eelpie

West Ham knocked out by Astra. That's a shame, I wanted them to be over-extended in the Prem, like Saints may be.

If Pied has an injured knee this could have long term consequences. We don't know, but it is a possibility. In which case Cuco's sale to Everton should/must be put on hold. We can't afford to sell players in key positions.

Sadly, in contrast to what is a clear statement of lack of intent here. Who's satisfied with that?

But.. Your League position is not better than ours Might be the reply

Shame. Cuco is a lively wide defender who likes to get forward and create chances that lead to goals. Isn't that just what we need now? I am finding it depressing that Puel and Les, in this instance, seem to be negating the lively entertaining Saints style that I enjoy watching. Please prove me wrong on Saturday.

Dreadful transfer planning. Why is Les is keen to see the better Saints players leave before signing improvements? And it's short term if it is based on Puel's experimental tactics.

Is the with or without?

That is the risky game that Les seems to enjoy playing.

Pardew is a shrewd manager. I wouldn't mind him back here, not that he'd return. He did well for us.

This is going to be a big game for Puel and Saints. He has to get his tactics

By then Howe will have his eye on the England job.

Thanks for that misinformation

But we could have held on till January at least to give our season an early boost

0-2 isn't as bad as feared. Beat Sunderland next week and we will start motoring, though we won't be scoring as many goals as last season unless Uncle Les decides to spend his loot.

That's a mighty big IF. I just hope we don't cave in to them tonight. Just pack the box and snatch the winner fellers.

And the problem with 'standing still' as in 'not improving' is that there can inevitably be only one direction.

10th or 11th place would be commendable, considering we have lost Mane and therefore lack the potent striking force that he (and Pele) brought to the team, Wanyama's physical midfield presence, and of course there may be some exhaustion from two Europa matches a week. So 12th would be my minimum place.

Much better that they go for high prices, if it's not possible to afford to keep them. Mind, I think we could have got a lot more for Mane, or at least held on to him until January and benefited from quite a few more goals to set us up for the season. But that's water under the bridge now. Move on..

That's not good if we can't capitalise on playing against 10 men, because sids law will have oppositions benefitting against 10 men Saints

If so, that's not a bad omen.

Well, we're still 6th (till tomorrow)

Theyr'e much better bedwetters than us lot.

The system seems to work ok in that goals are coming from a lot of different players. But I'd like to think that we will be able to switch to different strategies as well because with one main playing system oppositions will sus us out. Adkins. Poch and RK all worked that out eventually, the hard way

It isn't too healthy to have a record of changing managers too often. So far we have been very fortunate, because prospective candidates see us as a club moving in the right direction. Long may that continue, because we don't want to return to the days post Strachan again.

No sub keeper?