certainly agree with that - the world is full of hypocrites. To be honest, we are ALL hypocritical at one time or another, just some more than others. But that is partly down to habit, and the difficulty we have in changing habits. It's one thing to say you want to do something or you're going to do something, but quite a few steps to actually forming a new habit. Having an ideology or belief, but not necessarily following it is ok, if the clear intention is there to make the change in the future. Just be honest about it. But saying things just for effect and having no intention of doing them, that really bugs me...

Oi, careful, I used to play for them. Oh, no, sorry, my mistake... I used to play LIKE them, that was it.

This is important IMO... it's a very real indication of the work that the club have been doing from top to bottom, to get the teams to play in a similar way, thus making any transition up to the reserve or first team squad that much easier.

James Ward-Prowse with 'a screamer' to make it 7. Ouch.

It's everyone we need to worry about - but over the course of 46 games, not one weekend. There's always someone who storms up from nowhere, and others who drop away spectacularly. That's why I love Adkins' approach... don't get too high when we win, don't get too down when we draw or lose, judge our position over the course of the whole season to date, and stay focused on the target.

Posting criticism is fine. Posting your opinion is fine, if it backed up with a clear reasoning. But posting blind criticism about our manager that directly contradicts the clear evidence about his prowess is going to attract comments like those you've had.

And down to 10 men - although as it's Reading that'll probably mean a late equaliser. ;-)

It's always a risk - the only way to eliminate that risk is to never play football. Sorry, that might seem silly but it is true. It's a game played by humans who are prone to errors. We simply have to trust in Adkins, he has earned that at least.

It's a valid question, but then it's all about risk management, and the likelihood of needing a third choice - plenty of clubs do go through spells when they only have 2 professional keepers on the books. That said, if we needed to, I'm sure we could recall Forecast or even Jack Dovey if need be, so i wouldn't be overly concerned. As I've highlighted elsewhere, it's a team game and when you also look at some of the missed chances, and poor decision making in the final third, then that arguably cost us more than one goal. Now, long term is slightly different. Adkins has to decide whether Bart is an option for longer term, and that depends on more than just one performance. I trust his judgement and I would hope most fans would also do so at the present time, given our progress so far. I'm concerned that Bart's confidence issue is not something that can be rectified at Saints. I just don't know, and given that I've always thought that he has a good natural goalkeeping ability, it's one I'll watch with interest. However, to kick any player out after one performance is knee-jerk in the extreme. I know some will say that they've seen poor performances in more than just this game, but then we have people tell us that about Kelvin too. As always, to some people it's a black and white situation but is it ever? I don't think so.

Come on chaps, no need for the continual abuse dished out. It's quite easy to pick apart the OP without the need for all that. Adkins is the manager. I would suggest that he has earned the trust and support of 99.9% of us fans. He cannot predict the future, he sees Bart in training every day, and was also a 'keeper himself, so has added insight. What you will never see in training, is a performance like we saw from Bart today, so to claim that it was somehow predictable or inevitable is rather silly. So, all in all, no matter what our opinions on how good Bart is, no one could've expected what happened today, and very few would question his judgement on it before the game. If Adkins had any inkling that Bart's performance today was likely (it is always *possible*), then I have no doubt he would've been looking for a new backup. For all we know, he may already have been looking but not been able to find the right person yet. We simply don't know. But to question whether Adkins has been doing his job, when we sit top of the Championship, exceeding EVERYONE'S expectations, is quite ridiculous IMO. He should've earned our trust and respect for what he has achieved so far, and whilst now, with hindsight, he may well sit down with Bart and talk things through, and also look at the position with his staff, (i.e. do his job), I just think it is unfair in the extreme to in any way claim that what happened was predictable and to blame him for it.

Despite the protestations, arguably it was indeed some of the decision making in the final third, and the occasional lack of communication (Guly/Hammond getting in each others way for a clear header on goal for example) that actually cost us two points today. Bart's mistake obviously contributed but we had chances to win today and it's a team game, so things like SDR's 'decision' in that last minute should be highlighted by Adkins every bit as much as any individual mistake.

92.30-ish on the clock when we scored I think... nothing wrong with that at all. Holloway goes further down in my estimation...

How many times have I had to say it? KEEP THE FAITH. Get the f*ck in.

Chances starting to come. Keep the faith.

Last time I looked there was plenty of time left. Think MK Dons last season. Quitters never win.

I think we have to focus on how to score rather than what to do in goal right now.

We're coming back into this. I think the team have earnt a bit of faith and support from us for their performances so far this season, so how about it eh?

He needs support now more than ever. Getting on his back won't help us get back into the game.

Blackpool are the first side I've seen who are close to our ability to pass the ball... when a team does it well, it is very difficult to defend against and so the game is quite open. Interesting one to watch for the neutral.

To be honest, this is a good way of looking at things. Where we are currently doesn't change any of the above, and actually helps put things into perspective and takes the pressure off a bit... whereas some of the reactions to our recent away defeats actually do the opposite. Keep the pressure off the lads and let them play, and we'll see what we can achieve.

I think you two should get a room.