eelpie

Lee has been mentioned elsewhere.

Very good

I thought he had scored a few goals pre-season.

Another very pleasing aspect of Rickie's recognition at the highest level is that SFC is now going to become known for not only producing talented youngsters but for developing the talent and getting the best out of senior players, starting with Rickie.

I have a precious red and white commemorative coffee mug inherited from my dad.

Where is Cork with his foraging tackles when we need him?

It's far too early to asses whether Cork is not an automatic choice to start games. We need a few games under the belt trying different combinations in midfield. Last season Jack and Schneiders had top midfield stats playing together, let's not forget. We haven't seen VW and Cork playing together yet. And not forgetting JWP. We also need alternative playing strategies for times when the oppositions learn how best to counter our current tactics. It is all work in progress. I would like to see midfield styles with different formations rotated more, according to who we are playing against. We can always revert to plan A during matches if it is not working. Each of the midfielders have different qualities. Meanwhile Jack needs to be reassured that he is very much part of our playing options. When is the next cup game? Then if not sooner would be a good time to try out different midfield systems. We would be substantially weakened without Cork in the squad. Don't forget all players can drift in and out of form from time to time..

Yes, the good old days at The Dell. Win won, lose two.

Not if it's Saints Ale. (Which seems to be the only non lager beer available). Not if they paid me to drink it.

But if the food was better quality and cheaper then catering would not cope because the service is too slow as it is. You are right. They could not care less.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/aug/26/premier-league-10-talking-points Jacob Steinberg's comments speak home truths. How do we resolve our failures to conquer weak sides at home?

The beer is not fine. Saints beer is not worthy of the name. It is p**ss.

I don't mind the gold on red background. That it can't be seen well is our advantage, aap3's loss. The kit doesn't look bad on the field either, now I have got used to it - apart from the feminine white hankies stitched onto the sleeves.

I couldn't see what was on sale because the service was so slow and the queues so big that I got nowhere near the counter. Sort it Don.

I don't think we are finding a negative (although some might wish to look for one). The Guardian article is surely beating the drum For Rickie. How all the front men are going to play is going to be fascinating and exciting. I can't wait.

.. and the other players who have taken us so far.' http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/aug/23/premier-league-newcastle-southampton

It was better in the Championship.....because Billy Sharp, Lee and all played? (cue ...)

We have relatively easy games in the next few weeks compared to the weeks before Christmas. Similarly towards the end of the season. We still need 40 points to avoid relegation in what promises to be a Premiership with teams packed with some excellent players. Our first aim must be to be on track for those points. When by January we are well over the halfway mark to achieving them we might have some reason to brag. But remember what nearly happened to Norwich. Of course we have a better squad than last season. So have other teams. One thing, it is going to be a very exciting season.

Thank you Jason. Your enthusiasm and goals scoring have been crucial to Saints in recent months, and you have been a great personality. All the best at Palace, score lots against our rivals and I for one look forward to your eventual return to the club.

But don't the parents (via the boy's agent if they have one) have the last word on whether the lad signs up for a 'bigger' club? Given a choice of playing only 20 minutes or so for an Arsenal or Chelsea are they likely to turn the opportunity down? (one would hope not now of course). Surely it is up to the agent or their legal advisor to negotiate and inform them of any dubious clauses. Or would it be too much to ask that an agent has the skills to do this, or even the inclination since it might be in his/her interest to seal the deal at any future cost to the lads development?. Meanwhile without the reputation and training at Saints Academy the lad might not have got to this enviable opportunity.

" Then we can use the dosh to buy the Falklands"

Lee, Barnard and Sharp should be able to see off Barnard if included in the squad and selected. Surely they have to be shop-windowed if we want them loaned out Which would be good for all, including them.

Goodness - Sunderland have given up coke and caffeine.... http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/16/paolo-di-canio-sunderland-revolution

So that's Albion's team talk sorted then.

Not with the tactics we used.