Bailey

I can't believe some of what I'm reading on here tonight! I completely agree with Pards, I thought first-half was the best we've played under his management. We knocked the ball around superbly for the first 15 minutes, and we were patient in our build-up. But for their keeper being in fine form, we could have gone in at the break 2 or 3 goals ahead. It's a shame we conceded a sloppy goal at a set-piece, but that shouldn't have had any bearing on the game in truth. Overall, we were by far the better side and if we continue to play like that this season, we'll go up, f'sure. Puncheon was very frustrating today, although I understand why Pards sticks by him. He's a player that will do nothing for 89 minutes other than disappoint, but then in one moment he can win you a game. I think Barnard should get a special mention too. On another day, he could have had a hat-trick. His effort that rattled the post was superb, and his performance deserved a goal or two. Feel sorry that he was subbed too but we would have been a bit lightweight up top had Lambert come off. I do think people need to take a step back and stop over-reacting. Yes, our start to the season hasn't been ideal, but there is a LOOOONG way to go. Lets see where we are after 10 games or so, then will be the time to raise some questions if we're still some way off the top spots. On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed today's game and if we play like that next Saturday, Bristol Rovers will struggle to get anything from the game.

Slightly off topic I know, but did we ever get to the bottom of Pulis' contract situation? Is he set to be released at the end of the month or have we, rather stupidly if so, agreed to give him another 12 months?

Not doubting Pilchards credibility, but the ticket office staff have got it wrong before, so don't take what they say as gospel. We've seen it countless times on here even, where someone purchasing tickets has asked how sales are going and the response they've received has been wide of the mark. I don't think we'll get close to a sell-out, but I'd hope for 25K at least. I do think we'll get a fair few more than 18,500 though.

I'm well aware of that! But it seems Agyemang really doesn't want to leave the capital for whatever reason. Not sure whether he'd be willing to drop down to League One either!?

Problem with Agyemang is that he's not keen to move away from London. Would love to see us snap him up though, he's exactly what we need IMO.

http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10373~8060,00.html

And he'd be as cheap as chips bargain hunters!

The problem is, Reading aren't desperate to offload him, in fact, they're happy to keep him at the club and use him as an impact player from the bench. Saints, on the other hand, are keen to sign Antonio and may have to pay what the majority of us would consider as slightly over the odds to land their man. It's a tricky one and a tough transfer to negotiate. It's a question of who, if anyone, will give in first. I do hope that we see the return of Antonio though, as I think he's what we're lacking at the minute. Time will tell.

You've hit the nail on the head for me. Top post, brilliantly worded.

http://blogs.hereisthecity.com/2010/08/12/markus_liebherr_made_provision_for_southamptons_future_before_de/ This article might give some indication as to what the future holds for SFC. Apologies if already posted.

It's the morning after and it still hasn't sunk in. I'm gutted. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. Without you Liebherr, there would be no SFC. For that, you are, and always will be, a true Saint.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6305836,00.html

I expect to see Lallana and Lambert starting after coming through the Bournemouth game unscathed. I'd go with the following . . . ---------------------- Davis ------------------- Butterfield ----- Fonte ----- Jaidi ----- Harding Puncheon --- Hammond --- Schneiderlin --- Lallana -------------- Lambert ---- Barnard ------------- Subs: Bialkowski, Seabourne, Oxo, Wotton, Mills, Connolly, Dickson.

Why are people over-reacting? Get a grip. And no, before anyone says, I'm not happy with our sluggish start to the season either, but we've only played one and a half matches and already people are making out that we're in a crisis! And to say that Bournemouth shouldn't be testing us and that we should be out of sight already is arrogant and disrespectful to our opposition. Look around at some other half-time scores tonight. There are a number of League Two sides beating Championship and League One teams, so calm down. Our star player is yet to kick a ball this season and inevitably we're feeling his absence. Yes, our displays thus far have highlighted the need to strengthen, but trust me, work is going on to improve the squad. I don't normally bite like this, but I just can't believe how some people are making out that our season is over after losing to a recently-relegated Championship side and being held at home in the Cup. Nuff said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leicester_city/8900538.stm Leicester confirm their interest in Koren.

I have a horrible feeling that they'll do us tonight. Hear me out . . . We lost on Saturday so no doubt the players will be slightly nervy, and we're likley to field an under-strength side. Bournemouth will bring a lot of fans because it's a 'derby' and they'll be up for it, where as Saints will be prioritising the league and won't be as motivated IMO. Add to that the fact that we always seem to start the season in poor form and you have a potential upset on the cards.

Does Rickie know when Owen, Benjani, Adu and Skacel will finally sign for Saints?

Great news. Was starting to get a little concerned that we'd be going into the season with Forecast as our 2nd choice 'keeper, so it's a relief to hear that Bialkowski has signed.

Agreed. He speaks a lot of sense and it's nice to have someone at the helm who seems to see things the way the majority of the fans do. For example, we all knew we were crying out for a new right-back (or two), and what does Pards do? Releases the deadwood and signs two proven players for that position. Personally, I'm delighted that AP is in charge and long may it continue. Yes, he's had significant financial backing for a team in the third tier of English football, but he's worked wonders in the short time he's been here and here's hoping our 125th year as Southampton FC is our most successful yet!

Good point, I forgot about that. It'd be interesting to see how much we'd get should it ever go to a tribunal . . . Still, hopefully we'll never find out as I'd love to see Lallana commit his long-term future to the club.

To be honest, I don't think Adam would be happy to see out his contract and leave us on a free, mainly down to the fact that he has a strong affiliation with the club and the area. If he does decide that he wants to leave in the not too distant future, then I wouldn't be surprised if he signed a new deal in with assurances that he could talk to other interested parties come the end of the season.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/8884943.stm Couple of quotes in this article, with AP speaking about the pressure that comes with the job and how he plans to remain at St. Mary's. Now bring on Saturday I say!

I genuinely don't believe we'll win the league. Maybe it's because I've been a Saints fan for too long and I can't begin to contemplate little old Southampton being successful, but whatever the reason, I think playoffs are more realistic. However, without meaning to contradict myself, our squad is undoubtedly strong enough to secure promotion this time round, and nothing less will do. Bit surprised to see Charlton in 2nd, and I have my doubts about Notts County making the top six too. Still, it all makes for an interesting season, and hopefully it's one that lives long in the memory for us Saints fans!

http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/content/Islington/gazette/Arsenal/story.aspx?brand=ISLGOnline&category=ArsenalNews&tBrand=ISLGOnline&tCategory=defaultArsenal&itemid=WeED02+Aug+2010+13%3A55%3A27%3A403 Quotes from the man himself claiming that both us and Charlton are looking to sign him on loan.

I'm well aware that Pulis isn't a youngster, the point I'm making is that Pards had to use the youngsters and players such as AP to protect the remaining first-team players. Would be a blow to lose another midfielder to injury with Plymouth just around the corner. Make no mistake about it, Pulis will be released at the end of August, and I'm not justifying this guys position at our club for one second.