Bailey

They have had to up their game upon hearing the news that SaintsWeb will soon be launching!

Here's a little interview with Kevin Phillips, talking about the upcoming game and some of the abuse he gets from us Saints fans! Click on the link below and just scroll across to the Southampton V Birmingham video. http://channelbee.com/move/football/pundit#602 The interview is taken from Tim Lovejoy's new project, named ChannelBee. It's pretty much Soccer AM online but it's not just about footy. He's got some of the old Soccer AM crew working on it with him too so some familiar faces also. Quite a good website actually, have a look and see what you think.

Fantastic news, his comeback has been nothing short of amazing. Fingers crossed Svensson can stay injury-free and take part in as much of the season as possible. I look forward to seeing a defensive partnership of Davies and Killer. I don't think anyone in the division can top that IMO.

That would make sense if the combined loan fees we've received from Bolton and Watford is around the 700K mark, meaning we would have recouped the initial transfer fee we payed Tottenham to sign him. Not to mention the 'sizeable bonus payment' we received for Rasiak's part in keeping Bolton up! All in all, providing Watford do take up their option to sign him, we've got a pretty good deal in my opinion. AND he's off the wage bill too.

I can't understand why some are making such a fuss over this transfer. Rasiak hasn't been properly involved at Saints for quite a while now, so it's not as if we're losing our key player.

Quite possible IMO, especially considering Ipswich have been given permission to talk to Ameobi of Newcastle, a rumoured target for Norwich. If they miss out on him, then Rasiak could be their next choice. This also ties in with the post from The Ugly Inside too. The plot thickens . . .

If it is true that Rasiak is off then I have no doubt that we will keep hold of Stern. Good move too as he fits into our new system much better than GR.

Not surprised if this story is true. We needed to get Rasiak off the wage bill but it's just a shame he's going to a team in the same division. You just know he's going to start banging the goals in for Watford! Still, if Rasiak has left then at least it means John is likely to be staying. I think he fits into our new system much better than GR does.

Also worth mentioning that Lancashire got through 90 minutes on his return from injury. Not only that, but he got himself on the scoresheet too! I have no doubt we'll start seeing him involved with the first team in the not too distant future, especially considering he was on the subs bench for the Exeter game.

As mentioned in another thread, I've heard Thomas is actually training away from the first team at the minute and that his future at the club is very much in doubt. In truth I think we could do with hanging onto him. Whilst it's good to see the likes of Lancashire included in the squad, we do need some more experienced players, especially in defence. Thomas isn't the best defender we've ever had by any means, but he provides decent cover and that's something we don't have much of if we get one or two injuries.

Yeh sorry I missed that bit. Already saw it on the OS too.

Have been told once again that Thomas is actually training away from the first team and his future at Saints remains in doubt. Also, I've heard that Schneiderlin will play in defence with Wotton playing alongside Gillett in midfield. Other than that, it's as you were for the Cardiff game. Time will tell I guess!

To let a point slip so late in the game is always hard to take but we shouldn't be too down-hearted. We more than held our own and fully deserved a point in my opinion. Svensson was first class too, a real positive to have him back in the side. On the whole, we were pretty unlucky not to come away with anything. Fingers crossed we can get a win on Tuesday and then follow that up with something against Birmingham.

Top post and agree completely. I would much rather pay to see these youngsters who are totally committed and willing to give their all to the cause than watch a repeat of last season. If Saints continue to play the sort of football that they have done during pre-season throughout the coming campaign, then I think that not only will we surprise a few people, but the crowds will soon come back too.

Not true, Rudi rejected Ipswich after they only offered him 4K a week. He's on nearer double that here. We need to move him on ideally and get him off the books.

Fully deserved if true. Svensson has performed a mini miracle to get back playing again, one just hopes he can remain injury free throughout the coming campaign. When Killer isn't playing, I'd fully expect Perry, Davies, Wotton or Surman to take on the role, and rightly so.

If we can't shift Skacel then I don't think we can justify not using a player of his ability considering the wages he's on. However, he should only be considered if his head is right and if he is totally committed to the cause. Otherwise, we're better off sitting him in the stands. Not only that, but I doubt he would fit into our new look team, based on the fact he's hardly a willing runner! His work rate is terrible and we're better off moving him on. The problem is, there doesn't seem to be any takers.

I'm actually content with the fact that numerous pundits and websites are already writing us off before a ball has even been kicked. It could just work in our favour . . . More often than not, teams have come to St Mary's and put 10 men behind the ball, seeing a point at our place as a good result, seeing how we have been considered a big fish in a little pond and all. Well now it's all change. After last season, teams will look at us and think we are there for the taking, resulting in teams attacking us and having a go right from the off. This may just play into our hands as we've all seen how the new 'total football' approach makes for an open and entertaining game, played at a high tempo with the main emphasis on attack. With the opposition coming at us and not being so conservative with their tactics, this may make it easier for us to get the ball on the deck and move it about. I don't know about you, but I'm more than happy with this 'underdog' tag, and I think we may surprise a few people this season. Roll on Cardiff!

To be honest, it's hard to argue or disagree with anything Wilde says there.

When Stern played the 2nd half today, I noticed he was dropping very deep and the team as a whole were looking to create openings through him. Could it be that Stern adopts a role similar to that of Dwight Yorke at Sunderland? As he gets older, could he possibly sit deeper and become more of a creative influence? Another point too, is how tonight has just confirmed to me that if we keep one striker out of Saga, Rasiak and John, then SJ is the one to hold on to. He fits into our new system much better than Rasiak, and Saga seems to have all but gone. Thoughts?

Me and a couple of mates are going. Very much looking forward after the last couple of performances. Whilst the results haven't been ideal, there have been plenty of positives. Bring it on!

I'm loving the fact that we are being written off before a ball has even been kicked. I have a good feeling these young guns might surprise a few this season. Here's hoping we get off to a good start come Saturday!

Mid-table IMO. I think we'll surprise a few teams but I also think there will be a few 'bad days at the office' so to speak. With so many youngsters in the side, I think there may be some games where we're bullied off the park and get beaten 4 or 5 nil. Having said that, I also feel there will be some games where we outplay and ultimately outclass the oppo, dominating from start to finish. With some of the football I've seen during pre-season, I think we could be in for a very entertaining season!

Surely Poortvliet won't go with the same 11 that started against West Ham? 2 games in 4 days is asking a bit much considering it all starts for real this Saturday. I wouldn't be surprised to see a totally different 11 line up against Stoke.

I've heard there are question marks over Wayne Thomas and his future at the club. After not being in the squad for the visit of West Ham, he wasn't happy and could be on his way out. All depends whether Saints receive a decent offer or not I suppose. With the likely return of Killer too, maybe we can afford to let Thomas go if he isn't happy. Thoughts?