eelpie

Just back from a really exciting rumbustious game. It was not the system that conceded a goal within three minutes. It was fast physical direct play by the O's that caught Saints by surprise. They had the measure of some confused, slow defending, and it was the same in the second half. Too many miskicks from the whole team played into their hands. In truth Saints were overconfident and were bustled off the ball. Whatever system, we were rumbled and not allowed to settle down. So too hasty in front of goal and too many missed chances. It was not until we conceded that Saints played as we can. Our subs were better than there's. End to end stuff, and a tiring Orient let us in. One of the most exciting and exhilarating ends to a match I have seen for a long time. A draw for both teams was a fair result. And Saints supporters were just out of this world.

Then we should contribute. I like Southend. It would be tragic if they folded. (Not that a few quid will make much difference, but it does help morale. It did when we were in the same situation.)

I thought he was going to sign for us

I'm responsible for our good form. Though a season ticket holder the first match I was able to go to was the Brizzle match. We haven't lost since then. When we are promoted in successive seasons to the Premiership I expect a statue in my honour. Yours, modestly, eelpie

Certainly a tribute to Chris in the matchday programme on 'All Saints Day' would be massive, too. Also there could be include an acknowledgement of respect to all the wives and partners of all departed Saints. Can anyone of influence on this site suggest this to the programme planners and editor? To Chris, and all departed players wives and partners, thanks for all the love and support you have given your man. RIP.

And I loved these bits from the site: "Colin Murray:"Do you think they'll leave that game 'til last on Match of the Day?" Mark Lawrenson: "Maybe they'll show it on Match of the Day 2?" Murray: "In fact they might even wait 'til Thursday!" Murray and Lawro on Hull v Portsmouth A pretty harsh verdict on an admittedly awful game! (Tom Kealy, England). Funnily enough the game WAS last on Match of the Day - Ed." and: "The bad news is that the teams have returned for the second-half." Phil Thompson on Soccer Saturday watching Hull v Portsmouth. (Tyler Jason, England).

To be fair, I lived in Leeds in the sixties during Revie's reign and got to enjoy watching them. Now, Norman Chopper Hunter - he was a player I would have loved to see in a Saints defence! I actually was sorry that they got beaten in the cup by Chelsea. Times have moved on.

Leeds, Huddersfield or Colchester, and Saints will go up. Trust me. Why? Because we four teams will have scored most goals and will have the best defensive records come the end of the season. So we will be able to enjoy watching and hating Leeds (and Skates too) next year to our hearts content. Joy of Joys.

I hope Reading aren't looking at Pardew

One forgotten hero of the old Div 3 South days was Eric Day. In successive seasons he scored 26, 27 and 28 goals. He is very relevant today as he (and new manager Ted Bates) helped pick Saints up after the devastation of relegation to the third tier in the early fifties. He was notably followed by the outstanding skillful experience of veteran Don Roper (from Arsenal I think - correct me if wrong), Derek Reeves and then youngsters Terry Paine and John Sydenham from the youth (schools) team. The rest is history. Another character of the time I remember (as a young kid) is Tommy Traynor. The importance of Roper was the skills, inspiration and mentoring he gave to Ted Bates new young team. The rest is history.

We may have a job hanging on to Trotman, Antonio, Harding, Spiderman and Lallana, all of whom are crucial to our current good form. So it's pretty much back into the melting pot. Continuing our good run up to January is really important since we could be back to rebuilding a side again. I hope it doesn't happen and that that would be because they all want to remain in a side that is going places. Realising how easily the squad could be dismantled makes me appreciate all the more how brilliantly they played on Saturday against MK Dons. But the player that we most need to replace is Wotton. He has done well recently but his limitations are well known and he ain't getting any younger..

His 'offside ' goal should have stood, according to some Don fans. There is a very fine line between success and otherwise sometimes, and had the lino not got it wrong his detractors might not be so critical. (I'm not saying however that Saturdays was his best performance though). What Waigo gives us is speed and width which we were crying out for. And he can't be faulted for getting to the goalmouth - and he has scrambled the ball over the line twice so far from similar incidents. Of course he should be more aware of getting caught out and I am not too worried that he won't improve (unlike lots of doubters. He is no BWP).

I trust you blamed him for our previous demise.

Saints actually varied long and short ball tactics quite well with some fast pin-point passing (and quite a few that got intercepted) tormenting Dons who looked pretty wooden at times. Well done team. Well done Pards.

Perhaps if Jan had Lambo upfront history might have turned out differently. (Not defending him though)

Ince is trying mind games too http://www.mkdons.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10420~1834314,00.html

Off footballing matters, you're really sad, Stu.

All of those. But although not the most essential signing I have to single out Papa as being the addition that has caught my imagination most. He's giving us speed, width and penetration, and more attacking options. Saints have always been best when we have had fast wingers, and his arrival has been an important statement of intent that we are going to become an exciting force again

It's hilarious. He's gormless in any colours. Why deprive us of a good larf?

It's early days. We''re a new young team. I think we should keep to playing in one ground at a time.

Forums are always going to attract saddos who want to pick quarrels. It's up to each forum , which is a club, to decide the rules.

Yep! And we were only 11 points from promotion before the season started. Ain't progress weird!

Charlton, Leeds -Who are ya??

Co(ol)onnoly!!!so cool!

What a load of budgies!