Coldridge

'Koeman never played in England although he was once close to signing for Everton. “When I was young I was a fan of Tottenham and Glenn Hoddle because he wasn’t the typical English footballer and that was nice to see. He was technically strong and an unbelievably good player.' http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ronald-koeman-the-english-game-suits-the-man-who-made-graham-taylor-flip-9758808.html Oh dear, I hope Daniel Levy doesn't see this article and get ideas after the North London derby drubbing tomorrow..

His free kicks are subliminal, Tadic Tadic He shares his name with a war criminal, Tadic Tadic He won't do crimes against humanity But you'd best be scared of his penalty Dusan Tadic, the Saints assist machine.

Maybe the exodus was a blessing in disguise. Not only do we look incredibly strong, those currently enjoying acclaim at Southampton might appreciate that it will not follow them should they leave.

Professionality

This. Said something along these lines in pre-season. It seems like the equivalent of having a new girlfriend who does not praise you for what you can do, but rather how you can do it compared to her ex who she evidently still hasn't got over. Perhaps Dusan Tadic will tire of the neurotic girlfriend that is Southampton supporters and break up. His replacement will come along, and the first thing we say to him is 'He plays on the left, he plays on the right, *insert name here*, makes Tadic look ****e'. For the record, that last part was in jest. I do not expect Tadic to leave because he doesn't like a chant. Regardless, let's not be that crazy girlfriend anymore.. please...

Disappointed with the Pelle card as he picked one up against Millwall. Hopefully a nice easy one in the next round then with Long at the center.

COME ON BORO!!!!

Before the season I was thinking it would be simply amazing to finish up in midtable, but that I would give my left nut to finish above all the defectors. Obviously sh***ng myself now...

Hoping towards the end of the season, the board can cook up a nice propaganda video for the end of season review showing Shaw, Lallana and Lovren in action during the 13/14 season with powerful, spine-tingling music (Maybe 'Now we are free' from Gladiator). The footage eventually fades to black and re-emerges in black & white with much more sombre music (I'm thinking 'The host of Seraphim' by Dead Can Dance, another song of Lisa Gerrard's. I digress..) as it cuts between shots of Lovren losing duels, Lallana falling over and Shaw sitting on the bench in this season. The final segment of the piece will return to a glorious technicolour compilation of this season; Pelle's perfect hat-trick (tbc), Tadic's 30yd screamer (tbc) and other marvels. Once more the footage fades and a large '?' materialises. Erwin then clicks the projector off, Sammy turns on the lights and Ronald says "I'll see you all next month for pre-season training".

Great article.

Looking forward to seeing Lallana don the red and white stripes again in a couple of years.. those of Stoke or Sunderland of course!

Lallana cost more than Ludogoret's entire team...

If the season goes well, I could see Bertrand staying. After playing a full season of consistent first-team football in a good team, the possibility of going back to the Chelsea bench can't look too inviting. Alderweireld on the other hand I can't see staying. He's only had one season at Atletico and has more reason to be optimistic about his future there.

Remember Lallana is still a 'youngster' apparently..

Ave Pellè, morituri te salutant.

Here's a picture from FIFA 15. Either one of the artists is a Saints fan looking for a unique form of revenge, or Adam Lallana is half-man/half-rat.

That is some long-term vision....

To elaborate on that, he will be the LB equivalent of Rooney. He will be very good, but his lack of intelligence will prevent him from ever truly being world class. Many will be confused by this because as far as the eye can see, he's got everything in his locker to be up there with the best but somehow fails to deliver.

It seems like his distribution is getting a little better each game as well. He's getting out of the habit of either a) passing it to Jose if no-one else is near or b) hoofing it if there is an opponent within 10 yards of him.

He's always reminded me of a beaver. I can't be the only one surely...

Summed up by Sammy.

Enjoying the blog thoroughly Rudy. Hope you keep it up.

Ironic that it was Lovren dozing off that gave us the goal.

Ironic that it was Lovren dozing off that gave us the goal.