Tea brewing and getting ready to depart for the far east. Just reflecting. 3 years ago I was off to see the club I'd supported for 50 years play it's last game in the second tier. None of us knew what the future would hold, if anything. I wasn't over comforted by the headlines in the Non-League football paper that Saints would be welcomed into the Conference. We had a laugh that day, and showed that we don't get down easily, but it was gallows humour and we knew it. We couldn't have dreamed that we'd have two games to get one point to secure our return to the Premier League. Savour it everyone. But I also remember waking up on "big" days. Cup Finals, of course, but one that I recall right now is the last game of the 77/78 season. Home to Spurs and one point would give us promotion back to the First Division. It was nerve jangling, and the fact that Spurs only needed a point to secure the third auto place didn't make me feel any better. But today is slightly phoney. Win or draw, and I'll go totally bonkers. But lose, and I'll come home a bit naffed off but hardly suicidal. Partly because after all that went on 3 years ago it is difficult to ever imagine being that low again about Saints, but mostly because we know that a draw on Monday at Leicester or a win for us next week or or ... It's all good. I'm just looking forward to being there today, and again at home next week. I feel another golden era coming on, and that if the champagne stays on ice tonight it'll be quaffed next week. When we went up in '78 it started a great few years. Let's have more, please. Have a great day, fellow Saints, wherever you watch or listen to the match and relax.
What a post. That game against Burnley was the lowest of the lows. Who would have thought we've only been through two managers since? I am so happy being a Southampton fan right now.
Oh spot on on. We will be promoted. We will beat Coventry; West Ham may only draw ononday and we may draw today, but I know we are going up. I would very much like if ti be today, however I am relaxed. The champagne in the fridge will be consumed in this next week. I will be setting off at midday, hopefully having picked up a Not606er at the station, then off to Boro. We may meet Channon. I'll be the one wearing yellow going mental at the final whistle
Oddly enough I had just sent you a message. In yellow, hey? OK, I'll look out for you! I'll be the old bugger who really should know how to behave better.
Where are you guys going pre game? Have looked on footballgroundguide.com and they sugguest Doctor Browns which is about 15 mins from stadium. Am too setting off soon! COYR!
Dr Browns keeps getting mentioned ... let's all sing together there then. Watch Pompey go down and then off to the game. Almost perfect!
It is another chapter on a remarkable turn around for a club. By anyone's standards these last few years have been something special. The few poor results we've had have been dwarfed by the achievements of not only the players but the managers we've had the last few season. Pardew has got his career back on track and Adkins is on the verge of the Premiership, both deserve to be there, and both will. If you'd have said we'd be in the top flight in a few years on that day against Burnley you'd have been laughed at. Just makes you think where we will be in 5 years time...
Great post Channon, I would give several limbs to be there with you guys today. Have a good one and make sure you give the cameras some good post-match celebrations to film!