East Kent Saint

I think the problem stemmed from the exodus in previous seasons so Les thought that issuing long term contracts on big money would keep the players at Saints and if they wanted to go meant a big transfer fee . Unfortunately it didn't work out that way . The exodus IMO was due to Poch telling the players that the money was drying up and if they wanted to make a name for themselves then they should jump now along with him !

Not before we stopped buying cotton from Asia having started our own cotton mills , exploiting child labour has no borders !!!

Which one's Bertie ? Don't recognise him in that photo !

All threads highlighted as unread still , logged in/out etc but now have to go by date of reply

It was mentioned that Saints and FF had sorted a deal last season where he was rehabilitated on reduced wages , no idea if true but explains why he is still here .

They certainly reacted to the VAR issues in the qualifying games , much better in the knockout although the England handball , really ????

I watched Ings at St Marys last season and though he was just jogging around in the opposition half , watching MotD he was featured as being a major influence with his link play being involved in both the goals !!!!

A dignified exit for him I think , thanks for the goals Charlie hope you stagger on for a while !!

Perhaps Zaha is a one club success ie will only prosper at Palace so interesting to see if this move works .

I seem to remember from CH4 days that the pitch usually looked in poor condition , perhaps modern pitch systems will fix that in a new stadium .

I agree it is difficult to decide what constitutes offside in a measurable way for VAR . The rule was changed years ago to say level was not off side to encourage attacking play and more goals. Did the ball cross the goal line technology works because it's measurable and quick plus is accepted by all . I think they would need to come up with a new idea for the technology perhaps to show it from both sides of the pitch and a way to measure the torso but that may be impossible !! You could have 4 linos !!!! but whatever they do it needs speedy results , perhaps VAR ref just tells Ref the answer rather than Ref looking at screen pitch side etc

USA now benefiting from VAR joke decisions, how can they let this go on ? Whoever wins the final now will be forever tainted by VAR .

VAR has been discredited at this tournament FIFA/UEFA need to set proper ground rules , off sides need calling for more than a bit of a boot in front , last night they gave an offside when they were running away from goal and being a few inches out. Obvious fouls , off ball stuff etc OK but only given after repeated slow motion replays NO In cricket there was quite a long period where Umpires called for assistance where they would have given a decision and their authority was undermined. The refs need clear guidance , VAR rules must not be introduced on the eve of a tournament , 100 min games are not the way to go , we thought Fergie time was over !!

Another VAR fiasco as hosts France have goal chalked off ! Brazil will be laughing at that let off.

More VAR contention Germany v Nigeria , they have made a complete cock up of var during this tournament.

Oops Wan Bissaka scores 95th min og , £60m player ?

Abraham on for final 15 mins , unfortunately France snatch late equaliser, boo ! Henderson makes another brilliant save before the goal from the same frenchie

Solanke subbed for being rubbish ! Henderson meanwhile has saved a penalty plus France hit the post with their second pen !

Yes VAR could help get decisions right but it doesn't seem to at the moment . I still think the offside rule needs adjusting to take account of VAR , that way having a part of your body a few millimetres in front of the defender would not be offside . There have been some VAR offsides where a part of a players foot is the the reason given for offside . I want goals to be scored in open play not because of a VAR penalty decision that is debatable !!

The problem is going to be attackers chipping the ball up , not to make a good cross , but to try and make contact with the defenders arm . Liverpool in the european final for example . Much work to be done to make VAR a success IMO

Watching some of the World cup (for ladies) the VAR system seems to be just as bad as the ref on the day . Contentious results from VAR plus lots of no VAR action when it is needed . Leave technology to goal line action and leave ref to decide IMO.

I think you are giving Fonte too much credit , Saints made him a good player and he let himself go . Good that he has seen the light at the end of his career tunnel and now putting a shift in so good luck to him . I wonder if he ever mentions his Saints career unlike other Dykes ??????

Sign Pickford , we could always use another keeper

John Mcgrath v George Best , Best , after the series of "tackles" , picked the ball up and offered it to John . If you want it that much here it is !!! Also MotD showing the rugby tackle by er O'Neil (as mentioned below !)

Well if it wasn't for yet another bad VAR call England might have won !! Offside by millimetres ??? should that be given really ? what happened to benefit of doubt to attacking side to encourage goals ?