Piran

Are we not making it in the top flight? Or is 'making it' being like the super-rich clubs, with their wealthy owners buying success? Is there any merit in being like that, with all links to local people and players being severed? There are many Manchester United fans still rueing the Glazers takeover; Everton have spent plenty. What have they won? Spurs have 'the world's greatest stadium', and have spent hundreds of millions. Where are they in the league? I just feel a little perspective is needed, and constantly wonder about the negativity shown by 'supporters' on here.

My first trip to Anfield was in 1971, Liverpool vs Leeds in a European tie. I was on a ship in Cammell Laird's yard in Birkenhead, (now THERE'S a shit-hole, per the other thread) and 3 of us decided to go along, and ended up on the Kop. I fully agree with Spyinthesky's comments above, particularly the frightening bit!

I think, Dellman, that you and I are among the small minority on this forum now of people who actually saw Paine play, hence the number of people including him in their 'best ever' squads. I agree with all of your post - we really have had some great players to watch over the years.

Well, I for one wouldn't, and I hope that those who know me don't consider that I am a liar. I like the point above, imagine that every club in the current Premier league received similar investment to that which NUFC are about to get. Would every club's fans be equally excited, and expect to win everything?

I think that unknown reason could be the fact that Brighton aren't playing this weekend. Or something else.

I loved the YouTube video. Some really great players there. As my first Dell game was in 1958, I saw a lot of Terry Paine, and agree with all the comments above praising him. I won't give a favourite XI for Saints, I'd struggle to leave out so many players! Those first few years, though, in the old 2nd Division, gave schoolboys like me their heroes in Paine, George O'Brien and Derek Reeves, and later on Ron Davies, Mickey Channon, Phil Boyer and Peter Osgood, (the comment above about Ossie being past it when he played for us may be a little bit true, but I always felt he was worth the entry fee just to see him play). It's obvious from my picks above that most are forwards, hence my not picking them in a team formation, but one player who has to be included for me in any Best Saints XI is Alan Ball - his contribution was, in my opinion, tremendous.

What is this elusive thing, a 'football brain'? Who has it? Any of our current players? Ralph? Do you, Mr X?

You're probably right. Like that titch Jimmy Greaves, who never got anywhere due to his height and strength. Or Lionel Messi. I'll say it again - Armstrong will be a success here. He's got that goal-scorers touch, just a matter of acclimatising. All just my opinion, of course

It looks as if the problem lies with your expectations, Nick. Don't let your mood slip into a depressed state. Follow Adrian's suggestion and accept the Saints' position! It is far more enjoyable and realistic point of view, and occasionally you'll have a pleasant surprise! And a little tip - avoid like the plague the in-match forums, where all the pessimists gather like vultures - your mood will thank you.

Apparently, yes.

I agree with your comments about experience, at the back and in midfield. I will be interested to see what happens with Salisu. He did get properly bullied by Calvert-Lewin last season. Like a rabbit in the headlights, and he looked quite shocked, so to me it will be interesting to see how he reacts in future to a big strong opponent. Maybe he will, with the help of the coaches, have gained the experience that you mention in JWP and Romeu, and improve as we would wish him to. If he doesn't, then I fear for him, because Saintsweb critics won't be the only ones who have noticed last years' performance!

I've been happy to use this for a while, and find it pretty good. Sometimes the commentary is in Dutch, or Spanish, (or even non-existant once), which is sometimes preferable! A tip - occasionally I get a buffering (?) delay, my advice is to just log off and reload, don't bother sitting there waiting.

The last time I went to Goodison, mate was driving and I was quite shocked when he willingly paid (a fiver then, I think) to park on a cleared building site, run by a lad aged about 15, but everything was fine. My mate said that there was competition amongst the 'parkers', and they took a pride in looking after their 'clients' cars.

Imagine the following scenario...... this time next year, JWP has just seen his (Saints) team finish a healthy 8th in the Premier League, they've been far in both cup competitions, he has a personal tally of 8 goals (including half a dozen spectacular direct free kicks) and a dozen assists, and his young team-mates have grown and thrived in the team. Why would he want to go anywhere else? He still has years left on a valuable contract, and bigger clubs than Aston Villa are casting envious glances. A Panglossian dream maybe, but not totally unfeasible.

I thought the same (never seen him live) and am surprised that I haven't seen more comparisons of a similar nature on here. It must be the scrawny beard!

Your opening words sum up why you don't rate Shilton.

Are you trying to say that the club are making plans for the future? And that someone at the club might actually know what they're doing? I don't think this sort of thinking will go down too well with many on this forum....

I guess it is a certainty. If you're a raging pessimist, I suppose. And no doubt DT will agree with you.

Is this based on the two friendlies against Cardiff and Swansea? (The subject of this thread). The only goal conceded was a rash own goal! I have said above how little importance I attach to the results of pre-season friendlies, but I fail to see how the defence is 'still a concern' after these two matches.

As a chance to post something negative?

I see it differently with these 3 players. I see the first two, Obefami and Tella, as players who are learning their craft, and showing improvement all the time. If you want the finished object, do as Manchester United did, and import a Cavani, or a Fernandez. You'll have to pay them, though..... As for Smallbone, it was a shame he was injured when he was. He looked to me to be someone who was 'getting it' pretty quickly. Personally, I get a lot more satisfaction, and feel a lot more involved, when the club are able to introduce players who have come up through the ranks. Give 'em a bit of support!

I watched the whole game thanks to the excellent Cardiff City TV broadcast, and would agree with most of the above. EXCEPT I didn't see a dreadful player in Stephens. I think perhaps some people have made their minds up, and are looking to be critical. Why? Regarding Salisu, the comments above are fair, but isn't it the job of the coaching staff to put him right on the dribbling out? There may be trouble ahead if he persists with it! In general, been watching Saints for over 60 years now, and pleasing though last night's result was, one thing I do know is that you can't take too much notice of pre-season friendly results!

Yes, very good. Informative, knowledgeable, and fair. Got to say, Cardiff City TV put on a better show than Cardiff City FC. I didn't think they offered much of a challenge, but these pre-season games can be quite deceiving, and as someone above said, you can only beat what's in front of you.....

I know it's all about opinions, but I would prefer our Jack to Nat Phillips. I have only seen a few games with him playing for L'pool, but thought he looked a bit dodgy, and can recall at least two occasions when he was bailed out by team-mates for 'offences' that would have had the Saintsweb intelligentsia howling, had Stephens committed them.

I remember him joining us back in the days when I never missed a Dell game. An immediate improvement to the team, a touch of class, real hard worker and proper leadership on the pitch. Something we could do with now, I reckon.