Fitzhugh Fella

Shame the Echo piece included a photo of Ron Davies the full-back A Jocky Wilson moment

M.?

It's a shame Pied doesn't seem to speak English but on the positive side he has plenty of European experience.

Just reporting a fairly trustworthy source - of course Fonte could be lying but this forum surely is the place for this sort of 'semi informed' gossip. If Fonte had said yes he was going and I reported that then no doubt I would be getting slated. On this forum we all crave ITK information but we got to be careful we don't chase the bringers of not such good news out of town. Just saying.

A mate of my son who works at the club just spoke to Fonte who said he was going nowhere

I think the Board wanted rid of Koeman, deep down his methods were not liked but they were duty bound to try and get him to sign a new extension because of his record. When Koeman then tried to play Everton and Saints off against each other we pulled the plug without a backward glance. A very similar position we were in with Alan Ball, who was popular with the fans, had kept us up, but the Board (concerned at the company he was keeping) wanted rid. Man City's interest was perfect timing for them. You can say the same about George Burley too, Scotland did us all a huge favour.

When all said and done we are going to miss Mane, big time. His end-of-season form was the reason we finished in 6th. Just look at some of his goals. Exquisite, Klopp is no fool he has bought a game changer and we have lost one. Not criticising the Board here, they had no choice. I approve of the Redmond signing but not in a million years is he going to step into Mane's boots, more's the pity. As things stand, we will be mid-table next season, no more no less. You simply cannot lose players of the calibre of Mane and hope to improve.

For those interested - The launch/signing of "Match of the New Millennium" will take place at the Saints Megastore at St Mary's Stadium on THURSDAY 11 AUGUST between 4.30 and 6.30. Matt Le Tissier (first match) and Kelvin Davis (last match) will be there to sign copies of the book.

I think all this debate to be superfluous. It all boils down to Austin and JayRod staying fit and finding form. They do that we'll be fine as things stand. If they don't then we will rue not signing established replacements for Mane and Pelle. It's that simple.

Alex Crook reckons we are just about done in the market and that we are kidding ourselves http://www.espnfc.com/club/southampton/376/blog/post/2916384/southamptons-lack-of-spending-making-for-an-uneasy-summer

Surely it is suggesting he can establish himself DESPITE playing for Saints? That's the way I read it but if I have got that wrong I apologise most sincerely and promise you all I won't waste any more of your valuable time by starting spurious threads.

There's a cracker in today's Guardian talking about how its time Fraser Forster should now get a chance under Big Sam. While I agree with the sentiments the journo then goes on to say "Forster has been linked with a move to bigger clubs but staying on the South Coast should not preclude him from establishing himself in goal with England". Well what do you know? Remind me again who was the only English premier club to have two players win the Euros and in the case of Schneiderlin moving to United (a so-called bigger club) probably prevented him from establishing a place for his country.

I am waiting for the punchline

Diamond formation

Not sure you have to prefer something to write about it? Much happier writing about footballs golden age but contemporary football I should be banned from reporting according to your logic? Tell you what send me your address and I will send you a book and then you can have another think? Perhaps.

I have spent all afternoon trying to think of something witty to put you in your place but alas I have failed. But thanks for your interest anyway.

Happy to say yes, the club commissioned us to write this one

Our new book, "The Matches of the New Millennium" - The Saints' 100 Most memorable Matches 2001-16 goes to the printers today with a launch date of11th of August, the 15th anniversary of the first game at St Marys. We are really pleased that Katharina Liebherr has contributed a personal foreword in which she talks very passionately about the club. From what she says, and its all her own words, she is as keen as ever to see the legacy of her father continue for a good while yet. Another fantastic contributor has been Rickie Lambert who has given so much of his time talking about individual matches we selected. An absolute gent to work with so David Bull, the co-editor tells me.

I think every fan expects their team to be upgraded during close season to be stronger than the previous year. As things stand today with the loss of three influential players we are quite a bit weaker, which is why there is growing concern on here. New players need to bed in too which is why the club acknowledged the sense of early business. The two new lads seem promising but we need a player with pedigree to step straight in and make an immediate impact. Easier said than done I know.

Think you are very wrong and smug. There are a lot of kids out there who can't afford seats. Safe standing areas sensibly priced would help bring football back to the masses. Not saying you should be forced from your comfy seat just a choice would be nice.

Yea that is true but I don't believe the club kept their eye on the ball until too late, I am talking about lack of fitness and proper training. Koeman basically wanted the U21 players out of sight and mind in my opinion.

I think the bit where he keeps tabs on players who are on loan is significant. In recent years not too much attention was paid to on loan players to the detriment of their development.

Thanks couldn't find it for some reason

Can some one post a like to the contract thread where all the players length of contracts are updated please?

In case you want to send me a card CB, the next day is my birthday?