Born In The 80s

Just got back to my hotel and thought i'd have a quick look online before i hit Liverpool tonight (mainly to read what Adkins said but couldn't help popping over here to have a look). As others have said, it was an awful performance. The thing that i am most disappointed with however, is the lack of fight, passion and effort on display from our boys today. The first half was embarrassing. They were up for it and were giving it everything, whereas we seemed to lack all those personal and mental qualities (fight, passion, belief) that you desperately need when you go away to small clubs with bad pitches. It's very very disappointing, as after last week's bad result against Notts County, this game was very important to stay on track. I posted a while ago saying that drawing Man Utd in the cup may have a negative effect on the team as the game draws closer. Well, todays performance absolutely stank of a team who had their eye on a 'big' fixture coming up. We played like a team usually does on the last day of the season when they've made the FA Cup final. Timid, half-arsed and frankly, going through the motions, hoping not to pick up a knock for the big game next week. It's disappointing to see. Some of you may obviously not agree with me, but i for one will be delighted to see the back of any meaningless cup games, when there are FAR more important league games coming up thick and fast throughout Feb, March and April. Anyway, not a totally wasted trip, here's to a good night in Liverpool!

Now i admit i was there, but judging from what the bar staff at whitehouse, people on here who were there and people on here who had friends there or around the area have said about the incident, i'm very surprised Barnard is ONLY looking at ABH. As someone else has pointed out on this thread, when a weapon such as a bottle is used, the charge is usually GBH. I'm now more confident Barnard will avoid a jail sentence. I'd say he gets community service and a big fine.

Hilarious mate! Laughed through all of that rant. I can't believe you're getting so worked up over the personal decision of a few saints fans not to go to (in all reality) a meaningless FA Cup fixture. But that's not the reason i'm not going. Funnily enough it will be the first cup game i've missed this season. But here is a few points as to why i've decided not to go... 1) The home end WILL have plenty of United fans there. I'm not proud to admit it, but this really REALLY winds me up. Last time i had 3 sarcastic ****s sat behind me making comments every 5 minutes as i began to get more and more wound up. I couldn't cope with it. 2) The atmosphere. The way it transpired last time we played them (with the Northam going to Utd), you had families, utd fans and occassional saints fans all mixed in with the regulars. This stopped me doing a number of things. Firstly, i like to stand. Secondly, when i shout i don't like being looked at like i'm some kind of alien. This also includes foul language. It makes me feel better to scream abuse at Rooney, Giggs, Mike Rielly etc, and i just don't feel comfortable doing that in front of children. 3) Man Utd. I utterly despise everything about them. 4) Corruption. The refs will do everything in their power to put United through. Penalties, red cards, disallowing goals, you name it. I'm already bracing myself for another 'controversial afternoon at St Mary's'. You can call me a conspiracy theorist all you like, but i just don't want to be there to witness that kind of heartache yet again. There are other reasons, i just can't be bothered to note them. Now, in my local, i'll be able to drink and enjoy my Saturday regardless of the result with all my mates. I will be able to swear at the TV if i don't like something (which will make me feel better). If someone behind me is annoying me, i can simply move to the other side of the bar. Plus i will also not feel obliged to stay till the end of the game to justify the 30 quid ticket price, like i did last time which only made me feel even more miserable. Promotion is my main aim this season. But that's not to say it won't be absolutely unbelievably amazing if we did manage to beat United. I would genuinely love it. I just don't truly believe it can happen (and that has nothing to do with how i think we'll play, but more to do with the referee). And besides, i'd rather go to a real game of football at St James park against Exeter City the following Tuesday - for me, that is what real football is all about nowadays. Other than that, i certainly don't feel the need to justify how passionately i feel about saints to you.

Come back and say 'i told you so'? Why the hell would i do that?! What an odd thing to say. This isn't the school playground mate. I couldn't give two ****s whether you agree or disagree with my opinion and i'm certainly not interested in telling anyone i'm right or their wrong. The beauty of football is that everyone has their own unique opinion. All i was saying was that players may be more focused on (and naturally so) the United game as opposed to some of the 'less glamorous' league fixtures that are coming up. I'm not saying that the players will delibrately pull out of challenges, put in less effort in training etc, but until the united game, the thought of playing against Man Utd in front of a packed house live on ITV will always be in the back of their minds. In previous years, when pushing for promotion, cup competitions and long runs involving games against big sides have proved to be a negative distraction. Let's just hope the players take it one game at a time starting with Oldham tonight.

Yup, i'll be giving this one a miss too. Remember the last time we played them and what a total joke the game and atmosphere was. Last time between the plastic saints fans, the man utd fans in the home end and the referee and fixed outcome (as it usually is when Man Utd play) i had a truly **** day and was back in the pub well before the final whistle. 4 of us have agreed that we'll have a much better time getting tickets and flogging them for £50 odd each (maybe even more depending on how much i get offered) and then having a good old session in the pub with out profits. Far more enjoyable and i can watch it all on ITV whilst getting smashed. Happy days. I don't really understand why so many Saints fans like this draw. All it does is provide a distraction from the absolutely vital league games we have coming up. I'll be keeping a close eye on our form over the next few weeks and over the last month we've been fantastic.

I completely agree with Turkish and can't really see how people are arguing with him to be honest. I guess this thread goes to prove that football truly is a game of different opinions. When i compare this team to the one last year, there really is no comparison. I think we've been poor this year, both before and after Adkins. If you ask me, that is a direct effect of unsettling the squad just 3 games into the season by sacking the manager. Last season one thing that struck me is that we seemed like a happy squad. You never heard any rumblings of players misbehaving/falling out with staff etc. We finally had a squad who wanted to play for the manager. It took a bit of time to get going (as it does in most clubs around the country), but once we started to gel from about October onwards, we were the team to beat in the division along with Norwich. We weren't only scrapping 1 and 2 nil wins either. We were rolling over pretty much any team in the league. I don't know where this 'hoof ball' thing came from. I went to all but a few of last years games and enjoyed the vast majority of them from October onwards. This year has been the total opposite unfortunately. We had a poor start by last season's standards (3 points from 3 games), but surely Pardew deserved at least till xmas to get us into the top 2? I strongly believe we'd be sitting alongside Brighton at the top now if Pardew was still here. When you're in this league, heart and passion count for a lot more than some fans realise. Anyone who thinks our squad is not the best in this division is barking mad. From 1 to 11 we have one of the best players in the division in each position. The real difference is the attitude of some of our players. We've lost that cutting edge that we had last year when we used to show teams no mercy. I feel sorry for Adkins because there is little he can do. These are Pardew's players, and it looks as though some of them are still reeling from his sacking. I know people will point to Adkins record as being 'pretty good'. But really, you need to look deeper than that. Look at the games we've played. We've had a run of very straightforward home games and i'm yet to really see us look a happy unit and play a side off the park. Now, unless something drastically changes, i can't see us replicating last season's 2nd half results this year. The squad looks disjointed and unhappy to go on any meaningful run.

Ha! Tell me about it Rut. Looks like that was one hell of a snowstorm they had there though. http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news ... ec-12-2010 That's a video of the roof actually collapsing. Scary stuff! I wouldn't be surprised if our owner Zygi Wilf tampered with the roof himself in another attempt to secure us a new stadium. The timing really couldn't be better! Other than that though, i'm gutted it's not on today. Sky sports were showing the game and now i definately won't get to see it. Be interesting to see how many fans are there tomorrow night in Detroit. Apparently it's free but with the weather how it is i can't imagine any fans being able to attend if they are outside Detroit. Must confess i hadn't heard of NFL Redzone until recently but it looks like a great idea.

Nah, i'm in Southampton but i watch online. We also get a few "NFL total access" shows a week on sky sports off here, so that's always good to see what the 'experts' think. Quinn for Peyton Hillis? Man that's got to hurt as a Broncos fan! Predictions? AFC 1) Pats 2) Steelers 3) Colts (I reckon they win 4 straight from here) 4)Chiefs (I think they just edge out the Chargers) 5) Jets 6) Ravens Looks like 2 strong wildcards there and i think they can both go deel into the play offs. If i'm calling this now though, i just can't look past Brady the way he's playing right now. He was frightening on Monday night and i've got to go with them for the AFC Championship. It's also worth noting that they have an embarrassing amount of draft picks next year. I really sobering thought for any teams in the AFC trying to keep up with Brady's 'inexperienced kids'. NFC 1) Falcons 2) Eagles 3) Packers 4) Rams (but really who cares) 5) Saints 6) Bears The NFC is tough to call but i reckon the Falcons just edge out the Saints and the Packers get past the Bears. But really, it's anyones once we get to post season. From a totally biased point of view i pray it's not the Packers or Saints, but only time will tell i guess. If i were to pick one, i'd go for the Packers (depressingly). But either way, it should be a really interesting post season.

It's gunna be a similar experiment over the next 4 games from the Broncos and Studesville and it has/will be for Leslie Frazier and the Vikes. Funnily enough, i was watching NFL Network and they seem to think Frazier is top of the Broncos wanted list for HC. We'll see about that i guess. Perhaps we may even have a look at McDaniels for offensive co-ordinator, as our one (Bevell) sucks so bad and (i hope) is going to get fired. With regards to your QB situation, is Brady Quinn still around? I always found that weird that McDaniels when for Quinn, Tebow and Orton. I guess it really is anyone's guess who you have under centre next year. Favre can get lost now. I'm grateful for what he did for the Vike last year and what he's done for the NFL in the past 2 decades, but now he has to retire before he completely tarnishes his career. We need to draft a QB high next year and develop him. I'd take Andrew Luck or Jack Locker depending on how we do over the next few games. Plus please god, not another year of Favre, and PLEASE not anymore of Jackson!

Rut, What do you think of Kyle Orton? Must say, i have been really impressed with him this year. I understand he's a free agent after the year? Think the Broncs will keep him on, or turn to Tebow? My team Minnesota have got a problem at QB after this season and i'd take Orton in a heart beat if he was available...

Hahahaha! There is no way you are a genuine poster. You're just looking for a reaction like you do over on the football forum. I don't believe it's possible to get so down about things as quickly as you do. If you really do believe what you say, then god help your family. I know i couldn't put up with you in my house!

Despite the score being 0-0, I haven’t enjoyed myself at a game like I did last night all season. It was probably the best quality of football I’ve seen in any of the league 1 games I’ve watched over the last 18 months and Brighton fully played their part in that. I’ve read a lot of posts this afternoon whinging about Brighton and their negative tactics and I couldn’t disagree with the more. It was clear in the first half that we were all over them and I’d be willing to bet that any other team in the league would have buckled under the pressure we threw at them. Periods of solid, out and out pressure usually last in quick bursts, but last night we threw everything at them for the first 35/40 minutes of the game. It takes a very brave defence to withstand that kind of pressure when your forward line is misfiring as much as there’s was last night in the first half, and I thought they defended fantastically well. Probably the best defence I’ve seen in this division. The game reminded me so much of another midweek game at St Mary’s in our first year down from the prem against Reading. After that night I remember reading similar comments from saints fans about negative reading tactics, and how they won’t win the league etc. Well, they did and they fully deserved it. I know it’s early days still, but Brighton look every bit good enough to get automatically promoted in the same fashion that Reading did. Football isn’t as straightforward a game as some fans like to think. Sometimes, when your front line is playing badly and your away at one of the divisions stronger sides, what’s needed is strong, committed, resolute defending and that’s exactly the kind of performance that Brighton gave. They were organised, disciplined and as for the time wasting whingers, I didn’t see Kelvin rushing to take the goal kicks in injury time (which really ****ed me off by the way). I could be wrong, but I think Brighton will look back on games like last night at the end of the season and think what a great battling point they gained with their backs to the wall. Can we say the same about our performances when we’ve been in a similar position? Huddersfield sticks out like a sore thumb to me. A very similar type game, in which would have been a great point for us if we’d got it. But we failed to show the battling qualities that Brighton showed last night and ended up losing. Unless we correct that in the coming months, I’m afraid we won’t go up automatically. I’m not being negative, just realistic.

Utterly pathetic. Radio off. Pub time!

Ok, i'll be the first to say it. WHAT THE **** ARE YOU PLAYING AT ADKINS?!?!

I am shocked that any saints fan is surprised at this pathetic start. We've been awful for a while now (bar the Tranmere game, when we were playing against what looked like the local blind school), and a poor result was always on the cards against any half decent side. Beating the ****e sides and losing to the good teams isn't good enough for a squad that boasts the kind of firepower ours does.

Should be a good game at Wembley. Tough one to call as most of them are this year. If i were to back one i'd go with the 49ers just. I had them as a shoe in to win their division this year and they've got to start picking up sometime. As for the Broncos, they really need a running game. Now they've got a QB in Orton who suits their style of offense, they could genuinely make a play off push next year if they just improve on the ground. I don't think the Saints are as good this year. To be honest, they were very lucky to win it last year when the Vikings pretty much gave them the NFC championship game. They've lost a few keys players who can make a difference this year. One being Reggie Bush (injured), who is a big time game changer for them. I don't see them winning their division. The Falcons look strong. But as you say, this is one of the most unpredictable seasons ever so realistically very few teams are totally out of the running just yet. For me, all the strongest teams are in the AFC this year. The Jets, Steelers, Ravens, Pats and Colts are all better teams than all the NFC teams. The big guns in the NFC have been extremely disappointing. Cowboys, Packers, Vikings, Saints all look bad. But with everything being so tight, anything is still possible. 9-7 may well win you a couple of divisions this year and get you into the post season.

The world XI is fair enough, although personally i would have had Brian Lara in. That guy was an incredible player in a very average side for a lot of his career (especially batting wise). It's much much easier coming in at 80-1 or 150-2, than it is coming in at 15-2 like Lara had to do a lot in his career. You're right about the "readers XI". McGrath being in is a joke.

I try and steer clear of watching games like these on TV. It's the same story every single week and still some pundits harp on about refereeing decisions "evening themselves out". Utter utter ********. Refs want the big teams to win. Anyone else noticed how Man City have all of a sudden been "lucky" with several refereeing decisions so far this season? Hmm, i wonder why that is. Funny how it's NEVER Blackpool who get awarded a contenious goal/penalty, and it is ALWAYS Man Utd/Liverpool/Man City. The premiership is corrupt to the core.

Rooney's clearly not as dumb as i thought. He wanted his 160k a week, and he was going to get it at any cost. Frankly, he's played Man Utd and Sir Alex like an absolute dream to get what he wants. A sad sad day for football when a player can manipulate a club with such a proud history as United's. I'd laugh my tits off if he breaks his leg in the next game he plays.

"Volleyed over the bar by Puncheon". Hmmm, heard that one before.

Tell me about it mate. ****ing dreadful. So bad that i went to join my mates (who told me it would be shyte before the game) back at the pub after about 10 minutes of the first half. That new signing looked so bad, it was actually quite funny and for anyone who stayed till the end, seriously fair play, because i don't know how you can put yourselves through such crap. By the way, although i despise Cortese, the players were a ****ing disgrace today. In fact, they were so worryingly disinterested that i'd wager that already some are looking to move on in January now that Pards isn't here. Lambert, Fonte, Schniderlin and Harding could well be gone in few months...

Of course they will be. It would be stupid of Cortese to not target the hardcore fans. At the end of the day, a hardcore fan is going to go whatever the price. Charge them extra for a season ticket, extra for beer, extra for a pie, extra for parking and yet there will always be a certain group that will still turn up. Cortese obviously knows this and he is certainly using this to boost the funds. As i said previously though, i am not in the slightest bit surprised by this, nor am i really bitter about it. That is the nature of modern football ladies and gents. Fans do come last and will get pooed on. Some people on this board really need to get over that.

Yup, spot on mate. The players also have to pay to park and i personally see nothing wrong with that. I am amazed that so many people have been getting their knickers in a twist over Cortese's "money-making" schemes. Unfortunately, football is (and has been for the last 10 years) ALL about making money. Fans that still want to play the "what about us fans" card need to get real. The days of us fans having a say in anything are long gone. We were forgotten about long ago and that is just the nature of football today. If you don't like that, you should stop watching as you're only going to get more and more wound up, as things are going to get a hell of a lot worse. Especially if you think paying £10 to park for an away game is steep!

Why so much hate towards those that booed? Just for the record, i booed as i was totally ****ed off with the performance. Am i not entitled to my opinion? As some have said previously, they've had months of preparation. Last year some pointed to lack of pre-season as an excuse. Well they certainly can't do that this time round. There are absolutely no excuses and today was extremely worrying. The players need to know that that kind of performance isn't good enough and fingers crossed, they got the message.

Yet another very frustrating game! Really isn't looking good for us this year. Although funnilly enough i genuniely think we're 1 decent strike bowler away from being a very good 4 day side. Herath has been hugely disappointing for me. It's a shame because i reckon young Danny Briggs would have done just as good a job, if not better than Herath oer the last couple of games. If we'd have stuck with Briggs, and instead of Herath, added an overseas seamer with pace, i think we'd have had a couple of championship wins this season. Our bowling line up really lacks penetration and that is costing us when we need to knock over the tail quickly.