The record run is now a stick to beat RM and his hapless players with. The truth is that we weren't superb in all of those games. Many were won right at the end and one or two we probably deserved to lose. Interesting to compare Cardiff away with, say, Norwich away. Both we should have won easily and in both we failed to put the opposition to the sword. Norwich did NOT fluke a winner at the end so our run continued, Cardiff was different. "The table doesn't lie" has more truth in it than many cliches, especially at this time of the season. Even out the up and downs and we have been the 4th best side.

The problem going into the play-offs is that something else seems to be happening. Yes, we are 4th over the whole season but we weren't during our first 'four in a row including an abject 5-0 ' fiasco and we aren't now (I assume defeat at Leeds). We are getting all the usual 'lost the dressing room' and 'players not trying' comments but none of us (beyond perhaps injuries) really know the truth.

I share misgivings about a RM led Saints in the prem but I can't make myself not want us to get through the play-offs. I have never wanted Saints not to win a game in my long life and I am not starting now. Promotion and RM then goes to pastures new is my best (and probably quite slender) hope. Then, of course, we would face SR's abysmal record in managerial appointments. They'd probably go for the Derby bloke who most of their supporters see as someone who nearly prevented promotion rather than achieved it.

5

If most of our fans think that McCarthy was the best player yesterday, we really are in trouble. Awful distribution and, as usual, easily beaten at his near post to lose us the game, when that was the only place he needed to protect. There wasn't a lot good out there, I admit. But the same old tired rotation of places by RM, meaning there is no longer any credible competition for getting an appearance, with a bull headed determination to never give any of our youngsters a chance, means it's hard for any player to shine. Our Midfield is totally ineffective and its left to our forwards to come back and try and create some build up. No hope of that when so many bang average signings and loan players who no longer care surround them

1

If most of our fans think that McCarthy was the best player yesterday, we really are in trouble. Awful distribution and, as usual, easily beaten at his near post to lose us the game, when that was the only place he needed to protect. There wasn't a lot good out there, I admit. But the same old tired rotation of places by RM, meaning there is no longer any credible competition for getting an appearance, with a bull headed determination to never give any of our youngsters a chance, means it's hard for any player to shine. Our Midfield is totally ineffective and its left to our forwards to come back and try and create some build up. No hope of that when so many bang average signings and loan players who no longer care surround them

-2

McCarthy made some important saves yesterday and for a change was NOT beaten at his near post Unfortunately the defence in front of him has got used to having Bazunu as an extra defender playing the sweeper/keeper game.Mac is not comfortable playing that role and can make his centre backs nervous

Our second choice mid field failed to step up and we're over run If this had ended 0-0 we would probably have called it atypical end of season game with nothing to play for me


Hopefully RM and his team will be able to get us back on track with a whole week's training in front of them

I do suspect that Sports Republic will replace RM if we are not promoted Personally I think that would be a massive mistake as the experience they have gained this year will be invaluable next season if we are still a championship team

1

Take a deep breath and think before you write any more drivel. What would RM's instructions be?
1. Don't get sent off
2. Don't get injured
We are 4th, we'll finish 4th, the next important game is the away leg of the playoff.

0