eelpie

Passing judgement on what hasn't happened?

That's all, and we shed goals when we attempt to score more than one.

So which Saints players were guilty of falling over at the slightest of touches, as they claim?

I hope they don't, but it will be good to see them back at St Mary's gain.

It's interesting that you noted Vestergard's interceptions. I read that towards the end of last season he had one of the highest successful interceptions in The Premiership. Not sure how the stats ended.

And up to 13th! (for a few minutes)

YAY!!!!!!

That person isn't me , I hasten to add. I've got many different memories of Saints/Portsmouth rivalries. First is being on one of the buses that got stoned by skate fans. That was the day we were confident of thrashing them on their own ground and we had carried large blow-up fishes (purchased from Grimsby) into their crappy stand to antagonise them. But we got drenched and lost. And the downward spiral towards relegation from the Premiership began. Wind back 70 years and Saints had twice missed out on promotion to the First Division despite having Charlie Wayman in the team. Portsmouth were flying, and we were jealous. Then we became relegated into Div Three (South). I remember the south of England had no real top teams, and the Echo featured all the Hampshire league clubs of the four main tables in bold type. That included Saints, Portsmouth, Aldershot and Bournemouth. There was a sort of feeling of Hampshire teams v the rest, (but I was only a nipper, mind.) There was more rivalry between the docks and Portsmouth became bigger villains.They took trade from Southampton. The rest is history. And nothing is better than beating Portsmouth. I also want revenge for what the skates did to Saints during our last relegation year. I do have one grudging respect for the Portsmouth fans, however. When they went into administration and were facing ejection from the English football leagues, their fans got together and reformed Portsmouth as a fan-based community club. Saints failed to do that when we were in trouble. Portsmouth 1-Saints 2. Bring it on.

An old throwaway razor, judging from his bluntness with only the keeper to beat.

Sorry, but you've just failed Saints cheerleader test.

Why should not players look to better themselves if opportunities arise? Boufal was sent out on loan because he did not fit in, so he's been quite entitled to keep his options open. Now Ralph is offering him a new chance, so good luck to him -and us. Why the negative carping, Turks?

Or an honest comment by a player who wants to do his best for the club he plays for? Why not give the lad a chance? Why the unnecessary cynicism, Turkish?

More so, if my memory serves me correctly, it was a goal from Sharp that sealed promotion for us. I really hope that our supporters give him a good reception when Sheffield U come to St Mary's.

It is going to be very interesting to see how Ralph responds following our defensive cave-in. And we have some top free-scoring opponents ahead.

Quick

Despite some better defending during pre-season, I can't see Saints not conceding, however I reckon we can score a couple of goals, one early in each half (based on what I saw v Koln. Burnley are a better team than Koln). It's going to be a very interesting game. 2-2.

Could it by any chance be a contractual row between Virgin/ LD Sports/Saints. I'm sure I heard that Virgin had renewed their shirt sponsorship before LD announced theirs.

Just as well that our key players weren't on too long because Koln were kicking, pulling, tugging, tripping Saints players throughout the match. So much so that Saints held back from getting too close during the last 20 minutes of the first half, concentrating on intercepting balls rather than making risky tackles. (It was quite surreal and frustrating to watch, and didn't make good entertainment). The highlights were in the beginning of the second half with some slick passing leading to the second goal, and with better defending the job was done. It was a pre-season match of Saints good and bad, and a lot of Koln ugly. Why risk unnecessary injury in pre-season against a dirty side? The strategy was ok.

This. Good luck Jordie.

The Title should read 'Of little interest - New Lager Partner'

My family used to meet regularly at the club under Kingsland and it was a terrific community social meeting place before and after the game. Great fun. We haven't been since it became so expensive to join. But the King Alfred became a good substitute to meet family and other fans, when they opened up for match days. Great fun. Now that's gone. What's happened to your affordable community sprit SFC?

Nor me. I dislike lagers.

Well said

I'm much encouraged by our attacking options this year, but worrying about possible defensive errors again, an area that does not seem to have been strengthened since last season. Still, games will be exciting again.

Because we all started buying Asian cotton instead of supporting English products.