Ivan Katalinic's 'tache

Ralph won't like that. He wants players to be ready to go when they get back to training, not working the fat off first. I can't see these deals happening now...

Gone rather quiet. I wonder if the initial request for a work permit was declined and we are now at the appeal stage (which is something we've done before, I recall)?

I'm sure these would be precisely Ralph's words to Ross Wilson...

I guess Neil Ruddock's head butt on Craig Short, then of Notts County is worthy of mention too?

Seeing the news on the Echo site that former Saint Oscar Gobern has moved from Eastleigh to Dover, it reminded me of the 'tackle'/assault he launched on an unfortunate Bompey player back in 2011. And this prompted me to wonder what is the 'best' foul committed by a Saints player others have seen? For me, it's Franny leaving John Fashanu in a crumpled heap in the early 90's (I think). Any other suggestions to while away the summer boredom? Surely Mark Dennis must have an entry or ten? For your entertainment, here are links for you to re-live Oscar and Franny's fine entries into the debate... Gobern: Benali:

https://www.skysports.com/share/11735219 Sky reporting it as done but actually nothing more than what was already known... Edit - one day old - ignore!

Jonathan Afolabi apparently leaving after turning down a new deal.

It's the Southampton way?

Looking that way, if that journalist is to be believed...

Ah...

Interesting... Rumour or something stronger?

Redmond & JWP both miss out on the Nation's League final squad (with Winks & Trippier)... :-/

Ok, cool. Yes, looks a promising player and his age/standing fits our profile more than if we were to sign Lallana from Liverpool, I guess.

The chap on loan at Derby from Liverpool? Surely not Callum at Bompey?

Here's his Instagram post, translated from French...

Being someone who is half Chinese, I've always found that how seriously racism is taken depends on a) your race and b) how loudly that particular race shouts about prejudice. Rightly or wrongly, the Chinese generally tend to absorb and ignore racist remarks whilst black and asian groups tend to challenge it more vocally and, therefore, it is taken more seriously and acted upon...

https://www.90min.com/posts/6371766-premier-league-six-confirmed-rule-changes-to-come-into-effect-in-2019-20 Rule changes for next season. It'll be interesting to see how the handball one is applied and not allowing attacking players in the wall could make for some more inventive free kick routines. The substitution one will surely mean a slow walk from the centre circle from now on?

Pellegrino guided Leganes to 11th in La Liga, which seems a reasonable achievement.

Despite our intention to bring in young players "who want to hunt", I think there's still a space (need?) in our squad for an older, more experienced head who can provide leadership and/or calm things down. We're a side who lost 29 points from winning positions past year and this is something we've sorely missed since Steven Davis started to drop out of the side more frequently. We do have Long and Yoshida as older players but the former surely won't be a starter next season and the latter's propensity for the odd gaffe is hardly calming for a jittery enough side already. I'd have him back now he's acknowledged the way he left wasn't great (and presumably the forum gets THEVMAN back too?).

I like this version best, so it's what I'm choosing to believe. Plus it seems feasible too.

Ralph: "Right. Fraser, Jordy, Wesley, Charlie, Moi, Sam M., Sam G., Guido, Cedric, Jack, Shane, you "first teamers" are going to Macau to represent us. The rest of you who I intend to use during the coming season will go with me to Ireland/Austria."

Thanks for the update. Always appreciated. His message on the big screen saying he was excited for next season here was also a big clue too!

Mr Gao's cunning plan to get his cash out of China?

For me, when fit, he's shown flashes of quality & I always felt next season should be the one we judge him on. After 2 injury ravaged seasons, I thought this one might be a bit stop-start and, as his body got used to the rigours of training & playing regularly again, there would be the odd niggle which kept him out from time to time. Time will tell whether the £20m we're giving Liverpool will turn out to be good value but I think I'll reserve judgement until next season. What would help would be better support up front. A pacey option would allow him to drop deep & slide balls through; a more physical presence would allow him to try to find space playing off the target man. Worth cutting a bit of slack for now, IMO.

Hopefully it's Ralph illustrating to the board that staying up was just the start of the job not job done. Squad needs proper surgery to weed out the real dross we've had in the squad over the past 3 years. Sadly, what we'll get is partial reconstruction hampered by players being loaned out as we can't find new clubs for them, I fear.