Dan83

Anyone have any idea why Punch is suddenly out of the picture? Even Guly appears to have jumped above him in the queue of late.

And for what it's worth, I do agree the signing of Mayuka can not be considered anything other than poorly-judged. Given we were always looking to play 4-3-3/4-5-1 this season I don't see why we spent such money on someone who was only ever gonna be 3rd choice. I guess, if Lambert had picked up an injury, we probably wouldn't be discussing the merit of JRod's and Mayuka's signings. Come the summer, we will no doubt look to strengthen again and Mayuka will follow the trail that Tadanari's trodden.... away from the club having not had much of a chance!

Forren's absence from the matchday squad does seem very odd. Have to remember that he was on trial at Liverpool in January, and as far as I'm aware we basically poached him from under their noses by coming forward with a bid. My guess is he must have some sort of injury, but that he is definitely seen as a first-choice once fit. If we'd left it until the summer, the likelihood is we would've had a lot more competition for his services (whether that be Liverpool, or not).

The longer time goes by since this decision was made, the more angry and disappointed and EMBARRASSED I become. Adkins got us to the premiership, ahead of schedule we should not forget! He earned the right to some patience. Ok, we started the season a little poorly, but the last 10-12 games we've been on the rise and most fans of other teams I've spoken to think we were playing decent football and deserving of more points than we were actually getting at times. Now, we're not in danger of becoming a laughing stock - we probably are one! An absolutely disgraceful decision and I'm embarrassed to be a Saints fan knowing that the people who run the club can be so short-sighted. The new man is going to need one hell of a start, or the mood around the club will nose-dive fast. No one's heard of him. The Official Site's review of his career so far can only be described as very poor spin - how someone who was sacked for being bottom of the league can be described as being wanted by the top clubs in Spain is beyond me. Nigel is a fan's favourite - backed by the 99% of the crowd. This move has the potential to derail our season. If I was a QPR, Reading, Villa, or Wigan fan - I would be delighted.

I am, of course, neglecting Mr Bale who may or may not be injured or rested.

Hardly. Only Friedel, Gallas, and Dempsey (who later came on) didn't start the game against Chelsea! Adebayor not even on the bench today, but it seems from the papers that's more likely due to his sulky attitude than any injury! Could all bode well for the weekend if they're incapable of playing two games within 4 days....

As I said in a previous thread, there was a lot of police outside Yates for most of the day, but seemed to me more so they could keep those inside Yates' apart from those coming down from Fat Cat way. I was in an office overlooking Above Bar, although admittedly there are few trees blocking a clear view of Yates. But I don't recall seeing an ambulance turn up - not before 4/5pm anyway (by which time, presumably, the majority of Millwall fans had scarpered back up to London). Although I can't see why this would be made up, I can't believe the Echo wouldn't have pounced on this.... when that Man U fan was attacked in Southampton a while back and left in a bad way it was all over the press.

I'm 99% sure there was no stabbing at Yates' after the game - not unless no ambulance was sent. I work in an office overlooking above bar and although I could see out the window about 40-50 police sorting out big groups both before and after the game, I didn't see an ambulance. At one point the sirens were goin off and 4 or 5 cars/wagons drove up Above Bar towards the bargate but I don't know where they went. Seemed to me was both Millwall and Saints fans behaving like prats. In the middle of town, with families and small children walking around it really was disgraceful to see (although granted, I would not take any children into town with Millwall about!) At one point there was a group of about 15-20 I think Millwall fans (men and women) right outside Que Pasa f'ing and blinding at the Police for a good 20/30mins. Pointless ****ed behaviour.

This is absolute b*****t. Maybe they said 'up to 20hrs per week and earning £9 an hour'! I worked 18hrs a week when I was ant uni and earned £5.50 an hour (and that was only a couple of years ago). It really does wind me up this stereotypical view that students are spongers - grants were a thing of the past for the vast majority! As for postgrad students (and therefore over 21) it is actually them that probably need the most help - no financial support (loans) from government, so have to scrape by. So bring back student tickets! PS - Interesting how this thread has evolved into a debate about student cost of living (with most having not experienced it!)

I could've sworn that it was against the rules to talk about players at other clubs... but yet Redknapp has done it with KJ and Palacios already this window. But no1 mentions it, always amazes me how nothing ever sticks with Redknapp - the Teflon Man! Noone mentions the shocking job he did with us either.

The only prediction I'm making is that Surman and Lallana won't play, paving the way for their departures without being cup-tied or injured. This is a joke, happens all over the place - players who are off suddenly get a minor injury! Look at Heskey at Wigan who suddenly has an injury, and Onuoha at Man City who suddenly has a minor injury come cup-tie weekend! If they don't play Saturday, I'd bet my bottom dollar they're off!

Yeah the Echo's caught on too with comments from JP http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/4015159.Saints_lose_Jack_Cork_to_Watford/

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/4015159.Saints_lose_Jack_Cork_to_Watford/ Looks like the Echo's confirmed it!

Wilde: "Chorley's sat just down there, with Rupert behind you I need you to catch every penny you can!"

On the OS I mean!!

Ticket link doesn't work anyway