Are We Safe?

[SaintRobbie]

WE ARE NOT SAFE. But the odds are stacked in our favour...just... and are not getting any better.

 

With Aston Villa slaughtering Sunderland this evening and finishing strongly and 9 points still up for grabs (12 for Wigan) we are not in a good place. I predict we'll fall two places on Saturday looking at the fixtures and form.

 

I cannot see us picking up a win at Spurs, a win at Sunderland and a result against Stoke on the last day looks iffy.

 

So where has it started to go wrong????

 

The reason lies with managerial mistakes:

Firstly, MP has allowed two lacklustre performances from his players - an over confidence has crept in a little too early.

Secondly, Saints somehow managed to let it out of the bag that the current squad was going to be decimated - looking to clear out 15 players in the summer. It might be true but frankly a lesson to MP and NC in how not to manage the morale of a football team.

Thirdly, Ramirez has clearly had some sort of falling out with MP. We've lost a player off form and frustrated for the rest of the campaign.

Fourthly, he's put Lallana back in as Captain when Lambert is our talisman and is hungrier when he wears that armband. The only player I saw with courage on Saturday was Lambert - who was reprimanding the midfield for lack of service. Sorry but if I was MP, I'd take the armband off Lallana after Saturday.

 

So, a combination of poor managerial decisions are the reason for our last two - frankly unsaintly - performances that have put us under pressure. I wonder about MP. His record is frankly shakey once he has achieved his requirements. I am watching him to see if our manager has the ability to make this team play the flowing fast football that we were doing before the player-leaving announcements.

 

We should be OK - but we are now relying on others in the mix to mess up. A week ago we were out of the discussion for relegation - now and after Saturday against a Spurs team chasing Europe and determined to finish above their north London rivals - expect to see us in the mix for discussion every week. I HATE THE FACT THIS SUPER YOUNG SAINTS TEAM ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN CONTROL OF THEIR DESTINY AND WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO RELY ON OTHERS TO LOSE.

 

We could - and probably should expect to finish 17th, but it could be worse.

 

Time for the manager to show us he can raise his side after his mistakes. If he can't we certainly don't want MP in the Championship, if it's 17th, I'll be watching his leadership skills for complacency next season. I think I've spotted his weakness - PLEASE MP PROVE ME WRONG!!! DRAW AT SPURS - DRAW AT SUNDERLAND - WIN AGAINST STOKE! That's all I'm hoping for, but right now I expect three defeats. Sorry guys.

[Saint_Tony]

Should we not be looking at beating Sunderland? IMO they are a very poor team with a lot of average players, I'd be embarassed if we don't get a result against them

 

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

[The Kraken]

Give you a silver lining, and you find the cloud. Well done.

 

Don't get upset, dear. Just pointing out the flaw in the meaningless stat. Record or not we're not going down so its entirely irrelevant.

[Webby]

After this, Villa might not win another game. But really, it looks like the Di Canio bubble has burst.

[S-Clarke]

WE ARE NOT SAFE. But the odds are stacked in our favour...just... and are not getting any better.

 

With Aston Villa slaughtering Sunderland this evening and finishing strongly and 9 points still up for grabs (12 for Wigan) we are not in a good place. I predict we'll fall two places on Saturday looking at the fixtures and form.

 

I cannot see us picking up a win at Spurs, a win at Sunderland and a result against Stoke on the last day looks iffy.

 

So where has it started to go wrong????

 

The reason lies with managerial mistakes:

Firstly, MP has allowed two lacklustre performances from his players - an over confidence has crept in a little too early.

Secondly, Saints somehow managed to let it out of the bag that the current squad was going to be decimated - looking to clear out 15 players in the summer. It might be true but frankly a lesson to MP and NC in how not to manage the morale of a football team.

Thirdly, Ramirez has clearly had some sort of falling out with MP. We've lost a player off form and frustrated for the rest of the campaign.

Fourthly, he's put Lallana back in as Captain when Lambert is our talisman and is hungrier when he wears that armband. The only player I saw with courage on Saturday was Lambert - who was reprimanding the midfield for lack of service. Sorry but if I was MP, I'd take the armband off Lallana after Saturday.

 

So, a combination of poor managerial decisions are the reason for our last two - frankly unsaintly - performances that have put us under pressure. I wonder about MP. His record is frankly shakey once he has achieved his requirements. I am watching him to see if our manager has the ability to make this team play the flowing fast football that we were doing before the player-leaving announcements.

 

We should be OK - but we are now relying on others in the mix to mess up. A week ago we were out of the discussion for relegation - now and after Saturday against a Spurs team chasing Europe and determined to finish above their north London rivals - expect to see us in the mix for discussion every week. I HATE THE FACT THIS SUPER YOUNG SAINTS TEAM ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN CONTROL OF THEIR DESTINY AND WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO RELY ON OTHERS TO LOSE.

 

We could - and probably should expect to finish 17th, but it could be worse.

 

Time for the manager to show us he can raise his side after his mistakes. If he can't we certainly don't want MP in the Championship, if it's 17th, I'll be watching his leadership skills for complacency next season. I think I've spotted his weakness - PLEASE MP PROVE ME WRONG!!! DRAW AT SPURS - DRAW AT SUNDERLAND - WIN AGAINST STOKE! That's all I'm hoping for, but right now I expect three defeats. Sorry guys.

 

Yep, after 6 games unbeaten, where on earth has it all gone wrong? Everything you specify as a ''reason'' to support your argument is rumour, conjecture and made up rubbish.

 

And how can you say we're not in control of our destiny? We have both hands, legs and feet wrapped around our destiny.

 

Seriously, drama queens. The lot of you.

[Graffito]

WE ARE NOT SAFE. But the odds are stacked in our favour...just... and are not getting any better.

 

With Aston Villa slaughtering Sunderland this evening and finishing strongly and 9 points still up for grabs (12 for Wigan) we are not in a good place. I predict we'll fall two places on Saturday looking at the fixtures and form.

 

I cannot see us picking up a win at Spurs, a win at Sunderland and a result against Stoke on the last day looks iffy.

 

So where has it started to go wrong????

 

The reason lies with managerial mistakes:

Firstly, MP has allowed two lacklustre performances from his players - an over confidence has crept in a little too early.

Secondly, Saints somehow managed to let it out of the bag that the current squad was going to be decimated - looking to clear out 15 players in the summer. It might be true but frankly a lesson to MP and NC in how not to manage the morale of a football team.

Thirdly, Ramirez has clearly had some sort of falling out with MP. We've lost a player off form and frustrated for the rest of the campaign.

Fourthly, he's put Lallana back in as Captain when Lambert is our talisman and is hungrier when he wears that armband. The only player I saw with courage on Saturday was Lambert - who was reprimanding the midfield for lack of service. Sorry but if I was MP, I'd take the armband off Lallana after Saturday.

 

So, a combination of poor managerial decisions are the reason for our last two - frankly unsaintly - performances that have put us under pressure. I wonder about MP. His record is frankly shakey once he has achieved his requirements. I am watching him to see if our manager has the ability to make this team play the flowing fast football that we were doing before the player-leaving announcements.

 

We should be OK - but we are now relying on others in the mix to mess up. A week ago we were out of the discussion for relegation - now and after Saturday against a Spurs team chasing Europe and determined to finish above their north London rivals - expect to see us in the mix for discussion every week. I HATE THE FACT THIS SUPER YOUNG SAINTS TEAM ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN CONTROL OF THEIR DESTINY AND WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO RELY ON OTHERS TO LOSE.

 

We could - and probably should expect to finish 17th, but it could be worse.

 

Time for the manager to show us he can raise his side after his mistakes. If he can't we certainly don't want MP in the Championship, if it's 17th, I'll be watching his leadership skills for complacency next season. I think I've spotted his weakness - PLEASE MP PROVE ME WRONG!!! DRAW AT SPURS - DRAW AT SUNDERLAND - WIN AGAINST STOKE! That's all I'm hoping for, but right now I expect three defeats. Sorry guys.

 

Of course we are in control of our own destiny.

[Whitey Grandad]

Yep, after 6 games unbeaten, where on earth has it all gone wrong? Everything you specify as a ''reason'' to support your argument is rumour, conjecture and made up rubbish.

 

Seriously, drama queens. The lot of you.

 

6 games unbeaten?

[Didcot Saint]

I am worried again. One team always drops from a safeish position. Please Saints up your game again, you know you are good enough. Uts.

[S-Clarke]

6 games unbeaten?

 

Norwich 0 - 0

Liverpool 3-1

Chelsea 2-1

Reading 2-0

West Ham 1-1

Swansea 0-0

[SaintRobbie]

Wigan have got 4 games left to play.

 

Correct - a total of 12 points up for grabs not 9. Realistically I can see Wigan taking 6 points, possibly 7. But, with Saints unlikely to gain anything (based on the last 2 performances) it would mean we'd survive only on goal difference. God I hope MP can life our team. Morale looks well shaky.

[CB Fry]

i hate the fact this super young saints team are currently not in control of their destiny and will probably have to rely on others to lose.

 

.

 

Lucky for you this is not a fact.

[Dalek2003]

Saint Robbie makes a very reasoned post.

 

Can't see us getting nay more points this season and we can only hope that Wigan don't make it, but I am afraid I can see us slipping over the edge. MP will surely get the boot.

Hoddle to lead us back anyone ?

[S-Clarke]

Correct - a total of 12 points up for grabs not 9. Realistically I can see Wigan taking 6 points, possibly 7. But, with Saints unlikely to gain anything (based on the last 2 performances) it would mean we'd survive only on goal difference. God I hope MP can life our team. Morale looks well shaky.

 

What was wrong with the performance at Swansea out of interest? I thought we looked ok, away at a side who have been pretty imperious at home.

 

The fact is that we've lost 1 game after going 6 unbeaten. It's no big deal and there's no real drama around it.

 

If I was a wigan fan on a wigan forum i'd expect these threads, but I think most sane football supporters over the land will see tonight's results as plunging Wigan nearer the door.

[badgerx16]

Can't see us getting any more points this season

I think we can draw @ Spuds, will draw @ Slumberland, and will beat Stoke.

 

Hoddle to lead us back anyone ?

I've got more chance of being Saints's next manager than Glenda has.

[kpturner]

Correct - a total of 12 points up for grabs not 9. Realistically I can see Wigan taking 6 points, possibly 7. But, with Saints unlikely to gain anything (based on the last 2 performances) it would mean we'd survive only on goal difference. God I hope MP can life our team. Morale looks well shaky.

 

How on earth do you reach the conclusion that morale looks well shaky after the last two games? Were you saying that after 0-0 away to Swansea?

[Whitey Grandad]

Norwich 0 - 0

Liverpool 3-1

Chelsea 2-1

Reading 2-0

West Ham 1-1

Swansea 0-0

 

Have you forgotten Saturday already? I wish I could.

[S-Clarke]

Have you forgotten Saturday already? I wish I could.

 

I meant prior to Saturday.

 

People are talking as if we've lost 6 in a row.

[badgerx16]

But, with Saints unlikely to gain anything (based on the last 2 performances).

I think we'll take 9 points from the last 3 games, ( based on the matches against Citeh, Liverpool, and Chelski ).

[SaintRobbie]

..We'll do it! MP will get a grip.

 

[kpturner]

Saint Robbie makes a very reasoned post.

 

Can't see us getting nay more points this season and we can only hope that Wigan don't make it, but I am afraid I can see us slipping over the edge. MP will surely get the boot.

Hoddle to lead us back anyone ?

 

A good troll does it with some subtlety - but you hit us in the face with a shovel

 

Give it a rest!

[Seaford Saint]

Saint Robbie makes a very reasoned post.

 

Can't see us getting nay more points this season and we can only hope that Wigan don't make it, but I am afraid I can see us slipping over the edge. MP will surely get the boot.

Hoddle to lead us back anyone ?

 

You rate Hoddle don't you? I have noticed.

[Whitey Grandad]

I meant prior to Saturday.

 

People are talking as if we've lost 6 in a row.

 

Yes, I knew that, I was just being an old pedant. It was the manner of the defeat that disheartened me.

[sfc4prem]

SaintRobbie, don't be a wetty. Embarrassing. We have enough about us to get a couple of points at least against Sunderland & Stoke.

[Saint137]

The ace in the hole here is that Wigan play Villa in the last game of the season, they can't both get three points. A point will be enough.

[MAY-Z]

I think this weekend is our best chance of picking up a result as under MP we have played well against the top 7 teams

 

Everton, Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City have all been good performances mostly with good results

 

The concern for me is that against the teams around and below us we have been very poor to average at best

 

Newcastle, Qpr, WBA, all terrible

 

West Ham, Norwich, Swansea, Reading all average performances that with a bit of bad luck could have seen us with nothing to show for those games

 

I think we will be safe this season but MP really needs to work out how to play against different opposition next season very quickly

[musesaint]

When I started this thread the Villa result tonight was exactly what I feared might happen after Saints abject capitulation on Saturday.

 

Logic dictates we should stay up ... But why the fcu*k do we make it so difficult ?

 

The last three seasons have made us forget how painful it can be !

[S-Clarke]

When I started this thread the Villa result tonight was exactly what I feared might happen after Saints abject capitulation on Saturday.

 

Logic dictates we should stay up ... But why the fcu*k do we make it so difficult ?

 

The last three seasons have made us forget how painful it can be !

 

We're still 7 points clear with a better GD than any of t hose below us, nothing has changed for us based on tonight's result. What has changed is that Wigan are now getting cut adrift and have 1 foot through the door.

[Bailey]

We were due a disappointing defeat/performance having gone six unbeaten. But, this Saints side has earned our backing and faith.

 

Am confident we'll get one point from Tottenham & Sunderland away, followed up with a home win against Stoke on the final day of the season.

 

Four points from nine would be a decent return from our final three fixtures & is more than enough to ensure Premier League survival.

[Downthe36]

WE ARE NOT SAFE. But the odds are stacked in our favour...just... and are not getting any better.

 

With Aston Villa slaughtering Sunderland this evening and finishing strongly and 9 points still up for grabs (12 for Wigan) we are not in a good place. I predict we'll fall two places on Saturday looking at the fixtures and form.

 

I cannot see us picking up a win at Spurs, a win at Sunderland and a result against Stoke on the last day looks iffy.

 

So where has it started to go wrong????

 

The reason lies with managerial mistakes:

Firstly, MP has allowed two lacklustre performances from his players - an over confidence has crept in a little too early.

Secondly, Saints somehow managed to let it out of the bag that the current squad was going to be decimated - looking to clear out 15 players in the summer. It might be true but frankly a lesson to MP and NC in how not to manage the morale of a football team.

Thirdly, Ramirez has clearly had some sort of falling out with MP. We've lost a player off form and frustrated for the rest of the campaign.

Fourthly, he's put Lallana back in as Captain when Lambert is our talisman and is hungrier when he wears that armband. The only player I saw with courage on Saturday was Lambert - who was reprimanding the midfield for lack of service. Sorry but if I was MP, I'd take the armband off Lallana after Saturday.

 

So, a combination of poor managerial decisions are the reason for our last two - frankly unsaintly - performances that have put us under pressure. I wonder about MP. His record is frankly shakey once he has achieved his requirements. I am watching him to see if our manager has the ability to make this team play the flowing fast football that we were doing before the player-leaving announcements.

 

We should be OK - but we are now relying on others in the mix to mess up. A week ago we were out of the discussion for relegation - now and after Saturday against a Spurs team chasing Europe and determined to finish above their north London rivals - expect to see us in the mix for discussion every week. I HATE THE FACT THIS SUPER YOUNG SAINTS TEAM ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN CONTROL OF THEIR DESTINY AND WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO RELY ON OTHERS TO LOSE.

 

We could - and probably should expect to finish 17th, but it could be worse.

 

Time for the manager to show us he can raise his side after his mistakes. If he can't we certainly don't want MP in the Championship, if it's 17th, I'll be watching his leadership skills for complacency next season. I think I've spotted his weakness - PLEASE MP PROVE ME WRONG!!! DRAW AT SPURS - DRAW AT SUNDERLAND - WIN AGAINST STOKE! That's all I'm hoping for, but right now I expect three defeats. Sorry guys.

 

Jesus wept.

 

Addressing your 4 points.

 

1. I agree with this, over confidence had crept in prior to last weeks game.

 

2. That story was pure media guesswork. Prove me wrong.

 

3. Prove to me that Ramirez has fallen out with MP, prior to his card he was playing well and working hard.

 

4. Lambert was awful on Saturday, he was far from the only one, but awful all the same.

[rick1976.4.38]

wigan are 8 points behind us and 13 goals worse off

cant see them winning 3out of their last 4 so yes we are safe

[The9]

I'm making notes of everyone who is unable to grasp the simple concept of probability on this thread, could come in handy in the future.

 

We are safe 999/1000 times from this position. Tonight's result underlines that. We are still as far from the bottom 3 as at the start of the day. Someone else is dropping points each time they face off at the bottom.

[LostBoys]

I had Villa to win 2 1 on the BBC predictor but 6 1 is hard to take. Villa may not win another game until the decider against Wigan

[Lord Duckhunter]

wigan are 8 points behind us and 13 goals worse off

cant see them winning 3out of their last 4 so yes we are safe

 

they are 7 points behind and I can see them beating Swansea, west brom and villa. We really needed villa to lose last night as they both can't win the shootout at the end of the season. Really need Norwich to do them sat, because unless they get a point from Chelsea or Wigan get a point from arsenal we can all enjoy last day. Of course we could get something from spurs or Sunderland,but I've got a real bad feeling about them

[Hamilton Saint]

I HATE THE FACT THIS SUPER YOUNG SAINTS TEAM ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN CONTROL OF THEIR DESTINY AND WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO RELY ON OTHERS TO LOSE.

 

 

Not in control of our destiny? If we win our last three games, none of the teams below us (Norwich, Sunderland, Villa, Newcastle & Wigan) can catch us. We wouldn't have to rely on a single team getting a single loss!

[SaintBobby]

We're still safe.

 

Wigan will probably go down on about 35 - 36 points.

 

If we lose every remaining match 45-0, we are still almost certain to stay up.

[Faz]

they are 7 points behind and I can see them beating Swansea, west brom and villa. We really needed villa to lose last night as they both can't win the shootout at the end of the season. Really need Norwich to do them sat, because unless they get a point from Chelsea or Wigan get a point from arsenal we can all enjoy last day. Of course we could get something from spurs or Sunderland,but I've got a real bad feeling about them

 

If you've got a spare £50 lying around, and the courage of your convictions you should get straight down to the bookies for that set of results. Really? Wigan to beat Swansea, West Brom and Villa while we lose to Sunderland and Spurs (and presumably Stoke too?)??

 

By the way, if there's a team likely to get no more points its Newcastle. Away to West Ham, away to a pressure free QPR, and home to Arsenal. Oh, and Sunderland have the same set of teams as us, but their fans will be confident in sure that they can win all three. And what about Villa, and Norwich? Just pointing out that this isn't a two horse race between us and Wigan......

[Tamesaint]

If you've got a spare £50 lying around, and the courage of your convictions you should get straight down to the bookies for that set of results. Really? Wigan to beat Swansea, West Brom and Villa while we lose to Sunderland and Spurs (and presumably Stoke too?)??

 

By the way, if there's a team likely to get no more points its Newcastle. Away to West Ham, away to a pressure free QPR, and home to Arsenal. Oh, and Sunderland have the same set of teams as us, but their fans will be confident in sure that they can win all three. And what about Villa, and Norwich? Just pointing out that this isn't a two horse race between us and Wigan......

 

Oh FFS.

 

Why on earth talk so much sense when you can have a panic , end up with Hoddle as manager and at the same time make loads of money by betting on a freakish set of results. The only problem is that you end up spoiling so many beds through slack bladders.

[musesaint]

A point on Saturday would be nice.

 

At least Fox wont be facing Bale. Presumably Clyne - switched to left if Shaw is still on crutches (as he was last weekend).

[beatlesaint]

if Shaw is still on crutches (as he was last weekend).

 

They always do that when a player has an ankle or foot injury, standard practice for Saints. Nigel used to call it "shutting the player down" or words to that effect !!

[WealdSaint]

Sunderland looked poor last night. A point against them will see us safe.

 

Loose our last 3 and it might just be time to look out the old brown trousers.

[mulletsaint]

We're still safe.

 

Wigan will probably go down on about 35 - 36 points.

 

If we lose every remaining match 45-0, we are still almost certain to stay up.

 

I think by the time we play Sunderland they could be on 38. Two tough but eminently winnable fixtures. If people thought we'd beat West Brom and Swansea there's no reason Wigan can't.

[mulletsaint]

The last three seasons have made us forget how painful it can be !

 

To be honest I thought we managed to make the run-in last season pretty painful. Every time I thought we'd put it to bed we'd fail to get the win. Then West Ham got that freak 6-0 win at Brighton and our GD advantage got slashed and i really began to worry. Don't forget we still needed to win our final game to guarantee promotion.

 

Luckily I think that if we get to a similar point this season the players should be able to draw on that experience to get the win against Stoke.

[hutch]

If we're playing this game then as we've done it before, I'm going to assume we go the next three games unbeaten

You need to throw in a bit of "it's never been done before, ever" as well

 

Weren't Sheffield Utd 7 or 8 Clear with 4 or 5 games left and still went down last day?

 

In 06/07 after 35 games Sheffield United were in 17^th spot, two points above Charlton in 18^th

[obelisk]

I'm balancing nicely on the fence here.

 

I look at the bookies offering 80-1 on Saints to be relegated so have to take comfort in that. Things would really have to go pear-shaped to Saints now enjoying another season in the Prem. Let's face it, Wigan have an uphill struggle while those in the NE must be feeling a tad worried.

 

On the other hand I look at Saints indifferent form over the last 3 games with no cutting edge in attack while the defensive panic stations have returned. There's also all those points thrown away against the likes of QPR, Wigan, Stoke, Norwich, Sunderland that, had we been as good as some believe, would have seen as looking at a nice and comfy run in. Instead we could be needing something on yet another tense last day of the season.

 

When it comes to games that I cannot influence directly I'm an out and out pessimist. With that in mind I've decided to take control and plonk a modest sum on Saints to be hosting Bournemouth next season. I do this for two reasons. One, because my infrequent bets (almost) always result on more profit for the bookies. Two, because if the unthinkable should happen I can spend the summer forgetting about football in some place far away with a large pile of notes in hand.

[adrian lord]

I'd enjoy seeing Pardrew and the legion of French mercenaries go down.

[Snopper]

I'd enjoy seeing Pardew and the legion of French mercenaries go down.

 

Would surely be unique if three ex-Saints managers were relegated from the Premier League in the same season.

[kpturner]

In 06/07 after 35 games Sheffield United were in 17^th spot, two points above Charlton in 18^th

Isn't Didcot getting his Sheffields confused? It sounds like he is referring to the time that Sheff Wed got relegated from the top flight.

[Window Cleaner]

Isn't Didcot getting his Sheffields confused? It sounds like he is referring to the time that Sheff Wed got relegated from the top flight.

 

wasn't that the year of the Tevez todo ?

 

Definite Utd, can't remember when Wednesday were last in the top flight, 90s maybe.

[Saint Garrett]

It's crazy really. As soon as someone looks like they're hot candidates for one of the relegation spots, they manage to pull out a win and everyone talks about them being safe again. West Ham looked like getting dragged into it, then Sunderland did it then Stoke.

 

I just hope we can just get over the line, an unlikely win at Spurs this weekend would be amazing but can't see it happening somehow.

[Jesus Reigned]

I'm balancing nicely on the fence here.

 

I look at the bookies offering 80-1 on Saints to be relegated so have to take comfort in that. Things would really have to go pear-shaped to Saints now enjoying another season in the Prem. Let's face it, Wigan have an uphill struggle while those in the NE must be feeling a tad worried.

 

On the other hand I look at Saints indifferent form over the last 3 games with no cutting edge in attack while the defensive panic stations have returned. There's also all those points thrown away against the likes of QPR, Wigan, Stoke, Norwich, Sunderland that, had we been as good as some believe, would have seen as looking at a nice and comfy run in. Instead we could be needing something on yet another tense last day of the season.

 

When it comes to games that I cannot influence directly I'm an out and out pessimist. With that in mind I've decided to take control and plonk a modest sum on Saints to be hosting Bournemouth next season. I do this for two reasons. One, because my infrequent bets (almost) always result on more profit for the bookies. Two, because if the unthinkable should happen I can spend the summer forgetting about football in some place far away with a large pile of notes in hand.

 

This sums up perfectly how I feel; I shall therefore be making a trip to Ladbrokes on the way home tonight to part with a tenner.

 

£800 would soften the blow of relegation slightly, although I'd much rather never see my tenner again of course!