I wasn't thinking of an average one ... more a specific one There is (otherwise) a glimmer on here. I'm only here because I'm hoping you lot will make me cleverer
I know all about the long trip to matches. The bus takes 32 minutes to get to the Boro. 32 minutes! How to pass the time? Dream of a win?
Relegated teams seem to play with freedom, will want to put on a performance for miserable home fans and star players will be looking for suitors. Will not be easy. We are away from home, wearing flip flops and in that dramatic dogfight that is the battle for 8th. I predict a low scoring draw, maybe 0-0?
So far Ive seen us lose against a Hull team that was struggling, easily beat a Sunderland side that had drawn against Spurs, so a draw against a relegated Boro looks likely.
Can we please swap Tadic and Redmond around (if both start). Bertrand-Tadic works so much better than Bertrand-Redmond in my view (I do feel sorry sometimes for Bertrand, in that partnership), and based on recent matches no having Tadic in the hole wouldn't be any loss.
Well this match is a sad continuation of the dreary football to which we have been subjected for most of the season under our Gallic so-called manager. Although strictly the match hasn't taken place yet, I shall be listening to at least some of the borefest on the Radio Solent commentary before deciding that it's all too depressing and switching the radio off early and going to watch some proper football from the 10 year olds in the park. What passion these kids show! It clearly matters to them and it is obvious from the excellent finishing as the ball skids in off the inside of the jumper pile that it's all about leadership. Their parents have certainly not lost the changing room. I predict that there will no lack of ticket sales here, as I rather feel will be sadly inevitable for Saints next season. I have done my own analysis and it was quite clear that at 2 minutes to half time many Saints fans had had enough and there has been a regular "fire drill" of fans not even staying until half time. If Puel is still in charge in August, I predict a disaster for the club with Saints dropping to the 4th tier within two seasons and that the few players prepared to remain, will feign injury to avoid playing under him as Van Dyke and Austin have done during this campaign, and who can blame them? Should we be lucky enough to win this match by the odd six or seven, then it will be simply papering over the cracks. (I know that some of you would like me to expand on all this, but frankly sometimes the least said the better.)
A leisurely stroll from the bus station, through the glorious town centre, to the picturesque riverside setting. The sun will be shining and all will well with the world. Then the match will ruin it all. Blue writing. Will be at the ground about 2.15.
