St Louis

Probably the only player they could guarantee would still be here, and I'm sure that does come into the thinking with any club marketing. Its also a heritage campaign, and he's been here nearly 15 years. And I know he's often the scapegoat for many, but he is the captain, didnt have a bad end to the season, will be decent enough in The Championship, will always fight for the club, etc, etc. We dont really have a 'star' player or 'golden boy' anymore either, maybe Dibling if they were certain he would be here to wear it?

Did they reject any? I'm not so sure. I imagine we took whoever offered the most money/perks. Given that 'Midnite' are the new training kit sponsors, I dont think the club has made any stance against betting companies and taking their money (makes a pleasant change!)

It was more the ‘no doubt about it’ part I was intrigued by. But yeah, you never know, perhaps a ‘76 inspired kit? Well kept secret if so!

To answer my own question… The BBC commentary by David Coleman included: “Stokes… oh he’s put it in! Bobby Stokes! And there’s no doubt about it now!”

Am I missing something with the ‘No doubt about it’ part? I’m wondering whether it’s something a commentator said when we won the ‘76 Cup? Or am I overthinking it? 😆

I dont understand why the majority seem to be so keen to offload Armstrong!? A player who scored a hatful the last time we were in this division, the goals that got us into the upper end of the table and playoffs. And then scored the winner in the final to get us promoted. I think he deserves more respect than he gets from us. Yes, we know he isn't good enough for the Premier League if we do go up again, but he is proven at this level and that's what we need for now. He's scored 49 goals in 86 Championship games in his last 2 full seasons down here! If we signed someone next week with that record, surely we would all be excited. Personally, I really hope he stays. I think all of our other current forward options (Onuachu, Stewart, Archer, Ballard, etc) are a risk (for a number of different reasons) and all a bit unknown, whereas we can be pretty confident that Adarma will score goals for us at this level.

We were the ones that pulled out of the deal. We decided that Japanese International ‘Tadanari Lee’ would be a better bet, both on the pitch and commercially. Looks stupid now, but I guess made sense at the time. Don’t think anyone saw Vardy working out quite as well as he did.

And I would guess he's got used to the £100k+ a week. So if he does keep on playing, I cant see him taking a massive pay-cut and dropping down with us.

I think he's been one of our better players (not saying much I know) for the last quarter of the season, and I do think he's a decent attacking Championship fullback, knows the league, etc. So personally I hope he stays, but then upgrade 'if' we ever come back up.

The bloke has hardly played in 3 years, give him a break. If he can stay fit, let him build up his fitness and confidence and we ‘might’ have a decent Championship striker there. Only one way to find out.

And he's still a big Saints fan too! I went to watch Cheltenham Town against P*mpey a couple of years ago (Aug '22), when he was still manager of Cheltenham. Got chatting to him after the game, and he loved that my brother and I were wearing Saints Pin Badges and we had a natter about Saints. The Cowley Brothers were decent too actually, and saw the funny side of a couple of Saints Fans there to cheer on the Robins. P.S We aren't just complete saddos who follow Pompey around to support the opposition... we both went to Uni in Cheltenham, so still try and get to the occasional game. The Pompey one being an obvious choice as I can give them an extra cheer.

Personally, I think that the response yesterday is MORE likely to motivate them, make them feel guilty for the lacklustre performances this seaon and make them more inclined to want to play/fight for the badge beyond this season (please stay Fernandes), than giving them abuse and making the situation feel unforgivable (so they may as well all just leave). Their performances this season obviously dont deserve a clap. But I'd have clapped them off, and as others have said above, its more to show we have a decent and loyal fanbase and we will be there next season to cheer them on and push for promotion again. But I understand... each to their own and all that.

There are literally hundreds of Saints shirts in The Gambia, myself and several family members have been going out there for the last 15 years and always take a load of shirts. Wouldn't surprise me if a few have made it across the nearby border into Sengal. Sadio Mane Saints shirts are pretty common that way too. The Gambia is a really small nation, so we've got a proper following there now (seems to be Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea & Saints shirts you see out there!) I feel proud and guilty in equal measure 😆

Why are people (it's not just yourself I've heard saying it) assuming that Dibling's being petulant and has given up!? There could be several more likely reasons for his drop in form, it doesn't always have to be that the kid is being petulant and throwing the toys out. It's funny how as soon as we assume he's leaving, everyone starts to throw the mud. If he had stated categorically that he was staying, but was still having this drop in form, I'm sure we wouldnt say that he cant be arsed, we would think he maybe needs a breather. He's a 19 year old kid, and he's played 31 games in total for us this season, after only 5 first team games last seasons (mostly late subs), he's probably exhausted (mentally and physically)! 19 year olds arent usually the saviour in a relegation fight, its normally the hardened journeymen that handle this type of situation better. Plus the media have put an unbelievable amount of pressure on his shoulders in the last 5-6 months, constantly talking him up and which 'big' club he will be off to. And according to Martin, he's also had his agent in his ear in recent months, advising him not to sign the contract with us, etc. Give him a bit of a break, let's not assume its just that 'he cant be arsed anymore'.

Do you think the kits could have a nod to our '76 (cup run/winning) kits? It's the 50 year anniversary next season.