dubai_phil

Good turnout in the Pub here & great to meet another TSW member passing through. First half was great - but only in as much as we could talk sheite and watch the Bikinis coming off the beach with KO now being a bit earlier. (As a footballing spectacle it was awful) When JWP got the ball to take the penalty we all went into melt down - convinced the only way he could ever score would be a stupidly lucky rebound off his bum, but fair play to him for Lamberting the pen, and when Pelle finally missed the woodwork and actually scored, wow huge relief all round. Don't think the formation worked at all in the first half left us unbalanced and players like Davis having to make longer balls than usual. As such we just had no tempo and looked like we were already on the beach Don't think he (SD) deserves the stick he has got on this thread though, he still covered a huge amount of ground and had some great battling moments in the 2nd half out wide on the left. Really think we need to revert to the Mane Pelle Tadic front 3 away to Stoke. Long's strength is his chasing and defending from the front. The down side is that it pushes Mane out wide when he starts and we lose something when he is not so direct. MoM Jose. He really is class. Oh, and tbh Pelle was VERY lucky to stay on the pitch, yes you can argue his arm was raised to help him rotate his body into position, but in the multiple replays there was one which showed that he clothes-lined young Bruce in a manner that many WWE actors would have been proud of. Fair play also to Steve Bruce & Hull. I think everybody expected them to come and park the Bus. They pressed us very well and their front three REALLY should have put them in front 1st half. Win for the Mancs today, and the pressure will be on Pelligrini big time. Not sure his players are still playing for him and they could drop points quite easily in coming matches. With Pelle's confidence restored he COULD go off on another scoring run. THAT could make a huge difference to the last few matches for us. 4th is insanely improbable as Liverpool will walk the Geordies but it isn't totally impossible. 6th and above "no Plan B" would be brilliant

Ah, a Golf thread. Clearly Tiger had 2 months off and returned to entertain the crowds & global TV with some very passable impressions of Happy Gilmour on his longer shots. Speith is the real deal but will bottle it. Rory took too much time off and isn't sharp enough, Ernie had a good round but will get the putting yips again as will Ernie. But tonight who gives a sh1t. Everything tonight is about the legend that was Richie Benaud and his role as a great Cricketer, Commentator, Human Being and source of some Marvellous Efforts that by the 12th Man and members of the crowd to pay homage to him with their impersonations.

I'm confused. So Turks would not have wanted a videoed eulogy from the England Cricket Team, and I guess that he wouldn't have been that keen on Rory's thoughts on his demise. We tried very hard last night to honour his memory at a new (deserted) karaoke night here in town by only signing songs by the Smiths & The Cure & The Damned, but somehow I guess that wasn't what he wanted either. Perhaps what we could do is have a whip round and get him a RyanAir return to Krakow. I can get the family to pick him up and give him a guided tour of Auschwitz and the surroundings and let them explain how many non-Jews also passed away in "such unfortunate Moderation circumstances". I liked him, I liked his consistency, but that OP and thread was a step WAY too far in any universe. It was uneducated as much as it was offensive. For me that is the saddest legacy Turks has left us. He was so much better than that. In Memorium I'd think it would be simply the best to say that Turks was a forum legend. Those of us who have been here too long saw him for what he was, agreed with his sentiments (he was at least a Saints fan unlike some) regarding Prawn Sandwiches and Foam Hands. He was so EVIL towards the porr Forum newbies, the unwise or the inexperienced who walked straight into his traps. All of that was often Forum Comedy Gold. But it was also nasty for those that reacted (like the delectable and honorable Sue who I hope to meet again for a pre-match roast dinner and Ale one day). For the rest of us, he was like a Kitten who although you could see he wanted to chase Mice and Birds and Cockroaches, we could always see he never quite had his heart in it. He played with them more than going for the kill. Maybe it's a career thing, our last two Toner/Photo Copier experts have managed to self implode. It's been a sad weekend, but it's now time to move on. It's time to talk about the Strength of our Franchise. The Demographics and reach of our catchment area and course, as our Global Brand builds, it is time to decide whether we extend the Itchen or the Kingsland first to create the XBox stand. The Ottoman Empire has passed. Lawrence of Arabia reigns again.

I am SHOCKED. Nay, in fact I think I am STUNNED. 'Arry's transfer policy was dodgy? QPR's problems are all down to his transfer policy? No way, never. Who could possibly have foreseen that? and what minion would stick their head above the parapet to attack "the Chosen One" this time round? Joey Barton? Oh how I wish Turkish hadn't passed away it would have been so appropriate for him to say Joey Barton Critiquing 'Arry? Talk about calling a Spade a Banana. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/qpr-relegation-problems-down-harry-5385612

I know you lot hate the sexist bully a***holes, but tbf, Richard Keys & Andy Gray who present BeIn Sports English Language EPL coverage for the Middle East & North Africa have actually noticed our Run In, they have also repeatedly commented on us in a positive light and from our Twitter & FB group pages we know that the Arabic Language Commentators are sharing the same views, we ALSO know that we have attracted a lot of new "followers" this season who may one day grow into Supporters. Their only issues with us are that 1) We are not used to being under pressure and 2) Pelle (and in fact us in general) had stopped scoring goals. In fact almost the same issues we Saints fans were discussing. In our support they have said 1) Now we are out of the Top 4, that pressure is off and we can play the underdog again 2) Shane Long has made a huge impact in his last two matches. They use the phrase "THINK that we will fall short" "Long's injury and Pelle's loss of form may have left us with too much to do" but unlike the Luvvies in the English Media, they acknowledge us, they acknowledge how bloody good we are and how bloody good our football is. In fact it's almost as if they enjoy sticking it back to the UK Media who so jumped on their backs. They LOVE saying "Southampton just won't go away"

This is such uplifting news. I can get back to the stories without getting grief. Did I mention there has been Cricket going on down here in the Odegaard thread? What a pleasant day out it was. Nice that an England cricket legend (only Captain to have won a WC with England no less) accepted our invitation to come down the pub with us to watch the Saints & his beloved Sunderland last night. Not sure who was more gutted at FT, him or the Egg Chasers (Pictured just for Turks as well holding the right side of our flag) Dubai Saints ‏@dubaisaints 22h22 hours ago Good win #SaintsFC! Newest member - @Colly622 #Win

Here's another slight problem. 80% + of the Population of all GCC Countries (inc Qatar) are expats. Twice a year they ALL try and fly home at the same time - First week of the School Summer Vacations, and yes of course, the first day of the Christmas Vacation. So much so that between the 18th & 20th of December every year ALL the airlines here run at close to 100% seat occupancy. Which in plain English means ANYONE wanting to actually go to the WC final who is NOT in VIP Corporate will either be paying 2 grand+ for a flight OR will be stuck in the Sandpit until Christmas Eve. I honestly have NO idea why they are bothering to build stadiums. Won't be any Football fans in them apart from the Locals who didn't even bother to sell out Brazil v England a few years ago. (Oh and the hotels they are building are all 5 Star. No hotel reservation? No Visa on Arrival. Visa on arrival cost? 20 quid. Room for the night? 500 quid) It will be the first true 100% Prawn Sandwich WC and the end of the Fans' WC's. The likes of the Aussie Saints ain't going to be doing the "tour the country in a beaten up old van staying in hostels" gig. Qatar will end up allocating seats and coloured shirts to the poor Labourers as part of their "Improve Quality of Life" Initiative, there'll be 3,000 Nepalese in German Football shirts wondering wtf is going on and DJ's telling them when to cheer and clap. Meanwhile, the TV Analysts and Presenters will ALL be telling you how brilliant it will be. For one weekend appearance JUST for a boring EPL round of matches they get paid more than US$10,000 for 3 days work, 5 Star Hotel all expenses paid, Business Class Flights with Limo transfers, a "Marketing Luvvie MBA Intern" to help get them around town and to the Studio on time (and sober) - (usually aged approx 24 years old & invariably blonde) and of course they get to play Golf with Richard Keys & Andy Gray all week.(Keys is developing the Golfers Suntan - Orange cheeks & white forehead!) If ANYONE thinks that ANY TV Pundit will do ANYTHING to put 4 WEEKS of that type of Gravy Train on the line PLUS all the Warm-Up shows........... You'll get the same from every Football Journo as well in the run up. Qatar paid for full expenses & Business Class tickets for approx 500 Journos to attend the World Handball Championships. It's not Censorship of course and certainly not bribery

I drove 30 miles out of Dubai into the Desert today - to watch the Emirates T20 (more later to avoid boring some) I was extremely disheartened to see as I dorve into the huge complex that is called "The Sevens" (Multiple Football, Rugby & Cricket pitches) there were Branding signs everywhere showing the directions to "The Arsenal Academy" Yes I know these are primarily money earning operations overseas (rich expat brats parents paying for little Johnny to get training) BUT they do scout all the schools & Leagues even over here. We actually have a hell of a long way to go and a huge investment to catch up with "Global Reach" was kind of depressing. On the cricket front 5 quid for 4 T20 matches, Sussex, Lancs, Yorks & MCC in the competition & Durham also playing in the same complex. Village Green style complex so remiscent of the old County Grounds of the late 70's - with about 600 or so spectators. FWIW Michael Carberry opened for MCC with Alistair Cook v Sussex. Cook looked like a man possessed before tamely holing out to long on, Carbs was fairly subdued before paddling a catch to Yardy at backward point. Graham Onions got tonked but Yuvraj bowled well for them. but Sussex won to reach the final v Lancs. Dickie Bird was guest of honour bless him, came and chatted to just about everyone in the ground as did Paul Collingwood & Johnny Bairstow. But the day was rankled by all that signage for the bloody Gooners

'Arry pops out of retirement to be on the Radio and then Milan does a huge piece for the Beeb. Meanwhile they are tearing themselves to pieces over 3 Grand. Okay, excuse me if i don't buy that http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31897956

Think every single one of the reasons has been posted on here at least since page 2032. Then add that to the current L2 position and the oft debated impact of another season in L2. We don't need to invent anything. Even this page speculated on what may happen at Board level about a day before all this broke out. If ONLY they had a Customer Engagement Manager around to manage the PR messaging. Oh, another one for the list.

Ooh er. PST member resigning from the Board? Luckily the PTS Thread never saw that coming.. No sireee, haven't seen ANY posts in the past few weeks vaguely alluding to anything going on at the Club Not at all never no way what a shock. BBC Solent Sport ‏@solentsport 3m3 minutes ago Mick Williams has resigned as a board member of the @PompeyTrust and is therefore no longer eligible to serve as a Director of Portsmouth FC

OK so a (obviously) batsh1t mental Euromilllions winner from Skatesmuff (unbelievably unlikely) Nah I think the Sunni trying a novel way to avoid the Asylum seeker route (and just FYI I do know of a number of Businessmen from Tikrit, Alleppo, Damascus and Basra who have actually bought into UK companies and gone through the Investor Visa route. There's a couple of Companies in London that buy up Flats to rent out and they have some process that does that. Bugger that's my 2nd post used up. I was going to use this to Posit my "Perhaps Danny Cohen has spent the last few years deliberately screwing Clarkson over" Conspiracy theory post After all, the Editors/Producers could have cut some of the Angled Lorry Driver type jibes. Why has Oisin been Tweeting that it wasn't like that? Who forgot to tell Jezza to have his dinner in the Pub etc. Sorry, GB, it was the only theory I could come up with that didn't say, what if Terry Venables or the mad Ice Cream bloke from Abu Dhabi came back with real money. I was ,more worried about the 24 hours than Oh sod it. And in another post Chelsea will now have to tear into us on Sunday. We have been rubbish against Park the Bus teams but they will offer up space. IF we play Mane running at John Terry & Cahill we could get something yet every Saints fan is expecting us to get stuffed. (My Preview is in Sport 360 in Dubai on Sunday Editor is a Saints Fan and does a fan zone for all Televised games online) Oh and HOW screwed up is America? Hosting an Iranian NEW YEAR PARTY? At the FRICKING WHITE HOUSE? http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2015/03/11/Persian-New-Year-celebration-held-at-White-House/1391426104236/ Oh and thank God/Buddha/Allah my Daughter is all growed up. Pity you poor sods with Young Daughters - Frozen 2 is coming Let one go Let one Go Meanwhile what if the Trust get faced with the choice?

Christ on a bike. Almost 24 hours without a post on here. OK so as there is no news how about a bit of fun speculation to pass the time. Just imagine, under the current share holding agreement, where the club is doomed to another year in L2, and the finances are "not that great" that a random idiot (for the sake of balance and to avoid speculation in the wrong directions let's say a Kurdish Sunni with a bucket of wonga who wants an investment in the UK so he can get a Residence Visa) So he goes up to the HNW's and says I will buy the club, I will invest and extra couple of mil to keep it building like a proper club from the bottom up - you know like AFC Wimbledon, but I will only give you 75% of what you value the club at but I want ALL the shares. The HNW's are now given the chance to get out or pray for Tesco and agree. What does the Trust do? Just how fast would the about face be? Would the Trust guys want to give up their seat in the Box? What if they said NO? Forget the who's and where's and Tesco's for a moment, just think through the mess THIS could cause, maybe a year or 10 down the road? Debate

No wonder the Trust were so keen to get that 3k back from Micah Hall then. #desperatelyneededfordirectorsboxboozebillallegedly

This. It's shown all over the world not just in the UK and at the same time as UK on a Sunday night BECAUSE HE IS POPULAR. He may be a boorish oaf to many in the land of Whingeing Poms but he makes a lot of people a lot of money. Give me a boorish oaf over a crooked Banker any day of the week

Probably like another long running "hero" of this saga. (Because, after all, we just know deep down, that is how this saga rolls)

He should play more often................

Disgraceful. Not one Saints badge on display to be kissing FFS. And no wonder we seem so sluggish in opponents penalty areas if the Sports Science department makes them wear all that krap just to measure their heat maps.... Meanwhile. ' I think it is a bloody brilliant idea to take them there. Much better idea than joining all the rest of the EPL Chavs sitting on a beach here or posing at the local Armani Nightclub. Actually because of what Davos represents in the World (not just for being THE Ski Resort) I think it is a Genius idea.

And there we have it. So many railed against the appointment of Ralph Krueger. He would want to get involved in First Team Affairs they said. Jeez the sh1t we gave our former Hockey playing Chairman and yet we NEVER had evidence of him tinkering with the team, organising training or discussing tactics. Equally clearly this explains why the club failed to sign the much needed striker in January, Krueger always had it in mind to convert SMS into Europes' first NHL Franchise. This is just the start I tell you Graziano will be off to the Anaheim Ducks in the summer, no WONDER he looks out of sorts. Clearly Clyne baulked at his transfer to the Dallas Stars and that's why he hasn't signed his new contract yet. THIN EDGE OF THE WEDGE. What next? They all booked in to give Powerpoint Presentations on the Geo Political Implications of the reduction of Growth in China at the next World Forum? SAVE OUR SAINTS FFS.

One of them is alive and well and working hard in Europe watches all the games live on TV but misses going to SMS with the lads as all us expats do. The other allegedly tried to patent short sleeved shirts.......... One day it will be appropriate for FF to bring all the pieces together and write the stories, I know he has some of the pieces of the Jigsaw as do others, but right now we are on a different Journey and these were just stepping stones on our way to the start line. I far prefer waiting to see how this story ends rather than digging up the past. #WeMarchOn and all that stuff. And FWIW my one and only IMHO piece of all that? Tommac knew a man who knew a man who could get to Paul Allen. I have no idea who it was, just some faceless "Family Trust" lawyer in the US is what I have always believed. Again IMHO, Tommac's source was never exclusive, he (Shirtman) was just another "Broker" who saw an opportunity to punt a deal of which the list was very very long and which I am sure FF will never name, maybe he'll just give the pieces to his Grandson one day when it can't hurt anyone anymore or take away focus from what we must do in the next 10 games. .

We'll be fine, we just need to relax, hold onto our Dicks a bit longer and we'll be able to shoot on target. Playing with a better tempo first half but still you can see the edginess in all of them out there. Relax don't do it, hold on and it'll come. Or whatever Psyscho bloody babble they need in teh HT team talk

Wow, I'm impressed that Morgan knows so much about the England ODI team's problems down under. Certainly he seems to give more effective advice than Peter Moores is doing. Hang on, is that the right Morgan that's been quoted? The French one not the Irish one? Think I better get back to my OSH.

If only they didn't want to stay in the 1900's with their fans on the board and worthless piece of paper, perhaps they could move on and bring in new money.* Then they could be transparent and put strange non-accounting terms in their accounts again. Although luckily, it seems the FL is a lot brighter when it comes to Accounting terms than the EPL were. Looks like QPR are the next Costa Coffordia to capsize. Which may mean that the skates lose their record as the biggest administration in English Football history http://www.financialfairplay.co.uk/latest-news/qpr-figures-not-all-they-seem ​*like wot QPR did

Dear Pap. ISIS are extreme Sunni's. More extreme than even the Saudi's. They really have an issue with the Shia's. The Shia's (current) Spiritual "Home" is Iran. Iran poses the greatest threat to Israel (see all the Nuke discussions, sanctions etc) THAT is a way to go, THAT is the way to have started a new conspiracy theory. THAT is how you may start to find a link that you could research and build on. Then throw into the mix "Where do IS sell their stolen Oil at substantial discounts to the market price?" You know, the stolen oil that gives them a multi-million dollar income every day?. Now IF you had put forward a theory on those grounds you could have made some mileage about a "deal". Shame, it would have lasted at least a page before being laughed out of TSW. Or not perhaps.............

It is a damn good blog as ever by Premier League Owl. And very true. Wife & I wore our old Sash shirts out at a sporting event recently and I spoke to about 15 different lads about Saints. All of them full of praise (apart from a couple of Mancs who just recited the why can't you lot JUST GO AWAY line). Couple of weeks ago, in the pub with the Dubai Saints crew, Real Madrid were getting walloped in the Derby and 4 lads in Real shirts gave up the embarrassment and came over and chatted with us, again full of praise. But apart from the Spanish lads, in every conversation you could simply FEEL that "British Stereotype" waiting to burst out - the one that takes great pleasure in building something up and then ripping it to shreds. Right now everyone loves us. We beat the Scousers, they'll love us, we beat the Spuds, they'll love us. But the MOMENT we look like we could actually join "The Elite" at the top of the pie? The whole of England will be down on us like a ton of bricks. And IF we "screw up UCL qualification? We will NEVER hear the last of it. Nobody in England can ascend "The Pedestal" it is against "your" DNA