Kingsland Red

With Leeds and Norwich gone and all the clubs coming down in financial difficulties dare I suggest Division 1 is not going to be as strong this coming season. Supporting a club with no track record for making things easy, I'm hoping the Markus feel good factor, along with the quality of the squad AP is putting together see off the opposition but wonder which other clubs we can expect to get our stress levels up? Certainly Charlton and Swindon/Millwall. Not sure of the finances at Notts County. Brighton (?)

The number of changes in the sides between the two legs sums up Burleys reign of indecision.

What a sign of intent the retained / released list is. AP /NC are indicating that they can bring in a better player than any player being released. And for the first time probably ever at this time of the year at Saints, I believe them.

In my opinion a good clear out of the fringe players and a chance for AP to continue building his own squad. Should also be some good money off the wage bill with Wayne Thomas and Chris Perry off. Lets hope that players of the (lack of ) calibre of Lloyd James are a thing of the past. All good. COYR

....or midweek games for those of us involved in Saturday football.

An excellent statement from a thoroughly professional businessman who understands the benefit of continuity, not only for the staff, but at Southampton FC because until RL we were a family club who looked after its own. I personally think it right that Lawrie Mac (for his muck stirring) and MLT (for the time wasted on his failed consortium) get a mention. I think we all recognise the Echo as the local gutter press. COYR

A big scoring last day in the premiership. Has there ever been a day when so many ex-Saints have scored - Davies, Bale , Cork, Boa Morte and Kenwynne plus Higginbotham and Baird OGs

'Reports' - source ?

From the Kingsland I could see that Markus was not in his usual seat. The programme seller told us the programmes were pulled due to something being announced before it happens. Someone working in the club shop advised that several programmes were sold before they were stopped and bundled up as requested by the club. All facts but not enough to suggest Pardew is leaving.

How can you ignore the Wise / Bassett combo ?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/patrick_barclay/article7114516.ece Balanced view about the man on the mic from Patrick Barclay (about half way down page)

Thanks Itchen Dan. From those listed other than Connolly, (Papa and Antonio) I dont think we would lose much by letting the rest go, and probably save a fair bit of money with Thomas off the wages. Potential for AP to build a good squad with so many players out of contract.

Reading about Jon Otsemobor wanting to play for a new contract , I wondered who is also out of contract and we would want to keep?

Many congratulations Rickie - thoroughly deserved !

The 5p/20p/23p in the £1 will only be paid if there is a buyer for the purchase of the club. I still believe, for the reasons noted in the previous 498 pages, that no buyer will be forthcoming of sound mind and able to satisfy any fit and proper test. It's Catch 22, anyone of sound mind, fit and proper would not spend c£50m to buy a club with no assets - ground or players.

The story goes that RL asked the goalie coach to go and look at a keeper in Tottenham reserves. The coach ( can't remember his name, the tubby one with GB) stated that he didn't need to see him as he considered it a part of his job to be aware of any good keepers and their circumstances. He told RL Forecast was crap. Next day the lad turned up at Staplewood having penned a 5 year deal.

Oh how we miss the likes of BWP !! Found on You Tube : http://www.thechels.tv/2010/02/glamour-girl/

I was with a prominent south coast businessman yesterday, who when conversation turned to football, expressed surprise that "such a low profile administrator " had been appointed down the road. Apparently few of the creditors, who he should be representing, have any confidence in him and believe he is way out of his depth with the extent of the debt.

Beat me to it krissyboy31, heard it on BBC Solent lunchtime sports news.

If Leeds and Charlton / Millwall join Norwich then I think the league will be significantly weaker next season and Saints will have no excuses with a points deduction or poor start. Rochdale and Bournemouth are no threat and Notts County appear to have financial probs. From the other way, Peterborough and Plymouth have financial problems so only Watford / Sheffield Wed / Palace arrive as a threat.

It was evident tonight that we have no real strength in depth in areas other than attack ( subs plus Antonio) despite having a large squad. Without Jaidi and Spiderman we were a bit light down the middle. Seaborne was adequate but Wootton was sitting deep and James was his usual inept self. Here's hoping that several players are bought in for our side down the spine.

So Huddersfield need 5 points from 3 games- Stockport and Exeter away, Colchester at home, and that's if we win all 5 games ! I think that's it now folks.

A few years ago there used to be that league table people posted on here / the previous forum, that showed out of the 92 (?) clubs , Saints had won the least games over the previous 10 years. With the upturn I would hope we are rising up that particular table.

I was not there last night but as Meatloaf himself stated - Two out of three aint bad !

Yep, Huddersfield need 8 from 12 points, ie 3 wins or 2 wins and 2 draws, due to our way superior goal difference and that is only if Saints win all 5 remaining games. Th odds are longer than the Great Escape and what a finish that was. The Everton game is the only time I've ever watched Saints with certainty in my mind that we would win.