Paul.Studio

Worse player I watched from that era. His square passing I suppose could fit today's team but I would hope not to see the likes of him again. My uncle's neighbour used to rate him and I can still remember them arguing while coming home from the Dell across the floating bridge at woolston. We don't want that back - and no more Jimmy melias thanks saints!

I don't think the manager could have done anymore today (perhaps bring on Boufal before Redmond) WBA deserved nothing from this game. I don't know why we don't shoot more from outside the box (we seem to practice that at Staplewood). I still can't see us beating a top 6 team so really need to win the next two games.

Absolutely this - only saw TV highlights but we dont look a team - if VVD is the Captain and highest paid player then he should get the fans back on side by leading the team and changing our fortunes! It is still early days and i know he is not a striker but can uplift the team to get us scoring and creating. Lemina also should be playing. How was Hoedt yesterday?

I would like to see him training with the 1st team and in the squad for the Wolves game. Very good news and hopefully with Hoedt and Vietto - a very good summer.

I wonder if the sale (if at all) of VVD will affect who/when we are going to buy anyone? (apart from then needing another CB). Still cant understand why the backroom staff haven't been agreed/announced. Surely they need as much time as possible with the squad before 12 August?

Well - I think Sane is a better player than Mane! doesn't bode well against the other top 6 teams but with Romeu and VVD not playing it was only going to be one result. I think if we had tried different tactics we may have scored 1 but they would have had 6 or 7 with no Romeu. I think Boufal really hasn't got to grips with the Premier league. Only one better team than City now and that's our next game away - I expect to be on 40 points for another couple of weeks.

I quite agree that we should sign both. Even if it is for the future - Defence is the one position where keeping the same players together is a big bonus so sorting out this area for the future (as well of course for this season) is a good idea. Good defensive players are a premium and Koulibaly and VVD could both end up as defensive midfielders so its an area we may not need to review at the start of 2016 season. I think this year will be a roller coaster ride but Koeman & Co will really want to have a go with a settled and experienced squad in the last year of his contract. For me - Koulibaly this week and VVD by the end of the window.

Thought we were just beaten by the better side today - if their form continues like today - they will be top 6 - Team selection seemed OK at Kick Off but big gaps in midfield and defence not protected showed our weakness. I thought Romeu did a good job when he came on and looked more up to it then some of the others. Pelle was good but no decent support today. If the Mane chance had gone in then a different game altogether. Cant see that performance will be repeated again especially at home. 2-3 players required by end of month - CB & Defensive Midfield and would like to see a utility player but I guess that could be Martina's role. Attack will be fine once defence is sorted. I think even with Schneiderlin and Clyne we would have lost today.

I don't post a lot but I do read this forum every day - I cant see someone of the calibre of Ronald Koeman joining this set up with his brother etc. and not knowing what was/would/is happening with players. I am sure he would like to bring in his own players and whereas normally this would take some time (maybe even a season) then he has a golden opportunity to start with nearly a blank canvas. The priority is always Southampton Football Club - no individual is greater or more important than that. I believe we may struggle at the start of the season (opposite to last year) but will be definitely a top 10 team by the season end - I think we will finish at least 8th. I think 3 or 4 signings wont come until near the end of the transfer window although if Lovren/Chambers goes this weekend than at least one of them will be replaced next week.

Thanks Eric for jogging the memory - i was living there in 1982 so would have indeed been the game. My main other memory was driving with my uncle and two neighbors from Bursledon across the old floating bridge at Woolston and they used to argue all the time about Saints players - one thought Hugh Fisher was a good player and my Uncle thought he was poor at best - wish now i had kept a diary and some photos from those times.

Born and Bred in North Devon Lived in Raymond Road near the Dell for 1 year. First Game - 1967 V Crewe Alexandra in the League Cup WON 3-1 (Mick Channon was a substitute) Hero was Ron Davies My Uncle who was on Stoke Citys books and played with Stanley Matthews lived in Bursledon and Saints were nearest 1st Div team. Saved up once a month to visit Aunt/Uncle and watch Saints. Best Saints Game - first game of season when we beat Man City at The Dell 2-1 (cant remember the year) but it was the Keegan era - he had a flying sort of bicycle kick disallowed which would have been the best goal i have ever seen - build up play was superb and we would have beaten anyone on that day. Best Saints Player - Pete Shilton - never stopped shouting and controlled the 18 yard box. Le Tissier overall though as he was Saints through and through! My missus says Saints are the only thing i am passionate about! - would love to move back to Southampton but it would be on my own! Bought and lost shares in Saints but love whats happening now - surrounded here by the usual Man Ure, Chelsea (dad!) and Scouse supporters so its nice to be back in the top league and winning some games!

You will see that i dont post on this site (well this is the first!) I look at the site everyday and as someone who lives in North Devon it is great to read and share with fellow Saints supporters. I had a heart attack at the back end of October (nothing to do with the Saints!!) and yours was the first site i looked up while in hospital to keep abreast of all the news. I have been a supporter since 1967 and used to regularly visit the dell where we seldom lost. I know there are a few hotheads on this forum but really - thanks to all who post and i WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS and for the BEST NEW YEAR for all Saints fans with hopefully promotion and a wembley visit!!