amsterdam

I was recently on a course in Nijmegen and kicking around with nothing to do one evening I saw a sign for "Canadian War Graves" so thought I'd have a look. It was deeply moving and I can't believe how so many young men came over and fought for a war that was so far away from their their home and basically didn't have anything to do with them. I know we could argue that about Iraq and Afghanistan, but the nature of war is different nowadays (not saying that the modern soldiers are any less brave). I agree with Bexy that when I was younger I had little interest in WWII (apart from the Commando comics my neighbour had - "Eat lead, Fritz!", "Schnell, schnell - Die Britischer Pig-dog") but the more you read about it, the more you realise how amazingly courageous our grandfathers were... I'll raise a glass for them tonight. I'll go now before I start thinking that bringing back conscription will sort the youth of today out and that voting Tory is an option!!

QI HIGNFY Father Ted (and agree, the whole Pompey saga)

When I've left companies, I've gone to my manager (or their managers) and spoke to them personally; this way you can assure them that you're not leaving because of them but still explain your reasons (also two companies I left I was going to potential competitors). If you have a good management team you might not need to have written confirmation (though they may ask for an exit interview) and you will feel better.

Aah... I'll give it a miss then...

Don't all McDonald's have wifi access (they do over here)? Sure there will be one in Bergerac (lovely part of the world btw).

I know you say this in jest, DP, but the words "nail" and "head" spring to mind. Years ago I spent a few weeks working in Tel Aviv and came back convinced that these lovely Israeli people were the victims of their evil neighbours... Then I spent another couple of weeks in Beirut and came away thinking that the lovely Lebanese were the REAL victims. I believe the problem is genuinely unsolvable; with the Irish situation I could understand (in very simplistic terms) that historically the Brits had taken the p*ss and b*ggered the country, so with devolution and a bit of give and take from both sides, then something could be worked out.. But with Israel and their neighbours I don't see how it can end, short of nuclear annihilation. It's a very scary situation...

Beggar's Banquet for me. The first album where they weren't consciously ripping off the Beatles (despite the all white cover). Can't think of a better opening track than Sympathy For The Devil, and listening to Stray Cat Blues always wants me to sit my teenage daughter down and warn her against people like the Stones!! Plus you have No Expectations, Parachute Woman, Street Fighting Man and Prodigal Son; I don't think they were ever so creative. I saw the documentary on Exile On Main Street, and I agree with the above poster that I don't think it was that great; the vocals weren't mixed that well and the songs (apart from perhaps Tumbling Dice) weren't that great...

Whatever happened to Top Rank?? You mean they closed it? FFS next you'll be saying that Friday's is no longer there....

Nice one! Did you ever work for Philip Morris International (ironically also based in CH)?! I think some of the Alpine-baiting is a bit harsh on here - he's big and ugly enough to defend his own corner, but he's also right in this instance. As fans, we are generally happy/satisfied with AP, especially the squad and team he has built in a very short time. But WE don't set the targets (and don't know what the specific targets were). If AP in January said "Give me 2m and I'll finish in the play-offs", then he has obviously under-achieved, and as a results-orientated businessman, NC has got to decide whether AP was unfortunate or over-estimating his abilities... AP has stated he wants to bring in 3-4 CCC-level players during the summer (which won't be cheap), and us fans are all rubbing our hands in anticipation, but NC again has to decide whether this is AP being a kid in a toy shop or whether this is a sound business investment in the medium term. So (agreeing with Alpine) AP has my full support (and appreciation for what he has done this season), but if NC feels he needs a change, then so be it. Oh! And to those who keep going on about "consistency" in management - I see your point (as a child of the Big Mac generation, and the examples of Ferguson and Wenger), but I think this is a bit of a red herring; our decline was not due to the turnover of managers, but the quality of those managers and the financial support they were given; Chelsea, anyone?

1 FA Cup and a victory against your nearest rivals two divisions lower...

I can understand your point, but to be honest these people know the score with the media, so even if they've got the morals of a randy polecat can they not understand the likely consequences? They make Homer Simpson look like a deep-thinker - "MMM...Sh*g"

Yes... Wouldn't surprise me if they've already spent the expected money for winning the Europa Cup next season and will therefore claim that they're being unfairly treated!

I know it's still mathematically possible to make the play-offs, but realistically we'll be in this division next year. I should say that I've really enjoyed this season and it's a pleasure to follow the Saints closely again, and care about all things Saints! I had a rummage through some pre-season threads and came across this one - it really shows how far we've come, no?!

Any live streams for tonight? I found this one, but don't know if it'll work... http://poyetsky.com/?a=9627/watch-southampton-vs-oldham-athletic-live-streaming-online

A bit harsh! BUT Matty is my footballing hero and has given me so many brilliant memories. Also there's the obvious things about Matty playing his whole career at the top level and scoring loads despite not being a striker. One thing they share (and I hope Rickie inspires in the kids just starting to follow the Saints) is the feeling that while they are on the pitch, they can completely turn around the game in a couple of minutes - you always feel there is a chance to get something out of the game. I think Rickie seems a better role model; much as I love Le Tiss, he was a whinger when things weren't going his way, and he could look disinterested at times, constantly moaning at referees!

I'm sure they'll use that as an excuse, claiming that it is a conspiracy against them; they now need more time and compensation and Riquelme, Ronaldo and Buffon are just waiting for the cloud to clear...

Quality comment! I think that's the Welsh in him - always thought Giggs had a touch of the simian about him, too. And Bellamy? Planet of the Apes...

Send him to me Mick - the Dutch have ways (and midgets) of dealing with people like him... Shame about your car, but probably for the best

Pardewwww Don't be afraid, You were made to go and promote us, Minus ten points, they don't mean a thing, But the JPT just makes it better, better, better better, Waaaaaah! LaLaLa, Lallana, Lallana, Waigo... Repeat ad nauseum... Coat got and on my way home!!

Really pleased for all - never thought I'd hear the sentence "Saints are running riot at Wembley"!! Proud of the lot of them and look forward to receiving the DVD as a Christmas present! Agree with those who were nervous when Carlisle scored - it's going to be a long time to shake the Pavlovian fear of "We can't f()ck this up now, surely?"!! BUT! Be positive! Perhaps we can be the first team team to win the JPT AND the Champions' League - within 5 years!! I love this club!

Genius! Just spat wine all over my keyboard!!

Agree with Alpine, but I think it will be the manner of "failure" that will be important; if those who go to the matches all come back and say "Can't fault the effort, but we was robbed/beaten by the better team/didn't have the luck/results went against us" then fair enough. To BadgerBadger - I think I'm too young to have seen "great start to the season" and "Southampton" in the same sentence (I'm only 44)?? But I admire your optimism and would be delighted to see you proved right!

Can we have a "Just back from the game thread"? As an ex-pat who doesn't get to games I know I'm not allowed to have an opinion and I'm a bit confused whether I can celebrate this result this evening or if I should be demanding Pardew's head on a plate??

I loved MLT's post-match comments! I remember (think it was against Newcastle) when he scored 2 wonder goals; the interviewer was gushing praise and wonderment and asked Matt if his second goal was the greatest goal he'd ever scored (seem to remember MLT flicking it over his shoulder with the back of his right heel before burying it) and Matt's response was "Nah - I scuffed it...!" I defer to those who remember the Bates/Channon/etc eras, but in my generation there is only one legend...

His spirit lives on over here... RIP