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SAINTS 1 BIRMINGHAM 2
4:59pm Saturday 16th August 2008
Comments (75)Kevin Phillips came back to haunt his old club as he scored Birmingham's winner less than a minute after coming on a second half sub at St Mary's.
Phillips was part of the Saints squad that got relegated from the Premiership and was given a hostile reception by the St Mary's crowd.
But he silenced them pretty quickly as he scored with his first touch after coming on and secured Birmingham a 2-1 win.
Stern John thought he had given Saints the perfect start when he steered Lloyd James' cross from the right into the bottom corner on four minutes.
However, the linesman's flag was already up for offside and the goal was ruled out.
Saints were clearly trying to get balls in from out wide and John came agonisingly close to getting on the end of another, this time from Andrew Surman on the left while moments later James' low effort flew across the face of the six yard box without a touch.
Lee Holmes worked a short corner and charged into the area on ten minutes but his drilled low shot was held by Maik Taylor at the near post.
It was a really bright opening for Saints who looked slick and were pinning Birmingham back, pressuring them and forcing mistakes.
Birmingham created their first half chance on 15 minutes when Quincy Owusu-Abeyie's misdirected shot found the head of Gary O'Connor but with the ball arriving quickly he could only direct it over the bar.
For all their dominance Saints almost fell behind on 23 minutes when Owusu-Abeyie outpaced James down the right and got the by-line. His low cross deflected on to O'Connor who nudged the ball goalwards where Andrew Surman was waiting to clear off the line.
The Blues had an even better chance a minute later when Owusu-Abeyie squared to James McFadden who was under no pressure but he took an airshot from ten yards out and missed the ball entirely.
Kelvin Davis had his first action on 27 minutes when McFadden fired in a cross from the left that the Saints stopper palmed away.
Saints came so close to breaking the deadlock on the half hour mark as James' ball down the right found McGoldrick, he pulled back to Simon Gillett whose first time shot went like a bullet but straight at Maik Taylor who got down low to produce an excellent save.
Davis did really well to keep Birmingham out on 35 minutes. First he got down low to his right to stop McFadden's effort from 20 yards and then slid to tackle Owusu-Abeyie as he tried to make something of the rebound.
Birmingham were forced into their first change on 38 minutes with Medhi Nafti hobbling off to be replaced by Cameron Jerome who went to the right of midfield with Sebastian Larsson moving into the centre.
O'Connor made what looked to be a major error for Birmingham two minutes later. Owusu-Abeyie shot across goal towards the far corner and the ball looked to be heading in before O'Connor decided to make sure but he was in an offside position and it was ruled out.
Saints went straight up the other end and created a decent opening for Holmes he slashed his shot from 12 yards out for a throw.
But Saints did take the lead on 43 minutes when Holmes delivered a corner from the right into the danger area and Chris Perry burst through the crowd to head home to give Saints a highly satisfying 1-0 half time lead.
Saints started the second half in similar fashion and should have doubled their lead just two minutes after the restart.
McGoldrick whipped in a cross from the right that picked out the diving head of John but he steered wide of the target from eight yards.
And they paid the price when Birmingham equalised on 49 minutes.
Saints couldn't clear a cross into the box and it broke to the feet of O'Connor who had time to take a touch and slot low past Davis for 1-1.
It would have got even worse for Saints were it not for Davis.
On 53 minutes Jerome was taken out on the edge of the box but the referee played the advantage as McFadden picked it up, danced round a challenge but saw his low shot brilliantly saved by Davis diving at his feet.
Birmingham made a second change on 66 minutes with Marcus Bent replacing O'Connor.
The Blues tested Davis again a minute later as Owusu-Abeyi cut in from the left and drilled a low shot the Saints keeper blocked with his feet before the follow-up went wide.
Saints made their first switch on 69 minutes with Jake Thomson coming on for John. McGoldrick went up front with Thomson wide right.
There was a controversial moment five minutes later when Liam Ridgewell headed in Stuart Parnaby's cross from the right but it was ruled out for offside with the Birmingham players protesting to the referee and linesman.
Birmingham made their final change on 76 minutes with Kevin Phillips getting a hostile reception from the Saints crowd as he replaced Owusu-Abeyie.
Incredibly he scored a goal within seconds.
McFadden got down the left and lifted a cross to the far post, Bent's downwards header bounced up and hit the underside of the bar and Phillips was on hand to stab the ball in for 2-1.
It was now with John off and no attacking options on the bench that Poortvliet's squad looked a little exposed.
Birmingham changed their tactics from pushing forward to getting men behind the ball and making themselves difficult to break down.
Poortvliet was urging his team forward from the technical area but they didn't seem to have much more to give.
As the fourth official held up the board showing three minutes of stoppage time Michael Svensson was pushed on as a makeshift striker.
But it was to no avail as Saints failed to create another opening and despite two decent performances Poortvliet was still looking for his first point as Saints boss.
For match reaction don't miss Monday's Daily Echo.
Your Say YourEcho
Rupert Lowe, St Marys says...
5:15pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Kevin Phillips, Sportsville says...
5:16pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Denzil, Chilworth Retard Home says...
5:18pm Sat 16 Aug 08
2 games in and we are already desperate
about time, soton says...
5:22pm Sat 16 Aug 08
TOLD YOU SO
TOLD YOU SO
TOLD YOU SO
we are going down
Happy Harry, The Prem says...
5:22pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Saints Steve, St Marys Touchline says...
5:23pm Sat 16 Aug 08
O
I
N
G
D
O
W
N
Saints number 1 fan, St Marys says...
5:25pm Sat 16 Aug 08
TFLS Saint, The South Coast Riviera says...
5:25pm Sat 16 Aug 08
DICK Saint, The south coast gimp farm says...
5:28pm Sat 16 Aug 08
TFLS Saint wrote:So are the defeats
The total football revolution at St Mary's inspired by popular chairman Rupert Lowe, is gathering momentum by the day...
TFLS Saint, The South Coast Riviera says...
5:33pm Sat 16 Aug 08
I'm sure that Lord Lowe will continue the recent improvements in the Saints playing style and personnel...
Happy Harry, Prem Heaven says...
5:39pm Sat 16 Aug 08
U
P
E
R
S
U
P
E
R
K
E
V
Optimist, Shirley says...
5:44pm Sat 16 Aug 08
We still look a little light at fullback, this is because we play with wings further up the field, making space for good channels down each flank. This means time to control the ball and good areas to pass into. This will be sorted, DON'T PANIC!
We will soon be breaking from better areas ourselves, this is the time to pull the team together NOT APART. We have a young team and a manager who is just now witnessing the style and tactic commonplace in this league. Don't worry if this TEAM puts in the effort we can roll over anybody.
Today we played THE FAVOURITES and were close to breaking them before they knew what hit them. Have courage COYR! Don't let these.. get us down.
Kevin Phillips, anywhere but says...
5:48pm Sat 16 Aug 08
I do have a heart, and I will protect it.
Hope, Pandora's box says...
5:51pm Sat 16 Aug 08
behind enemy lines, Wickham says...
5:54pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Andy P, Millbrook says...
5:56pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Optimist wrote:
Just got back. Feels strange when everybody is praising after over half an hour of first rate football from us. Then after full time it is "everything's ruined" and "it's the end". Pathetic. Give it a little more time, a little more faith and tell the team how it is. We still look a little light at fullback, this is because we play with wings further up the field, making space for good channels down each flank. This means time to control the ball and good areas to pass into. This will be sorted, DON'T PANIC! We will soon be breaking from better areas ourselves, this is the time to pull the team together NOT APART. We have a young team and a manager who is just now witnessing the style and tactic commonplace in this league. Don't worry if this TEAM puts in the effort we can roll over anybody. Today we played THE FAVOURITES and were close to breaking them before they knew what hit them. Have courage COYR! Don't let these.. get us down.
Well said mate.
If John had scored the chance in the first half,easier to miss than score,it could have been different.
I must say that the atmosphere in the first half was brilliant,second half it was like fratton park,flat.
Its not how we start the season,its how we finnish it,the youngsters would have learned from today.
The last thing they need is all the negativity that Saints supporters seem to be good at.
dave from gosport, gosport says...
5:58pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Kevin Phillips wrote:Have what,your missus no thanks she has been round the block a few times.
Have that you scummers
So'ton Mike, says...
6:03pm Sat 16 Aug 08
We have a new set up with a new management team with new ideas everyone talks about not looking at the table until 5 or 6 matches have passed the problem with that for Southampton is we could be 15 or 18 points behind.
I have the unpleasant task of having to work with Pompy funs only once again to get my nosed rubbed in it I do think that Lowe may have forgetting what we the funs have to put up with.
Or is it he is a plant from Portsmouth to ensure that we never make it back to the top flight
George, Hamble says...
6:04pm Sat 16 Aug 08
sailor sam, portsmouth says...
6:04pm Sat 16 Aug 08
dave from gosport wrote:Well said Dave from Gosport.
Kevin Phillips wrote: Have that you scummersHave what,your missus no thanks she has been round the block a few times.
If you are not up to stopping Kevin Phillips on the pitch, dish out the abuse of his wife in true Saints Sportsmanship style.
I guess you are the sort of bloke that is all smiles and jokes with your neighbour, then kicks his cat when he is not looking.
What a Hero.
TFLS Saint, The South Coast Riviera says...
6:04pm Sat 16 Aug 08
I'm sure the Total football revolution will pay dividends in the short to mid term future...
Chris, Canterbury says...
6:10pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Two games against two sides tipped do well, one of which tipped to win the league, and already you moan.
It's a new team, new structure and they have lost by one goal in each game.
Our new structure is exciting, forward looking and potentially exciting. Most of all, however, it is boldness borne out of necessity: we're skint.
It's times like this when a club needs fans and when fans should become true fans.
Have faith - I have and will remain positive - this club needs time to build, develop and go forward.
Let's look at this realistically: mid table or a season free from a relegation fight and keeping the majority of this talented young side would represent success.
Then, over the following two seasons, they should push on, looking for promotion.
I see this as a three-year plan. Give these guys (mangers and players) time as it will work. When it does, we will have a great structure in place with a production line of young talent that will help us attract the odd class players we would need to have a side capable of holding its own in the prem. It will become self-financing and will enable us then to settle and progress in the top league.
If we can sell a few more of the deadwood and bring in a couple of players to add strength and experience in the areas we need, then we'll be fine.
I hope to God that nobody booed the team off.
Come on JP, come on Saints, but, most of all, come on YOU fans.
kev Painter, London says...
6:14pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Andy P wrote:The lads played some good football in the first half.
Optimist wrote: Just got back. Feels strange when everybody is praising after over half an hour of first rate football from us. Then after full time it is \"everything\'s ruined\" and \"it\'s the end\". Pathetic. Give it a little more time, a little more faith and tell the team how it is. We still look a little light at fullback, this is because we play with wings further up the field, making space for good channels down each flank. This means time to control the ball and good areas to pass into. This will be sorted, DON\'T PANIC! We will soon be breaking from better areas ourselves, this is the time to pull the team together NOT APART. We have a young team and a manager who is just now witnessing the style and tactic commonplace in this league. Don\'t worry if this TEAM puts in the effort we can roll over anybody. Today we played THE FAVOURITES and were close to breaking them before they knew what hit them. Have courage COYR! Don\'t let these.. get us down.Well said mate. If John had scored the chance in the first half,easier to miss than score,it could have been different. I must say that the atmosphere in the first half was brilliant,second half it was like fratton park,flat. Its not how we start the season,its how we finnish it,the youngsters would have learned from today. The last thing they need is all the negativity that Saints supporters seem to be good at.
They played some really good one touch football.
How John missed that goal that was put on his head by McGoldric,god only knows.
McGoldric had a brilliant game,as did Killer.
When supporters realise that these youngsters are learning all the time,the better.
For the last three seasons we have been lossing by playing absolute crap.
Ive seen Saints three times this year,and everytime l have been delighted with the performances.
If any supporters are going to be negative,just p-ss off.
These youngsters are really trying and have got the ability,the support needs to be giving back.
Anyone who honestly thought today was a home banker,is living in cloud cookoo land.
I expected Saints to lose today,the bonus is that they lossed but played good attractive football.
As the above poster has pointed out,the youngsters will learn from today.
Ex Pat Fan Madeira, Madeira says...
6:15pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Optimist wrote:Hi Optimist
Just got back. Feels strange when everybody is praising after over half an hour of first rate football from us. Then after full time it is "everything's ruined" and "it's the end". Pathetic. Give it a little more time, a little more faith and tell the team how it is. We still look a little light at fullback, this is because we play with wings further up the field, making space for good channels down each flank. This means time to control the ball and good areas to pass into. This will be sorted, DON'T PANIC! We will soon be breaking from better areas ourselves, this is the time to pull the team together NOT APART. We have a young team and a manager who is just now witnessing the style and tactic commonplace in this league. Don't worry if this TEAM puts in the effort we can roll over anybody. Today we played THE FAVOURITES and were close to breaking them before they knew what hit them. Have courage COYR! Don't let these.. get us down.
Pathetic?Where are we at the moment-everyone is
saying how wonderful our "total football" is-
fantastic.Our league points-0-6.The only realistic offer we had in over the past seasons was from SISU-blocked by Lowe and Wilde.
They then went to Coventry FC attracted a young Prem league manager-Chris Coleman-and they have so far got 6 points out of 6 and top or near the top of the Prem.
Go down a league and a club called Leicester have not conceded a goal nor lost and are 3 rd in their league-Pearson seems to be going places.
Now,we learn that our player of the season is to be sold off for peanuts-Don t go on about how wonderful RL is-his business expertise sucks.
Mark, Soton says...
6:21pm Sat 16 Aug 08
sailor sam wrote:Kev got alot of abuse. I love banter but you cross the line when it is family, what next?. If we stuck to insulting him for insulting us "I never should have gone there, I knew it was a mistake." I am sure his mind would not have been as clear and we would not have been the bastards. Well said Sam.
dave from gosport wrote:Well said Dave from Gosport. If you are not up to stopping Kevin Phillips on the pitch, dish out the abuse of his wife in true Saints Sportsmanship style. I guess you are the sort of bloke that is all smiles and jokes with your neighbour, then kicks his cat when he is not looking. What a Hero.Kevin Phillips wrote: Have that you scummersHave what,your missus no thanks she has been round the block a few times.
The Frog Chorus (chapel end), says...
6:32pm Sat 16 Aug 08
always encouraging.
the northern end were as loud as ever always singing throughout ("stand up if you've shagged his wife" - harsh but I couldn't help but laugh - genius)
At the final whistle, I feared the worse as, lets face it, we played well but it was really bloody frustrating but everyone seemed to see the effort the boys put in and applauded them off the pitch.
True support by true supporters!!!
Booing them at this point would be even more damaging to our season than selling andrew davies.
Well done boys and well done St. Marys, lets keep singing and encouraging and we could see this side mature into a really good little team.
We all stand together - COYR
Andover Saint, Andover says...
6:45pm Sat 16 Aug 08
sainth, Southampton says...
6:57pm Sat 16 Aug 08
MikeC, Southampton says...
7:11pm Sat 16 Aug 08
The Frog Chorus (chapel end) wrote:True genius. Just in case a former Saints striker doesn't fancy it, let's insult him and his wife. Guaranteed to make win a tackle after five seconds Whig lead to his goal after twenty. With true genius like that the away fans needn't bother - we'll do their work for them. On the bright side only one half-hearted chorus about killing neighbouring fans so maybe some people are starting to get the message.
Must say I was really nervous about the fans reaction to the players performance today but credit to all of us...
always encouraging.
the northern end were as loud as ever always singing throughout ("stand up if you've shagged his wife" - harsh but I couldn't help but laugh - genius)
At the final whistle, I feared the worse as, lets face it, we played well but it was really bloody frustrating but everyone seemed to see the effort the boys put in and applauded them off the pitch.
True support by true supporters!!!
Booing them at this point would be even more damaging to our season than selling andrew davies.
Well done boys and well done St. Marys, lets keep singing and encouraging and we could see this side mature into a really good little team.
We all stand together - COYR
Apart from that, most entertaining I've seem saints play for years. Pity Killer and Surman both went missing to allow the two goals but it already looks like we may win a few more games than last season. And hopefully the moaners will continue to stay away.
Mr Sport is Sport, In the toilet with a hard says...
7:17pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Relegation and bankruptcy!!!
Happy Days ahead
Big Papa Pump, In the Ring says...
7:20pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Jesus_02, KINGSLAND says...
7:26pm Sat 16 Aug 08
sailor sam wrote:seriosly, have you seen Ormerod though.
dave from gosport wrote:Well said Dave from Gosport. If you are not up to stopping Kevin Phillips on the pitch, dish out the abuse of his wife in true Saints Sportsmanship style. I guess you are the sort of bloke that is all smiles and jokes with your neighbour, then kicks his cat when he is not looking. What a Hero.Kevin Phillips wrote: Have that you scummersHave what,your missus no thanks she has been round the block a few times.
What did Philips dp/not do to deserve that
Michael, Itchen says...
7:57pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Ex Pat Fan Madeira wrote:It's only 2 matches into the season and the doom merchants are predicting relegation or stating what is happening at Leicester and Coventry. I'm backing The Saints to get out of this situation. And I'm no Lowe luvvie.
Optimist wrote: Just got back. Feels strange when everybody is praising after over half an hour of first rate football from us. Then after full time it is "everything's ruined" and "it's the end". Pathetic. Give it a little more time, a little more faith and tell the team how it is. We still look a little light at fullback, this is because we play with wings further up the field, making space for good channels down each flank. This means time to control the ball and good areas to pass into. This will be sorted, DON'T PANIC! We will soon be breaking from better areas ourselves, this is the time to pull the team together NOT APART. We have a young team and a manager who is just now witnessing the style and tactic commonplace in this league. Don't worry if this TEAM puts in the effort we can roll over anybody. Today we played THE FAVOURITES and were close to breaking them before they knew what hit them. Have courage COYR! Don't let these.. get us down.Hi Optimist Pathetic?Where are we at the moment-everyone is saying how wonderful our "total football" is- fantastic.Our league points-0-6.The only realistic offer we had in over the past seasons was from SISU-blocked by Lowe and Wilde. They then went to Coventry FC attracted a young Prem league manager-Chris Coleman-and they have so far got 6 points out of 6 and top or near the top of the Prem. Go down a league and a club called Leicester have not conceded a goal nor lost and are 3 rd in their league-Pearson seems to be going places. Now,we learn that our player of the season is to be sold off for peanuts-Don t go on about how wonderful RL is-his business expertise sucks.
Denzil the Neanderthal, Chilworth/Romsey, says...
7:59pm Sat 16 Aug 08
The Frog Chorus, Sholing says...
8:27pm Sat 16 Aug 08
MikeC wrote:MikeC - granted "genius" is probably the wrong choice of word but I'd much rather the fans sing humourous songs like these than start anti lowe chants and the alike. And like you I'm not a great fan of the "shoot the pompey scum" songs but at the end of the day what I posted was very positive. why jump on that flipant comment?!!!
The Frog Chorus (chapel end) wrote: Must say I was really nervous about the fans reaction to the players performance today but credit to all of us... always encouraging. the northern end were as loud as ever always singing throughout (\\\"stand up if you\\\'ve shagged his wife\\\" - harsh but I couldn\\\'t help but laugh - genius) At the final whistle, I feared the worse as, lets face it, we played well but it was really bloody frustrating but everyone seemed to see the effort the boys put in and applauded them off the pitch. True support by true supporters!!! Booing them at this point would be even more damaging to our season than selling andrew davies. Well done boys and well done St. Marys, lets keep singing and encouraging and we could see this side mature into a really good little team. We all stand together - COYRTrue genius. Just in case a former Saints striker doesn\\\'t fancy it, let\\\'s insult him and his wife. Guaranteed to make win a tackle after five seconds Whig lead to his goal after twenty. With true genius like that the away fans needn\\\'t bother - we\\\'ll do their work for them. On the bright side only one half-hearted chorus about killing neighbouring fans so maybe some people are starting to get the message. Apart from that, most entertaining I\\\'ve seem saints play for years. Pity Killer and Surman both went missing to allow the two goals but it already looks like we may win a few more games than last season. And hopefully the moaners will continue to stay away.
Lets not start picking holes in things like that because it endangers you of being labeled a "moaner" yourself.
But lets not argue amonst ourselves, we all want the same thing.
we ALL stand together - COYR
james, says...
8:33pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Graham, Herts says...
8:57pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Chris wrote:Thank you Chris.
You lot, with the exception of optimist, are an abomination. Two games against two sides tipped do well, one of which tipped to win the league, and already you moan. It's a new team, new structure and they have lost by one goal in each game. Our new structure is exciting, forward looking and potentially exciting. Most of all, however, it is boldness borne out of necessity: we're skint. It's times like this when a club needs fans and when fans should become true fans. Have faith - I have and will remain positive - this club needs time to build, develop and go forward. Let's look at this realistically: mid table or a season free from a relegation fight and keeping the majority of this talented young side would represent success. Then, over the following two seasons, they should push on, looking for promotion. I see this as a three-year plan. Give these guys (mangers and players) time as it will work. When it does, we will have a great structure in place with a production line of young talent that will help us attract the odd class players we would need to have a side capable of holding its own in the prem. It will become self-financing and will enable us then to settle and progress in the top league. If we can sell a few more of the deadwood and bring in a couple of players to add strength and experience in the areas we need, then we'll be fine. I hope to God that nobody booed the team off. Come on JP, come on Saints, but, most of all, come on YOU fans.
The still sweet voice of reason
tommac, london says...
9:05pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Relegation,administr
ation and Siants Web closure all looming! BRING BACK HONE
HAPPY CHAPPY, ON TOP OF THE WORLD says...
9:06pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Denzil the Neanderthal, Chilworth/Romsey wrote:Denzil "THE DIPSTICK" Neanderthal
Why was Kevin Phillips sold? Please remind me and tell me how we invested the money.
The money was spent on nice new cars and holidays for everyone on the board, just take a look in the club carpark.
It is clear to see if you are bottom at Xmas ADMINISTRATION is a CERT.
Like I have been telling you for weeks your going down the plughole and you deserve it for being so bigheaded for many years.
Now I am just LOVINIT LOVINIT LOVINIT
Alan Rogers, Church Crookham says...
9:07pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Costa Baz, says...
9:13pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Failing that I can envisage many teams coming to SMS and just putting up the shutters and picking us off in the 2nd half. In fact I can see them letting us run ourselves silly at their place as well, before picking us off.
Lessons must be learnt as despite everything there is still hope.
the totton scrutineer, TOTTON says...
9:31pm Sat 16 Aug 08
BUT WHY ARE WE SELLING EXPERIENCE? I thought for 45mins we shook em up and we need to play like that even when we go behind (as well as we did in the first half )SUPPORT THE LADS WIN OR LOSE
Chris, Canterbury says...
9:36pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Graham wrote:You're welcome, Graham.
Chris wrote:Thank you Chris.
You lot, with the exception of optimist, are an abomination. Two games against two sides tipped do well, one of which tipped to win the league, and already you moan. It's a new team, new structure and they have lost by one goal in each game. Our new structure is exciting, forward looking and potentially exciting. Most of all, however, it is boldness borne out of necessity: we're skint. It's times like this when a club needs fans and when fans should become true fans. Have faith - I have and will remain positive - this club needs time to build, develop and go forward. Let's look at this realistically: mid table or a season free from a relegation fight and keeping the majority of this talented young side would represent success. Then, over the following two seasons, they should push on, looking for promotion. I see this as a three-year plan. Give these guys (mangers and players) time as it will work. When it does, we will have a great structure in place with a production line of young talent that will help us attract the odd class players we would need to have a side capable of holding its own in the prem. It will become self-financing and will enable us then to settle and progress in the top league. If we can sell a few more of the deadwood and bring in a couple of players to add strength and experience in the areas we need, then we'll be fine. I hope to God that nobody booed the team off. Come on JP, come on Saints, but, most of all, come on YOU fans.
The still sweet voice of reason
Glad there's others out there.
LOWE & WILDE OUT, says...
9:38pm Sat 16 Aug 08
The PR for the dutch and the youngsters has been huge and its all going to backfire.
Lowe and Wilde how about you put your hands in your pocket.
Ex Pat Fan Madeira, Madeira says...
9:50pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Graham wrote:Oh Wow!
Chris wrote: You lot, with the exception of optimist, are an abomination. Two games against two sides tipped do well, one of which tipped to win the league, and already you moan. It\\\'s a new team, new structure and they have lost by one goal in each game. Our new structure is exciting, forward looking and potentially exciting. Most of all, however, it is boldness borne out of necessity: we\\\'re skint. It\\\'s times like this when a club needs fans and when fans should become true fans. Have faith - I have and will remain positive - this club needs time to build, develop and go forward. Let\\\'s look at this realistically: mid table or a season free from a relegation fight and keeping the majority of this talented young side would represent success. Then, over the following two seasons, they should push on, looking for promotion. I see this as a three-year plan. Give these guys (mangers and players) time as it will work. When it does, we will have a great structure in place with a production line of young talent that will help us attract the odd class players we would need to have a side capable of holding its own in the prem. It will become self-financing and will enable us then to settle and progress in the top league. If we can sell a few more of the deadwood and bring in a couple of players to add strength and experience in the areas we need, then we\\\'ll be fine. I hope to God that nobody booed the team off. Come on JP, come on Saints, but, most of all, come on YOU fans.Thank you Chris. The still sweet voice of reason
Perhaps a few words in the next programme notes Chris!
We do have faith and we do want the team to go onward and upward-but being a realist what you are hoping for will not come to pass.You say about young experienced players coming through and keeping the youngsters together etc etc.Do you think a 23 year old centre back an U 21 International would fit the bill for a snip at 1.5 Mill?
Yes this is what Stoke have just achieved-watch him be their player of the year and worth 8 mill plus?
Just get real with our club-there is no three year plan-as soon as the youngsters show any sort of form they will be sold to the highest bidder.
This will not change whilst the present regime is in place.
The only serious offer received for the club was by SISU-and suddenly there was Lowe and Wilde screaming about this Hedge fund how bad they were etc etc.
Coventry now top of the league courstey of SISU-we are near bottom.
Where would you rather be Chris?
What about a wager where each club will be at the end of the season?
Or make it a double-Leicester to gain promotion as well.
Do not take this the wrong way-I am a committed Saints fan going back many years-and I hate what is happening to my club.
Ex Pat Fan Madeira, Madeira says...
9:51pm Sat 16 Aug 08
Graham wrote:Oh Wow!
Chris wrote: You lot, with the exception of optimist, are an abomination. Two games against two sides tipped do well, one of which tipped to win the league, and already you moan. It\\\\\\\'s a new team, new structure and they have lost by one goal in each game. Our new structure is exciting, forward looking and potentially exciting. Most of all, however, it is boldness borne out of necessity: we\\\\\\\'re skint. It\\\\\\\'s times like this when a club needs fans and when fans should become true fans. Have faith - I have and will remain positive - this club needs time to build, develop and go forward. Let\\\\\\\'s look at this realistically: mid table or a season free from a relegation fight and keeping the majority of this talented young side would represent success. Then, over the following two seasons, they should push on, looking for promotion. I see this as a three-year plan. Give these guys (mangers and players) time as it will work. When it does, we will have a great structure in place with a production line of young talent that will help us attract the odd class players we would need to have a side capable of holding its own in the prem. It will become self-financing and will enable us then to settle and progress in the top league. If we can sell a few more of the deadwood and bring in a couple of players to add strength and experience in the areas we need, then we\\\\\\\'ll be fine. I hope to God that nobody booed the team off. Come on JP, come on Saints, but, most of all, come on YOU fans.Thank you Chris. The still sweet voice of reason
Perhaps a few words in the next programme notes Chris!
We do have faith and we do want the team to go onward and upward-but being a realist what you are hoping for will not come to pass.You say about young experienced players coming through and keeping the youngsters together etc etc.Do you think a 23 year old centre back an U 21 International would fit the bill for a snip at 1.5 Mill?
Yes this is what Stoke have just
Mr Sport is Sport, In the toilet with a hard says...
5:14pm Sat 16 Aug 08