hutch

They'll obviously score their penalty, and at least one from a corner, so I'll go for... 4 - 2 Saints

That's OK then, 'coz the game's tomorrow.

Brentford?

Has to be a midfielder IMHO. Despite all his other strengths, Shearer was never a good captain (again IMHO).

The back 5 picks itself now. If Hammond's as good as we hope he is, we've got 3 options to partner him in the middle, in this order - Schneiderlin, Lallana, Melis. James on the right & Mills left when he's fit. Lambert & Paterson up front. My first choice 11 would be: Davis Murty Trotman Thomas Harding James Hammond Schneiderlin Mills Lambert Paterson Subs: Bialkowski Perry Gillet Lallana Melis Rasiak Holmes

Phil, I couldn't agree more. I'm a Brit living in South Africa (15 years) working for an Arab Company (Kuwait) with responsibility for sub-Saharan Africa, dealing mainly with African Governments on Arab/Islamic soft loan funded projects. It's a very steep learning curve for a Pommie to learn to do business the Arab way, and there's a huge gulf between the way business is done in the Western world and the rest of the world. If I was a Pompey fan, I wouldn't be holding my breath.

Fine here too

Talk of new signings/loanees in January is a bit negative, and not going to motivate the current team. I hope AP isn't taking that view. If the current team (strengthened a bit over the next couple of weeks, of course) get to mid-table or better by December, they deserve a crack at promotion. Only change in January if we're not doing well, or cover for injuries. Our biggest problem at the moment is lack of motivation, confidence and continuity.

Tickets at the gate?

Portsmouth

Only one that isn't good enough. I'm happy to be worried.

There you go then. Done deal.

The dell boys ..... hat & coat .......

I don't know if I'm the only one to feel this way, but a bit of realism wouldn't hurt. We have lost our way over the last few years. I admit to being over 50 years old. We've seen the ups and the downs, from Big Ron, Elvis, Channon, Matty, the 3 Wallaces (particularly Danny), Shearer, (and even Crouch) et al to the recent cash cows Walcott & Bale. (I'm sure I've missed a few favourites, but that's not the point). I would prefer to start at the bottom of the 4th Division with a clean slate, and prove ourselves on the pitch, rather than in the 3rd Division in Court. To an "ageing" supporter like me, it's more important to rebuild our club in a way that will eventually put us back where we should be, rather than be back in the CCC next year. Patience is a virtue. Remember our history.

Funny you should ask that. I've got "In your Time by Bob Seger playing in the background. Spooky, eh?

Was I the only one to notice that Mark Wright is a free agent again?

I prefer to believe that Pinnacle are holding out on moral/ethical grounds, and not because the funding package depends on it. If I'm right, the future is bright, the future is red & white, with some genuine men at the helm. I hope I'm not wrong.

I think that's actually the nub. As I understand it they're saying it's NOT our rules, but you still can't anyway, so ya boo sucks to you. Where have all the grown ups gone?

If he's employed by Saints, I doubt there was much in his pockets.

There's not a lot wrong with our away form this season. We're in the sh1t because of our dismal form at sms. It's not rocket science that you (should) play differently at home or away. So do other teams, so stick to the away style that's worked reasonably well so far this season. Plan 'B' seems to be working at home now (maybe), but no need to change the away style.

Not sure if you got it there, but last night here on ESPN Classic they showed the '74 England v. Poland qualifier. I'd almost forgotten what an absolutely outstanding player Channon was (and that was very far from his best game).

Early 80's away to Notts County. It poured down the whole game, and I got absolutely soaked without a waterproof. I lived in Aylesbury at the time, and when I got back to the car I stripped off all my wet clothes and drove home in my underwear. Got some very funny looks from passing drivers!

Average number of points needed to avoid relegation over the past 5 seasons is 51. That's 1.1 points per game. Saints currently just below that, but a win tonight will put them just above. Despite what you read on here, the team is playing well and IS getting better. WE ARE NOT DOOMED. COYS tonight (my first live televised match over here)

Are there any others out there?

Who wouldn't be nervous, facing our formidable strike force?