Wayne mends Bridge with Saints

Wayne Bridge scored the opening goal for Chel$ki against Pompey and immediately endeared himself to his old club by running the length of the pitch to taunt the travelling skates. He is reported to have shouted, "Have that, you bloody wankers!" Up to the time of the goal, the skates had been giving Bridgey stick for being a "scummer" (their term of endearment for us Saints). But Wayne showed his fortitude and hit back in the best way possible! Now all is forgiven and he shall never be booed again at St Mary's. Once Southampton, always Southampton! What the bitter skates say

Marian Pahars Joke

Marian walks into a pub, pinches a girl's arse and says, "Hello darling, you gonna come back to mine for a cuddle?" "Oh" she replies, "you're a little forward!"

Tribute to Mr Southampton

Club president Ted Bates (1918-2003) undoubtedly did more for Southampton FC than anyone, including legends Matt Le Tissier and Lawrie McMenemy. From 1937, in 66 unbroken years of service to the Saints, he had been inside-forward, coach, manager, chief executive, director and finally club president, earning an MBE and the Freedom of the City. As manager he took Saints from the old Third Division to the top flight for the first time in 1966 and then into Europe. He laid the foundations for all the success which has followed with a strong youth development policy. He was an advocate of attractive attacking football. There was one remarkable season when Saints scored 112 goals and conceded 80, heart-stopping yes, but entertaining! Till his recent illness, he attended every home and away game. He leaves behind wife Mary and daughters Jo and Jackie. Tributes and more tributes

Letter from Leeds to Gordy

Dear Gordon, We would like to offer you the position of manager at Leeds United, one of the biggest clubs in the world. We are currently the stongest team in the league (holding everybody else up). We place, as you do, a great onus on honesty, loyalty and high morals (if you exclude the antics of Woodgate (twice) and Bowyer, Jody Morris, our wonderful Burberry-clad fans, our sacking of Peter Reid, David O'Leary and anybody else who didn't win us the championship within three weeks). We have the happiest bunch of players you could hope to meet IF they turn up for training, and we are on first-name terms with the bank manager. Think of the termination payoff you'll get at the end of the season when we sack you after we get relegated! Reidy, Venables and O'Leary not to mention Graham are well pleased. Money would be no object to buy any players you feel necessary. You can have as many ferrets and whippets as you wish, the cheque is in the post and honestly I won't come in your mouth. Signed Leeds PLC P.S. It is in The Sunday People today, so it must be true.

True Greats Website

Saints old boys Franny Benali and Le God have teamed up to develop a website called True Greats in honour of past footballing legends. As Franny and Matty put it: "We both realised that, although there are many club and fan-based websites for football, there is nothing for those who've retired from the game. True Greats has been created to put this right." The site will feature player bios and photos, message boards, quizzes, competitions, polls and, not least, regular live web chats. True Greats launches on 28th October.

Saints 31st in Europe!

According to the latest EuroFootsie on 22 September, Saints are ranked 31st in Europe, ahead of such teams as Ajax, Glasgow Rangers, Newcastle, PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid. Steaua Bucharest are a lowly 188th and P*mpey have to play another 4 Premiership games before they appear on there. Oh, and Spurs have dropped out of the top 100 - 101st to be precise - which is their lowest ever since the EuroFootsie began in 2001. And since Leicester, Wolves and P*mpey are not yet listed because they have not yet played 25 games, Spurs are the worst ranked side in England. Good work Glenda!

Hoddle Riddle

Answer: They both wish they'd never left Southampton!

Spurs-Saints at Sportzballz

Sportzballz are at 41 Seah Street, along the same street as Lot, Stock & Barrel and next to Raffles Hotel. Sportzballz are the official Spurs fan club hangout. There is a large tv screen perfect for watching football and a pool table (for use when Saints are tonking Spurs 4-0 and the outcome of the game is boringly beyond doubt). The atmosphere will be fantastic as Saints and Spurs fans cheer on their team. Do turn up in your Saints top (Daren take note) to lend your support to the Saints!

Transfer Rumour Ha Ha!

Chel$ki are to table a transfer deadline bid of £7 million AND Wayne Bridge for Graeme Le Saux.

Saints-Man Utd at Lot Stock & Barrel

Lot Stock & Barrel are at 29 Seah Street, next to Raffles Hotel. There are parking lots just outside the pub and City Hall MRT Station is 5 minutes' walk away. Seah Street connects to North Bridge Road and Beach Road so bus commuters take note. Nightriders 10 and 30 are 3 minutes' walk away for those who need to get home cheaply after midnight.

New Home Kit

We are taking orders for the new home kit now. Please e-mail us at singasaints@hotmail.com to order, stating size and quantity. Deadline for orders: 31st August.

Saints-Steaua Bucharest in UEFA Cup

Saints have been drawn to meet Steaua Bucharest of Romania in the first round of the UEFA Cup. In Saints' first European tie in 19 years and what is seen as a tough test, Gordon St Rachan's side will take on the 1986 European Cup winners at St Mary's in the first leg on 24 September, with the return 3 weeks later. Steaua are currently second in the Romanian league after 3 games. Bookmakers are offering odds of about 66/1 on Saints winning the cup. Full UEFA Cup draw and seeding

Saints on Tour in Sweden

David Cross, originally of Southampton but now settled in Stockholm, describes Saints' performance in their first two friendlies against Jonkoping and Varnamo. Meanwhile Steve Grant and friends write about their visit to Halmstad for Saints' third friendly.

Bridge Signs

Bridge to Bridge? Ha! Ha!

Chelski rep: "Comrade Lowe, we have tabled a mega-rouble bid for your citizen Bridge, total £7 million." SuperDuperRuper: "Thank you old chap for your kind offer, we will have to respectfully decline. However if you come back with 27 million he's yours!" Chelski rep: "You vonny brescni (Russian for stinking bast*rd), this is an insult and a joke!!!" SuperDuperRuper: "Well you started it." TijuanaTim

Ins & Outs (Summer 2003)

In  Dexter Blackstock - aged 17 - English - striker - ex-Oxford Utd (though he's never played for their first team) - "quick, athletic and powerful" (official site) - joins for undisclosed fee (believed to be £200,000 rising to £600,000 depending on appearances).   In  Kevin Phillips - aged 30 - English international with 8 caps - striker - ex-Sunderland - ex-Saints apprentice (Saints released him 12 years ago when he played at rightback) - transfer fee of £3.25 million.   In  Neil McCann - aged 29 - Scottish international - left-winger - ex-Rangers - winner of 3 league championships, 4 Scottish Cups and 2 League Cups - transfer fee of £1.5 million.   In  Yoann Folly - aged 18 - French of Togo parentage - ex-St Etienne - defensive midfielder - "very strong with quick feet and scores a few goals" (Rupert Lowe) - "one for the future" - transfer fee around £250,000.   In  Graeme Le Saux - aged 34 - English - ex-Chelsea - ex-international with 36 full caps - left-sided player - transfer part of Wayne Bridge sale to Chelsea - two-year contract.   In  Fitz Hall - aged 22 - English - ex-Oldham Athletic - highly-rated 6-foot-2 centreback - nickname 'One Size' (one size fits all, geddit?) - transfer fee undisclosed but believed to be in the region of £250,000.   In  Leandre Griffit - aged 19 - French - from Amiens (French 2nd Div) - attacking midfielder with an eye for goal - "one for the future" - no fee but compensation for training costs.   In  Darren Kenton - aged 24 - English - long-time Norwich player - versatile defender most effective at rightback - free transfer.  Out  Paul Williams - aged 34 - English - experienced centreback - released to Stoke City.  Out  Wayne Bridge - aged 22 - English international with 12 caps - leftback with pace - sold to Chelsea for £7 million plus Graeme Le Saux.  Out  Kevin Davies - aged 26 - English - striker - contract not renewed.  Out  Federico Arias - aged 23 - Argentinian - winger - opt-out clause in contract exercised.

2003-04 UEFA Cup Seeding

Click for a list of seeded and unseeded teams who have qualified for the 2003-04 UEFA Cup. Saints are seeded and will enter the competition at the first round stage.

Saints be praised!

Although Saints lost the FA Cup final to Arsenal, the fans' loud and ardent support for their team and sporting behaviour when Arsenal lifted the cup has impressed everyone. A steward at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, writes: "Dear all at SFC, "I work as a steward at The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. I would just like to let you know that we all thought that your supporters were a true credit to the club and the city of Southampton yesterday. "We have never met a friendlier, happier & more respectful group of fans. I was at your end of the ground, as your fans came through the gates their smiles gave us all a lift in the pouring rain. During the game their behavior was perfect and their vocal support to the team was wonderful. But what impressed us all was that at the final whistle they all stayed to give a superb reception to their team and I am sure that the Arsenal team would have been amazed by the genuine warmth of the reception they received when they lifted the trophy and on their lap of honour from your fans. "I can only compare the attitude of your fans to that of the Man Utd fans who came to the Worthington cup final, who had deserted our end well before the end of the match and showed no respect for the Liverpool players or the traditions of that competition. "We certainly hope that you will be back soon and that next time you get the result your magnificent supporters deserve. "Thank you all for making our jobs so easy & allowing us the privilege of sharing in the wonderful atmosphere that you all created. "Tim Jones, Wick, Vale of Glamorgan" And a Gooner says: "I'm a lifelong Arsenal supporter and have been fortunate to experience a lot of big games and a few finals but I have never met well behaved set of supporters as yours. I think every one of them had a huge smile and was a pleasure to spend the day with. They was very gracious in defeat and really appreciated their day out. Your supporters really are a credit to you. What I saw on the M4 will always live with me....Very Heavy Rain......heavy traffic and an open top bus full of saints fans dancing on the top deck. They obviously didn't give a monkeys about the rain........they were having a fantastic time. Good on you all....! "Mr. Allan Fenn, woodford green, essex" Well done Saints and keep up the good work! Cup final feedback and more!

Class of '76

The surviving members of Saints' 1976 FA Cup-winning side, and their wives, will be guests of the club in Cardiff on Cup Final Day. What are they doing now? Goalkeeper: Ian Turner works on an oil rig. Full-backs: Peter Rodrigues has retired to Spain. David Peach is foreman for a Hampshire building firm. Half-backs: Nick Holmes is manager of Salisbury City. Mel Blyth is a schools football coach. Jim Steele is a publican. Forwards: Paul Gilchrist works for BMW. Mick Channon is a highly successful racehorse trainer. More Peter Osgood works for Southampton FC hospitality. Jim McCalliog is a publican. Bobby Stokes (scorer of the winning goal) died of pneumonia in 1995, aged 43. Substitute: Hugh Fisher is a brewery rep in Hampshire. Manager: Lawrie McMenemy is a media pundit.

EuroFootsie Rankings      

Saints are ranked 37th best European team in the EuroFootsie rankings dated 21 Apr 03. Saints reaching the FA Cup final is a major reason we are so well-placed :) Interestingly Saints are ranked above every French team, including PSV Eindhoven, who are just below at 38. The North London Yobs are 63rd and naturally the skates don't figure at all. The Eurofootsie, a computer-generated ranking of Europe's top football clubs, is based on each club's performance over its past 50 games (domestic and European). It was first launched in January 1995 and published each week in the Wall Street Journal Europe up to January 2000. Overview of the ranking system, country comparison and team comparison!

Onwards and upwards! Saints in Europe!

Saints beat a determined but ultimately lacking Watford at Villa Park in the second of two semi-final matches played Sunday 13 April. The game started nervously as neither side wanted to concede an early goal. But soon everyone settled down and Saints' Premiership pedigree began to shine through. Brett Ormerod who had not scored in something like 495,367,801 games finally put one in the net on 43 minutes - his header was too strong for the keeper to keep out though he got a hand to it. In the second half, Watford pushed for the equalizer but in reality they rarely threatened as Saints were always quicker and won most of the 50-50 situations. The Hornets had a golden chance in the 55th minute when winger Stephen Glass headed the ball and it seemed destined for the top right corner of Paul Jones' goal. But Jonah, world's greatest shot-stopper that he is, made a reflex save to tip the ball on to the bar and out of play. Phew! Then in the 79th minute, the Fear of Beattie struck! SuperBrett who despite his lean scoring spell had justified his selection ahead of Kevin Davies and Jo Tessem on the basis of some wonderful assists, sent in a low pin-point cross from the left. The ball eluded the keeper and before you could say "Milan Mandaric is leaving P*mpey" two defenders sandwiched Beatts and the three did a sort of menage a trois to contrive a goal! Saints of course wanted Beatts to be credited with the goal but the action replay showed it was Paul Robinson who touched it in. The goal was virtually identical to the second goal against Wolves in the quarter-finals when their defender under pressure from Beattie swept the ball into the net. It's the Fear of Beattie that's what it is! Saints thought they were home and dry with a 2-goal lead going into the final stretch. But like so often this season and in seasons past they had to almost f*ck it up by letting in a late goal. From a corner Marcus Gayle rose unchallenged to head the ball past Jonah and over Matt Oakley (who was doing his usual specialist job of protecting the goal). 2-1 and Saints stomachs churned. Thankfully there was only 3 minutes left to full-time and we saw the game out safely. With Arsenal practically assured of a Champions League place next season, Saints by virtue of being their final opponents in the FA Cup have a UEFA Cup place as winner or runner-up.

Saints-Watford at Lot Stock & Barrel

We normally meet at Shidong Bar but they are closed on Sundays. So we visit Lot Stock & Barrel, the haunt of the Leeds Supporters Club, on Sun (13 Apr) for the biggest game of the season for Saints (so far) - the FA Cup Semi-final match against Watford. Contrary to expectations, Watford are no pushovers as their 7-4 away win over Burnley just last weekend shows. Lot Stock & Barrel are at 29 Seah Street, next to Raffles Hotel. There are parking lots just outside the pub and City Hall MRT Station is 5 minutes' walk away. Seah Street connects to North Bridge Road and Beach Road so bus commuters take note. Nightriders 10 and 30 are 3 minutes' walk away for those who need to get home cheaply after midnight.

Bid4Sport

The founder of Bid4Sport is former Southampton and England footballer and now ITV pundit Barry Venison. Their goal (no pun intended) is to provide a wide selection of top-class, rare, unique and sometimes unobtainable memorabilia whilst also raising as much money as possible for charity. Bid4Sport are currently working with the English FA, UEFA and FIFA to promote Keep Your Eye On The Ball, a testicular cancer charity. For now and the next few months, Bid4Sport are auctioning rare and unique items from various football clubs and players e.g. a squad-signed Southampton shirt in support of Keep Your Eye On The Ball. Click to learn more.

Saints Mag March 03 Issue

The latest issue of the imaginatively-named Saints magazine - Saints - is on sale for £2.50. It features David Prutton who cost us £2.5 million (wonder if Norwich who sold him would take a million Saints mags instead of cash) and James Beattie's England dream. But no, Holly Valance isn't in it...not yet anyway :)

(It really is) Saints-Watford in FA Cup Semis!

Date of semi-finals: Sunday, 13th April Venue: Villa Park Television coverage: Live telecast on ESPN (or Star Sports) and RTM 2 (hopefully RTM 1) Date of Chelsea-Arsenal replay: Tuesday, 25th March

Saints march on in FA Cup!

Having put Wolves away, the next big event in Saints' exciting calendar this season is the FA Cup semi-final draw. Some 'experts' already know we'll be playing Watford at home (see the irrefutable evidence). For those not so easily convinced, the draw will be held on Monday (10 Mar) at 9.30 pm (Singapore time). The probability of Saints meeting yet another First Division club in the semis is precisely 2/3. So what's the definition of a Saints fan? Easy! Someone who wants Chelsea to beat Arsenal in their FA Cup replay, then have Chelsea play Sheffield United in the semis, duh! Party pics!

Saints-Wolves at Lot Stock & Barrel

We normally meet at Shidong Bar but they are closed on Sundays. So we visit Lot Stock & Barrel, the haunt of the Leeds Supporters Club, on Sun (9 Mar) for Saints-Wolves starting at 11.55 pm. There should be quite an atmosphere on the day as Leeds themselves are still in the FA Cup. Lot Stock & Barrel are at 29 Seah Street, next to Raffles Hotel. There are parking lots just outside the pub and City Hall MRT Station is 5 minutes' walk away. Seah Street connects to North Bridge Road and Beach Road so bus commuters take note. Nightriders 10 and 30 are 3 minutes' walk away for those who need to get home cheaply after midnight.

SaintsTalk - the official Southampton FC Newsletter

Saints have begun a free monthly online newsletter called SaintsTalk. It is emailed to everyone who asks nicely for it! Fill in the form and say something like "Please include me in your mailing list for SaintsTalk, the official Southampton FC online newsletter" in the large box at the bottom of the form. Do NOT tick the very last box which says: "If you do not wish to receive any e-mails..." before the 'submit' and 'clear' buttons. The February newsletter "features a bizarre case of mistaken identity, full ticket details for the FA Cup quarter-final at home to Wolves, the chance to book hospitality for the biggest match of the season and details of the latest concourse sale."

Saints v Watford in FA Cup Semis!

As surely as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, Saints WILL (after the formality of beating Wolves in the quarters) play Watford at home in the semis. As one poster on the SaintsForever message board puts it: "Now the way I look at this draw so far we have had Bird, Animal, Bird now Animal... What the F**k am I on about?? Well first was the Cockerill of Spurs, then the Lions of Millwall, followed by the Canaries of Norwich which leaves us with the following: "Arsenal = Gunners  Chelsea = Blues  Fulham = Cottagers? or Burnley = Clarets  Leeds = Lily Whites  Sheff Utd = Blades  Watford = Hornets  Wolves = Wolves "So next round we will have Wolves followed by Hornets in the Semi's... Every Cup has a story you know? "Colin Graves "<<< Okay Nurse I will put the white coat on myself >>>" To which another poster replied: "As to the story of the cup the animals thing could be it. Up until this weekend you had the potential of having 4 teams who play in red and white stripes in the quarters: "Saints  Sheff Utd  Stoke  Sunderland "but obviously that's gone now so hornets or wolves will do fine... "Saint137"

Saturday Kickabout & Shidong Bar Night

Each Saturday at 4.15 pm SingaSaints play football at the New Town Primary School field, the large field facing Commonwealth MRT Station. After the kickabout, we go for dinner and then on to Shidong Bar, 7 Club Street (tel: 6323 5677) to watch EPL games live on big-screen tv. Despite it being called a bar, Shidong has a restaurant licence so kids are welcome. The decor and ambience are excellent, the seats are comfortable and the tv-reception is perfect. Shidong is a short walk from Raffles Place MRT Station. Map

Millwall despatched - roll on Norwich!

Saints beat a dogged Millwall 2-1 at the New Den in extra-time to progress to the 5th round of the FA Cup. Saints opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a well-constructed move that ended with Anders Svensson chesting Paul Telfer's cross down for Matt Oakley to half-volley into the net. Peter Reid equalised for Millwall on 39 minutes after Anders sloppily lost the ball. Saints made their dominance count when Oaks shot through the legs of a defender for the winner in the 102nd minute. Norwich at home is next up for Saints.

Beattie and Davies vote Saints!

Hotshot James Beattie has scorched rumours he is about to join Man U by signing a one-year extension to his contract that will keep him at Saints until 30 June '06. Meanwhile Kevin Davies has rejected a bid by another Premiership club, purportedly Spurs (them again!), to sign him at the close of the transfer window. SuperKev will stay and fight for his place and hopefully earn a new contract with Saints. Beatts and Kev say why.

Saints' Half-Year Results

Chairman Rupert Lowe on 3rd Feb announced the results for the first half of Saints' financial year. He said, "Despite the £3.573 million deficit, our turnover is skewed towards the second half of the year due largely to the timing of the football calendar, there is a pleasing fall in operating loss to £287,000, and the overall state of the club is healthy." Nevertheless "our costs remain too high following the massive rises in players' and coaches' wages over the last few years. It is very difficult to control costs without the risk of losing talented players who are essential to the main task of running a successful football club - ie winning football matches. The current parlous state of the football industry should help to correct its historical excesses but it will take time. We are well placed relative to most of our competitors and despite the high risk nature of footballing revenues we believe that we have an exciting six months in prospect." Click for a fuller analysis of the results.

Transfer News (1-31 Jan 03)

In  David Prutton - aged 22 - English - Nottingham Forest's Player of the Year last season - U-21 England midfielder - predominantly a right-sided midfielder, although he has played left midfield and most recently, central midfield - Saints' "number one target" (according to official site) - fee £2.5 million - four-and-a-half-year contract.   In  Danny Higginbotham - aged 24 - English - Derby County's Player of the Year last season - a defender who recently played well on the left - fee £1.5 million - four-year contract.   In  Federico Arias - aged 23 - Argentinian - nickname 'Torpedo' (explosive over 20 metres) - has two excellent feet and crosses well - essentially a left-winger but able to play on the right a la Fernandes - fee £500,000 - three-and-a-half year contract.  Out  Andrei Kanchelskis - aged 34 - ex-Russian international - winger - signed at the start of the season on a one-year contract - made only 2 substitute appearances for Saints - contract cancelled by mutual consent.  Out  Neil Moss - aged 27 - English - reserve keeper fourth in pecking order behind Niemi, Jones, Blayney - contract cancelled by mutual agreement.  Out  Tahar El Khalej - aged 34 - Moroccan international - versatile defender - 65 appearances for Saints - contract due to expire at end of season but released early - gone to Charlton Athletic as defensive cover.  Out  Imants Bleidelis - aged 27 - Latvian international - winger - released.  Out  Kleber Chala - aged 31 - Ecuadorian international - midfielder - contract cancelled by mutual agreement.

Website Upgrading

Our domain is now simply singasaints.com! There is no longer a need to type geocities.com/singasaints. We have signed a site-hosting package with Yahoo! which gives the benefits of a shorter domain name, larger data storage space, increased bandwidth and, best of all, zero pop-up ads!