I wasn't that impressed by Dale Stephens. During the final game against Walsall there were rumours that he had been sent back to Oldham already although I think this subsequently proved incorrect. The news in the Echo last week was a bit strange as I didn't expect anyone to be looking at Stephens let alone Bolton and Leeds. My opinion was that he was a stop-gap to provide cover and I didn't think he added anything to the squad. It was staggering that teams like Leeds and Premiership Bolton were linked with him both of whom would represent a huge step up. I also think that he is not especially better than anything he have at the moment. Certainly he is not of the same calibre as Lallana, Hammond, Oxlade-Chamberlain or Morgan Schneiderlin. I was surprised to read that we are still interested in him. Not been convinced by Gobern either - seems a bit of a fringe player and felt some of the home matches passed him by.
Curious to see how some Saints fan perceive Leeds. Leeds are one of the biggest clubs in the country and probably the largest club outside of the Premiership. There is a lot of antipathy towards Leeds as a consequence of the team that Don Revie created which was generally hated by impartial fans. In recent years the Leeds fans have been the most passionate fans to have visited St. Mary's in recent years and only the visit by Portsmouth has quite matched the intensity. I think Leeds will go up next year and along with West Ham, will provide the main competition for those teams looking for a promotion place.