Bailey

Wasn't our night. A disappointing end to the calendar year but lets get some perspective. We were slow out the blocks, Bristol City were bang up for this and won every first, second and third ball! They dominated midfield and the pace of Adomah and Maynard caused problems all evening. I wouldn't say we were particularly poor, but we never got going and too many of our key men had off days (Lallana and Guly particularly). But, full credit to City, they stopped us from playing and if I'm being brutally honest, they deserved the win. After the Palace game I was convinced our mini-slump was over but this will be a real test of the character of the squad and, more importantly, our promotion credentials. Keep the faith, but lets draw the proverbial blue line under this one and move on.

Got a funny feeling Sam Vokes will end up 'on the bus'.

Extremely likely that Sharp will leave in January, and there's not a lot Donny can do about it. I've been told his buy-out clause has been activated by a 'small handful' of clubs and by bringing in a couple of loan strikers in recent days, it's a big indication that Doncaster are planning for life without Sharp. For what it's worth, I'd love to see him here. He would be the perfect foil for Lambert, although I still believe we need an additional striker similar to Rickie as his recent absence hit us hard. Someone with a similar aerial threat would help to soften the impact should Lambert pick up an injury/suspension in the future. Lukas Jutkiewicz would fit that bill IMO, and is a realistic target.

http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/9436017.Poyet_has_history_with_referee_for_Saints_game/

Millwall, Forest and Blackpool have all registered their interest. QPR may extend his loan until the end of the season, but it depends on whether they secure one or two of their preferred transfer targets.

Haven't trawled through the whole of this thread, so sorry if repeating, but does anyone remember Bialkowski's howler against West Brom in pre-season? Had a bad feeling about him today as soon as I heard Super Kelv was out. Still, I genuinely believe Bart is a decent 'keeper at this level, but two years without competitive football is bound to effect anyone's confidence. If he does leave in the not too distant future to a club where he plays regularly, you can bet he'll do a half-decent job.

Unfair for me to make too much comment as I didn't witness either game but from what I heard on the radio, I'm inclined to agree. Still, surely you can't be doubting his ability on the basis of two defeats? I'm not trying to gloss over these results. Losing away to Bristol City was one thing, but to go down to the division's bottom side is verging on embarrassing. However, look where we are! It's not all doom and gloom. Expectations have risen massively after our start. I'm just saying, sleep on it, look at the league table in the Sunday and Monday papers and you'll realise it's not all bad!

Do not get too elated after a Saints win. Similarly, do not get too disheartened when we lose. Top of the league, 20 games in. Who'd have thought it? Blue line, move on, together as one. In Nigel we trust!

Not from the subs bench, no.

I disagree, it'll be 1-0 but couldn't say which way.

We appear to be shooting ourselves in the foot from offensive set-pieces. Donny getting a lot of joy hitting us on the counter. Patience is a virtue. Stay solid at the back, keep plugging away and we'll break them down.

IF we signed LJ with players going the other way, my bet would be one of Dickson or Holmes, plus Barnard for a month or two, just to re-gain some match fitness.

Wow. Saints are so lucky! That's ANOTHER team that have come to St. Mary's and that we've only managed to beat because they were rubbish. Nothing to do with us passing them off the park at all . . . honest.

Agreed, so long as he then goes on to win Manager of the Year!

Got a lot of time for Adkins' post-match interviews. Yet again he's hit the nail on the head. A very open and honest assessment of today's performance, nice to hear.

Phew! Very fortunate to get anything from that, but it's a sign of a good team. Guly, Connolly and Hammond particularly disappointing. Full credit to Reading, they played a very high tempo game, won the midfield battle and stopped us from playing. We had some chances, but Reading will see that as a chance missed. On to the next one!

No doubt Kevin Phillips is looking forward to this one . . .

Can only echo the sentiments of others really. Thoughts with Dan and his family. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery. Things like this certainly put football into perspective!

Any sign of Barnard?

SSN reporter Graeme Bailey reporting that Puncheon's move HAS been given the green light from the powers that be.

Because he's a very level-headed lad, it won't come down to money. If he feels he has a better chance of playing and developing as a player with us, he'll come to St. Mary's. That's me done on here for now though, just wait and see. I'm confident, and worry not if it doesn't come off. There are a number of other targets so keep the faith.

Seems I've jumped the gun a bit claiming it's done, my apologies. However, still very confident a deal will go through, but West Ham aren't willing to lose out on another target. In short, they've significantly upped their offer to both player and club, but I still believe Baldock will come here. Not long to wait until we find out!

Done deal. Confirmed tomorrow (Friday).

Deal very close last I heard but not quite over the line just yet. Very happy if it goes through. Sure, I'm biased but the fans will take to him. Very good finisher, young and has bags of potential. Like a young version of Connolly.

In the referee's defence, Fonté was doing this all game, but the ref allowed play to carry on. Some refs blow up, others let it go, but today the ref was consistent for both sides. A decent display from D'Urso I thought.