eelpie

What, that is the bedwetter's mantra! Surely not Bats.

Save us from false smilies, but nothing to worry about. He's gritting his teeth and enjoying the pain of training in the latest OS gallery. Which proves he's stayng.

Profile fits. Chin stubble a bit short, but it'll grow.

Perhaps the intention is that players become very adept and familiar with this defensive diamond system to use when the need arises, but that it will not exclude other more attacking styles. It's early days. Puel has to see a wide pool of players in action to assess capabilities, and he may well have come to a similar conclusion. I'm curious about how we played in the second half with younger players in a more open and attacking style. He must have directed this. It wasn't tidy at the back then but we did score. Let's see what happens next week when we have a full squad to choose from.

Well job done I guess. Plus points: Some decent diagonal passing as the match progressed despite giveaways (though too much lazy sideways crossing early on, especially in front of goal that players like Pogma will punish). Some skilful touches from Redmond, JWP and Hesketh (we were livelier when he came on) and good to see Austin in the goalmouth to bundle the ball in, saving our blushes. MOTM had to be VVD. We were letting the ten man opposition too much space after he was subbed. I agree with comments about the new system stifling forward play, but perhaps we are still getting use to it. We were beginning to trouble Groningen before their player was sent off, but our best patch seemed to be when Hesketh and the youngsters came on. They gave away the ball more often, but created chances that led to Austin's goal

On what factual basis are you writing JayRod off, specially as you haven't seen him play recently?

But if we didn't lose Bertand must have been doing his job.

Not as tedious as this post, it has to be said.

At their best, true. But they had a dreadful end of season run, and haven't won a match in the Australian tournament this pre-season either. So I can't agree. They may be having more problems this campaign as well, methinks. Don't waste your money.

I love to when we are underdogs again.

Taht's Not bad

But does anyone remember his time at Saints?

He must. Doesn't Les know he's going to be on our banner?

Brilliant news. For me Shane has been THE success story of last season.

That's an awful lot for a book, even one as illustrious as this one. (smilie face)

Do you mean scoring, or scoring? Well done Sam

Yes, that's how to destroy a player's confidence, though was it destroyed for Gallagher before he was sent to MKD? I hope things are better for him, because he has shown promise, and it does take time. RK saying that our academy players' weren't good enough didn't help the cause of our academy either. I'm not sure in what context he said that. It's a difficult one. Since we have an academy there needs to be a workable pathway towards the first team, even though only the best will make it all the way, and some may leave and still do well elsewhere (I'm thinking of Phillips way back). But we have to give it a serious go imo. That is what we have always been about, nurturing our youth.

It isn't often discussed whether we should only sell to teams who are not our direct rivals, but that would probably mean we only sell to non Premier League clubs since anyone can beat anyone these days. That could mean we don't sell to the highest bidder, which would be an interesting business v success on the field plan

Saintadjg had an interesting point. During Pelle's bad spell there may have been an opportunity to bring in an academy striker, perhaps around 70th minutes. But who? It was Long, our super sub at the time who benefited, and no-one can argue with that

The question asks about creating (a better) environment. So that's also down to local politicians to improve Southampton as a great regional metropolis and cultural centre. Better quality and adventurous architecture, sports, entertainment and arts facilities would be a start. Southampton needs to be the place that everyone in the south and west wants to come to. That is also about ambition. It won't happen without public response. We have some of the most beautiful countryside in England around Southampton and sailing is of international quality. But the city of Southampton (while we have great parks) is not exceptional.

We've got a new manager who believes in bringing on the youth. So they all have everything to play for.

Looks like a fun event with lots of Saints shirts in the ground, and not all the latest ones too. The beginning of a serious Saints goodwill and promotion thrust in the States, hopefully? (On OS)

But Keegan is there to make Everton jealous of our more glorious history, don't you know?

You're a bridge too far, mate.

He'll be good in this new role for the club. His experience and personality are just what the club needs in guiding our youngsters as they progress their careers at Saints. I'm delighted for Kelvin, and pleased that SFC has seen the potential in this appointment.