UpweySaint

If I remember rightly he also once talked about astrology being a part of his team selection process, not sure his opinion is too widely respected!

This. A bit of cynicism is healthy but honestly, what are we expecting? We are a good, not great, side. We achieve about what we should expect to do. We are, as it goes, the best team in qualifying if you take the stats for what they are. We have some decent young players in and around the side. There are lots of saints connections and we may continue to see more. Winning another trophy would be nice and a bit of magic like we used to see from Beckham or Gascoigne would be much appreciated but honestly, are things really that bad?

Also a text feed from the mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3109658/England-20s-0-0-Mexico-20s-LIVE-Three-Lions-going-second-win-Toulon-Tournament.html

At what point is it appropriate to ask which round of the Europa we will be drawn in and when it will take place?

Theo! Theo! Theo!

A step sure. Are they such a 'big' step anymore? Not necessarily.

We can but hope ... Chelsea, City, Arsenal, Utd etc come calling or a big european side I could honestly understand him saying to the club 'if you get a realistic bid, I would like to talk' and would not begrudge him a decent move.

Same as last year. Liverpool put in derisory bid, leak to media to unsettle player, line up the scouse media mob to start waxing lyrical about how Clyne is wasted at 'plucky little southampton' and should join 'big club' liverpool so he has chances to compete for trophies (of course forgetting that we won the Paint Mug!). Hopefully Clyne sees how things are. Bright young star fighting to jump ship, former team mates sat warming the bench, a manager under pressure and no chance of champions league.

Quite possibly but, if Stoke are in the mix, I don't think they offer wages far beyond our reach. Perhaps he wants a crack at the premier league and 'bigger' sides interest have a) cooled, or b) not been appealing (may not fancy warming benches etc).

Seen him on a few occasions, does not qualify me as an expert, but like the look of him. A very exciting player and he's a bit of a unit too... He has been tracked by plenty of 'big' clubs so must have something about him. Would like to think we could compete for his signature (should we want him) if Stoke are considered a possible option.

Would love that. Does have some of the 'typical' South American keeper tendencies but is a good standard keeper and, on a free, would be blinding business!

I should have been more clear. Offensively he has looked okay today, got forward well. He is better further forward and, should we sign him, that is where I would picture him for us.

If QPR go down Phillips for me. We've tracked him for a while and would offer some directness that we, at times, lack. Pace, power and gets the odd goal. Looking okay today too.

One word: Gillingham.

good post. imagine we will see more of the current batch on the fringes next season. they may not be week in week out starters but, when called upon, all have done themselves justice and looked decent. If, for example, Bertrand picked up a 4 or 5 week injury we would have no qualms putting in Targett. Most other top eight sides wouldnt be able, or be willing to, provide that sort of cover through the academy.

Nah, Portsmouth are still our rivals. Good to see Bournemouth doing well, it's good for football in the area. Besides, as others have pointed out, people in glass houses... we lucked out with Markus no question.

Club ambassador? Working with saints in the community? Role with the academy? Scouting? Sure their is a role for a long-serving club captain and model pro, he is the sort of person we should be trying to keep as a part of the club if we can even if his playing days are winding down.

Boll*cks. He doesn't appeal, or throw himself to the ground. A player can go down without it being either a dive or pen. Fazio takes the ball (fair tackle) but in doing so takes Mane off balance and, as a lightweight player, he goes down.

He has had a decent season though I have only seen patches of Leeds. Byram, a forum favourite, would be a real bonus in a double deal if we could get a decent price.

I would suggest that there is a whole stack of evidence already in place for them in regards to our credentials of developing, and giving chances to, younger players. We have serious precedent as a club and the first team is making positive strides in the right direction. If he/his advisers cannot see the advantages of staying here it would be because they simply don't want to or have other ideas about what is important for the lad ...

Why only six subs? I know we are short of options but surely it makes sense to have another on the bench even if unlikely to be called on?

Groningen fans but had a Feyenoord flag. Got out a trumpet at the end,few of their own songs, but the chap had a go at "when the saints" and it was really well received.

In theory we are but we have yet to pay for either Bertrand or, if we can, Toby. Both of whom I see as more of a priority than another striker. If Rodriquez comes back ok we will have him, Long, Gallagher able to play through the middle with the added possibility of pushing Mane central or even looking at the likes of Seager in the academy. Failing that Ings on a free in the summer? Short of finding the 'right' deal for another player on loan I honestly think we are best sitting tight until the summer. I get the 'best chance for fourth' argument but just don't see the same urgency as others perhaps ...

Fair but if you believe the press he wants to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool. Can't see him making such a quick turnaround.