Miltonaggro

The players seem to be talking a good game, which is lost in translation when Saturday comes...

Zola Keegan Howe

I think the most amazing thing about that side (particularly when considering the compliment of 'senior pros') was the movement off the ball, willingness to work for one another, and the sheer enjoyment of playing football for a living. Given the size of the Dell pitch the way that the 80's sides used to zip the ball around was just fantastic...

Only if he is first team coach, with his old striking partner Kevin Keegan as manager!...

AP had his failings as all managers do, and I agree with Alpine's three points, but overall I tend to think that we need to see who is being brought in before being over critical. If NC blows it Pardew could look like the lovechild of Bill Shankly and Brian Clough...

Was the Departmental bully called gripper?...

O'Neill (yeah right), or Keegan...

What a beautiful surface!...

We should instigate a sticky: 'Pulis Watch' as we approach autumn!...

Who knows what's true, but Howe's past sentiments about Saints may be to do with his strong Portsmuff links (and the bravado therein), not only as an ex player but also due to his closeness to Kevin Bond and Redkrapp. Surprising what a management opportunity at a real football club can do to one's past feelings and principles! Ask 'arry...

A problem has been created here in that AP was doing OK and there was an expectation of promotion under him regardless of the indifferent start to the season. Therefore, if NC appoints a manager who seriously underwhelms or polarises the fanbase there will be a reaction in terms of loss of faith and revenue. This makes me think that the new man has been in the wings for a few weeks, negotiating terms and asking questions, and that the new man is a name to unify the fans and inspire the staff. Martin O Neill or Kevin Keegan are the only two names that immediately spring to mind who would seem to fit that bill, the likes of Zola or Curbishley could lead to indifference both on and off the park! This decision will either be Cortese's triumph or downfall...

The turning point methinks, a game in hand win away from a play off place...

Water Works! Hopefully that will change tomorrow...

I think for the fans it's understandible in trying to augment their disappointment, for the team management it's a way of buying time...

Spot on!...

For every Peter Reid and Andre Kanchelskis there is an Alan Ball or Jimmy Case; if Butt is focussed and fit he will be the latter. Butt has won virtually every honour in the game apart from the World Cup and thus has the profile and ability to inspire the youngsters and organise the senior players. Could be just what we need...

Although we have obvious quality with Lambert, Barnard and Connolly, I think that you need to freshen up the front line with a single quality addition; a target man. This does not in itself explain why we are not putting the ball in the net in our first few games, but would allow us to rest Lambert (if he is carrying a knock or unfit, as it seems at present) and mix things up, both in terms of personnel and formation...

Nice spot Gem, not on my radar. Perhaps we could develop them as our feeder club!...

Lol! Quote of the day Fan the Flames!...

An absolute cast iron steal!...

It is clear Pardew has no plan B, but you can bet that Cortese has!...

It should be well above 25K and the highest attendance in the division on Saturday. Spare a thought for the blue few down the M27, league above us, first home game of the season v Reading (so bit of a 'derby' with a lot of travelling away fans), show of unity and all that, and they get around 16K! They truly are the greatest...

Considering the above, I tend to agree with Alpine on this matter. The Leibherrs are old school, and there may in fact be another family member who moves to become the family's Saints figurehead after the dust has settled. It would not make any financial sense to sell whilst we are in Division 3, a proposition far to risky for many 'potential' investors...

I think that it is obvious from AP's comments (including those in the Echo today) that Saints have been priced out of a deal for Antonio. The problem Saints are going to have is finding players that can make the transition from Div 3 to Div 2 and still be useful additions, players like Lambert and Fonte, and this can't be done on the cheap...

Amazing deal for Bellamy, is he a Cardiff fan? Some good points above about the trickle down effect, particularly with us in Div 3. Our first 11 when all fit, is very good indeed, the fear is that having let so many players go if injuries kick in we are in big trouble. Looks like Vassell is off to Leeds...