Piran

Many people don't realise how 'long' the West Country is. I live in Cornwall now (born and raised in Swanwick), and a couple of weeks ago drove to Bristol and back. 378 miles round trip, and over 8 hours driving. I don't think our Jack would be doing that for training every day! Regarding any possible transfer, I think he should definitely consider the Championship. I believe he has some good qualities, and will look back on his Saints career with pride, overall.

I saw much of the match on a dodgy stream, plus the MOTD highlights. As mentioned before, I don't do in-match threads on here - far too depressing that there are so many experts out there, who are unfortunately out of work and yet to be snapped up by Premier League teams. I won't get involved in the "He is a genius who turned things round / It was his fault we were losing" debate - nobody changes their mind, they just look for confirmation of their biases - but it has rarely been mentioned that the game has changed with the introduction of the 5 subs, and all managers now have to plan for a team of 16 players and 95+ minutes play, and the starting 11 and formations are only starting points. And did the backroom team have an influence on Hassenhuttl? I bloody hope so! Or what are they there for?

Enigmas are good.

Not really on subject, but I am alarmed when I read references along the lines of "Lose tomorrow and he has to go, win and everything will be rosy". I know it's a modern thing to want instant gratification in everything, but I also felt the reaction to last Saturday's game was way over the top - it's only 6 months since we went to Spurs and won! And won using the same tactic that Spurs used against us. Anyone remember Ward Prowse being in acres of space on our right, and putting crosses in that were converted by Elyounoussi and Adams? Come Saturday the boot was on the other foot, and a stand-in defender, Djenepo, left similar space in exactly the same place, and what was the result? What I'm getting at is that these things take time. Even a master like Conte had to learn, and he appears to be getting there. Much as I love Liverpool (not!), you have to admit that much of their success is based on a steady team selection, and how many years has Klopp been there? Anyone who follows football could name their first-choice eleven last season. Week after week. Who's to say that we won't be able to do the same with a Hassenhuttl side in a few months time? I don't consider his time as having started until the arrival, and support, of Sports Republic.

I can think of quite a few that I would rather went first.

Here you go, talking sense again... It's instant we want.

Just do it. No good thinking about it. It's only money, after all...

Cor blimey! It's definitely 'Get Ralph Week' this week, isn't it? No evidence required!

That's it! Thank you, The Cat, I knew there had to be an explanation for some of the utter bilge!

This really is impressive! I mean, how DOES he balance those balls on top of each other? Years ago, on one of the Stoneham Lane pitches, I watched Terry Paine do something similar, hitting a sixpence stuck to the crossbar, time after time with both feet. It was a pre-season 'fans day' or something.

I think predictions threads are a load of twaddle.

I think we'll do well. 1. First half (and more) of last season's great form. 2. New signings look promising. 3. Defense looks tighter. 4. Midfield looks more creative, especially Aribo. 5. More goals this year, and I fancy Adam Armstrong to get his fair share. 6. Manager looking more decisive and settled, with his extra coaching staff. A good combination!

On the right of the posts there are the 'like', 'sad', 'confused' and 'ha ha' options. Would it be possible to add a 'what a twat' button?

One of the reasons I stopped doing match day threads a long time ago, was the ridiculous criticism and pessimism from contributors on them. Probably from people who couldn't kick a football 5 yards. Sorry, 5 metres. All so predictable, too. If I hadn't seen the writer, I bet I could tell you who had written them within a couple of sentences. You know who you are!

Why? I don't think it's been done before...

I'm not sure Charlie wants to be happy...

With regard to the potential signing of Delap, I think it's worth making the comparison with the treatment given to another Man City youngster - Phil Foden. How long has he been known about? 3 years? Anyone could see he has massive potential, but the difference between the treatment Guardiola gave him, and the way that Saints would have to use Delap, is that Pep had some pretty good players at his disposal, and was able to pick and choose when to give Foden time, even though football fans everywhere were thinking "Why hasn't he picked Foden?" I guess what I'm saying is that I would prefer a more experienced purchase for the forward line, even if only to protect Delap himself for a bit longer, which is what I suspect Pep is doing.

Good to see you living up to your username, Milton!

Well done to Coalman and Diabolus Ex Machina for having a reasoned debate, and for keeping it civil. Plus Lighthouse for his contributions and 'umpiring'. I understand the various points made by all those arguing the plus and minus qualities of Ralph, even those of you who are totally wrong! My question, though, is this: Which team or club in the Prem at the moment, or recently, is seen as being managed "perfectly"? Is there anyone else who has never bought a bad player? Or overpaid? Or given a wrong or overlong contract? Who do we really wish we were?

Source?

I'm all for being a bit negative at times. I prefer to call it pragmatism.

I think this is right. I still see something in Smallbone, and believe there is a player there. Let's not forget his lack of experience so far.

Am I allowed to say that I like the new strip?

I f you go onto youtube, there's a video of Adam Armstrong scoring a goal for Blackburn the season before last that's just about identical to that goal...

You're so right about the overall purpose of pre-season friendlies, and of a football forum, but there are some contributors above who are doing exactly that. Suggesting all sorts of conclusions from one match. Or perhaps they're just trying to wind me up... For what it's worth, I have been following Saints pre-season matches for many years now, and I always used to think that when things were going well pre-season, Saints struggled when it came to the real thing, and vice versa, and I go back to the Ted Bates days, when pre-season involved matches against AC Delco or Havant at Stoneham.