CylonKing

Actually think this is our best line-up for this match. Yes, it is defensive but at least it is different. Think we may sneak a result tonight.

Thank you, thank you. I said give PEH a chance and he delivered, but you know what, f*ck that, I'm just pleased for a Saints win. We march on! Xx

I didn't watch all of the Fulham U23 match but what from what I did see, I thought PEHoj looked pretty good. Some decent tackling, a decent effort on target, some good tracking back. Think he should be given a chance. I remember everyone slagging of Morgan in his first few seasons and it took him a while to show his undoubted class for us. Think PEH is similar!

You don't shoot, you won't score. Not a single shot on target. Need to change from being a defensive, possession based team to all guns blazing. Time to go 4-2-4 or 4-3-3 and give our strikers a chance.

^^^^^ Exactly the line-up I would want to see. Something needs to change.

The thing I noticed was the fact that we do not seem to win any 50-50 balls in the middle of the pitch. Brighton picked up pretty much every loose ball and used it much better than we did, especially in the 2nd half. I thought our defence looked pretty solid, except for the goal which was just a shambles. Really think Forster should've saved it, it was such a weak header. Think the comments on MOTD2 also were spot on. We just don't take any risks at all. Boufal should be in the middle of the pitch, behind 2 strikers each making runs. Whenever we cross a ball into the box, there is never anyone there. We need to commit to a win and throw people forward. Our defence is strong enough that the other 5 midfielders and strikers should all be pushing forward and getting into the box. Invariably it is usually only a winger crossing into a box devoid of any Saints players. We are so slow and ponderous it is unbelievable. We never attack with pace and whenever we do get a breakaway, there is never anyone taking a risk, so we have to go backwards. It needs sorting out and I have a feeling that Burnley might be a turning point for us, though that could be wishful thinking!

You know what, football is a game. Whilst it takes skill and investment, a lot of it boils down to luck and hope. I do not actually care where we finish in reality, I hope for a good season every single year, even if we get relegated, I will still follow this club, no matter what as for some silly reason, it means a lot to me. I think we have a number of players that are now settled after their first season (Pierre-E-H for example) and players on the verge of a stand-out season (Clasie). With characters in the squad (Austin) and experience (Davis) I think we have a balance of youth and intelligence that is going to push us on. I cannot get to a match realistically until 2018, but I'm going to enjoy every moment when I can. Sorry for being positive about the club, I cannot help it as I'm a card carrying happy-clapper and always will be. ;-)

I'll stick my neck out, I have a strong feeling that we're going to be top 4 and\or grab a cup. Just think that our squad is getting stronger and we have the infrastructure in place to give us the edge we need, an introverted team mentality, the unreleased fee amounts, the closed door negotiations, the professionalism in which we do things, the focus on youth, training and our way of playing. I just have a feeling that it is going to come together this season for us in a big way. Cannot wait for this coming season to begin and Gallagher gets a hattrick and we keep a clean sheet with VvD and Stephens in defense in the first game oft he season. This is a great club, through thick and thin, I'm proud to be a Saint!

I'll stick my neck out, I have a strong feeling that we're going to be top 4 and\or grab a cup. Just think that our squad is getting stronger and we have the infrastructure in place to give us the edge we need, an introverted team mentality, the unreleased fee amounts, the closed door negotiations, the professionalism in which we do things, the focus on youth, training and our way of playing. I just have a feeling that it is going to come together this season for us in a big way. Cannot wait for this coming season to begin and Gallagher gets a hattrick and we keep a clean sheet with VvD and Stephens in defense in the first game oft he season. This is a great club, through thick and thin, I'm proud to be a Saint!

Have been following this kit launch despite being in Argentina currently and enduring a 20 hour bus journey. Have to say, think these are the best 2 kits we've had in many, many years. Like many, cannot justify the spend (have only just bought last seasons kit at £15 while away) so will wait for reductions. Kudos yet again to the Saints Marketing team that have turned a boring kit launch into something much more fun, inventive and clever, showing a sense of humour missing in many places. This is one area that we have excelled - I still chuckle at 'Sorry mate, thought you were Phil Tuffnell' - absolute genius. If only we had award winning pies and a radio station! ;-)

Isn't that why he is a good right back as opposed to another position on the left?

And yes, I'll mention again I might be a little drunk. ;-)

Currently in SE Asia listening to matches. Just 'enjoyed' the boro match, better than previous matches listened to. I'm aware that some people think that we're not progressing but they're wrong. Last season we missed out on Europa L group stage and the League cup semi. This season we have just missed out on the Europa knockout and are in the league cup semis. We are now 10th in the league and are STILL. a club run by professional and honorable people. Finally it is still only football, an entertainment business that has given me more ups than the Star Wars series of films. Yes, I may be a little drunk (cheap Thai rum is to blame) but my original point that has been missed is that Claude Puel has actually done a bloody good job so far. If we keep our current squad for the next few years, we could be building something here. If not, well it's only a silly game. :-)

Very difficult MotM vote for me, we were a class above. Superb performance in the 2nd half. Looked sloppy in the 1st but never looked like conceding. Liking the feeling at the moment, a real buzz is being generated, we appear to have a well balanced squad capable of playing on all fronts. Excellent today, really pleased. :-)

Ridiculous. How dare this joke of a board tie down another quality player to a long term contract. A player that last season most fans were astounded was not an automatic choice, who then went on to help his country win the Euro championship and now has the nerve to take the **** by showing some loyalty to the club we support by signing a contract that effectively means the club and its supporters can only benefit from all outcomes. I'm livid! If I had a season ticket, it would be in pieces now. I'm so annoyed that our leaders are showing some initiative and building a squad and not bringing in the mercenaries that we so desperately need. Yet another signing that continues our slow, yet determined, rise towards the top of the football pyramid. I long for the days where I get the mikey taken out of me from Forest and County fans, both Notts and Derby. When will this club we support stop taking the long term view and throw everything into a one time gamble. I'm sick of it now. Seriously, whilst we wait for the big, marquee signings, the club have done brilliantly this window in keeping the core squad together. Very, very impressed and this news about Cedric Soares is brilliant. We are so well run and Marcus would be so happy.

Not just you St Garrett. Think he's doing a sterling job myself. Another promising, young player in an established international team. This time signed on a 5 year deal. Excellent news. Welcome Pierre.

Sounds like the perfect man for the job if I'm honest. Welcome to the Saints Claude, we look forward to supporting you and the team over the next few seasons.

Mane goes, Vic goes and we get lots of money for them and already we've signed a young English winger with Premier League experience. What matters now is what happens in terms of the manager and who else we bring in. I'm pretty sure that if we finish the season next year in 4th or 5th place everyone will be happy and singing the new managers praises and commenting on how well we've rebuilt and developed the squad further. It is all about what the club do next. I'm hoping that we've already got replacements lined up for both Vic and Mane plus further squad development, plus longer contracts for other members of the squad. If this is the case and we show further improvement (maybe not league position but cup runs instead?) I think the club again can be happy with what it has done, but it all relies on the big IF.

Great season, we need Ron to stay longer than the 1 year left on his contract. Would love Vic and Sadio to stay, that would make a massive difference to us to keep them. Special mention to the Saints Marketing people this year. Have come up with some exceptional videos, stories and articles that really have made the players and the club much more than just a football team. Who can forget 'I thought you were Phil Tuffnell', the funniest line I've heard for ages. Loved the In the Box series and some of the stuff over Christmas was class. Overall, one of the best seasons we've had for a long, long time. Very happy!

Excellent news, nothing more than that. Interesting that the Beeb are quoting Les on their article saying that they hope VvD will be a pillar of Rons squad for years to come. Putting pressure on Ron to extend perhaps?

If this wasn't a school night I would definitely be attending! Bit gutted that it is not a Friday or Saturday to be honest. Would love another visit to Southampton and St Marys this year.

VVD for me as well. Saw him in his first game for us against WBA, a dull 0-0 but he stood out a mile. Completely outshone everyone else on the pitch and has continued to do so, knocking in a few goals along the way. The way he can bring the ball out of defence like a seasoned attacking midfielder is amazing and since he has done it, it looks like, to me, Fonte has done the same occasionally. Always seems to have much more time on the ball than anyone else and the skills and composure to get out of a tricky situation. An amazing first season for us and I have no doubt that he'll be playing for us next season, don't think we'll accept any offers for him at all and he comes across as the sort of player who has his head screwed on and not have it independently moving around other clubs willy-nilly!

Ha ha ha. Tickets for the match fool....as you well know. :-)

B*stards! I was looking forward to a Saturday night curry in Leicester after the match if I could get tickets.

The Rockstone on Onslow Road have their own dog and welcome others. It is a great pub serving wonderful local beers and great food. Whenever we are down in Southampton for a match we always go there for lunch beforehand now.