Ivan Katalinic's 'tache

AP's situation is a funny one. We're undefeated in 2010 but, like Mark Hughes, he has an expectant fan base & rich backers (who have spent decent money) to contend with and too many draws may not be considered good enough. I suspect a trip to Wembley will buy him time, whether we make the playoffs or not, but an effective pre-season (including ridding us of those who are draining the wage bill with no hope of making the team) and a good start to next season could be critical to AP keeping his job.

Forgot to say that I'm extremely gutted about this result, although I can't quite understand why. Maybe it's a burgeoning realisation that our play off hopes are pretty much gone.

This, for me, is the most concerning thing. Ideal game to have rested him, really, and let Barnard partner Waigo up front. Could have kept him on the bench, in case of an emergency, but, if things went our way, it would have been a good rest for the next 2 games when we'll undoubtedly need him.

Come on Saints! Give Barnard a go Pardew, we need a goal!

Excellent. More please! 1 from Rickie, 1 from Papa, 1 from Puncheon, 1 from Morgan, 1 from Barnard and 1 from Seaborne. I'll settle for no less.

So Puncheon was having a medical at 5.27; it's now 9.37 and there's been no news (not even a tweet). Must be one thorough medical...

http://www.skysports.com/football/transfer_clockwatch/0,23710,14896,00.html?reloaded Interestingly, earlier on in today's clockwatch, it says that the Dons have extended Dean Morgan's deal and I'm pretty sure he's more of a winger than a striker...

http://www.skysports.com/football/transfer_clockwatch/0,23710,14896,00.html?reloaded Looks like it could be Puncheon, just ahead of Danns and Arfield and Stock never left the traps (see 5.27).

Perhaps the rumours of a new bid for Danns was a tactic to hurry the Puncheon deal along?

Skacel?

Excellent news. So better than the usual mate, of a mate, of a mate rumours then!

Not doubting you but, in time honoured tradition, source? Good source or rumour on the grapevine?

Or there's a pre-existing contractual agreement with MKD, as part of the loan, to turn the deal permanent and that's what needs to be waived by the Dons.

Not in the JPT!

Interesting how there's no news dated 28/1/2010 on the OS yet... Usually there's some form of news up by now. Maybe they're awaiting confirmation of this (or another) deal before putting something on there? Btw, the Puncheon bid is in the Mirror today (£300k, £6k per week wages) and they've been pretty spot on recently (Fonte, Barnard etc).

Maybe it's why the fees a bit high (if the 1 million figure is true). We're effectively paying off MKD the money they paid for a full season loan as well as the transfer fee. Plus, in spite of the result last night, maybe the playoffs are still our target and there's a realisation we can't afford to waste any more games so there's more urgency to buy a creative, goalscoring winger.

Brilliant idea by NC & AP. Not only sign an excellent player but also steal him from a loan spell at our JPT Southern Area Finals rivals. Leaving nothing to chance in our march to Wembley, I like it!!

I honestly think the same thing is afflicting both us & Man City in that we've acquired a number of decent players for our level but our squads are both now top heavy with "first team" players. Pardew, when he first arrived, said the squad was too big and too many to train properly. We now have shirts 1-40 all filled with barely of the unwanted ones out on loan, let alone sold. Don't get me wrong, I think he's brought in good players for this level but we're still short of a player or two and we desperately need to get shot of at least 15 unwanted ones. The new players have also been brought in, in a comparatively short space of time and, like Man City, they need to gel as a unit rather than being expensive cogs operating independently.

Is the photo now one where he is holding a pen, which is poised over a piece of paper, whilst sitting between Pardew and Cortese, smiling?

Would like to see Papa start vs Stockport. Maybe even up front with Barnard as Rickie definitely looks like he needs a rest.

Someone check his Facebook site quick. If he's seen wearing red and white stripes, rather than red and white hoops, it's on!!!

Can I have 3 goes?

Indeed. Great idea to sign a Saints fan ahead of a game against the Skates. Make it so, NC.

Welcome, Lee! Goals-a plenty, please! Lambert & Barnard: sounds like an estate agents but hopefully they'll be just the job to fire us into the playoffs...

He also said Barnard didn't want to move up north, or was that longpier?