markr27

He had real potential as a youngster when Yeovil bought him from non-league, and I'll always remember him swearing on live tv after the FA Trophy Final in 2002! Unfortunately, during the first ten minutes of the opening match in 2002/03, he suffered a serious broken leg which slowed his progress significantly. He then went to Hereford and onto Exeter where he progressed from the Conference through to League 1. RIP Adam

Barnard and Connolly will probably start again, Lambert and Lallana on bench, with Schneiderlin, Harding and Puncheon. Therefore, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wotton and Holmes will probably be in the XI.

Chap in next seat went down at around 43 minutes for his drink and came back up at 49 mins in the Itchen... very slow. Someone else remarked that the caterers no longer seem to keep a 'stock' of ready made tea/coffee in trays, which last year allowed the queues to move a lot more quickly - it seemed every cup is now made on the spot.

Lambert and Schneiderlin were there I can confirm, but Puncheon...............

The back four looked solid enough - I think the fact that Butterfield and Fonte used to play for Palace will ease his transition into the side. Regarding the midfield, both Mills (on the right) and Dickson looked very good, but Hammond (I know he scored) did give me one of two nervous moments with his tackling - I fancy a few yellows and maybe a red accumulator this season. Up front, Barnard very impressive. The game itself I agree with Turkish, prior to the pen for 2-2 we were more than a match for them, and then the team gradually fell apart with the number of young subs onto the pitch. Of those, Reeves showed a few touches. Doble looked OK with his movement but was left very isolated when Barnard went off. Next Sat, it'll be the same starting team aside from Lambert (Connolly), Spiderman (Wotton) and Puncheon (Mills) coming out from the tunnel.

Millwall appear to have officially signed him if you believe Wiki! It's on the Lions' official site as well, but with a question mark at the end of the statement

When did that Lambert article go up?

Any murmurs on this guy? According to the ever reliable wiki his trial period has finished with Saints. Parent club Dag & Red has since submitted its squad list, and he is not in it!

The Spitfire used today could be either Merlin or Griffin powered, as BBMF have five Spits to choose from at present! Weather looks good

Colchester has offered Lloyd James a contract, so we'll be seeing him at St Marys in September if he accepts... http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_6268485,00.html

Personally I think we still need 2 or 3 more additions to get the squad upto full strength, but an attack minded CM should indeed be the priority now. As others have said, either Waigo or Antonio coming back would solve the weakness at RM and up front in one go.

Isn't Butterfield a utility-type player? I know he's primarily a right back but if signed, he could provide cover for a few positions! Still think we should go for Simon Francis if Richardson is crocked long-term, or try for the Man City's Logan on loan with view to a permanent deal next summer?

Possible back-up striker? http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6261527,00.html

I cannot say that I remember any English league team putting out a side numbered 1-11 since squad numbers were introduced. Could Saints be the first to do so?!

Harlee Dean is possibly from non-league? Sure I have heard the name or read it in the Non-League paper..

All to do with an admin error apparently. They failed to submit a contract in writing and he has walked as a result for free. He'll stay in the Premiership I think, probably to West Ham or even Chelsea!

Still not been officially announced by Swindon. Well it was Wiki after all. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mullins Simon Francis ditto for Brentford.

Right back Johnny Mullins has agreed to join Swindon on a free, according to Wiki. Another one crossed off the list....

Rumoured to be in talks with Orient...

Sending him home would be suicide for his career. You have... a) A keeper with perhaps no confidence with a little man on his shoulder saying 'will you catch this?, will you stop that?' in his ear. (Green) b) A keeper that is not match fit, is getting old and prone to at least one gaffe or nervous moment per game. (James) c) A keeper that is on form, played most of the season but is vastly inexperienced. (Hart). To me, Hart would be the No.1 choice, but his lack of experience may hold him back and earn Green another shot (boom boom).

Does Capello now go for a keeper that is low on confidence (Green), a keeper that is carrying an injury (James) or the vastly inexperienced yet probably the best choice (Hart)? Carragher over Upson and Dawson as well last night? Why is Dawson there then? Friday I'd tweak it slightly and go for Hart Johnson Dawson* Terry Cole Lennon Lampard Barry Gerrard Rooney Heskey ...*if King is not fit.

Joe Cole should have been brought on instead of SWP.

Can anyone see Michael Carrick figuring in the team? Perhaps his slot in the squad should have gone to Adam Johnson.....

Always going to be a draw, and I suspect both England and USA will win their other two games, hence it'll be decided on goal difference who tops the group. England vs Germany? England vs Serbia? England vs Australia? Hmph.

Thanks to some help from Lee Hetherington at the Ticket Office (who corrected an unfortunate administration error), I was able to renew mine this morning.