News Roundup

Last updated : 01 November 2002 By Christian Kelly

Marians Pahars' mystery virus, continuing to knock him back down the first team reckoning.. Manager Gordon Strachan said: "Marian didn't play against Fulham because he had another bug. I have never known anyone like him.
"I think he must go around all the hospitals in Southampton trying to find them or something. It's a crazy situation."

Hopefully, we're seeing the start of another Beattie purple patch. If we are, he's giving all the credit to the gaffer. "The gaffer has brought so much enthusiasm and experience. A lot of the lads have improved under him over the last 12 months, I know I have," said Beattie.

"Just him being here has given everyone a lift. His personality helps and we saw what we could do when we got on a run around Christmas time last year.

"He made us believe that we can go to places like Chelsea and Tottenham and get results. He's been around for a long time and is well respected within the game as a coach now.

"He's helped us all a lot and I could talk all night about what he's done for me. He's been particularly good at teaching me when it's best to standstill and wait for the ball and when is the time to make the runs, all sorts of stuff really."

Gordon Strachan is well pleased at how the season is taking shape. "I'm pleased with the whole team. There is some right good players at the club. I can look at the bench now and think `you can do something'. That is how I measure our progress."

Looks as though I didn't miss too much this week.