Saints drop out

Saints crashed out of the cup today despite taking the lead at the city of manchester stadium. An early goal from kenwyne jones gave saints the perfect start, but city equalised almost immediately through Darius vassell. Goals from Joey Barton and DaMarcus Beasley then guided city to a 3-1 victory. Whilst Saints didn't just lie down, but couldn't quite get a hold of the game.

Claus wasn't playing with Ostland, Barid, Powell and Bale making up the back four. McGoldrick was again selected on the left-hand side of midfield. Was this the right decision? I was surprised. We need these midfield injury problems to clear up soon, otherwise our automatic promotion bid could go the same way. Looks like Nathan Dyer might be back soon and the possible loan signing of the polish striker, might give us something else up front. But why oh why has more effort not been made to strengthen the squad. Guess we'll see come may.

FA Cup preview

As the Saints roll into Manchester tomorrow for their FA cup fourth round tie, they must fancy their chances against a Man City side who have hardly been setting the premiership alight. Despite the difference in division, only 12 places separate the two sides and I think Saints have a good chance to keep their cup run going. The FA cup history between the two sides and Saints away form this season both suggest there could be plenty of goals in this one. The two previous cup meetings between the teams supplied 5 and 6 goals and Saints away matches have seen goals flying in left-right and centre. I would personally fancy a 3-1 Saints win, with a couple from Rasiak and a Bale freekick.

Saints will likely have the same squad available as in the previous game, with the addition of Makin and possibly Dyer, who might make the substitutes bench after coming through 45 minutes for the reserves midweek. Bradley Wright-Phillips will be vying for a starting spot against his old side, after he scored from the bench in the last game. I would personally stick with Jones in a 442, with Bradley being a very handy sub. I think Dyer shouldn't be rushed back, but if fit enough should be on the bench incase saints need to change something.

Todays other fourth round ties didn't provide many surprises. It was lovely to see Pompey dumped out by the other half of manchester. Lovely second goal by Rooney, they really won 4-1 but had two goals shockingly disallowed. Well done to Bristol City and Blackpool for holding higher division sides, good luck in the replays.

FA Cup build-up begins

Finally some possible inward transfer news, Saints have taken Marek Saganowski on a 2-day trial from french club Troyes. The 28 year old Polish international striker has failed to make the impact hoped since a move '05 summer and has been told he is surplus to requirements.

Looking forward to next weekend, the FA cup returns with Saints fourth round visit to Man City on sunday afternoon. The red and white will be looking for a cup upset. Will have more facts and previews later in the week. But just to whet your appetite here is a slideshow of my photos from the Cup final in cardiff a few years back. Sadly no in game pics, but captured the spirit of the day nicely. What a great day out.

FA Cup update

Saints will now play Man City in the fourth round of the FA Cup after they came through a tough match against Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 at the city of manchester stadium. Goals from Stephen Ireland and Darius Vassell gave city victory, despite a good battling display by wednesday, who had Mark Crossley keeping them in the game (at least we won't have to face him again).

The match will take place at the City of Manchester stadium on Sunday 28th January at 3pm, in order to avoid a clash with the Man Utd v Portsmouth tie the day before. Plus it means we can all watch Pompey get trounced live on BBC television :-)

Monday morning rolls around again!
Transfer news: Again Burley has stated Gareth Bale is not for sale!! Do we really believe this? If the board can't get him tied down to a longer contract and someone offers £7 million then will they be able to resist? I really hope so, otherwise our faint hopes of automatic promotion are surely gone.

David Prutton does appear to be on his way to Hull after Saints have apparently accepted an 'improved' bid. Last week they reportedly rejected a £400k offer for the midfielder. Hull are his home town club and if he is not in Burley's immediate plans now (with 3 right-midfielders out injured), then its probably best to cash in now, before losing him for free in the summer. He's done ok for saints. But I don't feel he ever fulfilled his potential, coming to saints from being forest captain and an england u-21 star. Injuries haven't helped of late, and I was glad to see him score the other week. But its probably time for him to get a fresh start.

The promise of a £2 million investment from Michael Wilde was interesting. I heard a quote saying that it wasn't for transfer fees. If it wasn't that then what is it for? Wages hopefully! If they can use that money to keep Bale for a while longer and bring in two or three handy loan signings, we've still got a chance.

Finally, if any of you missed them, I found the FA cup 3rd round highlights of Torquay v Saints on youtube. Enjoy!