Huge Baboon

Loving this thread. Others have said it, but what a great night for him, the club and the fans. Always comes across as a top bloke, the epitome of what football is really about. Such a deserving fella, now getting recognition from the nation. Well done Rickie! Legend.

That's a good point, this would be a harder sell, based on potential, which is obviously harder to prove.

I believe we managed to get a WP for Tadanari Lee as an "outstanding talent", so we have some experience in such matters. Of course, given how little he has played, that may count against us! We could argue that Lee was good enough for the league we were in at the time.

Same here - just got two tickets online in block 11. I only had "collect" option as well, so looks like a big collection queue on the day.

Add one more to the forty-somethings. 41, brought up in Hedge End, now working in Bournemouth, living in Highcliffe First home game, Luton 90/91. Having hit them for 6 the year before, expectations were high. Lost 2-1 to an Elstrup brace. Welcome to supporting Saints. First away was in 92/93, 2-1 win at Forest. Absolute robbery, as I remember. Used to make around 10/12 games a season, but over last 3 years just a few home games a season as now have kids, which means less time and money. Have to pick and choose my games, which makes me a JCL, I guess.

I'm with you on this. I started following Saints around 88, and that season was fantastic. Still got the official video of the season on VHS, and used to watch it in the dark days to cheer myself up. For entertainment value, that team and season takes some beating. Such a shame that we didn't kick on from there, as that was a great young team which should have gone on to bigger and better things. I suppose a lot of the players did, but with other teams. Thinking about it, I reckon Flowers, Ruddock, Horne, Wallace, Shearer and Rideout all went on to win either League title or FA Cup after leaving us. Current team is up there for me though among the best to watch.

Solent tweeted a couple of weeks ago that Gorkss rejected our offer as he wanted to stay at QPR and fight for his place. Understandable on his part, given that he worked hard to get to the Prem. Maybe he changed his mind, but NA/NC are doubting his commitment and have found somebody (Fontaine?) who really wants a seat on the bus, appears more hungry, etc... Obviously all based on rumour and conjecture and no facts whatsoever. No idea myself which player is better for us, but thankfully I don't have to make the decision!

Awesome. It's as simple as that. Thanks for the vid, great work.

.....and we're back again. Hopefully for a bit longer this time.

Certainly would be consistent with the house purchase chain comparison mentioned on here previously.

From a Cherries fan at work. Has been rumoured throughout the summer, and would make sense if we fill the number 5 shirt. http://www.bournemouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=38412&posts=1

Does make you wonder, with these three "leaked" stories, whether we are playing them off against each other, to get the best deal - whether from clubs, players or both. In any case, the speculation is great fun!

Rest in Peace Markus. A true Saint.

Express today says Puncheon is expected to join QPR this week in a £2m deal. No mention of Gorkss but I'd be quite happy with that sort of cash!

Well pleased for him. First Championship game, Sky cameras, a few nerves are natural. Apart from the one moment already mentioned, thought he had a solid game. Penalty very harsh, I'm sure the lads will make sure that doesn't dent his confidence. Showed he can do a job for us. Whether he gets a good run prob depends on whether the no. 5 shirt gets filled in the near future.

I think Dixon was a separate deal from Chelsea, but yes, they were billed as the replacement for Shearer. Speedie was a decent player at the time, if knocking on a bit, but he never really wanted to be here. Dixon was sadly just past his best.

Shearer sale to Blackburn, that was supposed to read!

I seem to remember that David Speedie was part of the Shearer, though I could be mistaken. Bad.

Might have been FA Cup, just after New Year. Remember Prutton scoring.

Pinning my hopes on the game vs Leicester 3/4 years ago ... absolutely lashed down in the hour before kick off. Delayed by 30 mins, but the pitch looked quite playable. Would be gutted if this one was called off.

First memory was watching the open bus parade after the cup final in 76. Don't remember the game as I was only 5. First game - Saints 1 Luton 2, September 1990, Lars Elstrup put them two up first half, but can't remember who got our consolation. Might have been MLT, but memory has totally failed me. (Must look it up in "In That Number" tonight) Saw my first win a couple of weeks later, 2-0 vs Sheffield Utd. First away game was our 2-1 win at Forest in 1992 - great bit of smash and grab!

Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin

Certainly a bias towards towards the Skates, no doubt down to the Dineage factor. I remember when Redknapp joined us shortly after his (first) departure from P**pey, I watched Meridian coverage just out of some sort of warped curiosity, and sure enough, all reaction they showed was from Skates, not a word from Southampton. A procession of neanderthals in blue calling him a disgrace, a judas, etc.... Funny, that.

First chips they've got on target all season....allegedly.