Fitzhugh Fella

That position has been Ralph's Achilles heel and you feel it still is

Me too. I feel deflated now because at least in the pub afterwards we were all blaming (wrongly) the ref

Absolutely this. Those at the game came away feeling robbed and those watching it on tv saw a different game entirely.

Very good point

When the tinkerman tinkers then expect a stinker.

This

The fear of the left never leaves you

God that was a depressing read

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-guardian/20200212/282406991355552 In this morning's Guardian - not sure if it is new information or something everyone is aware of, but it seems most PL clubs, including us, borrow heavily against future revenues? I was under the impression the aim of SFC, as things currently are, is to be self sustainable. Perhaps since Gao's takeover we don't borrow any more? I don't know but it's an interesting read and it is frightening how clubs are desperate to stay in the top-flight.

You request the impossible

But then why didn't we just hold on to Soares, hope he helps us climb the table (negating the 5m we lost) and then sign someone in the summer who we are more confident in? Loan players are usually stop gaps who can slot straight into the team.

OK I'll bite. He is not a great player but more than adequate and funnily enough we have improved this season with his reintroduction. I know 5m is better than nothing but ultimately it's just a couple of places in prize money and I reckon with him in the side we might have got a couple more points. Now we are left with Danso who looks ill at ease in that position, Valery who no one knows what is going on, and this lad from Spurs who we don't rate highly enough to have any options inserted into the deal. It's hardly surprising there is a lack of forum cartwheels being performed.

He's playing out wide most of the time

Dunno but I don't think I ever used the word hate - but don't let that stop you putting words in my mouth - as if yours isnt big enough as it is

I was told by someone who knows him well and played alongside him that he is a very level-headed and likeable bloke who keeps himself to himself and works hard.

A night out on the lash I would prefer Ron's company. Le Tiss with his Malibu and Shania Twain a bit boring I reckon.

Nutshell

To be fair the questions weren't bad and the attempts to answer them were pretty honest. No date for Crocker's arrival which was a little strange. I thought RH was right to accept the blame for our early season meltdown and it was interesting when he said he suddenly had to get back to basics which I took as meaning putting round pegs in round holes. Bit alarmed at his response about not wanting leaders on the pitch. I know where he was coming from but still feel that is one department we are lacking. I think the club are trying to get things sorted but they admitted Gao is not putting in any money (neither is he taking any out) so there is no way we can buy improvement. It will have to be self sustaining. It sure is going to be hard to compete with the Villas and Leicesters of this world in the future.

Yes bad choice of words have re edited.

That is not true. George is still alive and the Echo made a mistake. I'd like to keep this thread for memories of Jimmy if that's ok.

Older fans might be interested and saddened to hear Jimmy Shields has passed away this morning. He was born in Derry in 1931 and was Ted Bates's first ever signing as a manager in July 1956. Arriving from Sunderland, he cost £1000 and the fee was provided by the Saints Supporters Club. He played 43 games and scored 22 goals and was capped by Northern Ireland during his two and a bit years at The Dell. Injury brought his professional career to an end and he returned to Sunderland to become a joiner. In 1993 he was a guest of Southampton FC at a dinner held to honour Ted and I had the pleasure to meet him. Delightful company he was too. Recently he had been living in Cumbria with his daughter and it was her that told me the sad news. David Bull will be posting a proper obituary on the club website in due course.

I think the misinformation spread for PR purposes is done much more subtly than that. No club makes promises when it comes to transfers but they like the fans to think that perhaps they are beavering away in the background with serious intent (even if they're not).

I think Jack Stephens deserves praise. The guy has got a load of abuse this season but he has come back into the team and done his talking on the pitch. Those that slagged him should be feeling a tad embarrassed right now. He was immense today.

Dack's done his ACL. Big loss for them, he's a real talent and there were some bigger clubs rumoured to be in for him in Jan. He's a bit of a maverick. Mowbray is keen on rotating his forwards he has also been playing Sam out wide quite a bit so he's not getting too many goal chances but he is doing reasonably well and I expect he will start on Boxing Day. There's a good team spirit at Blackburn and he has settled well

I know we seem to have had our differences but I can't tell you how much I agree with this. I do wonder "what is the point" often these days especially as the football has been so dire. If I see another motivational slogan I think I will scream.