RobM

Both those Sopcast links are working for me. Took a while to fire up, but fine once going.

No, you're absolutely right, he cdajfu... in security for the next time we play at Fratton Park.

Saints substitutes: K. Davis (GK), Hooiveld, Reeves, De Ridder, Lee, Lambert, Mayuka

Very true, JRod should be hungry for this game too, to prove himself as worthy of a regular starting place. I hope we see something of Lee today. Great to see him in the match-day squad at least.

Is that now the only criteria for transfers? It's about all they could offer.

Trouble is, they reseted three of their best players against QPR, quite possibly to focus on the FA Cup which is their most likely chance of silverware. They're going all-out to win this today. Are we?

Makes a change from being stuck at home posting pictures to Twitter of the crap food he's eating.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2227984/Fulham-Southampton-want-Liam-Trotter.html Another to add to the list, which has come back up again (I know the link above is old...). Read it on Sky Sports 'paper talk' this morning. (edit) Here is the reference: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4158639/Football-Confidential-Latest-news-in-brief-from-across-English-football.html Most likely rubbish, but there has been a link for a while.

Congratulations!

Oh for sure, I wouldn't prioritise it over other positions, I just don't want to think it's not a position we need to add quality to.

Yes, IMO, as even as cover Fox looks poor. When he has come on as a sub recently there has been a night-and-day difference that has really shown him up. Clyne can play LB of course, but then we're not exactly blessed with RB's and he is certainly our best, so if he is fit he should play there. I hate the thought of one injury affecting two positions as we don't have quality in depth.

Does anybody else find it annoying, when listening to score round-ups on TV, when the presenter claims 'Southampton held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw' as if they were all over us and we somehow managed to hang on in there.

It looked to me like he tried to catch it but got it wrong and it hit his hands, but I'll gladly stand corrected.

Most threads turn into Alpine vs the world at some stage. I think it's a good thing that people of all views can come here and express themselves, whatever they think. It's just ****ing annoying when they then feel the need to push that view over and over again, quote everyone that disagrees with them, post abuse and then cry when it comes back... and then have the nerve to complain about a lack of debate.

Likewise, mainly because of the Lineker endorsement. My main memory of them were the fact they were rock-hard!

He is supposed to be an International, top-flight, seasoned-pro with great experience. It's not unfair to expect him to be able to catch. But I do think he should be given another game or two, as I said above.

Not the best advert for Nike football boots tonight! I miss black football boots.

One good thing about Boruc is he does try to catch the ball rather than punch or parry it.

A calm head, good footballing brain and solid performer - everything you need in a CB. Turning out to be the signing we all hoped he would.

This sums up my thoughts, so I'll just quote you and say I agree! The only thing I'll add is I think Shaw was superb tonight, a MoM performance considering who he had to deal with. I also thought Guly was excellent and gave Shaw the protection he needed, as well as good movement up front. A very good point that only the most moronic Southampton-watcher would be disappointed with, even though we had good chances to win.

Agreed entirely. With a cup game coming up I'd stick with him though, to give him the benefit of the doubt that it's just nerves and confidence. Whilst he looked like he had no control, what he was trying to do looked good, confident and assured - everything we've been missing. It's just a shame he couldn't do it.

Always nice to see Stoke being given a hiding, it might remind their fans that they're not Barcelona after all.

I don't think he will go this window, but unless we finish strong and end up in a decent position in the Prem, I can see him leaving in the summer. If we do end up in a reasonable position it will be much easier to tempt him to stay, as at least we're showing signs of progress and achieving our ambition.

Keeper aside, which has been debated enough by me, I think this is the likely and ideal starting lineup if Clyne is fit. Both Guly and Punch can offer something defensively as well as offensively, which we will need to counter Arsenal. If Clyne isn't fit, I'd like to see Richardson in his place - a RB at RB. Richardson also has a decent cross on him.

You're very easily pleased In fairness I don't disagree too much, Kevin panics and doesn't control his area and Gazza lacks experience. Both have shown quality at times, probably moreso Gazza IMO, but both have cost us points also. My main concern is changing 'keeper and unsettling the back-four against a very attacking team who will counter-attack really quickly.