Fitzhugh Fella

There is a lot of sense in your post but if you compare our three major incomings (all good signings) against our three major outgoings I would say we are a weaker team at present (still 2 days to go). That and the fact we are playing a new system with a new manager has lead to the over the top unrest.

I can't work out this sudden "volte-face" .... yesterday's cameo surely can't have caused it, despite his goal? So there are 3 likely scenarios, either signing his replacement has hit a snag, Jay Rod himself has reconsidered, or Puel has had an epiphany. Either way its a bit hit and miss, this sort of thing should have been sorted before now. Personally I want him to stay, a half fit unconfident JayRod is still a better bet than some preening, stepping stone Johnny Foreigner.

That is one bizarre transfer, would have thought an English club would have stepped in

'Twas a good goal but he's now scored another and your doubts are unfounded

Just as well your cavalier attitude to Jay Rod departing hasn't clouded your opinion this has been a good window. It has been bloody awful imo!

A lot of negatives today – obviously 2 points dropped is the biggest setback in another ineffectual display where we spluttered at times, shone occasionally and finished strongly with a late point-saving goal….. a la Watford. The game had little to be enthusiastic about. It was worrying to hear loud boos when Tadic was substituted, it was obvious the crowd were venting their frustration towards Puel. I can understand why, this disliked diamond formation is universally unpopular, but for the manager to get booed that audibly in only his third game, is not conducive to a smooth managerial transition. Actually I thought Puel got the decision right, we looked a better side after Long replaced Tadic. The Serbian had had a poor game with everything he tried not coming off. I am not his greatest fan but I do recognise on form he is very influential for us, but today he didn’t click and when your most creative player is not on song it is likely the team will struggle. I didn’t hear it myself, but I gather in a post-match interview on Solent, van Dijk gave a negative interview which basically translated as the players do not like this diamond formation. In the old days what players thought counted for bugger all, but these days things are different and reading between the lines I am sensing there is a Paul Sturrock situation developing, which is a cause for concern. Many at the game today have commented on poor body language from the players and I feel we are entering dangerous territory already in the field of player/manager relations. How long will it be before there is a deputation to Ralph/Les I wonder? Player power rules these days. For me today there were too many square pegs for round holes, especially upfront where Redmond and Austin, despite their hard work, were simply ineffectual. Austin made umpteen runs which no one in midfield spotted until it was too late and he was consequently offside. Very frustrating for him and the fans. I am not sure about Redmond, I would prefer Long or JayRod to be honest at the moment. Long must be mightily peeved that Redmond has been given the nod ahead of him. But it is early days and if we appointed Puel knowing he favours the diamond system we have to grin and bear it and give him time – a precious commodity in the Premier League. When it comes to Saints I am a glass half empty fan, but I honestly think we have too many good players to go down - or even be threatened by relegation, and by all accounts, there is/are players coming in (albeit injured and off to Africa in January). But even if we bought the best forward in Europe tomorrow, I don’t think our problems would be solved overnight. This system is going to take a while to bed in, the trouble is time waits for no team in this league and the Europa Cup is not going to wait for us to find our feet either. To end on some positives. Although he is the whipping boy for many, I am a fan of Targett, I thought he had an excellent game today, making crucial tackles early on and in the second half getting forward with menace while still managing to fulfil his full-back duties. Bertand will replace him but it is important to recognise he has never let us down. It was also wonderful to see JayRod back on the scoresheet. Are we really going to let him out on loan? Surely he has got to be worth hanging onto, I would certainly rather see him in the line-up than some Italian prima donna like Zaza. So all in all not a great day, especially with the Skates nicking a win at Exeter. Claude Puel will have a lot to ponder on over the break and Les will have to keep his nerve. Arsenal away is not a happy hunting ground and things may get significantly worse before they get better. We are gonna have to man up I think. Finally what a poor ref Mason is – didn’t look a pen to me and his yellow cards were inconsistent. But he was not the reason we failed to get our first win. Just my musings, sorry if it has been too long.

I gather he was quite open to coming here before Koeman left.

Before Koeman took off for sunnier climes I heard there was talk of Chambers coming on loan. With Pied now sidelined and Martina standing by to join Ronald in God's city surely it would not be a bad time to resurrect this deal? Good cover in the middle too.

Big girls blouse alert

Our transfer policy seems to be a bit akin to our Olympic cyclists, the ones that play cat and mouse for two laps only to suddenly go like buggery in the final knockings.

Martina could also play centre half

Real nice guy too, apparently. Jeez we must have quite a few replacements lined up if he Jay Rod and Fonte are leaving

They all use the same adjectives - the most common being "outstanding "

He got on the pitch on Saturday and has signed a new one year contract I believe

With my daughter

Don't fret, only 5 points behind Hull City

Is the "Cook out" movement gathering any momentum yet? Was he seen staggering out of that pub last night?

Is anyone else feeling a bit underwhelmed at the present? To think it was 50 years ago when we signed the greatest centre-forward the world has ever seen.

A measured read and a measured viewpoint. Sometimes as fans it's nice to expect the unexpected, but up to now during the close season the club have not really given the supporters cause to be excited. I sense the fanbase needs a bit of a lift and occasionally it would be nice to see the club take a bit of a risk. I am starting to feel a bit soporific and underwhelmed, and yes, I know there is still a fortnight left in the window. Claude looks like a safe pair of hands but he doesn't really inspire me. It's almost as if we have settled for an average season. That will be more than enough for some, who glance down the M27 and shudder, but those of us who are running out of years would prefer a bit of glory instead of an enviable bank balance. Just thinking out loud, no doubt the like of CB Fry and Turkish will slaughter me for daring to want more. I am very grateful for the last 7 years but success just makes you want more!

That badly ironed tablecloth they use for pressers has got to be worth a couple of quid?

Did anyone think to ask about Guardos?

Would have thought with the Europa league coming up etc etc Austin would have been an absolutely must to hold onto - if he leaves I will be very disappointed, we were crying out for a "fox-in-the-box" finisher last year and he has hardly had a chance. What with the Fonte situation, bad body language by several on Saturday and now this I am starting to become a little concerned. The Board have made few mistakes in the last few years so we must keep the faith but you can't help wondering

I am usually very quick to criticise as many of you know but when it comes to Katherina I can find no fault. Never let us down, loves the club, puts her hand in her pocket (Staplewood) when needed and no ego. Owners like her do not grow on trees.

It's not 9-3 I can guarantee that

Pssst