THE MORNING AFTER.......

So that`s it. Saints` defeat at Derby last night saw a dramatic climax to a long, long season of ups and downs in the Championship. Having fought their way into the play-offs, Saints went to Pride Park last evening trailing 2-1 from the home leg of the semi-final which was played out last Saturday and which, thanks to the family wedding, I was forced to miss.

Against all the odds, including key players missing through injuries sustained on Saturday and one or two unexpected selections by manager George Burley, nevertheless Saints won the game 3-2, bringing the aggregate of the two legs of the semi-final to 4-4. So it was decided on penalties - and we missed two of ours, whilst Derby didn`t. Seems oddly bizarre that a season of 46 league games, cup matches and play-off semi-finals can come down to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out, but that`s the way of the football world.

Having got over the initial disappointment, my overriding emotion this morning is one of immense pride in my club, the players for their performance last night and the fans - 5,000 of them at Derby - for the passionate support given to the team. It feels good to be part of that family and I seek no recriminations for last night`s narrow failure but look forward to next season with renewed optimism. One thing`s for sure - I will carry on enjoying my days at St. Mary`s among good friends and being part of a family friendly club with traditional values.

There`s an old saying, "Show me a good loser and I`ll show you a loser." Well, we lost last night and we were good losers.....but we enhanced our self-respect and maintained our pride in our club and our companionship. Maybe we didn`t lose so much after all?

(click on photo for larger image)