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11:50am Tuesday 3rd February 2009 in Snow of 2009
SAINTS Championship clash with Sheffield United tonight has been given the all clear.
Following a pitch inspection shortly before midday, the tie was given the green light.
Police are satisfied that the area around the stadium will be safe enough for fans, and the referee is content that the pitch will be okay for the players.
Ground staff and some of the club’s full-time staff have been clearing the pitch throughout the morning.
With temperatures supposedly set to rise to four degrees Celsius, Saints were confident the snow and ice surrounding the stadium would thaw in time.
Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
Comments(66)
Invicta Saint
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6:00pm Mon 2 Feb 09
saint Compo
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8:26pm Mon 2 Feb 09
seagullsaint
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11:18pm Mon 2 Feb 09
seagullsaint
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11:19pm Mon 2 Feb 09
lewpylew
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10:05am Tue 3 Feb 09
Kate, Andover
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10:39am Tue 3 Feb 09
brighton blade
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10:55am Tue 3 Feb 09
timjim
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11:28am Tue 3 Feb 09
seagullsaint wrote:Why don't you support Brighton?
So am I expected to drive from Brighton tomorrow or not? It is the drive back I am worried about , but will be there if it is on. Brighton have already postponed, at least be fair to the likes of me and give us enough notice ( I know of one married couple from York who drive to every Saints game, 10 hour round trip for home games),and what about the Sheffield fans. Newcastle postponed v Charlton last season 45 mins before kick off saying it was too dangerous to travel !!!
timjim
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11:29am Tue 3 Feb 09
brighton blade wrote:And you?
As a Brighton Blades travelling to the game tonight by train am waiting to here if the game is still on - could be a nightmare journey if on.
Kate, Andover
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11:29am Tue 3 Feb 09
brighton blade
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11:40am Tue 3 Feb 09
timjim wrote:Cos i come from Sheffield and work down here - also have you been to Withdean? -Missed the last couple of games at your place so this will be the first time there making it 76 grounds to see the Blades!
brighton blade wrote: As a Brighton Blades travelling to the game tonight by train am waiting to here if the game is still on - could be a nightmare journey if on.And you?
saint Compo
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11:40am Tue 3 Feb 09
hedge end saint
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11:43am Tue 3 Feb 09
timjim
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12:03pm Tue 3 Feb 09
brighton blade wrote:Hats off to you blade - 76 grounds to see your team! I am not sure that the saints have ever visited 76 other grounds! Did you ever make it to the dell?
timjim wrote:Cos i come from Sheffield and work down here - also have you been to Withdean? -Missed the last couple of games at your place so this will be the first time there making it 76 grounds to see the Blades!brighton blade wrote: As a Brighton Blades travelling to the game tonight by train am waiting to here if the game is still on - could be a nightmare journey if on.And you?
Fides
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12:10pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Fides
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12:15pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Fides wrote:Blimey that was a coincidence. Waiting for that last comment to post the pitch and H&S inspection was completed and the match is on.
Ah of course let's blame the weather on Lowe too.
If the game is playable then play it. No doubt there are United fans already on their way.
It looks like the only games not going ahead tonight are where the pitch is unplayable or in London (and that may be pitch related too). If Burnley, Bristol, Preston, Wednesday and Wolves can get their game played (let alone Torquay in the Blue Square Prem) then I think we should too.
Back in those good old days when we were 'a family club' (sic) games were called off not because the pitch wouldn't take a stud, but because it wouldn't take a pick axe.
I do agree about fans safety, but not sure how you draw the line. If it's safe to travel 100 miles by train but not by road? What about if it's safe to travel on the major roads but the little road I walk down to get to SMS is full of ice? I think we just have to leave it to the ref to say the pitch is OK and the health and safety experts ad the police to work out the rest.
Personally, I hope it's on but that's just 'cos I like watching Saints and I'm ready for another game.
hedge end saint
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12:20pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Fides wrote:"Let's hope the team warm us up again".....I sincerely hope they do, Fides...I sincerely hope they do!
Fides wrote: Ah of course let's blame the weather on Lowe too. If the game is playable then play it. No doubt there are United fans already on their way. It looks like the only games not going ahead tonight are where the pitch is unplayable or in London (and that may be pitch related too). If Burnley, Bristol, Preston, Wednesday and Wolves can get their game played (let alone Torquay in the Blue Square Prem) then I think we should too. Back in those good old days when we were 'a family club' (sic) games were called off not because the pitch wouldn't take a stud, but because it wouldn't take a pick axe. I do agree about fans safety, but not sure how you draw the line. If it's safe to travel 100 miles by train but not by road? What about if it's safe to travel on the major roads but the little road I walk down to get to SMS is full of ice? I think we just have to leave it to the ref to say the pitch is OK and the health and safety experts ad the police to work out the rest. Personally, I hope it's on but that's just 'cos I like watching Saints and I'm ready for another game.Blimey that was a coincidence. Waiting for that last comment to post the pitch and H&S inspection was completed and the match is on. Let's hope the team warm us up again.
robhythe
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12:44pm Tue 3 Feb 09
saint Compo
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12:45pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Ann Balref
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12:53pm Tue 3 Feb 09
saint Compo wrote:Get over yourself you big handbag!
Further to my earlier posts, I am angry at the decision to go ahead with this game. As I write, it is snowing heavily near Winchester, where I live. The pitch may be OK and the roads and pavements may be certified OK around the stadium. However, fans who have some distance to travel should not put their lives at risk. We are being told only to travel if our journeys are essential. I have called SFC and have been told that the FA's criteria have been met for the match to be played. This is how the Club and the FA treat football fans. I have therefore told SFC that I will not be renewing my 2 season tickets next season. What a disappointing way to have to bid farewell to Saints after more than 50 years as a loyal fan.
Rudd Gillett
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1:00pm Tue 3 Feb 09
AndyAndrews
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1:00pm Tue 3 Feb 09
mawhiteuk
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1:05pm Tue 3 Feb 09
homegrown
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1:05pm Tue 3 Feb 09
mawhiteuk
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1:09pm Tue 3 Feb 09
rednwhite1
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1:13pm Tue 3 Feb 09
F Fan
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1:14pm Tue 3 Feb 09
robhythe wrote:Met office says 4 degrees centigrade until after midnight and not below 1 degree all night.
Its going to be the lowest ever gate at St Marys!! Hope there isnt any snow this eve cos its going to freeze before the game ends!
F Fan
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1:16pm Tue 3 Feb 09
AndyAndrews wrote:And Saints fans hate people like you trying to destroy the club
Stay away from ALL games at StMary's: Rupert hates empty seats and empty Saints shops.
mawhiteuk
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1:19pm Tue 3 Feb 09
homegrown
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1:20pm Tue 3 Feb 09
F Fan wrote:Wrong those who choice to stay away until that filth goes are not trying to destroy the club.
AndyAndrews wrote: Stay away from ALL games at StMary's: Rupert hates empty seats and empty Saints shops.And Saints fans hate people like you trying to destroy the club
saint Compo
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1:20pm Tue 3 Feb 09
rednwhite1 wrote:I hope all those working people who go to tonight's match were also brave enough to get to work today!
Bloody hell what is wrong with every one , yes weve had snow and its icy, conditions dangerous but blimey it aint end of the world, ive supported them all my life and ive been to worse games than this tonight at the dell. We were proud and brave not letting the weather stop us to going to games.You choose to go , ive a season ticket and id go even if it was hacking it down. Cmon fans be brave and get there safely.
Redhat
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1:21pm Tue 3 Feb 09
saint Compo wrote:your loss!!
Further to my earlier posts, I am angry at the decision to go ahead with this game. As I write, it is snowing heavily near Winchester, where I live. The pitch may be OK and the roads and pavements may be certified OK around the stadium. However, fans who have some distance to travel should not put their lives at risk. We are being told only to travel if our journeys are essential. I have called SFC and have been told that the FA's criteria have been met for the match to be played. This is how the Club and the FA treat football fans. I have therefore told SFC that I will not be renewing my 2 season tickets next season. What a disappointing way to have to bid farewell to Saints after more than 50 years as a loyal fan.
mawhiteuk
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1:27pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Redhat wrote:im doing a 120 mile round trip for the game tonight !! not one person has said i have too . its because i want to . I will support the team that are trying to keep us in the championship . It is the players that run out to empty seats , not lowe .. so stay away if you want who cares . But at least i can say i did my bit to support the team ... Lowe protests should come after the season the team need us know
saint Compo wrote: Further to my earlier posts, I am angry at the decision to go ahead with this game. As I write, it is snowing heavily near Winchester, where I live. The pitch may be OK and the roads and pavements may be certified OK around the stadium. However, fans who have some distance to travel should not put their lives at risk. We are being told only to travel if our journeys are essential. I have called SFC and have been told that the FA's criteria have been met for the match to be played. This is how the Club and the FA treat football fans. I have therefore told SFC that I will not be renewing my 2 season tickets next season. What a disappointing way to have to bid farewell to Saints after more than 50 years as a loyal fan.your loss!! nobody is forcing you to go to the match 2nite,stop your whining and look at the posts of people above,who are driving 80+ miles - because THEY WANT TO!
Tevez888
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1:27pm Tue 3 Feb 09
mawhiteuk
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1:31pm Tue 3 Feb 09
F Fan
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1:31pm Tue 3 Feb 09
saint Compo wrote:May be wise to count to ten here. Not sure of my facts but I think that if the ref says its playable and the police don't object, then clubs must play the match - not thier choice.
Further to my earlier posts, I am angry at the decision to go ahead with this game. As I write, it is snowing heavily near Winchester, where I live. The pitch may be OK and the roads and pavements may be certified OK around the stadium. However, fans who have some distance to travel should not put their lives at risk. We are being told only to travel if our journeys are essential. I have called SFC and have been told that the FA's criteria have been met for the match to be played. This is how the Club and the FA treat football fans. I have therefore told SFC that I will not be renewing my 2 season tickets next season. What a disappointing way to have to bid farewell to Saints after more than 50 years as a loyal fan.
F Fan
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1:33pm Tue 3 Feb 09
homegrown wrote:You must be a Pompey plant. Condeming a new player before you have seen him.
So the game is on, jolly good. Will the virus be parading our latest superstar signing tonight. What an amazing signing,surely on a par with Keegans transfer here when he was EUROPEAN FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR. Thats what you get when those who clearly have not got a clue about football run this club.
mawhiteuk
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1:35pm Tue 3 Feb 09
seagullsaint
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1:36pm Tue 3 Feb 09
timjim wrote:Because I am born and bred in Southampton , and been a Saints fan since 1963.You think I should change teams because I change address ? You clearly have no idea of what it is like to be a football fan. I will be there tonight.
seagullsaint wrote: So am I expected to drive from Brighton tomorrow or not? It is the drive back I am worried about , but will be there if it is on. Brighton have already postponed, at least be fair to the likes of me and give us enough notice ( I know of one married couple from York who drive to every Saints game, 10 hour round trip for home games),and what about the Sheffield fans. Newcastle postponed v Charlton last season 45 mins before kick off saying it was too dangerous to travel !!!Why don't you support Brighton?
F Fan
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1:36pm Tue 3 Feb 09
homegrown wrote:I believe they have a place for people who are trying to destroy the Southampton team at Fraton Park. You and Lowe fit the bill nicely. Two of a kind.
F Fan wrote:Wrong those who choice to stay away until that filth goes are not trying to destroy the club. Theclub has ALREADY been destroyed by Lowe.AndyAndrews wrote: Stay away from ALL games at StMary's: Rupert hates empty seats and empty Saints shops.And Saints fans hate people like you trying to destroy the club
Minnesota Saint
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1:58pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Tevez888 wrote:Agree with you totally Tevez888. We have 3ft of snow and -20C out in MN but things carry on as normal.
Love the way people are moaning that the game is on but are probably the ones who have not gone to work and are running around chucking Snow Balls! It is 1 o'clock and the Sun is shining! What does it matter whether outside is white or clear? At the end of the day, the roads will have been driven on for the best part of 12hours by the time Kick Off comes! Im not going to renew if the game goes ahead.......honestly .....some people! Get to the game and enjoy it! Or are you unhappy as you will miss Eastenders?! If the Football had of been called off you would of then complained that our Stadium is a joke! No win situation apart from those that will go tonight! COYR's!
Bring Back The Dell
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2:00pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Rudd Gillett wrote:I disagree. For us we are on a bit of a run at the moment and when you are one of those, no matter how modest, you want the games to come thick and fast.
I thought we would have not rushed to play this? If we lose and then fact we played one game more could give our relegation rivals a lift?
Bring Back The Dell
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2:04pm Tue 3 Feb 09
AndyAndrews wrote:I think you give Lowe far too much credit. I don`t think he cares about anything to do with Saints enough to hate it, that would be a sign of passion and he certainly hasn`t got any of that when it comes to SFC.
Stay away from ALL games at StMary's: Rupert hates empty seats and empty Saints shops.
timjim
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2:04pm Tue 3 Feb 09
seagullsaint wrote:It's not a dig, just a question. Your somewhat bolshey reply could have ended at the first full stop, it would have explained everything. But no, you must go on and on and start with the old 'I'm a better fan than you, blah, blah,'
timjim wrote:Because I am born and bred in Southampton , and been a Saints fan since 1963.You think I should change teams because I change address ? You clearly have no idea of what it is like to be a football fan. I will be there tonight.seagullsaint wrote: So am I expected to drive from Brighton tomorrow or not? It is the drive back I am worried about , but will be there if it is on. Brighton have already postponed, at least be fair to the likes of me and give us enough notice ( I know of one married couple from York who drive to every Saints game, 10 hour round trip for home games),and what about the Sheffield fans. Newcastle postponed v Charlton last season 45 mins before kick off saying it was too dangerous to travel !!!Why don't you support Brighton?
robhythe
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2:22pm Tue 3 Feb 09
F Fan wrote:That sounds good then! Ive got to make a round trip of around 50 miles to pick kids up etc! Will be lowest crowd tonight tho as some have a distance to go and its an evening game!
robhythe wrote: Its going to be the lowest ever gate at St Marys!! Hope there isnt any snow this eve cos its going to freeze before the game ends!Met office says 4 degrees centigrade until after midnight and not below 1 degree all night.
robhythe
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2:23pm Tue 3 Feb 09
The Exiled Saint
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2:31pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Ocean Village resident
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2:51pm Tue 3 Feb 09
homegrown
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3:14pm Tue 3 Feb 09
F Fan wrote:And l believe that you are talking complete and utter rubbish.
homegrown wrote:I believe they have a place for people who are trying to destroy the Southampton team at Fraton Park. You and Lowe fit the bill nicely. Two of a kind.F Fan wrote:Wrong those who choice to stay away until that filth goes are not trying to destroy the club. Theclub has ALREADY been destroyed by Lowe.AndyAndrews wrote: Stay away from ALL games at StMary's: Rupert hates empty seats and empty Saints shops.And Saints fans hate people like you trying to destroy the club
saint Compo
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3:29pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Redhat wrote:In the Echo this afternoon:
saint Compo wrote: Further to my earlier posts, I am angry at the decision to go ahead with this game. As I write, it is snowing heavily near Winchester, where I live. The pitch may be OK and the roads and pavements may be certified OK around the stadium. However, fans who have some distance to travel should not put their lives at risk. We are being told only to travel if our journeys are essential. I have called SFC and have been told that the FA's criteria have been met for the match to be played. This is how the Club and the FA treat football fans. I have therefore told SFC that I will not be renewing my 2 season tickets next season. What a disappointing way to have to bid farewell to Saints after more than 50 years as a loyal fan.your loss!! nobody is forcing you to go to the match 2nite,stop your whining and look at the posts of people above,who are driving 80+ miles - because THEY WANT TO!
Thorshammer
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3:53pm Tue 3 Feb 09
mawhiteuk
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3:53pm Tue 3 Feb 09
homegrown wrote:well go support someone else then , and leave us "middle class" people to support the team we always have and always will . .true fans
F Fan wrote:And l believe that you are talking complete and utter rubbish. Lowe has destroyed are club with middle class fans like you who continue to bury their heads in the sand as to the problem. Ive been to every home game this season,l aint going no more, the football is completely crap and one win in 14 at home just aint good enough im affraid. I accepted that we were going down after the Forest game,maybe you should do the same.homegrown wrote:I believe they have a place for people who are trying to destroy the Southampton team at Fraton Park. You and Lowe fit the bill nicely. Two of a kind.F Fan wrote:Wrong those who choice to stay away until that filth goes are not trying to destroy the club. Theclub has ALREADY been destroyed by Lowe.AndyAndrews wrote: Stay away from ALL games at StMary's: Rupert hates empty seats and empty Saints shops.And Saints fans hate people like you trying to destroy the club
Costa Baz
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3:54pm Tue 3 Feb 09
F Fan
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4:34pm Tue 3 Feb 09
robhythe wrote:Absolutely - wasn't having a dig - just passing on the tempurature projection.
F Fan wrote:That sounds good then! Ive got to make a round trip of around 50 miles to pick kids up etc! Will be lowest crowd tonight tho as some have a distance to go and its an evening game!robhythe wrote: Its going to be the lowest ever gate at St Marys!! Hope there isnt any snow this eve cos its going to freeze before the game ends!Met office says 4 degrees centigrade until after midnight and not below 1 degree all night.
Millbrook Dave
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4:52pm Tue 3 Feb 09
mawhiteuk wrote:PRAWN SARNIE MUNCHER ALERT!!!
homegrown wrote:well go support someone else then , and leave us "middle class" people to support the team we always have and always will . .true fansF Fan wrote:And l believe that you are talking complete and utter rubbish. Lowe has destroyed are club with middle class fans like you who continue to bury their heads in the sand as to the problem. Ive been to every home game this season,l aint going no more, the football is completely crap and one win in 14 at home just aint good enough im affraid. I accepted that we were going down after the Forest game,maybe you should do the same.homegrown wrote:I believe they have a place for people who are trying to destroy the Southampton team at Fraton Park. You and Lowe fit the bill nicely. Two of a kind.F Fan wrote:Wrong those who choice to stay away until that filth goes are not trying to destroy the club. Theclub has ALREADY been destroyed by Lowe.AndyAndrews wrote: Stay away from ALL games at StMary's: Rupert hates empty seats and empty Saints shops.And Saints fans hate people like you trying to destroy the club
saint luke
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4:56pm Tue 3 Feb 09
saint Compo
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4:56pm Tue 3 Feb 09
jezza
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5:47pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Reality-man
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9:42pm Tue 3 Feb 09
SFC Ed
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10:29pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Lehman Bros Banker
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10:37pm Tue 3 Feb 09
Lehman Bros Banker
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10:50pm Tue 3 Feb 09
seagullsaint
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11:16pm Tue 3 Feb 09
timjim wrote:Just got back safely thankyou, but gutted. So are you a fan ? Not a dig , just a question .
seagullsaint wrote:It's not a dig, just a question. Your somewhat bolshey reply could have ended at the first full stop, it would have explained everything. But no, you must go on and on and start with the old 'I'm a better fan than you, blah, blah,' I hope you have a safe journey and hats off to you travelling all that way.timjim wrote:Because I am born and bred in Southampton , and been a Saints fan since 1963.You think I should change teams because I change address ? You clearly have no idea of what it is like to be a football fan. I will be there tonight.seagullsaint wrote: So am I expected to drive from Brighton tomorrow or not? It is the drive back I am worried about , but will be there if it is on. Brighton have already postponed, at least be fair to the likes of me and give us enough notice ( I know of one married couple from York who drive to every Saints game, 10 hour round trip for home games),and what about the Sheffield fans. Newcastle postponed v Charlton last season 45 mins before kick off saying it was too dangerous to travel !!!Why don't you support Brighton?
oregonsaint
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12:50am Wed 4 Feb 09
oregonsaint
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1:01am Wed 4 Feb 09
Barcelona Saint
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10:56am Wed 4 Feb 09
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