Minty

Good post Canada - as I posted in another thread, we all want to see improvement and investment, but it has to be within our means, and that may mean player sales in order to improve the squad as a whole. I think SoB's view is a particularly pessimistic one, but it's entirely understandable and it *is* possible. I tend to agree that improvement from 8th is likely to be very difficult, but not impossible, but also that, just like when Adkins left and we knew nothing of Pochettino, there might be another manager out there who could improve us? We just don't know. Personally, even if Adam, Luke and MoPO all leave, I don't think we'll be battling relegation - I think we're still attractive enough to get a good manager and recruit good players that can improve the squad overall. But I've always been an optimist.

I'm always intrigued by the fact that some people seem to think there is a divine right to expect owners to spend money on the club, with barely a thought for the long term sustainability of the club finances. We would all like us to be in a position to continue to spend, on fees and wages, to keep moving the club forward, but for me, that absolutely should not come at the risk of putting the club in financial trouble. None of us know the exact financial picture and, as is being discussed on various threads, the investment required to take us from 8th to 6th, is probably far more than to get from 14th to 8th as we did over the last season. No one wants us to lose good players, but sometimes the reality may be that it is inevitable.

Stand-by list: Michael Carrick (Manchester United) Andy Carroll (West Ham United) Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC) Jon Flanagan (Liverpool) John Ruddy (Norwich City) John Stones (Everton)

I don't, it's fun watching people get their knickers in a twist. People need to learn to deal with it. Players come and go, that's football.

Although he contributed a lot to our league campaigns, this is what I'll remember the most. 'Premier League, you're havin' a laugh!' [video=youtube_share;jVM46KA2rK8] Cheers Guly!

Just for a minute - imagine being 18 years old and told you are going to a World Cup to represent your country. That would freak me out. Congratulations Luke, and indeed everyone at SFC who got him there!

I have to be honest, I would rather take Chambers to the WC, let alone Clyne, over Smalling based on todays evidence. I realise that was just one game, but for me basics like their composure and positioning should be consistent in an potential International player, and I saw nothing in him today to suggest that he was better than either of our two.

The only thing I am certain of is that nothing is certain. I believe Adam wants to stay, to have the chance of helping Saints move forward with his help, and that this relies on Poch signing a new contract, hence the comments in the Echo today about the fact that 'we' have work to do this summer. Whatever happens, I will enjoy watching people on here overreact to every little rumour and quote this summer, and look forward to next season, supporting whoever is wearing the red (and white?)

Dare I say it, but it's also not always about who pays the most. There may well be other tie-ins and benefits worth more than just cold hard cash. The 'value' of this deal is not just in pounds and pence. To judge this deal requires a lot more knowledge than any of us have. As far as I'm concerned, the fact the founder and board members are Saints fans is a good thing, the fact they are clearly a progressive company who are expanding globally is a good thing, and the fact that they make high quality products in an advancing market is a good thing. The only 'negatives' about the deal, are based on other peoples own expectations and pre-conceptions. And that's your fault, not the clubs. Welcome to Veho, I hope this proves to be a successful and mutually beneficial partnership.

Based on what specific information?

Indeed - although it has nicely highlighted those who default to a negative reaction when they have little information to go on.

Hi. I live in Shirley. I work in the public services. Ask me. The most unpleasant people who live near me are pretty much all English. The people who are the biggest drain on the public services I work in, are English. Some of the best employees I have are not English. The problems we have are not down to immigration alone. It DOES contribute in SOME areas, but to cite uncontrolled immigration as the main reason for many of our ills is wrong, and I base that on my personal and professional experience, not just headlines in papers or what certain politicians say.

At least they were real shares, and you did actually own part of the club...

If that were the case, then there's even less excuse for those who come across poorly to do so. I'm not sure that is the case - but even if it is, it's not the original answers that give the best insight, but how the panel then interact with each other after their initial answers and last night was a perfect example of that IMO.

Have got tickets for this as couldn't afford to go to the real deal - surprise for the wife who is a big fan. Looking forward to it, although slightly apprehensive because there's no way it can ever be as good as the original series or films...

You also don't always need to throw money at a team to achieve something. Few would disagree that Everton have progressed this season and they haven't spent much in comparison. Even Liverpool have a net spend of less than £100m over the last FIVE seasons, let alone in one summer. But Rodgers has got them playing better. Spurs may have spent a lot but they also received MORE than what they've spent, so have a net gain. The headline figures are rarely the important ones. http://transferleague.co.uk/league-tables/transfer-league-table-last-five-seasons.html

If you do decide to have one, try to get it done using the 'No Scalpel Technique'. This used to be available in Totton, but isn't anymore, nearest place is Fordingbridge I think, but wherever you are, you'll have to be referred by your GP and he can advise. This newer technique is fairly common now but not everywhere does it. It only involves one small hole being made, not the two scalpel incisions required in the other technique, and no stitches are needed afterwards as it heals on its own quite quickly. It can have complications, as all surgery can, but generally it's better than the scalpel method, less chance of bleeding, less discomfort etc.

Are those the prices before or after they've been diluted by CVA's?

No one told Rickie Lambert...

2+2 now appears to equal 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and countless other numbers you want to make up judging by all the posts on here. All of this 'he is clearly' going to do this or that is just pure speculation. Quite why so many people feel the need to proclaim what will happen, when probably even all of those involved don't know yet, is beyond me. My speculative guess as to what the situation is simply that most of the players will wait and see if Poch agrees a longer contract, and if the board support his vision with a transfer kitty then most will probably be happy to stay and be part of that. Depending on bids, one or two may leave, but they may not. But that is nothing more than speculation too, and I'm not going to spend ages defending that view or shouting others down just because they don't see it the same way. Some of you seem incapable of dealing with the uncertainty, but you're gonna have to get used to it.

I think the most relevant reply to the OP is 'No'. People are desperate to hear news, but there will be none until after the season ends at the earliest, and even then perhaps not for some time. People just need to deal with it.

No prizes for guessing where we'll be no MOTD tonight...

georgeweahscousin completely jinxed him with his article.

Our game has always been based on possession and being patient trying to create chances. We are a little less creative with the likes of Jay Rod and Rickie out, so lets not be too harsh, especially on Gallagher. If we can get Lallana on the ball more that might bear fruit, and I still think Reed's pace and movement could be worth a look for a decent chunk of the game. Having Morgan, Cork and Wanyama in the side does seem to have stunted our forward play a little, but I'm not too worried. We know it is something we need to work on, and clearly the injuries aren't helping. Still 45 minutes to go though, with a little more movement and invention, this is our game to win.

Green here too.