SAINTS’ programme was mysteriously withdrawn from sale just hours before kick off at the weekend.

There were conspiracy theories going around that is was down to comments made by Alan Pardew in his regular programme notes.

In the lack of an official comment from the club as to why no programmes were on sale, another suggestion put it down to an advertising-related dispute.

The Daily Echo has obtained a copy of the programme, right, and can see nothing controversial in Pardew’s notes at all.

The manger says he has “plenty of sympathy for the players and my staff who are not getting the rewards their efforts have merited.

Pardew goes on to praise the likes of Jason Puncheon and Jose Fonte before saving his biggest tribute for 37-goal Rickie Lambert.

Kelvin Davis is described as “the best captain I have ever had” and Adam Lallana has the “potential to join Rickie among this club’s future greats.”

Chairman Nicola Cortese and the backroom staff are praised for their efforts in ensuring over 40,000 Saints fans got to Wembley in an “efficient fashion.”

Pardew closes by saying the players will be back in four weeks’ time for “a mini pre season training” spell.