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Crocs on Tour > 2009-10 > Southampton

Southampton - Sunday 15/11/09

It was all change at the Albion this week, as the club announced the appointment of Gus Poyet as first team manager, with Mauricio Taricco as his assistant. The new charges first game in charge couldn't have been any bigger - a trip along the coast to resurgent Southampton, who would leapfrog the Seagulls and dump them into the relegation zone with victory, in a south coast derby that was to be beamed across the nations via the medium of Sky television

 
Mode of Transport:
The train was used to reach Southampton, but owing to engineering works on the coast line, we were forced into traveling up to Clapham Junction and then back down
Team:
Gustavo sent his first Albion line-up out in a 4-4-2 formation consisting of: Kuipers, Whing, Tunnicliffe, Elphick, El-Abd; Bennett, Dicker, Crofts, Cox; Murray, Forster
Kit:
Southampton were in their famous home uniforms consisting of red and white striped jerseys, black shorts and white socks. The Albion wore their third choice kits of yellow and navy striped shirts, yellow shorts and navy socks. Michel Kuipers chose his emerald green jersey coupled with black shorts and stockings
Gus Poyet's Attire:
Mr Poyet bought a touch of class back to the dugout, choosing to mimic the look that Mark McGhee made famous via the use of suit jacket and shirt, top button undone with no tie along with suit trousers and shoes.
Weather:
A mildy fresh yet refreshing day in Southampton, with the rain that had plagued the country in the proceeding days vanishing
Stadium Rating:
St Mary's is a standard issue new stadium, identical to Leicester City with the exception of red seats. However, there is something a little different about it to most new grounds in that the Saints fans are able to generate a decent atmosphere inside, and the two giant screens attatched the roof are a nice touch. 8/10
Food Rating:
Cutting partook in a chicken balti pie, which he described as delightful. This should be taken with a pinch of salt however bearing in mind that merely moments before he had nearly been denied entry by a policeman who believed him to be drunk. Which, in fairness, he was. 7/10
Entertainment:
Nothing on offer. 0/10
Friendliness of Locals:
The fans we met in the pubs surrounding the ground and on the train home were extremely friendly. However, being a 'local derby', 15 year old chav's who have watched too much Football Factory were on the prowl attempting to intimidate people which was as successful as giving the kiss of life to a rasher of bacon. 6/10
Standard of Local Females:
A distinct lack of women in and around the city centre, which came as a massive disappointment. 2/10
Steward Rating:
Given the horror stories of our last visit to St Mary's, stewarding this time was massively improved. The majority of fans stood, stewards were helpful in their manner and did not even attempt to check what McCarthy was carrying under his blue and white top hat, which was just as well as had they of done so they would have discovered a childs baby doll. 8/10
Flag Attention:
The Crocs flag was not taken to this game
Match Report:
Gus Poyet got the perfect 42nd birthday present and the perfect start to life in management as the Albion pulled off an unlikely 3-1 away at Southampton. A stunning first twenty minutes saw Glenn Murray look interested and net twice. Rickie Lambert pulled one back from the spot for the Saints, but a valiant defensive effort was rewarded when captain Andrew Crofts netted with five minutes remaining to secure the victory much to the delight of the 2700 traveling fans
Thought of the Day:
If you had the chance to sleep with any celebrity, would you take it. The line was drawn at Heather Mills by all except McCarthy, who decided he would remove her leg and make love to her via the leg socket

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