The Curse of St Mary's

WBA got relegated yet have a far superior keeper in Sam Johnstone

West ham won in the end. Only need a point to secure Europa League now I believe

They won't replace Kane with Ings. They will want someone younger with resale value. That's not too say they don't want to sign Ings altogether.

He's currently in France but not sure if injured or not wanted. I assume he is surplus to requirements as Ralph said he wasn't happy with his development.

Stu my player of the season. Probably JWP runner up. I feel JWP delivery been off colour last few weeks but he has been ever present and fairly consistent overall. I would like to see more of his performance at anfield as he was excellent playing that deeper role. Gives stu licence to get forward plus he's far more likely to score from open play.

Tbf I think Burnley winning tonight to guarantee our safety despite us dropping to 17th is a better outcome. We then have 3 home games on the spin without pressure. This team is weak mentally so I see this as a more favourable position to go and get 9 points and move up the league a few places.

Was pretty good with two golden chances missed. The passing around the back is putting us unnecessary pressure but when we manage to keep the ball we are having joy at attacking Liverpool. Redmond taking on TAA is great to see. He can do it so it's a mystery why he doesn't do it week in week out. Need to have better ball retention in second hand. If so still a way back for us.

Good forum I thought. Semmens doesn't shy from questions. Answered them well. Nothing groundbreaking but the takeover / investment structure snippet was interesting. Basically saying investment structure will be different in the future and that he's surprised it hasn't happened already. He also said transfer plans already under way and they will be making moves very soon (or something to that point).

He's been on the bench for last few months without hardly getting on which is strange given the bad run Liverpool went on. One assumes he's fit just out of favour.

We were on the ropes straight away in second half v wolves all because Ralph didn't react to Traore playing a free role in-between the lines which was causing us big problems. That second half was up there with WBA and Leeds games. Awful.

Just got email from club inviting me to join forum. 6-7 is Ralph, Armstrong, jwp and semmens. 3 breakout groups afterwards. 1. Ask the fans for ideas. 2. Fans returning to st Mary's. 3. Player development with crocker. I will go to group 3 as I'm intrigued what he has to say about the performance of b team and youth sides this season.

Looking at both lineups you have to think Leicester are going to win with ease despite playing Monday. They no doubt will show more stamina and energy for the whole game.

Sam Johnstone at WBA would be a solid addition. Apparently £10m price tag if WBA go down. Might as well try for Pereira as well. He has something about him. Bit of unpredictability, so probably not a Ralph type player but could suit a new manager if we say goodbye to Ralph.

It's proven it can work but Ralph's weaknesses is adapting when opposition work us out which more and more teams have done. The wolves game at home is a clear example. First half we were good (looked like top 10 team). Wolves were atrocious so it was obvious they would come out with a rocket up their backside and could only improve. It was clear even before dubious penalty that we were on the ropes and not dealing with Traore playing in-between the lines. Ralph did fook all about it. We didn't even throw caution to the wind until 89th minute when we stuck vestergaard up top. We was still pissing about with the ball at the back up until that point by which point it was far too late to gather any head of steam. His in game management is really lacking. He makes it seriously easy for opposition. Leicester should have been defending for their lives after going one up but we didn't lay a glove at all. The intensity or desire remained exactly the same. If we was on a life support machine it would have been switched off.

Based on our last two games and the last 4 months in general there is nothing to be optimistic about! This team has a huge mental block, no heart and has a manager whose tactical nouse is non existent.

Ralph's CV is tarnished and any prospect of him managing an "elite" team has evaporated. He will have to work wonders to regain his reputation to a point where he would be considered by top clubs.

Apparently refused too take players into training this morning as protest against clubs super League admission 👀

It was criminal Leicester were not made to defend. It was seriously easy for them and they were nowhere near there best. Again poor tactics, no identify and subs awful but the players lack heart and motivation.

Balogun signed new contract with arsenal which is very surprising

https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/transfer-news/southampton-tottenham-manchester-city-transfer-5285390 We are looking at sub £10m players. This would normally raise concerns in normal times but I think it will be a buyer's market with lots of bargains to be had in Europe if we can get past work permit criteria. French league is the obvious one as the pandemic has crippled there league. I seem to recall they don't even have a TV deal.

He's been a decent signing imo. Chips in with goals albeit not enough. What he does do better at is assists and link up play. He's not a natural finisher which was evident with that chance v Burnley. He lacks composure, technique and confidence to be relied upon as our main striker. I like him as a foil for a more prolific striker alongside him.

Armstrong only played 5 mins in the last week, no reason he should be fatigued. I'm guessing bednarek could be someone who is fatigued.

Sunday 18th April 6.30pm kick off on BT sport. The other one on BBC one ffs

https://twitter.com/TeleFootball/status/1375110313260036104?s=19 One of the semi finals will have some local people attend as a test apparently.