[themaclad]

Nothing like getting up at 4.30 am to watch a game that's nearly in France

https://www.southamptonfc.com/en

MANAGER



William Still (born 14 October 1992) is a professional football coach who is the manager of EFL Championship club Southampton.

Born in Belgium to English parents, Still played youth and amateur football in Belgium before beginning coaching at age 17. In 2017, aged 24, he led Lierse in the Belgian First Division B, managing Beerschot in the same league four years later. He has also managed Reims and Lens in Ligue 1.



Mystic Macs form guide

Saints 8 Whites 8

Given my mythical form guide, probably be a close game

NEWBIES AND NET FINDERS



Spent some serious money

Hot stuff, brings back memories
Southampton has experienced several destructive fires throughout its history, but "The Great Fire of Southampton" most commonly refers to a devastating blaze in 1837. The city also endured widespread damage from fires during the German bombing raids of World War II and experienced a notable blaze in 1912.
The Great Fire of 1837
Cause: The fire began in a hayloft on November 7, 1837. Reckless use of fireworks was widely blamed for starting the blaze.
Location: It started near the stables of the King, Witt & Co. warehouse, a four-story brick building on the High Street at the corner of Gloucester Square.
Destruction: The warehouse, which contained highly flammable goods such as oil, turpentine, and varnish, was quickly engulfed. The fire spread rapidly, aided by explosions that occurred during the incident.
Fatalities: Despite the efforts of around 150 local volunteers, 22 townspeople tragically lost their lives. A 16-year-old butcher named George Bell was among the victims, pinned under a collapsed beam.
Commemoration: A memorial plaque in Holyrood Church lists the names and ages of the people who died in the fire.
Royal aid: Queen Victoria, who had ascended to the throne earlier that year, sent £100 to a collection fund for the affected families.
Other notable fires
1912 fire: An image of a "great fire" from 1912 shows a blaze that took place on Bridge Street, affecting the furnishing warehouse of E. Hart and Co.. The Nags Head Inn, which dated back to the 1700s, appears to have survived this fire but was later destroyed in World War II.
World War II bombings: During the Blitz, German air raids caused severe damage and numerous fires throughout Southampton. Many historic areas, including the Above Bar Street shopping area, were hit, and some structures like the Nags Head Inn were completely destroyed.


T'OTHER GAMES AND LE TABLEAU





Team News
Paul Heckingbottom will provide a team news update in his pre-match press conference.

The Hosts

Following relegation from the Premier League, Southampton tasked Will Still with the job of mounting a push back to the top flight.

The adjustment to life in the Championship hasn’t been plain sailing so far this season, with the Saints sitting 20th in the table heading into the weekend, albeit with plenty of second-tier experience within their ranks.

Their leading scorer so far this campaign is Adam Armstrong, whose 24 goals in 2023/24 helped catapult them into the Premier League, while former North End loanee Cameron Archer is another option up top.

Match Officials

Referee: Matt Donohue
Assistant Referees: Jacob Graham and Carl Fitch-Jackson
Fourth Official: Gavin Ward

Matt Donohue, who took charge of the home victory over Ipswich Town earlier this season, will referee Saturday’s match.

So far this campaign, he’s shown 38 yellow cards and one red in eight matches.

We’ve Met Before

Lewis Neal was North End’s last match-winner at St Mary’s back in 2007, coming up with a 90th-minute strike to earn three points.

Hopefully we will put in a better performance than when we eventually got there last time, a Ryan Lowe masterclass by us, lost 3-0, they have not started the season as they had wished and have not won at home since August, should be fun