The automatic promotion dream is over — but the play-offs are officially confirmed.

In Episode 377 of the Total Saints Podcast, Martin is joined by Steve Grant, Glen de la Cour and George Rees-Julian to look back on a dramatic 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town at St Mary’s. A result that did little for either side, but gave us plenty to discuss: another draining night, a chaotic second half, Ryan Manning’s free-kick, Cyle Larin’s late goal, Jack Clarke’s impact off the bench and another outstanding save from Anatoliy Trubin/Peretz late on. The panel also debates whether Larin has now become the first-choice striker for the biggest games, whether the midfield balance was right, and how much the recent run of eight games in 24 days has finally started to show.  

With Saints now 18 league games unbeaten but unable to reach the automatic places, attention turns fully to the play-offs. The panel discusses the importance of finishing third or fourth, who Saints might want to avoid, and whether there is much difference between Middlesbrough, Millwall, Wrexham, Hull or Derby as potential opponents. There’s also a look ahead to the final game of the regular season, as Saints travel to Preston North End with thousands of supporters heading north and a possible home second leg still to play for.  

There’s also an update on Benali on Tour, with Franny Benali, Martin, Alex, Alfie and a group of Saints fans taking on a 14.5-mile challenge across 10 Lake District summits in aid of Saints Foundation — with the TSP team closing in on 100 sponsors before the weekend.  https://saintsfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/total-saints-podcast-x-daily-echo

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