eelpie

They claim that they saved us from relegation last year by beating at least one of our relegation opponents. I don't think they'll be so magnanimous on Saturday. It's going to be a proper derby thriller. We haven't had that for a long time. 3-3 Bournemouth's equaliser in the last 20 seconds of extra time of course.

We often lose to Newcastle by a goal, and I'll always remember the exciting defeat to Robson's team at St Mary's before we were demoted. Since then, and where we are right now under Ralph, we 're the better team. I've a good hunch we'll surprise them with our new attacking options. Toons will dominate possession but we're sharper in front of goal on the break. 2-3 Saints. It's going to be a memorable classic.

I take it you don't really mean Stephens on his own at the back as the option.

So sounds lkie he would be even more expensive than Krueger

I've never felt that Krueger added to SFC and only thought he was brought in because Kat wanted to be rid of the Don. Intriguing politics; especially as to what happens next.

Absolutely. If they are going to Wembley they may not want to get injured. If they lose today they'll be angry and intent on imposing themselves imo.

Let's get some classic humour into our chants (like we used to do)

Despicable

So do you think Stirling has no influence on England's ability to win matches?

Sorry, I should have posted this in the Che Adams thread that has links with Birmingham's overspend. Please transfer, mods.

Talking of old news (and apologies for hijacking this interesting thread, but I don't know how to start a new one) Our ancient ex-manager 'Arry Redknapp is in the news again for his contribution to Birmingham's recent fine and points deduction for overspending: "Birmingham are the first club to be deducted points since the EFL introduced its new profitability and sustainability regulations at the start of the 2016-17 season. In January, Blues revealed a £37.5m loss in the 12 months to the end of June 2018, largely a result of their wage bill rising from £22m to almost £38m after an extensive recruitment drive in 2017. The independent panel heard that they spent £7.45m on four new players in January 2017, when Gianfranco Zola was manager, and a further £23.75m to add 14 players to the squad that summer, by which time Harry Redknapp had taken charge." Both Zola and Redknapp were sacked after short stints as manager, the costs of which were also given as factors to Birmingham's rule breach.

Those are all players that are mostly thought not to be useful to Saints anymore. What about Betrand and Hoj though? I hope they will be staying.

Not quite the same. Players with a semi final and cup final close tend not to want to get injured. I'll never forget the massive league defeat from Arsenal just before we played them in the final. I think we lost 0-7 or thereabouts. I'm actually relieved that Brighton and not us are in sight of Wembley at this time, for that reason. We need the points more.

And learning what a red mist was.

Ho about that Ralph fields almost the entire team in an under 23 match to keep them match sharp? Long layoffs are always a disaster.

After today I look forward to depriving Liverpool.

More pertinent might be the projected financial statement for current year ending 2019

That is not Ralph's experience.

Perhaps it is time for Franny to appear on our banner. And not just for what he has done for Saints. What a man.

Well said. Why do our fans get so hissy with players who leave but have done Saints proud over their whole career with us? The Mane sale was however badly negotiated. He went too cheaply.

It's ironic that Hughes managed to galvanise the players at the end of last season sufficiently to avoid relegation, yet failed to do so at the beginning of this season. If we had been relegated though, I don't think we would now be challenging for promotion back into the Premiership with him at the helm, so the situation at present is more hopeful.

Statistic evidence?

True, I'm sure. We always seem a bit dozy after a long break.

Well, we will not be playing after a long spell without games. We're always disappointing when we play following a break, so I'm more hopeful than against Arsenal.