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Jan: We're full of confidence for Cardiff
5:42am Wednesday 6th August 2008
Comments (92)
By Adam Leitch »
Jan Poortvliet says his Saints side go into Saturday's Championship opener against Cardiff "full of confidence" despite failing to notch a win in first team pre-season friendlies this summer.
Saints narrowly lost 3-2 to Premiership newboys Stoke at St Mary's last night to wrap up their pre-season preparations.
Their five first team friendlies have seen them lose to the Potters and SPL champions Celtic at St Mary's.
They claimed a 2-2 home draw with top flight West Ham last Friday but could only manage draws at League One pair Cheltenham (1-1) and Hereford (0-0).
There is, though, some optimism from the fans as well as the squad over the manner of the performances.
And Poortvliet is buoyed by that and unconcerned over the lack of a friendly win.
He said: "Saturday's game is totally different.
"We knew these games would be difficult but we start Saturday and the boys will be full of confidence.
"Even when you win five in pre-season, on Saturday you still start at 0-0.
"I don't think that the results in preparation is so important, it's the way you want to do it.
"It's very important for your confidence to do it right and the boys have played the last two games against two big teams and have done really well.
"Last night the boys in the first half really satisfied me and got their confidence for Cardiff.
"Certainly first game we go for a win and everybody is wanting to be there and show what they can do for the people."
Poortvliet made ten half-time changes last night and saw both his strikers, David McGoldrick and Stern John, hit the target.
The first half team is the side he expects to start with against Cardiff at Ninian Park, aside from Michael Svensson coming in at centre half in place of Wayne Thomas after he was rested last night.
Full reaction, report and pictures in today's Daily Echo.
Your Say YourEcho
on my soapbox!!!, says...
7:43am Wed 6 Aug 08
It was'nt too bad last night , attractive football but yet again some stupid goals given away!
On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!
On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!
rottie, says...
7:49am Wed 6 Aug 08
Young players playing in front of packed stands, will lift the lads even higher. Don't be like Pompey with pathetic attendance. This is one of the things that differentiates us from them, amongst many obvious other things of course!
StMark, Northampton says...
8:10am Wed 6 Aug 08
on my soapbox!!! wrote:Quite a few things affecting the attendance last night I suspect.
It was'nt too bad last night , attractive football but yet again some stupid goals given away!
On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!
Holidays, 2 games in 4 days, friendly, long season ahead where it now costs much more to get to a game so if people are picking and choosing, they are more likely going to come to gams that count and where the support will really help the team.
I have been saving up money for petrol since renewing my season ticket in March and at £30 a trip to get to SMS, I personally would rather see a game that matters.
Have faith, the support will be there come Aug 16th.
Just another view :-)
FootyCred, OnReflection says...
8:33am Wed 6 Aug 08
I remain reasonably optimistic after last night's first half display. We do need Killer and Davies back, if not will struggle defensively against the physical teams. The football that we play is very exciting, but we need that bit of steel as well. The points regarding the low attendance seem reasonable, i.e. holidays and the additional fuel cost of travel etc. Well done to the team (particularly 1st choice) and the supporter who were able to turn up. Like several of my fellow supporters, I will judge this team and the coach around October, but feel that we are making good progress? COYR
Tiger, Winchester says...
8:41am Wed 6 Aug 08
So, here we go. My glass is half full but I am concerned like others that we actually have not one a pre season friendly. Nor does it seem that Portaloo knows his first XI. I would still play 3-5-2 with Surman and Thompson as wing backs, Schnerlin and wooton holding and DM and SJ up front. Any other ideas ?
Derry, west hampshire says...
8:41am Wed 6 Aug 08
The senior players in the second half couldn't produce the football of the first half. The goals against were on the break and Thomas got his feet tangled up for the winner.
The Stoke team were just get the ball in the air and attack it. The first half team were well on top at half time and pulled Stoke apart time and time again. If they had stayed on they would have won easily against the Stoke players in the second half.
I was impressed with the six youngsters in the second half, we have some real quality coming through.
The Stoke team were just get the ball in the air and attack it. The first half team were well on top at half time and pulled Stoke apart time and time again. If they had stayed on they would have won easily against the Stoke players in the second half.
I was impressed with the six youngsters in the second half, we have some real quality coming through.
Watcher, says...
8:50am Wed 6 Aug 08
on my soapbox!!! wrote:I don't understand this obsession some people have got with attendances. Even more so for attendances for friendlies!
It was'nt too bad last night , attractive football but yet again some stupid goals given away! On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!
It was a meaningless friendly and I for one will not pay £15 for a friendly when I can save that money and put it towards going to a league game... a proper game, when support matters.
It wasn't exactly the most attractive of opposition either. Stoke = awful. Don't give me the "I go to only watch Saints play" rubbish either. Would you pay £15 to go and watch Saints play Redbridge School Under 12's?
Derry, west hampshire says...
8:51am Wed 6 Aug 08
Tiger wrote:You obviously weren't there making comments like this. The older players couldn't play at the same level as the youngsters. Wootton, Thomas, John, and Raziak were unable to play at the pace of the youngsters and gave the ball away. They reverted to the long ball and it was hopeless.
So, here we go. My glass is half full but I am concerned like others that we actually have not one a pre season friendly. Nor does it seem that Portaloo knows his first XI. I would still play 3-5-2 with Surman and Thompson as wing backs, Schnerlin and wooton holding and DM and SJ up front. Any other ideas ?
James at right back is impressive. The team dont play with holding players any more, Gillett crossed for the goal from the corner flag. Last year we seemed to be playing 8 holding players, no pace no movement, giving the ball away all the time.
We got what we deserved last season but this team don't play a rigid formation as you suggest and look all the better for it.
on my soapbox!!!, says...
8:56am Wed 6 Aug 08
I'm confused, i only paid £8 for my ticket last night. I live down ocean village way and all the residents recieved a letter from the club offering tickets at MASSIVE discounts.
Has anyone else recieved this letter?
By the way i had already bought my ticket at 15 quid. It just seems a bit odd to me.
Has anyone else recieved this letter?
By the way i had already bought my ticket at 15 quid. It just seems a bit odd to me.
Lowe h8r get rid of him now, before it is too late! says...
9:02am Wed 6 Aug 08
on my soapbox!!! wrote:True fans will not go while Lowe is there. When are all you dimwit lowe luvvies going to get that into your thick heads. The man is intensley disliked in this city.
It was\'nt too bad last night , attractive football but yet again some stupid goals given away! On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!
Billy 2 Baps, Waiting for my Whistle says...
9:13am Wed 6 Aug 08
Derry wrote:I completeley agree, we played the much better football. Their 2 started with a hand ball in front of the lines man, who didnt see it. If we've have kept the same team into the second half, I could not see us losing last night. The keepers need to realise the ball needs to go to a RB or LB instead of the big kick forward. When we had the ball on the ground play and movement were good. The more i see the more I'm happy.
The senior players in the second half couldn't produce the football of the first half. The goals against were on the break and Thomas got his feet tangled up for the winner. The Stoke team were just get the ball in the air and attack it. The first half team were well on top at half time and pulled Stoke apart time and time again. If they had stayed on they would have won easily against the Stoke players in the second half. I was impressed with the six youngsters in the second half, we have some real quality coming through.
Billy 2 Baps, Watching the Fair Weather Fans Turn Their Backs says...
9:20am Wed 6 Aug 08
Lowe h8r get rid of him now wrote:Who voted you the voice of the true fan. I didn't and have now been to 6 pre season games this season. So go do one, call yourself a true fan, but wont support the team you love. But no of course you are, but staying away, what a master stroke. Fans are fickle, I remember spoking to PFC fans saying they would never return to Fratton when Rednapp came back. They all have season tickets now. Maybe you would like to enlighten us with your master plan, using more than 5 words.
on my soapbox!!! wrote: It was\'nt too bad last night , attractive football but yet again some stupid goals given away! On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!True fans will not go while Lowe is there. When are all you dimwit lowe luvvies going to get that into your thick heads. The man is intensley disliked in this city.
Saints No 1 Fan, says...
9:32am Wed 6 Aug 08
Lowe h8r get rid of him now wrote:What a stupid comment. Who cares if Lowe is there if the team are progressing. Im not a lowe fan but I go to support the team not the boardroom. Why dont you get it into your thick head that we are playing good football and missing a treat. Its just petty not going to games because of boardroom politics.
on my soapbox!!! wrote: It was\'nt too bad last night , attractive football but yet again some stupid goals given away! On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!True fans will not go while Lowe is there. When are all you dimwit lowe luvvies going to get that into your thick heads. The man is intensley disliked in this city.
Get back and support the team, they need it more than Lowe!
COYR
True Blue, Fareham says...
9:39am Wed 6 Aug 08
rottie wrote:Don't be like Pompey with pathetic attendance!!!!!
Young players playing in front of packed stands, will lift the lads even higher. Don\'t be like Pompey with pathetic attendance. This is one of the things that differentiates us from them, amongst many obvious other things of course!
Last night there were 7051 CRAMMED INTO SMS, and a lot of them were dedicated Stoke fans that had travelled virtually the length of the country.
I think that Havant & Waterlooville had as many to watch Pompey last night!
Dr Who, Basingstoke says...
9:39am Wed 6 Aug 08
I was there again to assess our progress and, again, I liked what I saw. There were so many refreshing and encouraging signs of fitness, skill, determination and a willingness to support each other - signs that we have all been waiting for. A few wins on the trot and inevitably the crowds will be back but, with this new style of play, fans will enjoy watching even if Saints do lose. The club has been rejuvinated by JP. The future is bright - the future is red and white. I'm looking forward it.
Saints No 1 Fan, says...
9:48am Wed 6 Aug 08
True Blue wrote:For your information there was about 10 stoke fans there and lets face it they are not the most attractive of oponents. Your ground only holds about 2 people anyway, hardly need to cram the skates into there!
rottie wrote: Young players playing in front of packed stands, will lift the lads even higher. Don\'t be like Pompey with pathetic attendance. This is one of the things that differentiates us from them, amongst many obvious other things of course!Don't be like Pompey with pathetic attendance!!!!! Last night there were 7051 CRAMMED INTO SMS, and a lot of them were dedicated Stoke fans that had travelled virtually the length of the country. I think that Havant & Waterlooville had as many to watch Pompey last night!
COYR
Billy 2 Baps, Waiting for my Whistle says...
9:58am Wed 6 Aug 08
True Blue wrote:Stoke brought 180 fans
rottie wrote: Young players playing in front of packed stands, will lift the lads even higher. Don\'t be like Pompey with pathetic attendance. This is one of the things that differentiates us from them, amongst many obvious other things of course!Don't be like Pompey with pathetic attendance!!!!! Last night there were 7051 CRAMMED INTO SMS, and a lot of them were dedicated Stoke fans that had travelled virtually the length of the country. I think that Havant & Waterlooville had as many to watch Pompey last night!
Saint4Life, Always Proud says...
9:59am Wed 6 Aug 08
Billy 2 Baps wrote:Who said it is only the Lowe luvvies that go to these games?
Lowe h8r get rid of him now wrote:Who voted you the voice of the true fan. I didn't and have now been to 6 pre season games this season. So go do one, call yourself a true fan, but wont support the team you love. But no of course you are, but staying away, what a master stroke. Fans are fickle, I remember spoking to PFC fans saying they would never return to Fratton when Rednapp came back. They all have season tickets now. Maybe you would like to enlighten us with your master plan, using more than 5 words.on my soapbox!!! wrote: It was\'nt too bad last night , attractive football but yet again some stupid goals given away! On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!True fans will not go while Lowe is there. When are all you dimwit lowe luvvies going to get that into your thick heads. The man is intensley disliked in this city.
I dont like Lowe, I hate him for the way he chose to ignore things after our FA Cup Final.
But I dont like him just because I went last night.
Fan since 1996, have only missed 3 Home games (inc friendlies, cups etc) since I became hooked.
Do not call me a Lowe Luvvie for SUPPORTING MY TEAM!!!!
Southampton FC are not Lowe, Lowe does not play 90mins every week!
SUPPORT THE CLUB!
Yes he may pocket money out of us going but let him, FOR THE LOVE OF SFC!
Is it that bad that you do not want to wish our players well for 90mins?
It is people who stay away that ruin our chances to push on.
Last night 5,000 fans turned up, and though we lost, I put it down to the atmosphere inside.
WE ARE THE 12th MAN FOR THIS CLUB! SUPPORT THROUGH THICK AND THIN!
The truth hurts, says...
10:00am Wed 6 Aug 08
Lowe h8r get rid of him now wrote:TRUE fans would be there if Osama Bin Laden and Robert Mugabe were in the boardroom.
on my soapbox!!! wrote: It was\'nt too bad last night , attractive football but yet again some stupid goals given away! On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!True fans will not go while Lowe is there. When are all you dimwit lowe luvvies going to get that into your thick heads. The man is intensley disliked in this city.
Still, it is nice for you to use Lowe as your excuse for not attending.
Al, says...
10:13am Wed 6 Aug 08
Derry wrote:I agree with you 100%
The senior players in the second half couldn't produce the football of the first half. The goals against were on the break and Thomas got his feet tangled up for the winner. The Stoke team were just get the ball in the air and attack it. The first half team were well on top at half time and pulled Stoke apart time and time again. If they had stayed on they would have won easily against the Stoke players in the second half. I was impressed with the six youngsters in the second half, we have some real quality coming through.
from the match report it suggests that stoke only had 2 or 3 decent chances in the 1st half. If the starting XI had been kept on I think we would have one 2-1 or even 3-1.
We do have a good starting XI (when svensson is in it) and when Davies is back it will be even better.
We can get promotion, we just need to support the team and keep their confidence high.
les from Leighton, Buzzardville says...
10:14am Wed 6 Aug 08
Only time will tell wether playing pretty football will work. Yes, we've been there with GB, but this time the situation is diffent. We have a guy who has no favourites and no axes to grind. Ok we shall probably ship some goals but there will plenty at the other end. This is going to be a interesting time. Nobody in the current league will know what the team will be like when they come to St Mary's. This is not the SAints of old - A young team that wants to prove they can handle the pressure, entertain and go for it. I'm not a Lowe fan but lets just wait and see. He has been too autocratic and sticking his nose in where it doesn't belong but his vision is good - just his judgement has been suspect.
Question, says...
10:32am Wed 6 Aug 08
Have the Echo only got one picture of JP or something. Everytime its the same one (seemingly shot from the bushes) of him with arms folded. And is he up the golf course at the time?
Worried, says...
10:35am Wed 6 Aug 08
on my soapbox!!! wrote:Lowe must be aware how fans feel about him now.
It was'nt too bad last night , attractive football but yet again some stupid goals given away! On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!
Go and go now this poor attendace is a show against Lowe not the saints.
Before you all start on me I was at SMS last night, but stay away fans are needed or WE WONT HAVE A CLUB TO GO TO. Its no good telling them to F**K OFF because they have. Lowe its you we dont want get the message or are you not bothered about what the fans think or do you even care?
Why?, says...
10:42am Wed 6 Aug 08
This question has been asked many times, and as yet has not been answered.
What exactly has Lowe done wrong to upset so many people?
I have seen many personal attacks on here, but as yet have failed to spot a single valid reason for the abuse.
I await your responses.
What exactly has Lowe done wrong to upset so many people?
I have seen many personal attacks on here, but as yet have failed to spot a single valid reason for the abuse.
I await your responses.
miserableoldgit, says...
10:49am Wed 6 Aug 08
Lowe h8r get rid of him now wrote:Perhaps you could rattle your obviously small brain and intellect and tell me why all the "True Fans" did not return when Lowe went last time as attendances did not rise significantly under Wilde/Crouch. I look forward to your rply with interest.
on my soapbox!!! wrote: It was\'nt too bad last night , attractive football but yet again some stupid goals given away! On another note, the attendance last night , just over 5,000!!!! PATHETIC!!! I actually felt ashamed to be a fan last night, we were getting 20,000 for midweek games last season when we were god awful. Come on saints fans, lets get behind them!!!!!!True fans will not go while Lowe is there. When are all you dimwit lowe luvvies going to get that into your thick heads. The man is intensley disliked in this city.
mild itch, my groin says...
10:50am Wed 6 Aug 08
well just 2 start a new channel here.Have u noticed that jan got rid of his main ganja supplier in Jhon Viafara, i mean wots the point of havin a dutchman without him bein stoned!!!!
WORRIED, says...
10:50am Wed 6 Aug 08
Why? wrote:SMUG, DONT GIVE A STUFF ABOUT THE FANS THAT ARE PAYING FOR HIS LIFE STYLE, theirs more but dont pick on stay away fans, step back, think and ask yourself why?
This question has been asked many times, and as yet has not been answered. What exactly has Lowe done wrong to upset so many people? I have seen many personal attacks on here, but as yet have failed to spot a single valid reason for the abuse. I await your responses.
SMS was packed last game last season, high hopes looking froward to new season. Got my ST so dont pick on me, NP was fans favorite, so LOWE got rid of him.
Rupert Lowe, says...
10:56am Wed 6 Aug 08
Leave me alone you bullies!
luke philip, Winchester says...
11:08am Wed 6 Aug 08
i enjoyed both the first and second half of the game, i can see that there is quite alot to come from our youth players who i thought played quite well. a few players stood out from others but all in all it was a good game. stoke's last goal was a bit stupid and we shouldn't have conceded that.
Stern John, St Marys says...
11:10am Wed 6 Aug 08
I played well
Kingsland Stan, Northam says...
11:14am Wed 6 Aug 08
WORRIED wrote:Rupert Lowe does not need SLH to support his lifestyle. He is independently wealthy and on the Board of a number of companies. Also his pedigree cattle business is lucrative.
Why? wrote: This question has been asked many times, and as yet has not been answered. What exactly has Lowe done wrong to upset so many people? I have seen many personal attacks on here, but as yet have failed to spot a single valid reason for the abuse. I await your responses.SMUG, DONT GIVE A STUFF ABOUT THE FANS THAT ARE PAYING FOR HIS LIFE STYLE, theirs more but dont pick on stay away fans, step back, think and ask yourself why? SMS was packed last game last season, high hopes looking froward to new season. Got my ST so dont pick on me, NP was fans favorite, so LOWE got rid of him.
Nigel Pearson's record was not so good - statistically one of the poorest managers we've had. Also the football was dire at best.
Manduric has taken him to Leicester (League Div. 1) partly to spite Lowe. Children, stop it now!
We'll know a lot more about the new management regime after Saturday. Personally I can't wait for the Birmingham game. Quality opposition including Phillips that will provide a true test.
Why?, says...
11:19am Wed 6 Aug 08
WORRIED wrote:Yep, just as I though another, he is SMUG, another PERSONAL reason.
Why? wrote: This question has been asked many times, and as yet has not been answered. What exactly has Lowe done wrong to upset so many people? I have seen many personal attacks on here, but as yet have failed to spot a single valid reason for the abuse. I await your responses.SMUG, DONT GIVE A STUFF ABOUT THE FANS THAT ARE PAYING FOR HIS LIFE STYLE, theirs more but dont pick on stay away fans, step back, think and ask yourself why? SMS was packed last game last season, high hopes looking froward to new season. Got my ST so dont pick on me, NP was fans favorite, so LOWE got rid of him.
As for the crowds returning that is because they realised the club needed them, guess what it still does.
As for Pearson, yes he did a good job keeping us up by borrowing players from other clubs, not a good long term strategy, then demanded that his wages were tripled eve though he knew we were in trouble. Poortvliet and Wotte are on less than Pearson was on, but have a huge success bonus built in, because they believe in the club.
Has anyone got a valid reason for Hating Lowe.
Football has changed, not just SFC says...
11:33am Wed 6 Aug 08
I would just like to say to all those people who keep saying they hate the board members for "ripping the heart" out of the club, please take your blinkers and rose-coloured spectacles off, and speak to supporters of a few other clubs.
I think you will find they are saying exactly the same, the PRODUCT of FOOTBALL has changed beyond recognition in recent times and this is not the fault of the chairman of this club, or any other.
Blame the greed of players and their agents taking money out of football, if things continue how they are the bubble will burst and, as Wilde says, many historic clubs WILL fold.
Some people are prepared to stick with it to stop it happening, others are hiding under the table reminiscing about the good old days.
I think you will find they are saying exactly the same, the PRODUCT of FOOTBALL has changed beyond recognition in recent times and this is not the fault of the chairman of this club, or any other.
Blame the greed of players and their agents taking money out of football, if things continue how they are the bubble will burst and, as Wilde says, many historic clubs WILL fold.
Some people are prepared to stick with it to stop it happening, others are hiding under the table reminiscing about the good old days.
the third hardest man in sholing, southampton says...
11:40am Wed 6 Aug 08
jeeze, people on here are obsessed with rupert lowe,who cares,im only interested in saints,as in the players and manager,the rest is bulls**t, lets just all talk about the relative merits of our squad and our opponents next season ,that`s all that matters.Its not that i particulary like lowe, i just dont care about that side of the club that much, too me i would imagine that he, like us wants sucess for the club, because it will bring in money, which is fair enough, after all the guy is a businessman, and we`ll all be happy and no-one will go on about him, like when strachan was here and we were looking good.JUST ENJOY FOOTBALL!!
leesaint, behindbluelines says...
11:45am Wed 6 Aug 08
Where is Killer,I thought he was Captain? Once again we let in early goals and cannot defend crosses as we have no real full backs how about playing 4 central defenders especially once Davies comes back we could have Thomas, Svensson (if he is still with us) Davies and Perry that should make up for our defensively weak midfield which is all in the centre. Most CCC teams play down the wings and cross into big centre forwards. We have nothing to stop them. The bookies are right we will concede more this season than last and go down. Sorry to be so negative hope I am proved wrong.
JFK, says...
11:45am Wed 6 Aug 08
Ask not what your Football Club can do for you,
Ask what can I do for my Football Club.
Ask what can I do for my Football Club.
Jan Pootvliet, says...
11:50am Wed 6 Aug 08
Where is Killer,I thought he was Captain?
Resting before the Cardiff game on Saturday.
"The first half team is the side he expects to start with against Cardiff at Ninian Park, aside from Michael Svensson coming in at centre half in place of Wayne Thomas after he was rested last night."
A FAN, not a whinger, southampton says...
11:57am Wed 6 Aug 08
Dear 'WORRIED',
Please stay away if you can't be positive. Your passion, directed in the right way, is what the club needs.
Rupert Lowe isn't every Saints fan's favourite person - we know that!
BUT...
Anti Lowe fans aren't staying away just because of Rupert Lowe. From what I recall, there are always hundreds of fans having a good old 'Lowe Out' chant most of the way through the game.
But they chant AT THE GAME, not on the website forum!
Those fans will always continue to go to games to support the team. Not Lowe!
I wasn't able to get to the friendly last night, but it was one of four games in just over a week, and a PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY. Not a proper championship match.
Did you go last night? Probably not, but did you really expect 20,000 fans on a miserable damp evening, midweek in the school holidays, to watch a friendly? I don't think even Lowe expected a great turn out. That's why they reduced ticket prices, to try and scrape in a few more fans just before the season starts.
If Lowe's gamble of hiring Portvliet and Wotte pays off (and from the way it looks it definitely is!) the ground will be packed every week and people won't give a toss that Rupert Lowe is chairman, because quite frankly, it won't matter in the slightest.
When we got to the FA Cup final in Cardiff, did anyone really give a crap that Lowe was in charge - of course not. We got the the final and everything was brilliant. Most fans would have shaken his hand at that time!
I agree that he should have put his hand in his pocket afterwards to strengthen the squad, but that's in the past, and ultimately that combined with Svensson's bad injury and the sale of Fitz Hall led to our downfall to Championship football.
So we got rid of him and look what happened - it all went tits up around us when we voted in the team of idiots that very nearly bankrupted the club last season.
So now he's back. I'm not overly excited by his return, but I've said before that if he can stop the club doing a Luton or Leeds Utd, or from going into administration, than I for one will be a happy man.
I'm not able to go to as many games as before, but I still go despite the chairman. I went to the Dell when Askham and Branfoot were at the club, I went to SMS last year when Crouch and Burley were messing things up.
I will go this season, and next season and so on, despite who is in charge...
I'm a Fan. That's what 'FANS' do.
One last thing - if Svensson plays even just 1 game in 3, and with Andrew Davies back in the squad, we'll be a team that others won't look forward to playing. The younger lads are coming together, and I for one am excited. These so-called 'Kids' have been playing and learning together for 4 or 5 years, and they know exactly how each other plays. That's why they always beat other teams. If you think about it, the players they used to destroy in the academy games, under 18's, reserves etc are all the same age, so they will also be pushing through into their respective sides. That's good news I think.
Remember when shearer, wallace, le tissier etc came through the ranks a few years ago...??
COME ON YOU REDS. My money's on a top six place.
If you want to whinge at me, 'bring it on' as SFC say!
Please stay away if you can't be positive. Your passion, directed in the right way, is what the club needs.
Rupert Lowe isn't every Saints fan's favourite person - we know that!
BUT...
Anti Lowe fans aren't staying away just because of Rupert Lowe. From what I recall, there are always hundreds of fans having a good old 'Lowe Out' chant most of the way through the game.
But they chant AT THE GAME, not on the website forum!
Those fans will always continue to go to games to support the team. Not Lowe!
I wasn't able to get to the friendly last night, but it was one of four games in just over a week, and a PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY. Not a proper championship match.
Did you go last night? Probably not, but did you really expect 20,000 fans on a miserable damp evening, midweek in the school holidays, to watch a friendly? I don't think even Lowe expected a great turn out. That's why they reduced ticket prices, to try and scrape in a few more fans just before the season starts.
If Lowe's gamble of hiring Portvliet and Wotte pays off (and from the way it looks it definitely is!) the ground will be packed every week and people won't give a toss that Rupert Lowe is chairman, because quite frankly, it won't matter in the slightest.
When we got to the FA Cup final in Cardiff, did anyone really give a crap that Lowe was in charge - of course not. We got the the final and everything was brilliant. Most fans would have shaken his hand at that time!
I agree that he should have put his hand in his pocket afterwards to strengthen the squad, but that's in the past, and ultimately that combined with Svensson's bad injury and the sale of Fitz Hall led to our downfall to Championship football.
So we got rid of him and look what happened - it all went tits up around us when we voted in the team of idiots that very nearly bankrupted the club last season.
So now he's back. I'm not overly excited by his return, but I've said before that if he can stop the club doing a Luton or Leeds Utd, or from going into administration, than I for one will be a happy man.
I'm not able to go to as many games as before, but I still go despite the chairman. I went to the Dell when Askham and Branfoot were at the club, I went to SMS last year when Crouch and Burley were messing things up.
I will go this season, and next season and so on, despite who is in charge...
I'm a Fan. That's what 'FANS' do.
One last thing - if Svensson plays even just 1 game in 3, and with Andrew Davies back in the squad, we'll be a team that others won't look forward to playing. The younger lads are coming together, and I for one am excited. These so-called 'Kids' have been playing and learning together for 4 or 5 years, and they know exactly how each other plays. That's why they always beat other teams. If you think about it, the players they used to destroy in the academy games, under 18's, reserves etc are all the same age, so they will also be pushing through into their respective sides. That's good news I think.
Remember when shearer, wallace, le tissier etc came through the ranks a few years ago...??
COME ON YOU REDS. My money's on a top six place.
If you want to whinge at me, 'bring it on' as SFC say!
Ackbar, says...
12:01pm Wed 6 Aug 08
A FAN, not a whinger wrote:Yawn
Dear 'WORRIED', Please stay away if you can't be positive. Your passion, directed in the right way, is what the club needs. Rupert Lowe isn't every Saints fan's favourite person - we know that! BUT... Anti Lowe fans aren't staying away just because of Rupert Lowe. From what I recall, there are always hundreds of fans having a good old 'Lowe Out' chant most of the way through the game. But they chant AT THE GAME, not on the website forum! Those fans will always continue to go to games to support the team. Not Lowe! I wasn't able to get to the friendly last night, but it was one of four games in just over a week, and a PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY. Not a proper championship match. Did you go last night? Probably not, but did you really expect 20,000 fans on a miserable damp evening, midweek in the school holidays, to watch a friendly? I don't think even Lowe expected a great turn out. That's why they reduced ticket prices, to try and scrape in a few more fans just before the season starts. If Lowe's gamble of hiring Portvliet and Wotte pays off (and from the way it looks it definitely is!) the ground will be packed every week and people won't give a toss that Rupert Lowe is chairman, because quite frankly, it won't matter in the slightest. When we got to the FA Cup final in Cardiff, did anyone really give a crap that Lowe was in charge - of course not. We got the the final and everything was brilliant. Most fans would have shaken his hand at that time! I agree that he should have put his hand in his pocket afterwards to strengthen the squad, but that's in the past, and ultimately that combined with Svensson's bad injury and the sale of Fitz Hall led to our downfall to Championship football. So we got rid of him and look what happened - it all went tits up around us when we voted in the team of idiots that very nearly bankrupted the club last season. So now he's back. I'm not overly excited by his return, but I've said before that if he can stop the club doing a Luton or Leeds Utd, or from going into administration, than I for one will be a happy man. I'm not able to go to as many games as before, but I still go despite the chairman. I went to the Dell when Askham and Branfoot were at the club, I went to SMS last year when Crouch and Burley were messing things up. I will go this season, and next season and so on, despite who is in charge... I'm a Fan. That's what 'FANS' do. One last thing - if Svensson plays even just 1 game in 3, and with Andrew Davies back in the squad, we'll be a team that others won't look forward to playing. The younger lads are coming together, and I for one am excited. These so-called 'Kids' have been playing and learning together for 4 or 5 years, and they know exactly how each other plays. That's why they always beat other teams. If you think about it, the players they used to destroy in the academy games, under 18's, reserves etc are all the same age, so they will also be pushing through into their respective sides. That's good news I think. Remember when shearer, wallace, le tissier etc came through the ranks a few years ago...?? COME ON YOU REDS. My money's on a top six place. If you want to whinge at me, 'bring it on' as SFC say!
Why I cannot forgive that dreadful Lowe, character who ruined our club. says...
12:01pm Wed 6 Aug 08
Why? wrote:How about: When he took over Saints we were financially sound now we are in hock to the bank, when he took over we had great players now we have boys, we had assets now we have none, we needed a new stadium to grow our fan base now we would struggle to fill the Dell, we were a top club now we are on the verge of oblivion, we were a better club than our neighbours now they pay more for a player than our club is worth, our fans were united now they are divided. Finally the share price is about a quarter of its value when he took over. What makes everyone mad is that after that dismal track record he is now back again as our chairman and his policies are taking us straight down to division 1. Enough said. Get him out asap.
This question has been asked many times, and as yet has not been answered. What exactly has Lowe done wrong to upset so many people? I have seen many personal attacks on here, but as yet have failed to spot a single valid reason for the abuse. I await your responses.
saint76, romsey says...
12:02pm Wed 6 Aug 08
Will people please stop turning every discussion into one about Lowe OR give us their (factual not emotional) reasons for hating him the way they seem to.
In a previous debate I outlined why I thought Lowe wasn't the villain (albeit not perfect either). But not one single person in any debate I have seen has put up a reason for this hatred. All we get is luvie Blah Blah Blah. Lowe cares about the Club because he cares about his bank account. Don't expect him to think like a fan. Thank goodness he doesn't. Fans in charge are often disastrous. We are all totally irrational and blinkered by reality.
In a previous debate I outlined why I thought Lowe wasn't the villain (albeit not perfect either). But not one single person in any debate I have seen has put up a reason for this hatred. All we get is luvie Blah Blah Blah. Lowe cares about the Club because he cares about his bank account. Don't expect him to think like a fan. Thank goodness he doesn't. Fans in charge are often disastrous. We are all totally irrational and blinkered by reality.
Chris, Southampton says...
12:02pm Wed 6 Aug 08
Ackbar is a jerk.
COME ON YOU REDS!!!!
COME ON YOU REDS!!!!
SFC for life., says...
12:04pm Wed 6 Aug 08
A FAN, not a whinger.
Thank you for that excellent post, I just hope it strikes a chord with a few people.
UP THE SAINTS!
Thank you for that excellent post, I just hope it strikes a chord with a few people.
UP THE SAINTS!
Reading Fan, in peace. says...
12:11pm Wed 6 Aug 08
As we shall be playing you this season I thought I would see what is going on at your club. We all know that your friends at Fratton Park are ugly and on that they are all on Ritalin but boy you lot are in desperate need of some anti-depressants. Whatever happened to that great family club you claimed to have and the Spirit of Southampton you used to go on about. Sadly you have become a bunch of losers and a laughing stock in this division. I think when we visit you our fans will out number yours and it will be like a home game for us. I can see a nice easy 6 points coming our way this season courtesy of SFC. Thanks in advance chaps.
Why?, says...
12:14pm Wed 6 Aug 08
Why I cannot forgive that dreadful Lowe wrote:
Why? wrote: This question has been asked many times, and as yet has not been answered. What exactly has Lowe done wrong to upset so many people? I have seen many personal attacks on here, but as yet have failed to spot a single valid reason for the abuse. I await your responses.How about: When he took over Saints we were financially sound now we are in hock to the bank, when he took over we had great players now we have boys, we had assets now we have none, we needed a new stadium to grow our fan base now we would struggle to fill the Dell, we were a top club now we are on the verge of oblivion, we were a better club than our neighbours now they pay more for a player than our club is worth, our fans were united now they are divided. Finally the share price is about a quarter of its value when he took over. What makes everyone
skintsaint, Perth, WA says...
7:37am Wed 6 Aug 08
Lets hope im wrong.