mcbendy

It's tiresome when people don't read your OP.... OF THE STARTING XI, WHO IS THE WEAKEST LINK

Definitely a link to Scott Sinclair then "Rosie". > care to expand on that? Don't get the connection...

I thought you'd retired... ;-)

Same as under Poch at Espanyol? Wants to bring back those good times? Must be a factor in him joining - his happiest period as a pro.

Very very interesting that Poch won't be at the press conference. There HAS to be a reason for this. Watch this space?

Starting 11 v Sunderland? Osvaldo start seems unlikely, but perhaps? SRL in behind him?

Last time I checked there were only 20 teams in the Prem...

What was it that Cortese did for a living before he joined Saints. I forget...

There's a debate to be had as to whether we have enough cover/depth in all positions (notably LB). But, looking only at the 1st XI, where are we weak? Assuming 4-2-3-1 My take: GK - Boruc is class Full back - Both future England internationals and class DM - Both are class and Cork not far off AM - Some doubt here about the first choice players. This is a big season for Lallana. He may or may not step up. J Rod is learning this position but has pace and talent - will improve IMO. JWP may get some starts but needs to bulk up. As playmaker, a FIT Gaston is class. I believe that Rickie can (and will) play behind Osvaldo a fair bit this season. CF - Both Osvaldo and SRL are full international and Prem class That leaves centre-back. I have been VERY impressed by Lovren. The 'other' CB? We know that Fonte and Jos have shown frailty in the past (though Jose had a v good game against WBA). I suspect that MP views a fit Maya as his first choice partner for Lovren but personally I am not convinced. He is not that tall for a CB. I have seen him on the wrong side and chasing back on many occasions. His positioning and awareness of movement when crosses come in looks suspect. Watching him play for Japan he has often looked culpable for the goals that they have conceded. So - question - if you could see one more signing for the 1st XI, where would it be and who would it be? For me, it's a second top class centre-back. Failing that I would love to see Banega as I recon he's an upgrade on Gaston. Thoughts

Osvaldo to the Pope: "Do you realise that you have a pudding bowl on your head?"

I think you have all misunderstood. I believe the poster was saying that "Don't you look like a complete cock now? " was the right question. I'm not so sure. I think an incomplete cock is a better analogy. A complete cock is a fine thing to behold.

Indeed! Now what about the others. Yes, I know J Sincy is an easy one too!

Earlier links are to a larger file Clue: JWP & Chambo on back row. Others (I think) all on front row.

In case you missed this on another thread. Can you label JWP, Chambo, Jake Sinclair, Harry Reed, D Gape, Luke Shaw, Sam McQueen? https://twitter.com/_Firebirding/status/369234421016039424/photo/1 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BR_Iv-fCEAAJcfp.jpg:large

His stats look good in terms of goals per game and chance conversion rate. I'm a bit wary of YouTube vids as they obviously don't show the bad bits. On that subject - here's a good vid of J Rod at Burnley. No doubt the boy has talent and can finish. Maybe his conversion rate needs to go up a bit in the Prem though?

Thanks Monk

Page 43 wins. On the OS.

Jordan Sibley ‏@jordansibley 25s BIG news coming up shortly. Keep an eye on @SouthamptonFC and the official site. #SaintsFC just now!!!!!!!!!!!! on Twitter

Why don't you fuc off, you waner

oh - and someone on Twitter just posted this. Under 10's. JWP, Chambo and Shaw all in this team. Can you spot them all? https://twitter.com/scottchamb1966/status/369125152161665025/photo/1

I reserve the right to change my mind on a whim... but at present I am of the opinion that NC is an incredible man that we are very very lucky to have at our club. For me, the presentation 'style' of some of the more ruthless decisions needs work - he's often made himself look like the bad guy when it could have been handled more sensitively imo (e.g. sackings, programme sellers, MLT issues etc). But lets take style out of the equation and look at the substance of the decisions: - sacking Pardew and bringing in NA. We may never know all of the background, but NA brought back to back promotions. Would Pardew have managed it? Maybe. But it certainly wasn't a bad decision. - the Five Year Plan vision. No doubt in my mind that this was a success and also helped attract better players - sacking NA. Tough. I was outraged at the time. Would I swap Poch for NA now? No. - investing in the academy. No doubt in my mind that this is a USP for the club and an excellent strategy financially. - signings. Ok - SDR and Forren didn't really work out, but many have been great and I personally feel that the balance of quality purchases combined with academy products is both prudent and effective. - the 'lets get into Europe' vision. Seemed over ambitious when it was announced, but if we want to attract players that are a real step up on what we have, and if we want to actually WIN something, then I reckon this vision is something that might help turn their heads (short of actually being able to offer European football) What do you reckon?

The WhoScored ratings for this game make for interesting reading (if you're a fan of stats). They back up what many of us feel about the top performers but also highlight what an excellent game Fonte had. I admit to having been a critic last season, but perhaps Poch has improved his game? If you are going to learn from your manager, I guess it helps if the manager is (was) an international class centre-back... Have a look: http://www.whoscored.com/Teams/18/

I've been away all weekend out of mobile reception. Checked Twitter once back in range and it now feels perhaps more likely than not? Is that the general consensus? Anyone want to stick their necks out and say "I think he will sign"?

double post. I love Rickie Lambert. There. I said it.