washsaint

Unfortunately not being able to get to games as an ex-pat I cannot really state with any authority how the team is doing. However, from reading reports, seeing the occasional game, etc. it does seem surprising that the Spurs lad went straight into the team whereas some of the young players who did so well against Coventry did not get a sniff. From reading Chez's comments it seems like Reeves would have been a better starter last night and probably Hoskins too......with the added bonus that they know the system, etc - whereas the Spurs nipper does not. Very disappointing - playing a couple of the youngsters sounds like they could not have done any worse than who played last night! And even if they only play the occasional game it freshens things up a bit. Hopefully Lambert and co returning will make a difference and we can get back on track.

Why is everyone assuming the Spurs loanee will start....what about Reeves or Ward-Prowse?

What is wrong with blooding our youngsters as opposed to other teams unproven youngsters?

that was the first game I got to see this season and my observations were that I hope Saints don't go up this year (albeit based on that one performance as opposed to being able to see them all season). The side is just not good enough.....there is a nucleus of a decent side: Schneiderlin Hoosveilt Richardson Lallana Lambert possibly Davis although he is getting on a bit now However, Prado was an absolute sack of s***e today and had chances to bury them but seems real lightweight, Hammond and Cork don't appear to be all that, Fox/Harding are weak, Fonte is weak, etc. So in other words I reckon going up this season would be a season too early......the squad is not good enough and without a host of new players we would sink without a trace. Having said that, fair play to NA and the squad for being top at CHristmas.....an unbelievable achievement and one none of us really expected. If we make some astute buys in the New Year (striker, defender, midfielder) then maybe my views will change but on today's performance we are not ready to go up.

From what I recall they budgeted for average crowds of 15K to repay the CVA.....lol, only 12K there today so that won't help cashflow!

I remember dave Jones' last few games well - anyone remember the Newcastle game where he played Kevin Gibbens at RB? He had lost the plot at the end and we were on a slippery slope downhill. IT worked out for all concerned in the end.

Can't see any problem with those quotes. Fair and balanced - very reasonable and respectful. And obviously a lot of respect for Nigel Adkins.

that can't be right.......according to the moronic few on here, this was all Cortese's fault and he clearly stated that le Tiss and Lawrie were the culprits. Surely they were right and Cortese is the devil incarnate?

You can't compare NA with big Mac yet.......growing up seeing Keegan, Channon, Ball, Mills, Watson and a host of others was an absolute joy and pleasure and competing with the best in the land on equal terms was so exciting. The game has changed so much since those days and the days of competing with the 'big guys' have, realistically, gone forever so it is impossible to compare the 2. NA is doing an amazing job and has helped turned the club around....long may it continue.

But that's just the thing Roger........as a player he is a legend to me too but I don't know him personally.

CB Fry - you have made yourself look a complete tool, and a nasty piece of work, with your insults and vitriol. Everyone has opinions - FWIW I wish they would all make up. But no one person makes the club - not MLT, not NC, not anyone. the club will be here long after all the current protaginists are long gone. MLT was a fantastic player for us and it was a privilege to see him in his prime but, quite honestly, once his playing career was over that was that and what he thinks/says no longer really matters. I will always cherish the MLT in his prime for us but that era has gone and we are now entering a new, exciting era.

great article and great ambition from our chairman

err......has evryone missed the irony in Turkish's post.....some of you have bitten hard!

Redskins have Grossman as starting Qb - look for the skins to be better than the last couple of years (won't be difficult!). Looking forward to the first game on Thursday. Does anyone onhere have Verizon Red Zone subscription and, if so, is worth it?

If Pardew were made of chocloate he would eat himself. I am so grateful we ahve a guy like NA in charge.

It's still early days but the start is certainly very encouraging and it appears NA is keeping everyone grounded and is not getting carried away with such a great start to the season, The points scoring and *****iness on this site continues to be a pain in the arse - wish there more posters like Minty.....

TBH, this sums up absolutely everything that is wrong with Hampshire right now. Bates appears to have improved a lot with the bat this year and, from what friends and family are saying, is already a top notch wicketkeeper. Yet Hampshire want to go and bring in yet another 'star' player who has underachieved and is no better than what we already have. Kabir Ali, de Wet, Simon Jones, etc - all collossal wates of money.

Who cares - we're relegated anyway. Maybe if we had played some of our younger, home grown players from the start instead of foreign mercenaries like de Wet and others we would not be in this position. Sounds like they showed more fight and guts than the senior players have done all season.

One would hope so Chez....if for no other reason than to try and secure a move away in January.

Now that Hants are as good as relegated perhaps they might start playing some more of the home grown crop like Wood and Howells - and put players like Ervine out to pasture. And what on earth was the signing of those 2 Kolpaks about? What a disappointing season and just goes to show money can't buy success....there is no substitute for hunger and team spirit.

How many other clubs have made any signings to date? Typically, transfers start to hot up from July 1.....let's face it the players have not even reported back for pre-season training so not much point buying players until nearer that time.

Any reason why Briggs is not playing - or Howells for that matter? We appear (from afar) to have way too many mercenaries in the side and out of form players. Disastrous seasona and when will Wood get a chance.....current bowling is atrocious...but then so is the batting!

Oh dear.....following from afar it seems like the great spirit and youthful verve from the end of last season has been replaced by journeymen who are just not performing. This was one season too many for Cork and it is a shame that some of the younger players who played with such energy last season are not getting a look in.

I don't have Fox Soccer Pro here in DC (just Fox Soccer) but may upgrade if Saints are shown much in the Championship. The Internet streaming sites ain't the same! LOve it....will have to go to SUmmers in Arlington next season to watch the derby games (if they're shown on TV) as there are bound to be a number of fat, skanky Skates present

Driving home from North Carolina, nearly crashed the car by continually looking at the BBC live updates on my Blackberry. Wife was not happy....but last 10 minutes made up for that! Fantastic win and automatic promotion is now in touching distance....come on Saints, finish off the job!