austsaint

I agree. LB is innocent unless proven otherwise, but if he has assaulted someone resulting in serious injury he is a bloody idiot and his immediate playing future should be in doubt.

Good summary Smirking!! You've covered all the context bases.

It does seem as though the team is still unsettled by the method of Aps exit.

This is the thing isn't it. The situation that's going on with sacking of AP and the yes/no new appointment drains the enthusiasm away. I'm feeling similar to when Pearson was removed - sapped of the joy of following SFC. It'll come back though!!!! Adkins will do.

Not playing Waigo regularly and appearing not to back his retention was one of the few criticisms I had of AP.

Watched the game on Bet 365 - Guly looked promising and once he settles will be an asset. It must be a bit bewildering for him to take in all the happenings of the last couple of weeks. The whole side looks shell shocked and dis-spirited...I thought young Oxo looked really good though not yet the finished article; Connolly ok; Ricky awful.

What shocking news. Let's hope the club name the stadium or a stand within to perpetuate the memory of this generous human being.

We used to. His name was Papa!!!

Yes, that's right. In Australia the game will be on Bet 365 at 9:45pm Saturday night.

Not only a good keeper with the best part of his career in front of him, but judging by interviews a very genuine, down-to-earth fellow too.

confident

Really hits the mark....there should be no debate comparing AP and NP. When NP was dumped by Lowe I not only agonized about losing such a promising managerial talent but doubted the club would find someone as good in the near future. The fact that we have now a manager of similar background and quality is just one of the great things about supporting SFC in the last year.

Geez I hope they do!!

I think Papa's 'sub' status says more about APs mindset than the players ability. AP didn't choose to have Papa come to SFC.....imo it's the only mistake AP made all season in his assessment of players. If the buying price was fair and Papa wanted to stay it would be crazy not to keep him.

I will be scratching my head in disbelief if Papa isn't offered a return to Saints. A very gifted player and at times very exciting to watch. I'm sure there will be negotiations with Reading for Antonio. Like many on here, I wish Chris Perry well in the future - a model pro over many seasons.

Am I alone in thinking Andrew Surman wouldn't make the Saints starting lineup next season?

Totally agree, Gemmel - AP is an impressive Manager and his interviews are always worth listening to - insightful, genuine and without cliche. Funnily enough he reminds me a little of Nigel P. in his interview style and as a man worthy of respecting and trusting. As you say, if the form guide is anything to go by we should emulate Leicester 12 months ago and Norwich this year when the new season begins. Like others though, I worry about the Tuesday nights on bog grounds and against opposition intent only on spoiling and negating open football.

Add me in to that.

The other thing that caught my eye in watching the highlights was his good right foot cross in the first half

Great being able to listen in to the game tonight. Getting up at 5am for night games and staying up until midnight for 3pm GMT games has been a pleasure this season. Whether we fall just short of playoffs or storm in at the death, nothing can take away the spectacular rebuilding of SFC this season. Well done to AP; the staff and the players. Really enjoyed the class of sub. coming on tonight....Papa, Connolly and Barnard :-)

Thanks Wes. Interesting report to read. These grinding 1-0 results against strong opponents are a welcome new dimension of the AP era.

Alpine, As a fan living outside of the UK as well, I would recommend Saints Player. There have a few hiccups; but not many!! Interviews, highlights and whole match replays for home games are good value for the annual fee. The audio live coverage of games isn't too bad either...I'm even warming to Dave Merrington's special comments. Overall it's much better quality and value for money than the old Saints TV.

Seriously; this has to be a wind up. It's hard to get your head round the impatience, cynicism and poor judgement wrapped up in Charlie W.s comment. From oblivion a short time ago to how things are now looks pretty sweet to me. AP is a top class Manager in this division; and higher. Sit back, smell the roses and enjoy the fact you have a club on the rise, and a future.

I find this an odd claim. Surely all players who started the season and those who AP has brought in would have been aware of the likelihood of staying in L1 this season. Why join or remain with the team otherwise? Next year was always going to be the more likely promotion push. I think AP has done a good job; my main complaint is that he has underplayed Waigo.

I'm wondering if AP doesn't "rate" Papa because he's not a Pardew signing! Papa made a huge contribution against Pompey - not only his pace and skill, but his willingness to track back and help out in defence. Subbing him at the 70 min. mark makes me suspicious that AP has his mind set against him.