Manuel

Perhaps that was the problem. Typical poor management, leaving the talent on the bench

"– likes to maraud forward" Nice. We could do with a marauder. Fingers crossed he can step up.

"You do not just get past Victor Wanyama" There was a meme going round in those days with a pic of Vic below that statement (or something like it) which was superb. edit: we could so do with him now at his best

Well I hope he doesn't get banned again. Interesting poster.

One Abdul-Nasir Oluwatosin Oluwadoyinsolami Adarabioyo, there's only one Abdul-Nasir Oluwatosin Oluwadoyinsolami Adarabioyo...

I enjoyed the times in L1 and Championship and went to more games then than ever. The crowds were smaller but seemed to have more fervour. It may be my imagination but there seemed to be more variety of songs/chants then too, although I used to stand in the Northam then so perhaps just paid attention more. Losing 3-4 to Leeds sucked though, but generally we were on the up.

I believe people like her are holding back progression. She claims to be antiracist but seems obsessed by race. How can you be antiracist and use a slur (coconut) which specifically refers to skin colour? I suspect she labours under the misapprehension that people of colour can't be racist even though they behave as such.

Yes I quite like the look of him. I'm not too concerned about the "overhitting of balls down the channel" criticism either, as that is definitely something you can improve on with practice.

I think we've persevered with Ralph because when we HAVE been good, we have been very, very good and could virtually beat anyone. He's obviously got something, but seems to be leading us in the wrong direction for too long now. I'd like him to succeed but it seems like he's lost the ability or has been sussed out.

Oddly with Moussa, I thought he was at his best when he arrived. I think he's one of those who needs less management and is left to do his own thing.

I remember Koeman saying that you can't press all the time.

I would take 8-0 now if you offered it.

Good interview today. Says he's most effective playing down the middle. https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2021-08-10/video-adam-armstrong-first-interview-southampton-football-club-2021

I understand that Livramento can play well on the left, so might also cover for/challenge Perraud to save Djenepo having to get involved...

Why not, I love a bit of nostalgia. Bungle was my favourite.

Yeah, very annoying. We got Majorca cancelled, got the hotel refunded but not the flights (they were fairly cheap so no real drama). I took a chance on Malta for next week because of their impressive vaccination rate and it seems to have worked out. It was a risk though, I almost didn't bother because of the risks you mention. The government need to give people, who have invested their hard earned money, some wriggle room under these circumstances rather than effectively punishing them for following guidance appropriate at the time.

Isn't that more than the fine for not quarantining? I'd head home and put my feet up.

Scientists can't read a duck's mind. I suspect it's how they do yoga.

I would take 17th right now. I think we may be around this area and hope we have the mental fortitude to stay above the drop.

Yep, hopefully Bertrand will give him some service for a change.

Marion Pahars and Rickie Lambert

Excellent news. Always thought he deserved a second chance.

Yeah, I'd go with this. I read about Ings/Ralph relationship turning sour but I don't really buy it. He nearly got the golden boot under Ralph and this system. Ok we lost Romeu, and a little form but I suspect at the end of the day it was all about money. No surprises there I guess.

They made an offer they couldn't refuse. Ings plus £70m to spend can generate a fair bit of ambition. I hope we spend our £30m wisely.

Sad that Ings sees Villa as a more attractive prospect than us.