RichardNZ

The answer is Matt Crowe, 12,000 miles - he was staying with us here in Auckland for a few weeks, he could have stayed on longer, but decided he would not be able to miss the game so had to fly back. Matt - if you're reading this, the sea was lovely and warm tonight!

Or Paul Ifill, playing very well for the Wellington Phoenix and the main reason they are in the top half of the table.

Not quite on subject, but bear with me: Larry Ellison (the 14th richest man in the world according to Forbes magazine back in August, CEO of Oracle), sailed into Auckland today on his superyacht. I thought I would look him up on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Ellison), and after listing his career, wives (4 at last count), and interests - especially sailing, I fell off my chair when I read: "Sports Ellison has been rebuffed in his attempts to buy the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco 49ers. He is now pursuing ownership of a potential future NFL franchise in Los Angeles as well as a possible investment into British soccer team Southampton FC.[citation needed]" In Wikipedia world presumably "citation needed" means that the source is unattributed; even so, this could be the start of a great rumour. Who was that other American computer software chappie who wanted to buy Saints for no other reason than it would be a good place to park his boat? Anyway, I'm looking forward to us putting in a bid for Kaka, Hampshire is so much more congenial than Manchester. If I bump into the great man over the next few days I shall quiz him on his knowledge of past Saints greats, to see if he is "a fit and proper person" to take over our club.

Duncan - Great idea for a topic, and terrific escapism from the current reality. I lived next door to Kevin in Otterbourne from 1993 to 1998; lovely friendly bloke, never name-dropped or played on his (relative) fame. On my last trip home last UK summer heard from friends in Otterbourne that he wasn't too well. Great shame, especially as he went to the effort of preparing properly for a career post-football by qualifying as a surveyor.

Been here for a year and a half, live on Auckland's North Shore, and earlier this year took my 7 year old Harry to watch England's cricket team at Eden Park (20/20), and Hamilton & Napier for Tests. Harry wore his Saints shirt to all the games, so we met up with several Saints fans at each game. Have also seen a SAINTS plate around Auckland. We went back for a couple of weeks in July, and Harry's highlight was going to the Celtic friendly and seeing MLT play for 15 mins - he can hopefully tell his grandchildren about it!