Badger

Not Radio Solent, but another name and voice I always associate with coverage of Saints was David Bobin. This is late 1970’s from Southern ITV. Can still hear it now.

Have to hope this episode and support from those around him at the club will have secured some goodwill. He mentioned Dragan, Johannes, and (more surprisingly perhaps) Phil in his interview, which I hope bodes well. My thought is that the new contract was probably in the pipeline towards the end of last season, but was put back in the drawer after ‘Spygate’ erupted. I’d expect it to be dusted off again soon. Really hope Tonda gets us up and has a crack in the EPL.

He interviews well in my book. Comes across as thoughtful, and meticulous in how he approaches things.

Pun intended? Perhaps a JWP masterclass up there in a Saints win will rack it up a bit for them, wondering why ‘Baldy’ saw fit to persecute a good player

Agree. Most would view promotion as a necessity and we all want Saints to compete at the higher level, the EPL leaves me cold to a large degree due to what it has become. And have to question if we can “compete”? Perhaps with more stable management (incl Spors) we will, or at least make a better go at it than the last time. A main attraction for going up (for me anyway) is being able to retain your better players. Would Charles and THB still be with us now for example ?

Think he probably is. I remember a YouTube video of Clare Balding talking about working with Saints Foundation and how her nephews (probably his kids) were all Saints fans.

Probably had a bearing. Strange that we seemed to try signing the Serbian CF but don’t know if that was a purchase or loan with option. Then at end of window made an offer (£5m) reported for a striker from Charlton.

Amazing. You’ve just highlighted a manager and fixture I hope Lego wins.

Is it really that poor a record ? Partly due to how infrequently we play them to some degree. Doesn’t seem that long ago - to me anyway - when we were playing and beating them in Division 2 in the 70’s. 2-1 at The Dell, Ron Davies scored a penalty for them. Pretty feisty afternoon with Jim Steele sent off, and someone (Saints fan) running on the pitch to attack the referee. Plenty of off field action on the terraces as well. Won 2-1 down there on Boxing Day. Following season beat them 4-0 at The Dell, Channon hat trick and absolute masterclass. Then beat them 2-1 at Nottarf Krap on the Monday after the FA Cup SF. Channon with an injury time winner. That last match did actually - literally even - relegate them. So for all the shit about ‘4-1 and we sent the scummers down’ bullshit, no they fucking didn’t, yet another Portsmyth . But we did put the final nail in their coffins to send them down.

Forest Green lost Savage this week. Don’t think they’ve replaced him. Perfect job for RM.

As were many of us, possibly longer

I’m with you on this to a large degree. After the initial shock, outburst and then a bit of an emotional wobble (perhaps just for the cameras) Hellberg has acted in a reasonably dignified fashion*. Unlike many other speakers/pundits/celebs wanting to be noticed and jumping on the bandwagon, and some supporters. Not to say Hellberg won’t let his guard slip in the build up to our fixture of course. *Behaved with a bit of ‘class’ in the modern vernacular (to use Sam Malwhatthefuck’s phrase)

Almost admire his self belief and confidence but it’s clearly misplaced. Head up his own arse.

Yes but the EFL simply had to make a decision because of the imminent Play Off final only being days away. Such an important fixture with a great deal of sponsorship money and broadcast revenue dependent on the game going ahead at the right time. Could have been serious ructions and financial implications had they postponed it (as opposed to cancelling it) Reinstating Middlesbrough was the easiest option for the EFL at short notice. Not giving Hull a bye or holding a rerun SF of Middlesbrough v Millwall or Wrexham even. But then of course it’s all about the integrity of the game, not the money.

If he is on an FA Board then I’d question whether he should be doing any punditry, never mind giving opinions publicly as a ‘rent a gob’ .