Boss lauds Lallana as the "best in the league" (From Daily Echo)

bigfella777 wrote:
Why doesn't he play like that every game then or is it only when he can be bothered.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

bigfella777 wrote:
Why doesn't he play like that every game then or is it only when he can be bothered.

Well sometimes the opposition have a game plan that eliminates Adam from the game, however this should open avenues for others to capitalise, doesn't always happen.

bigfella777 wrote:
Why doesn't he play like that every game then or is it only when he can be bothered.

bigfella777 wrote:
Why doesn't he play like that every game then or is it only when he can be bothered.

St Retford wrote:
Did you have a lovely day out at Anfield? I suppose, in retrospect, it was the sixth goal that really killed the game off but until then your boys were right in it.

the ref wrote:
Off thread i know,but Adam Leitch's article in the pink this W/E about us Saints fans and the blue few's demise is a little insulting don't you think. Personally i think the bloke is an idiot.

St Retford wrote:
Did you have a lovely day out at Anfield? I suppose, in retrospect, it was the sixth goal that really killed the game off but until then your boys were right in it.

St Retford wrote:
Anyone read the Observer yesterday? They did a lovely match report and they were absolutely frothing about Lals. It was so positive about our prospects it was a joy to read. It'll be on the Guardian website if anyone fancies cheering themselves us. Also in the Observer was a fascinating debate between Will Hutton and Richard Dawkins about secularism and its place in a liberal society.

Alicesdad wrote:
It's good to celebrate a good win and get all the patting on the back over with when we win like we did on Saturday. That was a great display and we need that every home game. People will talk about the games in hand position. I don't give a monkeys about that. Look at the big picture. Looking back over the last few seasons shows that the top two teams usually get in excess of 81 points. So 83pts would certainly see us as a premiership team next season (and 81 pts probably will) . That's another 24 points from 14 games. Looking at the fixture list that is certainly achievable and if we win at home and draw away that would do it with matches to spare. Over confident?? Not really, just looking at the probabilities and the spread of fixtures. It's there for us to take and I still believe we wil do it with three matches to spare. We now have two away matches. We should get at least two points from them. That might not seem quite so upbeat, but it would keep us on track for 83 points. Anything more would be great and would put more and more pressure on those behind us. I'm absolutely certain this is how Adkins looks at the position. Look at the finish line, not the people running behind you !!!

Confucious wrote:
I think I'm one of the nervier Saints fans because for me one of the nicest things about Saturday was being able to relax at a comfortable 3 up with plenty of time to go.

Odd really, because of course ambiguity is the delicious essence of life itself - we just don't know what's going to happen next. And since fear and love are the things we're programmed to feel most - there's plenty of both going around for us Saints worshippers.

It seems for years now every season we're either getting relegated, nearly relegated, promoted or nearly promoted. No mid table doldrums for us. Just when we thought things couldn't get worse, they did. And just when we thought things couldn't get better, they have.

On top of that we go from being broke and badly run under the most loathed management we've ever had to being financially secure and well run by the most respected management we've ever had - including the arrival and sad departure of much-loved Markus within just a year or so.

Of course it's all wonderfully exciting -but it was so nice too to be off the roller coaster for while on Saturday and in cruise mode.

But a word of thanks for someone very important who's been with us through all of this; someone who could have left us at the worst of times and could not have been blamed for doing so - and someone who's been pivotal in helping us reach these, the best of times.

Kelvin Davis.

Confucious wrote:
I think I'm one of the nervier Saints fans because for me one of the nicest things about Saturday was being able to relax at a comfortable 3 up with plenty of time to go.

Odd really, because of course ambiguity is the delicious essence of life itself - we just don't know what's going to happen next. And since fear and love are the things we're programmed to feel most - there's plenty of both going around for us Saints worshippers.

It seems for years now every season we're either getting relegated, nearly relegated, promoted or nearly promoted. No mid table doldrums for us. Just when we thought things couldn't get worse, they did. And just when we thought things couldn't get better, they have.

On top of that we go from being broke and badly run under the most loathed management we've ever had to being financially secure and well run by the most respected management we've ever had - including the arrival and sad departure of much-loved Markus within just a year or so.

Of course it's all wonderfully exciting -but it was so nice too to be off the roller coaster for while on Saturday and in cruise mode.

But a word of thanks for someone very important who's been with us through all of this; someone who could have left us at the worst of times and could not have been blamed for doing so - and someone who's been pivotal in helping us reach these, the best of times.

Kelvin Davis.

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:
Yeah, but what about that time he dropped the ball? About five years ago I think it was. Don't tell me you've forgiven him for that? You should hound him mercilessly for at least a decade. Rubbish.

the ref wrote:
Off thread i know,but Adam Leitch's article in the pink this W/E about us Saints fans and the blue few's demise is a little insulting don't you think. Personally i think the bloke is an idiot.

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

St Retford wrote: Anyone read the Observer yesterday? They did a lovely match report and they were absolutely frothing about Lals. It was so positive about our prospects it was a joy to read. It'll be on the Guardian website if anyone fancies cheering themselves us. Also in the Observer was a fascinating debate between Will Hutton and Richard Dawkins about secularism and its place in a liberal society.

The best article was in the Sunday Times under the heading: 'Portsmouth pay price for absurd delusions of grandeur'. Even points out why the fans have to shoulder some of the blame. Shaaaaaaaala la lalalala..... BTW: It does matter about the title. We have only ever won the FA cup, JPT and third division south.

Bigrich1980 wrote:
Reading all about Lee this morning, the papers are raving about him and how he has an army of fans in Asia, i must admit he looks a useful player, however, i do sometime wonder if this signing is partially motivated by the vast amount of sales of shirts he can bring in in Asia. I remember Arsenal buying Innamoto for £3M but he was worth £100M to Arsenal. Does anyone know enough about Lee to know if he has similar amounts of revenue pull, as that would significantly improve the bank balance.

angus mc coatup wrote:

Confucious wrote: I think I'm one of the nervier Saints fans because for me one of the nicest things about Saturday was being able to relax at a comfortable 3 up with plenty of time to go. Odd really, because of course ambiguity is the delicious essence of life itself - we just don't know what's going to happen next. And since fear and love are the things we're programmed to feel most - there's plenty of both going around for us Saints worshippers. It seems for years now every season we're either getting relegated, nearly relegated, promoted or nearly promoted. No mid table doldrums for us. Just when we thought things couldn't get worse, they did. And just when we thought things couldn't get better, they have. On top of that we go from being broke and badly run under the most loathed management we've ever had to being financially secure and well run by the most respected management we've ever had - including the arrival and sad departure of much-loved Markus within just a year or so. Of course it's all wonderfully exciting -but it was so nice too to be off the roller coaster for while on Saturday and in cruise mode. But a word of thanks for someone very important who's been with us through all of this; someone who could have left us at the worst of times and could not have been blamed for doing so - and someone who's been pivotal in helping us reach these, the best of times. Kelvin Davis.

here here !!! I'll second that old chap,well said.

Hobson82 wrote:

angus mc coatup wrote:

Confucious wrote: I think I'm one of the nervier Saints fans because for me one of the nicest things about Saturday was being able to relax at a comfortable 3 up with plenty of time to go. Odd really, because of course ambiguity is the delicious essence of life itself - we just don't know what's going to happen next. And since fear and love are the things we're programmed to feel most - there's plenty of both going around for us Saints worshippers. It seems for years now every season we're either getting relegated, nearly relegated, promoted or nearly promoted. No mid table doldrums for us. Just when we thought things couldn't get worse, they did. And just when we thought things couldn't get better, they have. On top of that we go from being broke and badly run under the most loathed management we've ever had to being financially secure and well run by the most respected management we've ever had - including the arrival and sad departure of much-loved Markus within just a year or so. Of course it's all wonderfully exciting -but it was so nice too to be off the roller coaster for while on Saturday and in cruise mode. But a word of thanks for someone very important who's been with us through all of this; someone who could have left us at the worst of times and could not have been blamed for doing so - and someone who's been pivotal in helping us reach these, the best of times. Kelvin Davis.

here here !!! I'll second that old chap,well said.

I also agree, Kelvin has been superb. But who do you think has been our best player so far?? It really could be anyone, come the end of the season when asked to vote for the best player I serioulsy don't know who to choose. Hooiveld, Richardson, Lambert, Chaplow, Lallana, Cork, Fox, Davis???

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:
Yeah, but what about that time he dropped the ball? About five years ago I think it was. Don't tell me you've forgiven him for that? You should hound him mercilessly for at least a decade. Rubbish.

Don222Aaa wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

St Retford wrote: Anyone read the Observer yesterday? They did a lovely match report and they were absolutely frothing about Lals. It was so positive about our prospects it was a joy to read. It'll be on the Guardian website if anyone fancies cheering themselves us. Also in the Observer was a fascinating debate between Will Hutton and Richard Dawkins about secularism and its place in a liberal society.

The best article was in the Sunday Times under the heading: 'Portsmouth pay price for absurd delusions of grandeur'. Even points out why the fans have to shoulder some of the blame. Shaaaaaaaala la lalalala..... BTW: It does matter about the title. We have only ever won the FA cup, JPT and third division south.

I see what you are saying about winning things but I for one would rather westham beat Blackpool to give us a better shot at 2nd then worry about 1st place. Premiership football has to be the top prize!

Confucious wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote: Yeah, but what about that time he dropped the ball? About five years ago I think it was. Don't tell me you've forgiven him for that? You should hound him mercilessly for at least a decade. Rubbish.

I'd forgotten about that - and the warm up catch Strasbourg mentioned. Butter-fingered, blundering, bungling, cack-handed, ham-fisted, maladroit, inept, uncoordinated swine he is!

Strasbourg Saint wrote:

Bigrich1980 wrote: Reading all about Lee this morning, the papers are raving about him and how he has an army of fans in Asia, i must admit he looks a useful player, however, i do sometime wonder if this signing is partially motivated by the vast amount of sales of shirts he can bring in in Asia. I remember Arsenal buying Innamoto for £3M but he was worth £100M to Arsenal. Does anyone know enough about Lee to know if he has similar amounts of revenue pull, as that would significantly improve the bank balance.

It's been mentioned before and someone (Retford, I think) made the point that, if we were to sign someone for the profit generated through shirt sales, it would be a Chinese player. Chun (or Chung? or Lee? .....) was bought because, as a player, the outlay justified the potential long-term investment. A lesson certain other clubs could learn from.

Strasbourg Saint wrote:

Bigrich1980 wrote:
Reading all about Lee this morning, the papers are raving about him and how he has an army of fans in Asia, i must admit he looks a useful player, however, i do sometime wonder if this signing is partially motivated by the vast amount of sales of shirts he can bring in in Asia. I remember Arsenal buying Innamoto for £3M but he was worth £100M to Arsenal. Does anyone know enough about Lee to know if he has similar amounts of revenue pull, as that would significantly improve the bank balance.

It's been mentioned before and someone (Retford, I think) made the point that, if we were to sign someone for the profit generated through shirt sales, it would be a Chinese player.

Chun (or Chung? or Lee? .....) was bought because, as a player, the outlay justified the potential long-term investment. A lesson certain other clubs could learn from.

angus mc coatup wrote:

Confucious wrote:
I think I'm one of the nervier Saints fans because for me one of the nicest things about Saturday was being able to relax at a comfortable 3 up with plenty of time to go.

Odd really, because of course ambiguity is the delicious essence of life itself - we just don't know what's going to happen next. And since fear and love are the things we're programmed to feel most - there's plenty of both going around for us Saints worshippers.

It seems for years now every season we're either getting relegated, nearly relegated, promoted or nearly promoted. No mid table doldrums for us. Just when we thought things couldn't get worse, they did. And just when we thought things couldn't get better, they have.

On top of that we go from being broke and badly run under the most loathed management we've ever had to being financially secure and well run by the most respected management we've ever had - including the arrival and sad departure of much-loved Markus within just a year or so.

Of course it's all wonderfully exciting -but it was so nice too to be off the roller coaster for while on Saturday and in cruise mode.

But a word of thanks for someone very important who's been with us through all of this; someone who could have left us at the worst of times and could not have been blamed for doing so - and someone who's been pivotal in helping us reach these, the best of times.

Kelvin Davis.

here here !!! I'll second that old chap,well said.

Hobson82 wrote:

angus mc coatup wrote:

Confucious wrote: I think I'm one of the nervier Saints fans because for me one of the nicest things about Saturday was being able to relax at a comfortable 3 up with plenty of time to go. Odd really, because of course ambiguity is the delicious essence of life itself - we just don't know what's going to happen next. And since fear and love are the things we're programmed to feel most - there's plenty of both going around for us Saints worshippers. It seems for years now every season we're either getting relegated, nearly relegated, promoted or nearly promoted. No mid table doldrums for us. Just when we thought things couldn't get worse, they did. And just when we thought things couldn't get better, they have. On top of that we go from being broke and badly run under the most loathed management we've ever had to being financially secure and well run by the most respected management we've ever had - including the arrival and sad departure of much-loved Markus within just a year or so. Of course it's all wonderfully exciting -but it was so nice too to be off the roller coaster for while on Saturday and in cruise mode. But a word of thanks for someone very important who's been with us through all of this; someone who could have left us at the worst of times and could not have been blamed for doing so - and someone who's been pivotal in helping us reach these, the best of times. Kelvin Davis.

here here !!! I'll second that old chap,well said.

I also agree, Kelvin has been superb. But who do you think has been our best player so far?? It really could be anyone, come the end of the season when asked to vote for the best player I serioulsy don't know who to choose. Hooiveld, Richardson, Lambert, Chaplow, Lallana, Cork, Fox, Davis???

Condor Man wrote:
There is a dearth of quality in the Championship so a player like Lallana does stand out.

BracknellSaint wrote:

Strasbourg Saint wrote:

Bigrich1980 wrote:
Reading all about Lee this morning, the papers are raving about him and how he has an army of fans in Asia, i must admit he looks a useful player, however, i do sometime wonder if this signing is partially motivated by the vast amount of sales of shirts he can bring in in Asia. I remember Arsenal buying Innamoto for £3M but he was worth £100M to Arsenal. Does anyone know enough about Lee to know if he has similar amounts of revenue pull, as that would significantly improve the bank balance.

It's been mentioned before and someone (Retford, I think) made the point that, if we were to sign someone for the profit generated through shirt sales, it would be a Chinese player.

Chun (or Chung? or Lee? .....) was bought because, as a player, the outlay justified the potential long-term investment. A lesson certain other clubs could learn from.

As someone who (a) lived in Japan for 7 years, (b) speaks the lingo fluently and (c) married to a Japanese girl, I can say from my info that this is a footballing transfer, not a commercial one.
He is highly regarded in Japan, and had the chance to come to Europe, having been courted from Italy and Spain top flight teams, but chose Saints.
Also, the economy in Japan is far from what it was, and also the fervour for it's players overseas is much less than it was in the days of Inamoto, due much to both the lack of success of Japanese players overseas(with a few notable exceptions such as Nakata and Nakamura) and also with the access to Premier League etc matches now, it's become more 'regular' for the fans there.
Also, there hasn't so far appeared to be any major marketing push etc in Japan that I've been able to pick up on, although inevitably we will do, rightfully so, once he's settled-a good way to expand our brand, and gain a wider audience/customer base to help us build on the good work we've already done.
I think he'll turn out to be a fine signing, and however well he plays, he will certainly work his arse off till the end, as is very typical of Japanese players.

Gossie. wrote:
It's certainly not going to be easy to pick the Player of the season, so many candidates. Probably easier to look at who won't win it. Tommy Forecast

St Retford wrote:

Gossie. wrote:
It's certainly not going to be easy to pick the Player of the season, so many candidates. Probably easier to look at who won't win it. Tommy Forecast

Matty Holland. He's been awful for us.

puppy saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Gossie. wrote: It's certainly not going to be easy to pick the Player of the season, so many candidates. Probably easier to look at who won't win it. Tommy Forecast

Matty Holland. He's been awful for us.

I've had his name printed on every shirt Saints have produced for the last 3 seasons just in case he makes an appearance. I feel I own a part of him, probably the injured bit.

bstokesaint wrote:
I'll probably get canned for this, but I still don't think Lallana is at the top of his game. He sometimes overplays the simpler stuff and he doesn't get as many goals as someone of his talent should be getting. I definitely don't doubt his ability though and wouldn't be surprised if he kicked on to become one of the best players in the EPL. I just hope it's with us and his loyalty matches his talent.

St Retford wrote:

Gossie. wrote:
It's certainly not going to be easy to pick the Player of the season, so many candidates. Probably easier to look at who won't win it. Tommy Forecast

Matty Holland. He's been awful for us.

bigfella777 wrote:
Why doesn't he play like that every game then or is it only when he can be bothered.

Tirau Dan wrote:
About three or four weeks ago Kelvin started catching low diving saves instead of parrying away. The rebounds have stopped and the defence has been great. It may be lucky coincidence but I think he's been working at it non-stop in training and has improved out of sight.
He's magnificent.. our King Kelvin

St Retford wrote:

puppy saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Gossie. wrote: It's certainly not going to be easy to pick the Player of the season, so many candidates. Probably easier to look at who won't win it. Tommy Forecast

Matty Holland. He's been awful for us.

I've had his name printed on every shirt Saints have produced for the last 3 seasons just in case he makes an appearance. I feel I own a part of him, probably the injured bit.

The man is an absolute disgrace. We signed him, what, two-and-a-half years ago and he's not once even pulled on a shirt for us. I understand everone gets injuries but his don't seem to stop him getting his face (or voice) over the television (or radio) pretty much 24 hours a day. It's about time that man remembered who pays his wages.

St Retford wrote:
Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

BracknellSaint wrote:

St Retford wrote:

puppy saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Gossie. wrote: It's certainly not going to be easy to pick the Player of the season, so many candidates. Probably easier to look at who won't win it. Tommy Forecast

Matty Holland. He's been awful for us.

I've had his name printed on every shirt Saints have produced for the last 3 seasons just in case he makes an appearance. I feel I own a part of him, probably the injured bit.

The man is an absolute disgrace. We signed him, what, two-and-a-half years ago and he's not once even pulled on a shirt for us. I understand everone gets injuries but his don't seem to stop him getting his face (or voice) over the television (or radio) pretty much 24 hours a day. It's about time that man remembered who pays his wages.

Forgive me, as a fairly recent new member to this site, but what is this Matty Holland stuff about?

Confucious wrote:

St Retford wrote: Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

I thought that too. Apart from the fact that it was all very bright in colour, I thought it looked so shiny, clean and crisp that it smacked of a spit 'n polish guards military establishment. The way all the players' kit was laid out in perfect, neat and uniform order also made me think it was Wellington Barracks. Good thing too. Next thing we'll have a Sgt Major on the touchline with Nigel....."Oi, you, Guly, get your fiicking 'ands out yer shorts or I'll stick 'em up yer fat @rse an' stir your fiicking brains up yer dozy Brazillian tw@t"

St Retford wrote:
Anyone read the Observer yesterday? They did a lovely match report and they were absolutely frothing about Lals. It was so positive about our prospects it was a joy to read. It'll be on the Guardian website if anyone fancies cheering themselves us.

Also in the Observer was a fascinating debate between Will Hutton and Richard Dawkins about secularism and its place in a liberal society.

puppy saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Gossie. wrote:
It's certainly not going to be easy to pick the Player of the season, so many candidates. Probably easier to look at who won't win it. Tommy Forecast

Matty Holland. He's been awful for us.

I've had his name printed on every shirt Saints have produced for the last 3 seasons just in case he makes an appearance. I feel I own a part of him, probably the injured bit.

BracknellSaint wrote:

St Retford wrote:

puppy saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Gossie. wrote: It's certainly not going to be easy to pick the Player of the season, so many candidates. Probably easier to look at who won't win it. Tommy Forecast

Matty Holland. He's been awful for us.

I've had his name printed on every shirt Saints have produced for the last 3 seasons just in case he makes an appearance. I feel I own a part of him, probably the injured bit.

The man is an absolute disgrace. We signed him, what, two-and-a-half years ago and he's not once even pulled on a shirt for us. I understand everone gets injuries but his don't seem to stop him getting his face (or voice) over the television (or radio) pretty much 24 hours a day. It's about time that man remembered who pays his wages.

Forgive me, as a fairly recent new member to this site, but what is this Matty Holland stuff about?

St Retford wrote:

Confucious wrote:

St Retford wrote: Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

I thought that too. Apart from the fact that it was all very bright in colour, I thought it looked so shiny, clean and crisp that it smacked of a spit 'n polish guards military establishment. The way all the players' kit was laid out in perfect, neat and uniform order also made me think it was Wellington Barracks. Good thing too. Next thing we'll have a Sgt Major on the touchline with Nigel....."Oi, you, Guly, get your fiicking 'ands out yer shorts or I'll stick 'em up yer fat @rse an' stir your fiicking brains up yer dozy Brazillian tw@t"

I thought it looked like a really lovely trainer shop. And I say that as someone who goes to trainer shops and looks at stuff in the same way most people go to art galleries. I like the series of white balls on the walls which have pictures of someone kicking a ball in them - I might do the same in my kitchen.

St Retford wrote:
Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Confucious wrote:

St Retford wrote: Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

I thought that too. Apart from the fact that it was all very bright in colour, I thought it looked so shiny, clean and crisp that it smacked of a spit 'n polish guards military establishment. The way all the players' kit was laid out in perfect, neat and uniform order also made me think it was Wellington Barracks. Good thing too. Next thing we'll have a Sgt Major on the touchline with Nigel....."Oi, you, Guly, get your fiicking 'ands out yer shorts or I'll stick 'em up yer fat @rse an' stir your fiicking brains up yer dozy Brazillian tw@t"

I thought it looked like a really lovely trainer shop. And I say that as someone who goes to trainer shops and looks at stuff in the same way most people go to art galleries. I like the series of white balls on the walls which have pictures of someone kicking a ball in them - I might do the same in my kitchen.

Last time I was in the home dressing room I was having photos taken with Nigel.

Last time I was in the away dressing room I was being arrested by the old bill for going after Roy Keane the day we got relegated. They saved me from a right good kicking so I'd like to publically apologise for the terrible things I called them that day, some of which probably weren't true.

BracknellSaint wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Confucious wrote:

St Retford wrote: Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

I thought that too. Apart from the fact that it was all very bright in colour, I thought it looked so shiny, clean and crisp that it smacked of a spit 'n polish guards military establishment. The way all the players' kit was laid out in perfect, neat and uniform order also made me think it was Wellington Barracks. Good thing too. Next thing we'll have a Sgt Major on the touchline with Nigel....."Oi, you, Guly, get your fiicking 'ands out yer shorts or I'll stick 'em up yer fat @rse an' stir your fiicking brains up yer dozy Brazillian tw@t"

I thought it looked like a really lovely trainer shop. And I say that as someone who goes to trainer shops and looks at stuff in the same way most people go to art galleries. I like the series of white balls on the walls which have pictures of someone kicking a ball in them - I might do the same in my kitchen.

Last time I was in the home dressing room I was having photos taken with Nigel. Last time I was in the away dressing room I was being arrested by the old bill for going after Roy Keane the day we got relegated. They saved me from a right good kicking so I'd like to publically apologise for the terrible things I called them that day, some of which probably weren't true.

Keano... Could have been nasty. ..

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

BracknellSaint wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Confucious wrote:

St Retford wrote: Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

I thought that too. Apart from the fact that it was all very bright in colour, I thought it looked so shiny, clean and crisp that it smacked of a spit 'n polish guards military establishment. The way all the players' kit was laid out in perfect, neat and uniform order also made me think it was Wellington Barracks. Good thing too. Next thing we'll have a Sgt Major on the touchline with Nigel....."Oi, you, Guly, get your fiicking 'ands out yer shorts or I'll stick 'em up yer fat @rse an' stir your fiicking brains up yer dozy Brazillian tw@t"

I thought it looked like a really lovely trainer shop. And I say that as someone who goes to trainer shops and looks at stuff in the same way most people go to art galleries. I like the series of white balls on the walls which have pictures of someone kicking a ball in them - I might do the same in my kitchen.

Last time I was in the home dressing room I was having photos taken with Nigel. Last time I was in the away dressing room I was being arrested by the old bill for going after Roy Keane the day we got relegated. They saved me from a right good kicking so I'd like to publically apologise for the terrible things I called them that day, some of which probably weren't true.

Keano... Could have been nasty. ..

I know. But in my defence he had incited us with the thumbs down gesture. I got a life ban as well, fortunately Rupert overturned it and I didn't even have to increase our sponsorship deal by a massive amount. Dear old Rupes, got to love him.

BracknellSaint wrote:

Strasbourg Saint wrote:

Bigrich1980 wrote:
Reading all about Lee this morning, the papers are raving about him and how he has an army of fans in Asia, i must admit he looks a useful player, however, i do sometime wonder if this signing is partially motivated by the vast amount of sales of shirts he can bring in in Asia. I remember Arsenal buying Innamoto for £3M but he was worth £100M to Arsenal. Does anyone know enough about Lee to know if he has similar amounts of revenue pull, as that would significantly improve the bank balance.

It's been mentioned before and someone (Retford, I think) made the point that, if we were to sign someone for the profit generated through shirt sales, it would be a Chinese player.

Chun (or Chung? or Lee? .....) was bought because, as a player, the outlay justified the potential long-term investment. A lesson certain other clubs could learn from.

As someone who (a) lived in Japan for 7 years, (b) speaks the lingo fluently and (c) married to a Japanese girl, I can say from my info that this is a footballing transfer, not a commercial one.
He is highly regarded in Japan, and had the chance to come to Europe, having been courted from Italy and Spain top flight teams, but chose Saints.
Also, the economy in Japan is far from what it was, and also the fervour for it's players overseas is much less than it was in the days of Inamoto, due much to both the lack of success of Japanese players overseas(with a few notable exceptions such as Nakata and Nakamura) and also with the access to Premier League etc matches now, it's become more 'regular' for the fans there.
Also, there hasn't so far appeared to be any major marketing push etc in Japan that I've been able to pick up on, although inevitably we will do, rightfully so, once he's settled-a good way to expand our brand, and gain a wider audience/customer base to help us build on the good work we've already done.
I think he'll turn out to be a fine signing, and however well he plays, he will certainly work his arse off till the end, as is very typical of Japanese players.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Has Lala ever been approached by a Premier Club, or is he a} Not good enough; b} a medical risk (heart problems earlier): c} Priceless: d} Our Club has issued a Keep Off the Grass message???

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Confucious wrote:

St Retford wrote: Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

I thought that too. Apart from the fact that it was all very bright in colour, I thought it looked so shiny, clean and crisp that it smacked of a spit 'n polish guards military establishment. The way all the players' kit was laid out in perfect, neat and uniform order also made me think it was Wellington Barracks. Good thing too. Next thing we'll have a Sgt Major on the touchline with Nigel....."Oi, you, Guly, get your fiicking 'ands out yer shorts or I'll stick 'em up yer fat @rse an' stir your fiicking brains up yer dozy Brazillian tw@t"

I thought it looked like a really lovely trainer shop. And I say that as someone who goes to trainer shops and looks at stuff in the same way most people go to art galleries. I like the series of white balls on the walls which have pictures of someone kicking a ball in them - I might do the same in my kitchen.

Last time I was in the home dressing room I was having photos taken with Nigel.

Last time I was in the away dressing room I was being arrested by the old bill for going after Roy Keane the day we got relegated. They saved me from a right good kicking so I'd like to publically apologise for the terrible things I called them that day, some of which probably weren't true.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Has Lala ever been approached by a Premier Club, or is he a} Not good enough; b} a medical risk (heart problems earlier): c} Priceless: d} Our Club has issued a Keep Off the Grass message???

GX Saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:
Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

Yes, and Puncheon seemed chirpy didn't he. What a transformation.

Sfctrucker wrote:

GX Saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:
Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

Yes, and Puncheon seemed chirpy didn't he. What a transformation.

Looked 2 faced to me !!!

Confucious wrote:
I think I'm one of the nervier Saints fans because for me one of the nicest things about Saturday was being able to relax at a comfortable 3 up with plenty of time to go.

Odd really, because of course ambiguity is the delicious essence of life itself - we just don't know what's going to happen next. And since fear and love are the things we're programmed to feel most - there's plenty of both going around for us Saints worshippers.

It seems for years now every season we're either getting relegated, nearly relegated, promoted or nearly promoted. No mid table doldrums for us. Just when we thought things couldn't get worse, they did. And just when we thought things couldn't get better, they have.

On top of that we go from being broke and badly run under the most loathed management we've ever had to being financially secure and well run by the most respected management we've ever had - including the arrival and sad departure of much-loved Markus within just a year or so.

Of course it's all wonderfully exciting -but it was so nice too to be off the roller coaster for while on Saturday and in cruise mode.

But a word of thanks for someone very important who's been with us through all of this; someone who could have left us at the worst of times and could not have been blamed for doing so - and someone who's been pivotal in helping us reach these, the best of times.

Kelvin Davis.

worried of n e hampshire wrote:
i used to have a ford, fattw@t must have built it, a right piece of sh1t it was

worried of n e hampshire wrote:
i used to have a ford, fattw@t must have built it, a right piece of sh1t it was

Tirau Dan wrote:
59 + 39 = 98

I can see us winning them all - there's no reason we can't.
I can't see us finishing on less than 89
87 and I start feeling I'm a pessimist.

Saints will win the League
We are going up.

Fatty x Ford Worker wrote:
14 games left so thats how many points we are going to get then!

St Retford wrote:
Did anyone watch the Football League Show and marvel at how nice the 'backstage' bit at SMS looks? The changing rooms are well plush innit.

Fatty x Ford Worker wrote:
14 games left so thats how many points we are going to get then!

angus mc coatup wrote:

Fatty x Ford Worker wrote:
14 games left so thats how many points we are going to get then!

we !!

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

angus mc coatup wrote:

Fatty x Ford Worker wrote:
14 games left so thats how many points we are going to get then!

we !!

Sorry angus, beat me too it! Great minds think alike!

slugger wrote:
said it before and will say it again , adam is easily my favorite player ..... lovely lad too !

Baddesley Bill wrote:
I'm just reading on The News site that Poopey are calling for more loanees....are they serious???

Strasbourg Saint wrote:

Baddesley Bill wrote:
I'm just reading on The News site that Poopey are calling for more loanees....are they serious???

It's okay, Bill, Appleton's asking for 'common sence from the FL'. So, if he gets his wish, they'll not be getting any loanees, just a few more sendings off! (or is it 'sending offs'?)

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:
Shaaaaa lalala la
shaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa lalalala la

Who or whom or who's or whose fu@king laughing now?

I am. The title or nothing for me and the skates in last place. You lot might accept 2nd for us and 3rd from bottom for them but that's cos your all poofters!

nannupsaint wrote:
The best way to maximise Lee's marketing potential would be to run the next pre-season in Japan. Some good teams in the J League to test us out AND it's almost in my time zone! I could pop up to watch a game or two.....