CylonKing

From a purely personal point of view, I would like any of the following away as then I'll be able to get to the match: West Brom, Leicester, Birmingham (if they get through), Notts County (if they get through, this would be perfect as I can walk to the ground), Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry or Sheffield United In fact, out of the 6 or 7 matches I've seen us play the above sides in recent years, I'm yet to see us get a win. A couple of draws but no wins. That's depressing! Here's hoping we get a win at West Brom on Saturday. At least I've got the promise of a Balti in Birmingham City Centre after the match to look forward to regardless of the result.

That video link doesn't show him at his best. Just watched some more and he looks pretty good to me, some decent assists, excellent header of the ball and seems to be in the right place at the right time to hit the target. Might not be a bad option. Looks like he can bully defenders and bring other players into the game. All depends on getting players in and around him and providing the right service. Could be a gem!

Glad to see him go first of all, but disappointed that it's to Liverpool after the hoo-haa in the summer. If he was not for sale, then he should've been not for sale for at least the season. The fact that he's barely tried and was back to sulking again and he has got his wish after all, just makes this a really sad situation. Surely Liverpool should now be charged by the Premier League\F.A for tapping up as that is what started this whole sorry state of affairs to begin with? It has had a purely negative affect on our club which could end up with us being relegated. As for van **** himself, I hope it all falls through for him and his stock collapses and he ends up in the reserves, rotting somewhere. Had the chance to keep his mouth shut, be a professional and do everything behind the scenes like an adult. Calling him a child does kids everywhere a disservice. A horrible, horrible footballer who I hope absolutely fails in whatever he does. Pr*ck.

Yep, that would be perfect for me as well.

Actually think this is our best line-up for this match. Yes, it is defensive but at least it is different. Think we may sneak a result tonight.

Thank you, thank you. I said give PEH a chance and he delivered, but you know what, f*ck that, I'm just pleased for a Saints win. We march on! Xx

I didn't watch all of the Fulham U23 match but what from what I did see, I thought PEHoj looked pretty good. Some decent tackling, a decent effort on target, some good tracking back. Think he should be given a chance. I remember everyone slagging of Morgan in his first few seasons and it took him a while to show his undoubted class for us. Think PEH is similar!

You don't shoot, you won't score. Not a single shot on target. Need to change from being a defensive, possession based team to all guns blazing. Time to go 4-2-4 or 4-3-3 and give our strikers a chance.

^^^^^ Exactly the line-up I would want to see. Something needs to change.

The thing I noticed was the fact that we do not seem to win any 50-50 balls in the middle of the pitch. Brighton picked up pretty much every loose ball and used it much better than we did, especially in the 2nd half. I thought our defence looked pretty solid, except for the goal which was just a shambles. Really think Forster should've saved it, it was such a weak header. Think the comments on MOTD2 also were spot on. We just don't take any risks at all. Boufal should be in the middle of the pitch, behind 2 strikers each making runs. Whenever we cross a ball into the box, there is never anyone there. We need to commit to a win and throw people forward. Our defence is strong enough that the other 5 midfielders and strikers should all be pushing forward and getting into the box. Invariably it is usually only a winger crossing into a box devoid of any Saints players. We are so slow and ponderous it is unbelievable. We never attack with pace and whenever we do get a breakaway, there is never anyone taking a risk, so we have to go backwards. It needs sorting out and I have a feeling that Burnley might be a turning point for us, though that could be wishful thinking!

You know what, football is a game. Whilst it takes skill and investment, a lot of it boils down to luck and hope. I do not actually care where we finish in reality, I hope for a good season every single year, even if we get relegated, I will still follow this club, no matter what as for some silly reason, it means a lot to me. I think we have a number of players that are now settled after their first season (Pierre-E-H for example) and players on the verge of a stand-out season (Clasie). With characters in the squad (Austin) and experience (Davis) I think we have a balance of youth and intelligence that is going to push us on. I cannot get to a match realistically until 2018, but I'm going to enjoy every moment when I can. Sorry for being positive about the club, I cannot help it as I'm a card carrying happy-clapper and always will be. ;-)

I'll stick my neck out, I have a strong feeling that we're going to be top 4 and\or grab a cup. Just think that our squad is getting stronger and we have the infrastructure in place to give us the edge we need, an introverted team mentality, the unreleased fee amounts, the closed door negotiations, the professionalism in which we do things, the focus on youth, training and our way of playing. I just have a feeling that it is going to come together this season for us in a big way. Cannot wait for this coming season to begin and Gallagher gets a hattrick and we keep a clean sheet with VvD and Stephens in defense in the first game oft he season. This is a great club, through thick and thin, I'm proud to be a Saint!

I'll stick my neck out, I have a strong feeling that we're going to be top 4 and\or grab a cup. Just think that our squad is getting stronger and we have the infrastructure in place to give us the edge we need, an introverted team mentality, the unreleased fee amounts, the closed door negotiations, the professionalism in which we do things, the focus on youth, training and our way of playing. I just have a feeling that it is going to come together this season for us in a big way. Cannot wait for this coming season to begin and Gallagher gets a hattrick and we keep a clean sheet with VvD and Stephens in defense in the first game oft he season. This is a great club, through thick and thin, I'm proud to be a Saint!

Have been following this kit launch despite being in Argentina currently and enduring a 20 hour bus journey. Have to say, think these are the best 2 kits we've had in many, many years. Like many, cannot justify the spend (have only just bought last seasons kit at £15 while away) so will wait for reductions. Kudos yet again to the Saints Marketing team that have turned a boring kit launch into something much more fun, inventive and clever, showing a sense of humour missing in many places. This is one area that we have excelled - I still chuckle at 'Sorry mate, thought you were Phil Tuffnell' - absolute genius. If only we had award winning pies and a radio station! ;-)

Isn't that why he is a good right back as opposed to another position on the left?

And yes, I'll mention again I might be a little drunk. ;-)

Currently in SE Asia listening to matches. Just 'enjoyed' the boro match, better than previous matches listened to. I'm aware that some people think that we're not progressing but they're wrong. Last season we missed out on Europa L group stage and the League cup semi. This season we have just missed out on the Europa knockout and are in the league cup semis. We are now 10th in the league and are STILL. a club run by professional and honorable people. Finally it is still only football, an entertainment business that has given me more ups than the Star Wars series of films. Yes, I may be a little drunk (cheap Thai rum is to blame) but my original point that has been missed is that Claude Puel has actually done a bloody good job so far. If we keep our current squad for the next few years, we could be building something here. If not, well it's only a silly game. :-)

Very difficult MotM vote for me, we were a class above. Superb performance in the 2nd half. Looked sloppy in the 1st but never looked like conceding. Liking the feeling at the moment, a real buzz is being generated, we appear to have a well balanced squad capable of playing on all fronts. Excellent today, really pleased. :-)

Ridiculous. How dare this joke of a board tie down another quality player to a long term contract. A player that last season most fans were astounded was not an automatic choice, who then went on to help his country win the Euro championship and now has the nerve to take the **** by showing some loyalty to the club we support by signing a contract that effectively means the club and its supporters can only benefit from all outcomes. I'm livid! If I had a season ticket, it would be in pieces now. I'm so annoyed that our leaders are showing some initiative and building a squad and not bringing in the mercenaries that we so desperately need. Yet another signing that continues our slow, yet determined, rise towards the top of the football pyramid. I long for the days where I get the mikey taken out of me from Forest and County fans, both Notts and Derby. When will this club we support stop taking the long term view and throw everything into a one time gamble. I'm sick of it now. Seriously, whilst we wait for the big, marquee signings, the club have done brilliantly this window in keeping the core squad together. Very, very impressed and this news about Cedric Soares is brilliant. We are so well run and Marcus would be so happy.

Not just you St Garrett. Think he's doing a sterling job myself. Another promising, young player in an established international team. This time signed on a 5 year deal. Excellent news. Welcome Pierre.

Sounds like the perfect man for the job if I'm honest. Welcome to the Saints Claude, we look forward to supporting you and the team over the next few seasons.

Mane goes, Vic goes and we get lots of money for them and already we've signed a young English winger with Premier League experience. What matters now is what happens in terms of the manager and who else we bring in. I'm pretty sure that if we finish the season next year in 4th or 5th place everyone will be happy and singing the new managers praises and commenting on how well we've rebuilt and developed the squad further. It is all about what the club do next. I'm hoping that we've already got replacements lined up for both Vic and Mane plus further squad development, plus longer contracts for other members of the squad. If this is the case and we show further improvement (maybe not league position but cup runs instead?) I think the club again can be happy with what it has done, but it all relies on the big IF.

Great season, we need Ron to stay longer than the 1 year left on his contract. Would love Vic and Sadio to stay, that would make a massive difference to us to keep them. Special mention to the Saints Marketing people this year. Have come up with some exceptional videos, stories and articles that really have made the players and the club much more than just a football team. Who can forget 'I thought you were Phil Tuffnell', the funniest line I've heard for ages. Loved the In the Box series and some of the stuff over Christmas was class. Overall, one of the best seasons we've had for a long, long time. Very happy!

Excellent news, nothing more than that. Interesting that the Beeb are quoting Les on their article saying that they hope VvD will be a pillar of Rons squad for years to come. Putting pressure on Ron to extend perhaps?

If this wasn't a school night I would definitely be attending! Bit gutted that it is not a Friday or Saturday to be honest. Would love another visit to Southampton and St Marys this year.