John Smith

Not sure if anyone has been booing him, so, a bit far on that one I think. But, I think people are forgetting our exceptional defensive performance last season, of which, Seabourne played a major role. Also, playing 3 or 4 games at this level this season, will not help him progress, assuming he is behind Fonte, New Signing, Jaidi and Martin. This will effectively end his Southampton career. Also, no player I know of, 'progressed' to be a Premiership level player by playing 3 or 4 games in the Championship. Age on your side isn't a good thing if you're rotting in the reserves week in week out. Potential is there, experience is needed, rotate Seabourne Martin and Jaidi, we will do well. I also think Martin is a good asset and thought he played well against Leeds, unfortunate with the 'handball' (shoulder), at the end, but, thought I'd see him again. Does he suffer from a niggly injury or something? Seriously, think he is and has been good and would personally choose him in front of Seabourne.

So, after a year of bashing Hammond, we're now going to bash Seabourne. And when we replace Seabourne, we'll bash Harding, and when... and on and on. Basically, Seabourne is a good defender. Like I have said with Hammond, I'll say the same for Seabourne. He does a lot that goes unnoticed. He is a very big CB and we need someone of his size and strength, particularly as Jaidi is not featuring at present. Martin is also a good CB. Very tall but not as strong but more comfortable on the ball. People saying these two aren't good enough are dreaming! Maybe the argument of, they're not good enough for the Prem, is relevant. But, I would add the word 'yet'! They're not good enough yet, because they need to gain experience at Chmpionship level forst. They are both VERY young, particularly for CB's, but, they both have characteristics and abilities required to be a good Prem CB. Play them! play them next to Fonte. Both can do this, both need a guiding hand, but, as a Striker up against either of these, I would be trying extra hard to have to beat them. Give them time, bring them on and in 5 years time, we will have 2 of the best British defenders in the Prem! OK, give it LOL and LMAO, and call me all the names you like, but, I said Hammond was very good last season and it was Morgan that was strugling and Hammond was covering for the young lad and doing a damn good job of it too. Look at Morgan this year, he's delivering what we want now. He has competition for his place (Cork) and he needs to fight for his place alongside Hammond. Hamond is going to be key again this year. He holds the midfield together, gives us our shape, dictates the tempo and when he plays well, so do Saints. So, let's get off of Seabourne's back, let's support and encourage the potential we have at this club and bring them through. Martin as well, 2 very good CB's. We are lucky to have them both, let's not waste them. people are envious of our squad and our potential, don't ruin the potential by buying in average 'experienced' CB's when we have potentially very good CB's already here, just give them experience, play them! When Jaidi comes back, rotate them. They ALL offer something different, Fonte, Jaidi, Seabourne and Martin, a good selection of potential and experience! Can you not see it? Then start looking, it's there.

Spot on, and they didn't go unnoticed AND the shooting was covered by the news that very day and reported. Howerver, this news was later buried as was the CCTV of the bus bomber entering the LOWER level of the bus. Now, you can call this a theory if you like, but it has more legs than the government conspiracy theory that I repeat has NO evidence or FACTS at all whatsoever linking those muslims with the tube bombings. None, nothing nadda. BTW, this isn't my theory, this is just something that I am sharing with people on here. Yes, I expect the occassional nutjob abuse, of course I do. But, the fact is, no public inquiry has ever been called for. There has been no public inquiry after a supposed 'terrorist' attack on the capital city. There has been no public inquiry even after 800 people of victims and families of victims have petioned the government for one. However you look at it, this has been totally covered up and trialled in the media. This is unlawful. The judge in the case against the supposed assistants of the suicide bomber, who were cleared, labelled the 3 'suicide bombers' as guilty of this atrocity, even though they have never been charged, let alone found guilty of ANYTHING. Let me repeat that again, not because I'm having a go, but because it is very important, the apparent suicide bombers have NEVER BEEN FOUND GUILTY, by the goverment, by the police or by the law courts. They have been tried and convicted in the media, by the likes of the daily mail. Those are facts my friends. So, I leave this to you guys. You have the information in front of you and this has been confirmed by the Law Courts that this evidence IS relevant. You are choosing to ignore the Law and throw insults at me (not you personally aintforever) and those that provide evidence to protect your and mine human rights. one day, maybe your friends or family will be caught up in this, and maybe you will be accused of something you never did, tried and convicted in the media, then, and only then may you remeber that some of us uphold the law and the justice system and campaign for justice where none is provided. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty, these guys from Leeds, have never been tried let alone found guilty, the reason is, there is NO evidence to convict, only the media that will convince you all that they are guilty and call people like John a fruitloop and accuse others that actually take time to listen, some sort of druggy. And they wonder why the riots happen, ignorance is no defence my friends. Love to you all, and I am happy to leave it there, I am no preacher, just a poster that posted something interesting. It is a shame so many of you on here are very very childish. (again, not directed at you aintforever).

Interesting in the way i've been called a freak, a nutter, etc etc. These people haven't even looked watched the link. So, if you are genuinly interested, Muad'Dib, aka John Hill presented this as evidence in the trial in relation to the 'Muslims' that apparently helped the 'suicide bombers' (this is in inverts because those 'suicide bombers were actually shot dead in docklands outside the media buildings as they ran to the press to try and tell their story and seek safety from this set up). The court, instead of viewing the evidence, sent out a warrant for John Hill and extradited from Ireland on the back of this, and his charge? Perverting the course of justice, even though the court never even viewed the dvd. Then. John spent over 150 days in Wandsworth prison where the prison, for some reaon they cannot give, failed to present John to the courts for his bail hearing on 4 seperate occasions. Eventually he was bailed. His trial, which ended about 3 weeks ago, proved that this dvd should be admissable as evidence in a public inquiry. An inquiry which at least 800 victims and friends and family of those victims have been calling for since day 1 and the government REFUSE to call. The government, the last one, at the time led by Tony B Liar, covered up the story, and pushed it as far away from public as possible, whilst the BBC spread their propeganda to millions coverting these muslims as murdering Islamic fundamentalists. And yet, they were nothing of the sort. They were taking part in a planned 'pretend' bomb attack in the capital, organised by MI5 and MI6, the government and the MET. This 'pretend' terrorist attack centred around the proposed bombing of the London underground and the buses. Those trains and buses planned to be hit, were the same tubes and bus that were actually hit. The head of the MET (now resigned after John was released), mistakingly confessed to knowing that these bombings were the work of three terrorists, although when he stated this, NOBODY knew anything of the sort. Also, the judge in the case accusing the 3 men of supporting the 'suicide bombers' (aka those that were shot dead in docklands), declared that those 'suicide bombers' were GUILTY of causing these attrocities even though no formal case has EVER been presented to the courts as their has been no inquiry and those 'suicide bombers' murdered in cold blood in the docklands have never been found guilty of anything (other than HELPING the police in THEIR pretend terrorist attack). John thought that this was a miscarriage of justice, as you and I and all of us are innocent until proven guilty, and not trial by TV and the media, condemnig innocent people of crimes they didn't commit just so we can continue to send our troops to Afganistan to kill more of these non-existant muslim terrorists! You have been duped if you believe the government line, as they have NO evidence whatsoever that these muslims blew up the tube. They only have one crucial bit of evidence that they have pushed out to you all and that was the image of them all entering the Luton train station. the government say that this proves they boarded a specific train which got them to Kings Cross, just in time to board the tube which was the eventual bombed tube. HOWEVER,. this train that they supposebly caught, as per their instructions from the met and the services carrying out this planned terrorist gameplay, WAS CANCELLED, it never ran, it DIDN'T arrive. The supposed 'suicide bombers' turned up on the following train AFTER the explosions had already occured. They smelt a rat and ran to the media as all trains were cancelled and they couldn't get back. they were stranded miles from home, London was chaos and they were the ones supposedly accused of it. they ran for their lives and were brutally gunned down near canary wharf. These are facts. The ghost train INVENTED by the government is a conspiracy theory as it didn't exist. Check with the rail operators if you don't believe me, or watch the ripple effect because it contacted the line operator personally and taped the call, received the cancelled schedule AND have witnesses to thios fact. The government has covered this up. Why, well that's for you to decide. But, don't listen to those scared of the truth, the one's that just name call and vindicate people just for what they do in their lives. This guy obtained the facts and presented them, for which he was extradited, im[prisoned and denied bail. Justice? You decide.

Apparently not, nearly all of you lot on here believe in ghost trains (too much scooby doo if you ask me) and WMD's (those weapons of mass dissappearance). And when this turned out to all be force, we killed loads of those murdering muslims anyways! And who do you all believe after giving me jip? tony B Liar and the Burning Bush, quality. I'll stick to the facts thanks. Oh no, another economic meltdown is about to happen, but it's nothing to do with the government or the banks, must be those pesky kids in Tottenham. I'll get you a scooby snack!

To be fair, I expected these kind of responses from ignorant people. you don't even know why you're calling me a freak. You're just scared, and I pity you.

If you choose not to watch it, that's fine, but don't be a pr*t. Watch it or leave it, don't fuel the governments name blackening by idle garbage. Watch it, I dare you, and then tell me whether you think THIS is credible or not.

Here you go guys. Muad 'Dib was released from prison a couple of weeks ago. He was imprisoned for sending the court this video. The UK had him extradited from Ireland on conspiracy charges. However, this video also got him released by a jury of his peers. This video has been proved in court to be a reliable source of evidence for the 7/7 attacks and yet, the government refuse to conduct a public enquiry. Just remember, a conspiracy theory is a conspiracy without evidence or proof, this video is a conspiracy, but, the conspiracy theory has been fed to you by the government, as their version contains no evidence and very little fact. Watch it if you dare, but watch it before it gets removed again from google and you tube. The government don't want you to see this, but, the law courts say it is a relevant piece of evidence of a Governmentr conspiracy. http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8756795263359807776 Also, if you're in the mood, this will blow your mind, but, remember, there has also never been a public enquiry, just a load of dossiers by a few uneducated, unrelated people. Try listening to the 'experts' like the pilots for the 9/11 attacks. The Bush government was a disgrace, but, the Obama government carries on the lies. One Government, one world. A new world order? http://www.documentarywire.com/911-ripple-effect Then, if you really want to live on the edge, try this for size: http://tulsachange.com/did-the-dimona-dozen-murder-the-fukushima-50 Now, I know some of you have very short attention spans, but, if you have the guts to challenge the party line, then you'll learn a lot. what can we do about all this? Nothing, but, at least respect these guys. Muad 'Dib spent time in prison for telling the 'truth' the american guys get ridiculed on TV daily, this Fukashima guy is being terrorised by the secret forces, they just want you to hear a version of the truth that the government is hiding. Is this illegal, h*ll no! They just don't want you to know. Watch them, I dare you! The truth will set you free...

P.S. How, as a registered user, do you start a thread? Have the rules changed?

dunno, you tell us. What do you know that the rest of us don't? As for last year,nobody really knows as the debt can be written off. The operating profit is not too bad as the main debt is in the purchase not in the paying of the players. We also know that under lowe, we needed about 15000 every home game to break even and this was with the interest payment on the stadium. So, this leaves us in exactly the same position as we were before. Why do we need to ask this same question again and again, without any need to do so? Have you heard that we are b***ered? Nope, thought not. The accounts do not say this. In fact, if NC and the cash left tomorrow, I'm guessing sonme wealthy owner will pick us up for nothing, and we'd be better off than we are today. WOW! So, in total response to your question, with the AOC money in the bank, we are better off than we were and we were pretty well off anyway and in order to buy us, someone has to repay the debt in the purchase, so no, no debt. Move on.

Absolutely. It's good to have a proper discussion on here from time to time. I don't think it's all about money, just that the kid had his head filled with greatness. Who by? His dad, his agent, Arsenal agents. Then a massive wad of cash is waved under his nose (nowhere near as much as he'd get after 2 years here and if we got promoted and he was a star player). Arsenal have recognised the potential, but, unless they play him more in the first team than the reserves, he will not progress and he will become an also ran. Someone quoted 30 appearances for Walcott in his first season. Hmm, I'd have to queerie that. Wasn't he sold in January then hardly played a game? Anyway,after watching Theo first hand, I did believe Arsenal were trying to replace Henry with him. And, with Theo playing up front for the England U-21 team, thought it was a good shout. Hasn't happened yet though and I believe Theo has wasted a lot of playing time. Se,e trouble with speed machines like Theo is, they break down a lot and sometimes they break down for good, ie Michael Owen. A less of a speedster like Lallana should last a little longer. AOC appears stronger than Theo, but, for those who think he won't get kicked so much in the Prem as opposed to the Championship are living in dreamland. How many broken legs in the Premiership last year in comparison to the Championship? Thing is, in the Prem, they mean to take you down, in the Championship, they'll kick you. One you get up from, the other you are supposed to stay down.

Thanks for the decent reply, a rare occurance on this site nowadays. I will try to be as polite as you have been, so please forgive any sachastic undertones, it's totally within my nature. your example you give of 'if it were me' then I can answer honestly. I have been in this position, many times in fact. I have worked for small and medium companies, as well as large and my own. Every time I have begun a job, I have stayed to do the job I have been employed to do. As I work in IT, the industry has many ups and downs, I have been made redundat 4 times and let go when contracting for no recompense at all. I have only ever quit from 2 jobs, my college/uni job, did it for the full five years, and a bit more, before I got a proper job, for less money. But, that was because I knew I needed to start at the bottom. Then, this company relocated to Croyden, I didn't fancy it, so I left. Landed a job at the old DEC (Digital Equip Corp). Stayed there until they went bust, almost over night it happened. Got a job working for a large company but in a small, newly acquired subsidiary, for which I was the 12th employee. I stayed for 5 years until the work dried up and we were all beingm made redundant. I accepteds a role in a specialist company that did what I did. basically, this carries on for the next 10 years. I now work for the largest IT company in the world and am on less now than I was when I was at the second largest IT company in the World and only a little more than when I worked for the third largest IT company in the World. Also, these last three jobs have been where they have found out that I am available, and call me, not the other way around. People in my industry know how good I am and respect my years of experience, even when I worked for the smaller companies, one in particular, and I would compare this with Saints in this scenario. And knowing what I did there, they want me to work for them. Money is not an important factor in this. In the real World, when you work for someone else, then your wages tend to rise with experience. You have to prove yourself first and then you go and play for their first team and you can handle it. So, when I see little kids, such as AOX, demanding it all now, I do think, spoilt little brat. Earn your lumps first you fool. Because, someone that thinks you have poterntial does not always see potential in you, just your ability to make money for themselves, or reputation. You become a pawn in their game and are fed money to keep you under control. However, if you believe in yourself, you will always earn more by building experience. For example, how many bids have Arsenal had for Walcott in the last 4 years? And what value would they be if we haven't heard of them, derisary? Not more than they paid for him? Probably. So, Walcotts value has actually decreased and if he continues to be unsuccessful at a supposedly successful club and they think he doesn't fit anymore, then what? And going on a free from Arsenal, yeah, may get to play for Wigan or Bolton, no disrespect. And, due to lack of experience and being on a mega wage, due to the free or small transfer fee, then he will be a big fish in a little pond. But, he hasn't got the experience of playing week in week out, he hasn't been used to idol worship and the preasure of consistency and what losing means to these clubs. And if that becomes too much, what then? Championship, League 1 etc. Now, some will say I'm over reacting or playing the negative card here, but, football is still a business and Walcotts return on his investment and his wages is out of balance, and I doubt if those in power at Arsenal see a value to this asset, and will ship him out pretty soon and certainly won't increase his wages. once this happens, he will have missed the boat and missed his opportunity to peak at the right time in the right place. Kevin Davis is a prime example of someone who stemmed the tide and I respect him for it. James Beattie is trying to, but, he is struggling. Not that these were s[poilt brats, just a Saints example of what happens if you peak at the wrong club at the wrong time. So, AOC, his father should know better. Slowly slowly, catchy monkey. Build your locker, store your tricks and experience in their. Bide your time, be loyal, be reliable, gain trust in your ability from your team, above all, be a team player in a team game as not one player is bigger than the club. He hasn't learnt, as Theo never learnt. Look how many of their own 10 year olds end up playibg for Arsenals first team, should give you a clue in how they develop their yopungsters. Look at the amount of trophies they've won since Wenger got rid of Wright, Bergkamp, Adams, Keown, Dixon, etc etc. All household names, all internationals, all loyal to Arsenal an all peeking at the right time at the right club. How many trophies have the new breed won? This decision by AOC was ignited by his father and fuelled by money, a disaster waiting to happen. Lastly, just to put the record straight, any player that leaves this club, I don't wish them any injury or career threatening event. With AOC, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth when someone so young is so arrogant. And, it may be my age, but I believe you get what you deserve in this life, not what you stamp your feet for. His father has a lot to answer for. Will AOC be great or a flop? I don't know. Do I wish him harm? absolutely not. Do I care how he gets on in the future? Absolutely not. He is an Anelka, he plays for the money, not for the game. Hope he enjoys his money, I have no issue with that, I earn more than enough and that is for the rest of my life not just a five year contract. I support Saints AOC supports money, our ideals in life are different, I'm glad he's gone.

I am a sh8t talker am I? Er, show me where I am wrong? You'rew telling me he is guarenteed firtst team football? Would I go to Arsenal in his situation, well apart from there being no right or wrong answer there, my answer would be a definate no. But, I'm not from the spoilt brat generation who think they 'deserve' money and success. This is a ridiculous situation and all of you who have commented on money being the draw, just show how shallow you all are. Is money the be all and end all? Not to me it isn't. Money comes and money goes, legends live on, AOC will never be a legend, he can't hack it, and he just proved that. Theo proved he can't hack it and has been a waste at Arsenal. lastly, for those of you that confuse playing for England and earning lots of money, the two are becoming less and less tied together. in the coming years, i you want to earn lots of money you will play in the Euro League, and NEVER play for your country. Don't believe for a minute that this young lad wants to play for England for any other reason than to get noteriety. He has proven this by playing for our first team. No loyalty, no respect, no hope, see ya!

I'm glad this is all over. Great price for a spoilt little brat. Needed a spanking not a transfer. Theo proved that potential isn't enough to get you in the first team. AOC may well struggle as well. The premiership is a big place for a small kid, hope his dad knows what he's doing, this has a 50/50 chance of it ruining his career. Ah well.

Don't think you all want to hear me bang on about Hammond this season. He was slated the beginning of last season, he proved them wrong. Gets stick again this season and has silenced them all within 10 mins, quality. Can we all suport our team this season, would be so much better to hear positive stuff 'before' they mess up. Today was awesome!

You are aware that many many players don't agree terms. It is not unusual and only 2 players out of how many? Let's think... Lambert, Barnard, Connolly, Forte, De Ridder, Hammond, Chaplow, Dickson, Butterield, Richardson, Fonte, Seabourne, Jaidi, Martin...... I mean, we could go on, but, I think I've made my point. Honestly, I think it is that these players think they are bigger than a small club like us in the second tier but see it as an opportunity to get in on the Premiership gravy train and get seen. With this young boys guy, he tried negotiating without his agent, he tried to get us to pay something that wasn't in the contract, this was his words. We told him the deal would be with his current club and previous club, which is also true. We didn't sign this charlatan because he was trying to pull a fast one, so, of course he doesn't view Cortese well, he didn't take his bull and the guy thinks he's worth it. And, if this is the case, well played NC, Thankyou. As for Billy, not sure whether to stay or go Sharp, looks like he burnt his lot as well and he knows how much we're willing to pay, he wants more, not NC's fault. Sharp obviously likes his current salary at Donny, and good for him. Still not down to NC. So, with all those great players we have signed, the players we are trying to sign, should be in the mould of Fonte, jack Cork and De Ridder, and many more. They WANT to be here. Sure, use us as a stepping stone, but realise you are at a Championship club with Championship wages, BUT with very good amenities and facilities, playing on a good pitch in front of a good crowd. Come and show us how good you are! So, let's stop bashing NC for not signing players that obviously don't want to be here. Let's applaud him for not doing a Harry and signing lots of s**t for mega wages.

On a slightly different matter, considering the trouble P***ey had last season in filling the bench and seeing how almost all managers are opposed to this move, is this another episode of the League 'helping' P***ey? It's just such a strange decision, with no consultation? Weird... http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,,12606_7074055,00.html

Oh dear...

Err, no we didn't actually! Remember, Pompey? Err we didn't play them last season! Err, remember, err. Great answer Saint Fan Cam, let's re-write history to suite your nonsense! Pompey weren't even in the Prem last season, or did you miss the whole admin thing the season before? And, a 1-2 against Manure isn't THAT bad, and the goals, Owen on 65mins and Hernandez on 75, doesn't show a lack of fitness. In fact it shows that Manure had to try and overturn a 1-0 defecit and couldn't make it safe for the final 15mins by getting a critical 3rd goal. Yes, they were better than us, but one goal in the last 15mins against the eventual champions, isn't a terrible result for the defense, as you are implying. Bolton scored in the 31st minute! They held onto that lead and it ended 1-0! Defense crumbling in the last 20mins? Nope no evidence here! What about Blackpool? Another Prem team from last season? Nope, we won that 2-0! Where's the last 20mins collapse you talk about? So, err, your err take on reality is slightly skewed! In those 3 games against Prem teams we only conceded 1 goal in the last 20mins, as per your 'arguement' and that was on 75th min and against the eventual champions. There was no drubbing, we lost by one goal, we lost by one goal against Bolton, scored in the first half, and we beat Blackpool without conceding at all. So, stop trying to re-write history to get a point across. Amend your post and apologise for lying to prove your point. Basically, you have no point, no proof, no stats and you are unable to build a case for a debate. You picked ONE line from my lengthy post, and you were still WRONg. Try building a case yourself against my point of view, and let's watch it crumble into dust, a bit like your memory by the looks of it!

I really do wonder what people are expecting? Martin played well when he came in, thought he was exceptional and shows great potential. Seabourne is a very big lad. I might question his passing a little and this is where martin is my preference, but, he IS a good CB. Jiadi, what a great pro! Yes he is going to struggle at his age, but, let's just accept that he will play when the oppo have strong slow attackers. We were very good at the back last season, and I felt that in most games, the defence had the oppo in their pockets, under control and we looked confident and strong. The full backs is more of a questionable position for me, but, this is a very hard position to find very good players. We have been very fortunate with the likes of Bale and Bridge in recent times, but, more often than not, the full backs play a supporting role, not a leading role when going forward. As long as they stop their man from progressing down the wing, we are doing well, job done. Harding is a very difficult defender to get round, Butterfield is a very good defensive player and makes it very difficult for his attacker to get anything clean into the box. So, what's all the fuss? I think this CB / Defensive debate goes back to the last few years, ie pre-take over and the arrival of ML and NC. under the sewardship of Lowe and then Mikey and Leon, we never really addressed the defensive holes and weaknesses. partly because of money and partly because of necessary requirements elsewhere in the team. It became apparent that this team needed a whole new defence when we were taken over, and, we got one. We got a very good one. We got the BEST in the league. We got the second best in all leagues. We are very fortunate to have Fonte, Jaidi, Seabourne and Martin. in the next 4 years, I would love to see martin and Seabourne spark up a partnership. I think a natural left footer and right footer is invaluable at CB. Fonte is good, he will do well this coming year, but, I think he needs a Martin or Seabourne behind him and someone he feels he needs to lead. For now, before a ball has been kicked, we can only go on last season. last season, even against Premiership oppo, we did very well at the back. Let's just chill and accept that actually, we're not that bad in defence! And if we're good in the middle with hammond and Cork, sorted down the wings with the de Ridder, Al and AOC, Lambert hopefully back on form from the off (he will score goals in this league if he gets the ball and look at the supply), Guly looking magical in some games, barnard on a mission, Connolly looking to get in on the act, Forte with blistering pace, then, where's all the negative feeling coming from? In the Prem, we were overloaded with average players and hod carriers. Now, we have a very good first 11 and a very good second 11. we will be envied in this league. The only thing I am wondering is, where will we end up this season? We have all players to do well, we have the stadium and fans to push on, BUT, we need confidence from the off. We don't need a new CB in my opinion, we need a full house and EVERYONE getting behind the lads and not moaning, whinging and crying from the off. make no bones about it, this is a very very strong league and ANY team will do well to get promoted this season, let's hope we're looking up rather than over our shoulders come the end of the season, that'll do for me. P.S. we will concede goals this season, it's how we react to conceding that is the key. And we will lose more games than last season, can you handle it?????

I seem to remember there being a bit of a debate on here about Jacksons Farm when valuations were being banded about and all sorts of comments referencing it being downgraded for building on. I'm guessing that never materialised. Or did it?????

I feel for you I do. You are in a similar boat to my dad. He was forced into retirement this year through redundancy, having worked all his life with only one period of unemployment in the 80's for about 3 months. That's almost 50 years of working every day of his working life, and then retired a few months early due to the economy. Was he a happy man when the government changed the retirement age some years ago and institutions followed suite and lowered concession age range to match this 60yrs level? Of course he was, he's had 4 years of benfitting from a drop in that concessioon. Over the next 10 years, the government are raising the joint retirement age to 66 (by 2020). This will effect most of us on here as we are all moving toward retirement and should reach it one day. What will the concession age be then? Probably 66. So, will I be moaning when I reach 62, 63, 64, about the concession age being 66 and not 60? Of course not, but, I know this already. Up until a few days ago, all those aged between 61 and 63 expected their season ticket to go up, but to still be offered the concession. This was their 'expectation'. All of a sudden, that is no longer the case and no matter who you are or how many children, commitments you have, this increase is an impact on that. Just to clarify the 61 - 63 age range, because I believe quite a few have got this wrong, if you were 60 last year and benefitted from the concession, you'd be 61 this year, if you were 64 last year, then you'd be 65 this year. If 60 this year, you'd not have got a concession last, and if you were 64 last season, you'd still receive the concession. Anyways, basically, it is a real shock for those in that age bracket, it is a real big increase and in the view of fairness, unfortunately, you guys are gonna have to swallow it like a bitter pill and recieve the concession again in a few years time. Yes, some might not afford it but, the retirement age (for men anyway, not sure of the women's retirement age), IS 65. I had to check it out myself, I thought they had moved it to 63, but, I think they skipped that with the recession and went straight back to 65 and will do this to women also and raise all to 66 by 2020. But, if that's the retirement age, then that's the concession age as well, regardless of other clubs and services etc, this is legally correct. My answer, with my family, wife, child cars mortgage, extra taxes increased prices across the index etc etc, I will bridge the gap for my father this year. Why? Because he paid for me when I couldn't afford it. Do I have loads of spare cash, no. Can I spread it out through installments? Yes. Will it be tough for a couple of months? Of course. But, I want to go with my dad, and for that I have to pay more. But, let's hope it's worth it, that's my only fear. I really do wonder what this coming season will bring, relegation? Promotion? Mid table obscurity? Take your pick, one things for sure though, I'm taking my seat belt and buckling up for a bumpy ride. Come on you Saints!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S. Trader, I really hope you can find that extra dough from somewhere, if you like your football (as I'm sur you do), one thing is for sure, this seasons going to be a cracker!

Prices were always going to go up. The individual will determine if the price hike is affordable for them. The VAT increase also added another 5%. The OAP concession is the most puzzling. Funnily enough, this is the one that will effect me the most. My father is 65 this year but not now. He retired a couple of months ago. So, he now is retired and his season ticket will have gone up to adult prices. Strange that the club don't follow the national retirement age of 63, this would make sense. It was lowered to 60 several years ago due to women retiring at 60 and men 65, equal rights and all that. Now with the recession, the age was raised to 63, this should be the concession age, regardless of my fathers age. Sure we'll both be there this season though, can't wait!

I just want to add another aspect to this very interesting debate. When we got relegated to League 1, I had given up my season ticket and listened to the majority of Saints games on the radio or followed them on here. The day we went down, it was almost like a release. Seeing Lowe move on, was a relief and when ML came in for us, jubilation. But, from a football perspective, the day we got relegated, I knew we had to start again. And so it proved, we have rebuilt this squad from an overloaded, inexperienced rag tag of footballers, to one that has a mix of youth and experience, flair players and hodd carriers. We have become the team that I think most of us always wanted. Whatever your view of the past, I think it must be difficult to celebrate the decisions that previous owners have made since Premiership relegation. For me, it was one bad decision after the next, which resulted in the predictable administration and minus 10, all whilst in League 1, and League 2 was a real threat as was oblivion. That was until ML turned up. As I said at the time, I didn't want billions spent on the team, but to take these bare bones and build fromt the ground up. Slowly but surely. I don't care how long it takes us to get to the Prem, all I want is management of our growth and players that want to play here. When I go to matches, I want to see players that want to be here, that want to play for the team and who want to play as a team. This is more difficult than it seems, but, with decisions like Adkins, both surprising and gradually pleasing, our future seems to be in the right hands. Looking forward, we need to lay to bed the past. The divisions in the board room have ripped the fans apart. Many still don;t see eye to eye on what has gone before. But, today, taking away the personalities, can we all see that Saints are moving in the right direction. Can we see results on the pitch? Can we all see a 'team' that can make you proud to be a Saints fan once again? I can... Come on you Saints!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IMO, football hooliganism today is all but dead. Most 'incidents' that occur inside grounds are no more than a few people getting aggro with each other. More often than not it is more likely to be your own fans that cause the problem. Hooliganism was a social thing, nowadays it's a gang thing. The stabbings we all read about today has replaced the running battles of the 70's and the hooliganism of the 80's and 90's. Kids have always wanted to be part of something bigger better harder stronger. bravado has always been around us, however, when it spills out onto the streets and innocents are injured or killed, there will always be a public backlash, be it against the mods and the rockers, punks and skinheads, millwall chelsea, west ham, England Italy, the black community rising against the police in Brixton, etc. If there is no cause, it is gang led, if there is footall involved, it is hooliganism, if there is ethnic minorities involved it is race riots. Football hoolignism is nothing more than an extension of gang warfare and social bravado, with beefed up ego's and testosterone. Boys will always be boys, give em (us) a cause and we will fight until we drop. Then we grow up and move one, well, 90% of us do, there is that small minority that think running with the kids is 'ard!