Mowgli

I hope somoene sends the link to Sally Taylor at the Beeb so she can possibly learn to promote a more balanced delivery of the news...

Sometimes, if you haven't got anything intetresting to say, it's best not to say anything. Back to the original question, I'm not convinced Lowe would be interesting in bringing young players in on loan from other clubs. His preference will surely be for the coach to field players who want to play for the badge not those who want to gain experience so they can go back and challenge for a first team place elsewhere. I'm struggling to think of a single loan player who set the world alight here.

Burley tried to play attractive football and did get the team overperforming with the result we got to the playoffs. At the time, I don't think we could do better and Pearson proved my point (though credit to him for Wright, Lucketti and Perry who saved our skin in the end). But there is a much stronger feel good factor under JP. Most fans are trying to be optimistic and I am happier about that than anything Saints related since relegation.

Rudi agreed terms with Ipswich and the clubs agreed a fee. the only stumbling block is Ipswich wanted Saints to pick up the agents fee. All allegedly of course. Sure there is a possibility that he does not particularly want to leave but the fact that he speaking to other clubs does sort of swing it that way. The comparable rumour is Rasiak who is alleged to like the new set up and wants to stay (though this may have something to do with the lack of alternatives.... ;~)). as a result he is very much in JP's plans

No. We only want players on the pitch who WANT to play for the club.

I know. Getting us to the playoffs with pretty much the same squad as was nearly relegated a year later was pretty poor really. I think the problem with a lot of these threads is that people seem unable or unwilling to differentiate between a persons ability and their personal like or dislike of an individual. Maybe part of the lesson was to see what happens when a board gives unequivocal support to a manager. I always maintain that who is in the boardroom makes little difference but some of the signing we have had over the last couple of seasons hace clearly been expensive mistakes - particularly the loans (although I'll admit I thought they looked good on paper at the time). Enough though. We're (nearly) all feeling quite positive about the new season so let's move on in harmony! COYR