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Young stars may leave to help balance the books

12:24pm Monday 18th August 2008

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Photograph of the Author By Adam Leitch »

SAINTS are today set to sell one of the crown jewels in their young squad - and another could soon follow.

Defender Andrew Davies, 23, is expected to join Premier League new boys Stoke for a fee of around £1.2m plus Anthony Pulis, the midfielder son of Potters boss Tony.

And Andrew Surman is attracting growing interest from Reading, whose director of football Nicky Hammond was sat in the front row of the Saints side of the directors' box for the 2-1 loss to Birmingham.

The Royals, in search of a left back after the sale of Nicky Shorey to Aston Villa, are set to stump up around £2.5m to try and tempt cashstrapped Saints into selling.

Saints are believed to need to bring in around £4m in transfer fees for players before the window closes at the end of the montn.

But they have so far struggled to shift what they consider to be the dead wood of their squad.

Davies, last season's Daily Echo player of the year, was sat in the stands at the Reebok on Saturday watching Stoke's defeat to Bolton.

Afterwards, Pulis senior confirmed he expected the move to go through.

That appeared to be a little more than Jan Poortvliet knew about the deal.

When asked after Saturday's defeat what was happening, the Saints head coach said: "I don't know exactly. I have heard some rumours and maybe he will go.

"It will be a miss but I haven't seen him much. People talk about him from last season saying he was a great player but I haven't seen him so I don't know what I'm missing."

After some Sunday newspapers had reported that, though, the Dutchman was quick to issue a clarification yesterday.

"Some of the reports today have given a slightly misleading impression of this situation," he said. "His agent has been keen for him to complete a deal away from the club and if players and agents feel that way then it doesn't help the rest of the team.

"I have been kept fully up to date with any negotiations that have been happening, but when asked about it after yesterday's match I was simply unaware of the exact stage that any talks had reached between Andrew's representatives and Stoke City.

"Andrew Davies is one of the high earners and we've made no secret of the financial pressures that have been placed on us by the bank."

With Michael Svensson unable to play three games a week yet, Davies' sale would leave Saints either having to call upon Wayne Thomas, Ollie Lancashire, who was on the bench on Saturday, or even using Paul Wotton or Morgan Schneiderlin at centre half in midweek games.

The latter two shared the central defensive role at Exeter in last Tuesday's Carling Cup tie.

Davies only joined Saints in October last year from Middlesbrough, on an initial three month loan that became a £1m permanent deal.

Pulis junior is a 24-year-old midfielder who has made 25 senior appearances in his career which began at Portsmouth before he rejoined his father at Stoke.

Full story in today's Daily Echo


Your Say YourEcho

LOWE & WILDE OUT, says...
6:52am Mon 18 Aug 08

Will the Daily Echo be biast in these sales ?

Lets see what the fans think and print their views for a change rather than sucking up to Wilde.

How do you know that the club need £4m ? Being told boardroom discussion via Wilde eh ?

We are a sinking ship and Lowe/Wilde are desperate to salvage their share value.

If Surman goes as well there will be a riot at SFC and i can see protests and 'boycotts'



Mike, Soton says...
6:58am Mon 18 Aug 08

Hopefully Surman wont go but if the club wants the money I suppose he will be told he has to go?
I for one dont think he is a full back or in fact looks like he enjoys playing there so hopefully that might be the sticking point?
He is a far better atacking left sided midfielder than anything else and quite simply thats where he should be playing.We have seen allready I believe that Holmes is probably no more than a journeyman whereas Surman has the abilty to push on in midfield and develop in to more given the chance.
Unfortunately however all things football and all things finance are being controlled by Rupert Lowe so I wont be suprised to see both Davies & Surman sold as his parting shot to the club prior to a takeover!
The sooner we are rid of Rupert Lowe the better as he would sell his Mother to get him out of the mire!

Last Man Out Close The Door, says...
7:01am Mon 18 Aug 08

All i can say is last man out close the door.

I decided not to renew my season ticket due to the return of two failed incompetent chairman and now im glad i did that.

No doubt there will be more 'Spin' rolled out and i wonder if Poortvliet knows anything about Surman going !!!!!!!!!!!


Wearing thin Bill, winchester says...
7:06am Mon 18 Aug 08

If we sell surman who will play at left back....if we sell Davies for a pityful 1.2m (as we all know he is worth more than that)and Svennson and perry get injured.. wheres the cover!! an injury prone ollie lancashire..a hap hazard Wayne Thomas..oh dear it is all collapsing...i am always an optimist but after saturdays 2nd half performance i can see us in the bottom 3 all season

Condor Man, Southampton says...
7:16am Mon 18 Aug 08

If my memory serves me right wasn't the Davies deal based on a bonus for promotion? It's clear his agent is driving the transfer so it's unlikely he was going to stay anyway.

Although Surman is a local lad some of his performances in the last year have been below par and he was dropped by Pearson only to return at left back as an emergency.

I don't know how good Pulis jr is but I'd expect some players to come from Reading as makeweights too.

The priorities for this season are two-fold. One is to stay up and the other is to balance the books. Everything else is a bonus.

SaintsFanCryingInMal ta, Qawra, Malta says...
7:21am Mon 18 Aug 08

Oh, My Poor Saints, My beloved Saints.

Assassinated by the coward Rupert Lowe (with help from Guy Askham)

Paine, Davies, Channon, Ball, Stokes, McMenemy, Bates, Le Tissier, The Dell, et al.

How I miss you - God Bless.

Priory Shrink, says...
7:21am Mon 18 Aug 08

How did Mike Wilde fund his share buying in 2006 ?

Well he bought it all on equity which means he really doesnt want to lose any of it in value !

Lowe has been heard to say that he has to keep the share price up as he got a load of mates to 'buy in' and will lose alot of face if they ar left with peanuts.


The only people fearing adminstration is Rupert Lowe and Micheal Wilde.

Do not be fooled by the rubbish spouted by Lowe/Wilde and even Adam 'In wildes pocket Leitch.

Isn't it a scandal that Adam Leitch is being used to pump out propaganda for the two failed chairmen.


Bring on a takeover and get these parasites out of SFC.

Insider, From up north says...
7:27am Mon 18 Aug 08

Davies was never going to stay so get used to the fact that he is moving on. He was signed and was given a contract for £10k per week. Within weeks, after Crouch took over as Chairman, he was asked to take a pay cut to £5k per week which he refused to accept so it was always on the cards he would leave. At Middlesborough he was never considered 'top drawer' but would cope in the Championship and therefore ended up at Saints. His 'style' suited the fans, who were looking for a hero, but will never be a clas act and will continue to be a journeyman.

We Are Being Conned, says...
7:27am Mon 18 Aug 08

If Surman and Davies are sold i will be going to St Marys and demanding a refund on my season ticket.


Graham, Herts says...
7:30am Mon 18 Aug 08

To all the above posters.

Here is the tragedy of SFC fully revealed.

Once you're in a decline the fall from grace becomes quicker and quicker.

The Club is broke and needs to increase income or sell off its players to keep going on a season by season basis.

Each sale reduces the Club's team strength as the best ones will be sold off first.

As the Club's performance worsens so the fan base drifts away. As the fan base drifts away so the Club's income declines and the process is repeated until there is nothing left to sell.

The decline can be slowed down and maybe halted if the experiment with the younger players works.

There is a strong body of opinion (me and a few others) that sees something exciting in what has been happening but it needs more supporters to make a difficult decision and decide that they want to help the Club through this most difficult of times and pay to support their Team.


We are where we are and it's not a good position. Apportion as much blame as you want, it gets the Club nowhere.

I would rather see a concerted effort, both on and off the pitch, to appreciate that the Club is probably in it's most serious position ever and carry on supporting rather than "I told you so'ing" from the sidelines.

Please keep the faith and look forward, not back.


New Owner Wanted, says...
7:30am Mon 18 Aug 08

Adam Leitch instead of sticking your tongue up Wildes arse maybe you should ask him where his £2million investment from last year is.

You where warned that Wilde is a two faced liar and now you are being USED to help him at the cost of SFC and us fans.

Wilde is only interested in his share value and you know it.

Super Leon, says...
7:34am Mon 18 Aug 08

So the two goons responsible for the mess at SFC are now selling everything off and not putting a penny into the club.

One day my loyal fans you will find out whats really been going on at SFC in recent years and you will be horrified. I can safely say the main problem has been Lowe and then his mate Wilde.



TRUE SAINT, CRYING IN MY CORNFLAKES says...
7:35am Mon 18 Aug 08

"Saints are believed to need to bring in around £4m in transfer fees for players before the window closes at the end of the montn."

BELIEVED BY WHO?? WHAT DO WE NEED £4M FOR AFTER 2 GAMES OF THE SEASON - BUBBLY FOR THE SHAREHOLDERS PARTY.

I THINK FIRST OUT SHOULD BE WOOPERT & HIS IDIOT PAYMATE, FOLLOWED BY MIKE.

IF WE'RE THAT DESPERATE, WHY NOT SELL RASIAK INSTEAD OF LOANING HIM OUT.

THERE IS A WHIFF OF BULLS MANURE ABOUT ALL OF THIS

Stinks, says...
7:45am Mon 18 Aug 08

I can't believe I renewed my season ticket - i am feeling lost....loosing the passion, just don't know where Saints will be going from here. If we sell Drew, for me that will truly be the end. We are going to struggle even to stay in this league. Please someone "SAVE OUR SAINTS"

Titanic, Atlantic Ocean says...
7:46am Mon 18 Aug 08

How does Adam Leitch know we need £4m ?

Has Mike Wilde seen a psychiatrist yet ?

After telling numerous people he would never allow Lowe back into power hes done just that.

Why ?

Think about it folks.

What are they interested in most SFC or their share value ?

Will Lowe be handing back the £400,000 he got on being shown the door in 2006 ? He doesnt need the wonga as he is minted.

SFC NOT PLC

Rupert Lowe, says...
7:53am Mon 18 Aug 08

Its about time i told you that in 2006 after i was rightfully shown the door out of spite i refused to sell my proxied shares to anyone connected to Mike Wilde. The flipside to that was interested parties then said they would not invest with 25% of the company being offered around. I would also like to confess that i refused to allow a new share issue as it would of diluted me and my cronies share value. Pat Trant had £3m minimum to invest in shares and so did Leon Crouch.

Ive screwed you all over as i knew Wilde and SFC couldnt do anything with me not selling my share proxy. I put my own personal interests before SFC. I was fully backed by Mike Richards and Guy Askham despite them being so called fans of SFC.

My Share Value 1 SFC 0

sailor sam, portsmouth says...
8:02am Mon 18 Aug 08

It is tough when you have to sell talent to survive.

I have seen Pulis Jnr in Pompey's Youth side, and saw him again when Stoke visited St Mary's in the pre-season friendly.

I did not rate him as a Pompey Youth, and thought he was only there as part of a deal with his father, and I could see no improvement at St Mary's.

Did no one from the club watch the pre-season v Stoke? If they did, I am amazed that, after that performance, Pulis Jnr was considered to be worth £300,000.


Reclaim SFC, says...
8:05am Mon 18 Aug 08

We have to force Lowe & Wilde out of the club.

Boycott the Blackpool game.

Artful Dodger, Millbrook says...
8:11am Mon 18 Aug 08

Last Man Out Close The Door wrote:
All i can say is last man out close the door. I decided not to renew my season ticket due to the return of two failed incompetent chairman and now im glad i did that. No doubt there will be more \'Spin\' rolled out and i wonder if Poortvliet knows anything about Surman going !!!!!!!!!!!
That's what I like to see.

Another 'Dedicated', 'Saints in the blood', 'Red and White Army', 'Southampton til I die', 'True Red' supporter, instead of rallying round when the club needs him most, like the rat he is, decides to 'desert the sinking ship'.

My guess is that when Saints fortunes change - and they will at some time - he will be one of the first to buy the shirt, wear the scarf and loudly proclaim about how many years, man and boy, that he has given undying support to the club.

Pass the bucket, I want to be sick.


True Blue, Fareham says...
8:15am Mon 18 Aug 08

Reclaim SFC wrote:
We have to force Lowe & Wilde out of the club. Boycott the Blackpool game.
It seems as if you boycotted the Birmingham match - first home match of the season, that is usually guaranteed to be a sell-out - so what do you think another empty stadium will prove?

My guess is, administration, a massive points deduction resulting in relegation, and in the current financial crisis that the country is in, no guarantee that there will be a rich mug around to buy the club.


Reclaim SFC, says...
8:18am Mon 18 Aug 08

I know what makes me sick, all these Rupert Lowe apologists who watch their club being ripped apart and just tug their forelock and go "yes Mr Lowe, anything you say Mr Lowe" under the belief that they are "the real fans"

Pass the bucket, I am being sick.

Andy, Locks Heath says...
8:21am Mon 18 Aug 08

I'm surprised that people just blame Lowe and now Wilde as well,without even attempting to discuss context or specify what they did wrong. Is that to avoid actually having to understand and analyse a complex series of events? Is this hostility because they own shares in a PLC rather than in a private company? And when the poster's only offered alternative is "Let's have a takeover, now" I don;t know why they even bother posting. Who is going to buy? Why would they buy? What would they do differently if they did buy? Do you understand that a PLC has to balance the books? If you don't like a PLC why not? Why is Lowe a "fat cat" and someone like Gaydermak a benevolent "investor"? Do you assume that a billionaire investor will just "give" millions to the club for your benefit? Did you learn nothing from the Milan Mandaric scenario? These investors are not fans, they are businessmen who want a return. A foreign businessman who has never even been to Pompey buys the club and suddenly becomes its greatest fan then just as suddenly is gone to become Leicester's greatest fan. Is this what you want? Is this your Plan B? If not I'd love to see a detailed alternative solution other than just "Lowe out". Details please, not insults.

Bitterne Park Tim, says...
8:26am Mon 18 Aug 08

One step closer to Administration!

This is horrible news..... if these two go what are we left with?

Surely someone out there can invest some cash to avoid all this!!!!!

What an unfortunate way to start the week. Atleat Pompey got battered!!!!

Another Dutch Defeat, says...
8:32am Mon 18 Aug 08

Bring on administration as there people who will salvage whats left. Real Saints fans who will do the club and city proud. Whats more parasites like Lowe, Wilde, Askham, Richards will not got a penny for their shares.

Wilde where is your £2million investment ?

You havent even got a corp box anymore and i notice Leon has TWO !


Paul TS, swanwick says...
8:41am Mon 18 Aug 08

Artful Dodger wrote:
Last Man Out Close The Door wrote: All i can say is last man out close the door. I decided not to renew my season ticket due to the return of two failed incompetent chairman and now im glad i did that. No doubt there will be more \'Spin\' rolled out and i wonder if Poortvliet knows anything about Surman going !!!!!!!!!!!
That's what I like to see. Another 'Dedicated', 'Saints in the blood', 'Red and White Army', 'Southampton til I die', 'True Red' supporter, instead of rallying round when the club needs him most, like the rat he is, decides to 'desert the sinking ship'. My guess is that when Saints fortunes change - and they will at some time - he will be one of the first to buy the shirt, wear the scarf and loudly proclaim about how many years, man and boy, that he has given undying support to the club. Pass the bucket, I want to be sick.
AD - You obviously do not know that much about the professional game. Unfortunately players have no control if a club decides to sell them. I know Andy and he is a TRUE Saint Fan. Reading is only up the road, therefore if he has to move (For finances sake) then at least he does not have to leave his home and family in Southampton!
I think the policy of selling our best players just yet again shows no ambition from RL yet again! Role on with hope that we find someone who can buy our club, bring investment and get rid of Lowe and Co for good next time!

Kate, Andover says...
8:54am Mon 18 Aug 08

If Surman is as big a Saints fan as he says, would he consider a paycut until times are financially better??

What could be better than pulling on the shirt for the team you love?

We'll see if it's really all about money......

Adrian Smith, says...
8:56am Mon 18 Aug 08

Kate wrote:
If Surman is as big a Saints fan as he says, would he consider a paycut until times are financially better??

What could be better than pulling on the shirt for the team you love?

We'll see if it's really all about money......
Cutting his wages isn't going to save the club the £2.5m Reading are offering.

Tony Millbrook, says...
9:00am Mon 18 Aug 08

Kate wrote:
If Surman is as big a Saints fan as he says, would he consider a paycut until times are financially better?? What could be better than pulling on the shirt for the team you love? We'll see if it's really all about money......
But it's Lowe touting Surman around as being available for transfer, not Drew asking for more money or a move.

What a stupid thing to have a dig at one of the only Saints players who really does care about the club.

Let me put it this way Kate, if you REALLY cared about Saints, why don't you give your life savings to Rupert Lowe??

Artful Dodger, Millbrook says...
9:06am Mon 18 Aug 08

Reclaim SFC wrote:
I know what makes me sick, all these Rupert Lowe apologists who watch their club being ripped apart and just tug their forelock and go "yes Mr Lowe, anything you say Mr Lowe" under the belief that they are "the real fans" Pass the bucket, I am being sick.
Southampton FC were around before Lowe, Wilde&Co were born.

If the fans do not support the club now, in its time of need, there is every possibility that there will not be a Southampton FC when they are gone.

A Saints fan supports Southampton FC.

A 'fair-weather' fan uses these tough times in general and Lowe in particular, as an excuse not to support the club because it is not winning.

If you don't go to St Mary's, don't pay the admission, buy the programme etc etc, how in heavens name can anyone call themselves a SUPPORTER?




Finish Lowe for good, administration NOW says...
9:15am Mon 18 Aug 08

Drastic times call for drastic action and I am afraid the only way we will see the back of Lowe is to go into administration. SFC will survive but Lowe, his chum Askham and Wilde will lose big time. So I am campaigning for all fans to boycot matches as well as club products and services. Send Lowe to the wall.

Artful Dodger, Millbrook says...
9:19am Mon 18 Aug 08

Paul TS wrote:
Artful Dodger wrote:
Last Man Out Close The Door wrote: All i can say is last man out close the door. I decided not to renew my season ticket due to the return of two failed incompetent chairman and now im glad i did that. No doubt there will be more \'Spin\' rolled out and i wonder if Poortvliet knows anything about Surman going !!!!!!!!!!!
That's what I like to see. Another 'Dedicated', 'Saints in the blood', 'Red and White Army', 'Southampton til I die', 'True Red' supporter, instead of rallying round when the club needs him most, like the rat he is, decides to 'desert the sinking ship'. My guess is that when Saints fortunes change - and they will at some time - he will be one of the first to buy the shirt, wear the scarf and loudly proclaim about how many years, man and boy, that he has given undying support to the club. Pass the bucket, I want to be sick.
AD - You obviously do not know that much about the professional game. Unfortunately players have no control if a club decides to sell them. I know Andy and he is a TRUE Saint Fan. Reading is only up the road, therefore if he has to move (For finances sake) then at least he does not have to leave his home and family in Southampton! I think the policy of selling our best players just yet again shows no ambition from RL yet again! Role on with hope that we find someone who can buy our club, bring investment and get rid of Lowe and Co for good next time!
Well, if I 'obviously do not know much about the professional football game,' it would appear to be a greater knowledge than yours.

A player cannot be FORCED to move from one club to another. Despite what that fount of all football knowledge, Ronaldo, may say, professional footballers are NOT SLAVES, to be shipped out to wherever their owners think they will send them.

If anything, your lack of knowledge shines through when you say that selling best players is a lack of ambition. It is the ambition to keep the club afloat, financially, that players have to be sold.

Southampton FC is on the brink of following Leeds United, Luton Town, Rotherham, Bournemouth etc on the slippery slope to administration. The 'credit card' company want their money, and there is no money in the cash box, so the assets have to be sold. As people who don't pay their mortgage get their houses repossessed, so the club could fold if they don't pay up, and IF (R) IF anyone buys the bits and pieces after administration, they will also have to cope with a large points deduction, which would ensure relegation with the playing staff that remains.

There are to many Saints 'fans?' that are sticking their heads in the sand, and can't see the dire straits that the club is in, and are stupid enough to think that a boycott of the Blackpool match will solve all the problems.

GET A LIFE! GET ALONG TO ST MARY'S!


Reclaim SFC, says...
9:20am Mon 18 Aug 08

Artful Dodger wrote:
Reclaim SFC wrote: I know what makes me sick, all these Rupert Lowe apologists who watch their club being ripped apart and just tug their forelock and go "yes Mr Lowe, anything you say Mr Lowe" under the belief that they are "the real fans" Pass the bucket, I am being sick.
Southampton FC were around before Lowe, Wilde&Co were born. If the fans do not support the club now, in its time of need, there is every possibility that there will not be a Southampton FC when they are gone. A Saints fan supports Southampton FC. A 'fair-weather' fan uses these tough times in general and Lowe in particular, as an excuse not to support the club because it is not winning. If you don't go to St Mary's, don't pay the admission, buy the programme etc etc, how in heavens name can anyone call themselves a SUPPORTER?
So a supporter is only a supporter if he fits your description? Glad we've cleared that up.

I presume you must go to every single Saints game home and away and not missed a game since you were a child?

If not, they surely YOU are not a proper supporter?

What's that? You missed some games because you were ill once? Or on holiday? Or had family commitments? Or didn't have the money? Or wasn't particularly enjoying watching Saints for a time?

Come down from your Ivory Tower, Mr Dodger. People can "support" Saints anyway they like. If they can only make one game a season, then so be it. If they only listen to games on the radio, so be it.

If you are happy with the club, then that's great for you. If you can't see that many fans are not, then I suggest you open your eyes and ears to other people's opinions.

Martin Wild, Lymington says...
9:22am Mon 18 Aug 08

I was always told to make money you have invest I don't see either Wilde or Lowe doing that, yes they may a few shares,I remember Leon Crouch saying he would put money in if they would did but they wont will they? I would still like to know what sort of salary they are paying themselves, I would have thought the echo could find that out?

SFC4EVA, Soton says...
9:25am Mon 18 Aug 08

The way I see it is the club (company, business) is skint. The bank is holding all the aces. They have probably said they want some money back and we should selling anything worth value at the first opportunity. If the country is going into a recession then the bank will want its money sooner rather than later. It will be tragic if these 2 are sold and will put a dent into an already fragile squad but unfortunately I think it might be out of the clubs control.

Any thoughts?

Saint Ash, Redbridge says...
9:51am Mon 18 Aug 08

While I did not expect anything from the Cardiff or Birmingham games, the news that Davies & Surman are off is worrying news.
Even worse if the rumors that Svensson is struggling with his knee turn out to be true.
Problem is, we've got no money,and unless the share holders put their hands in their collective pockets or our once proud club is sold, not a lot will change.
Don't get me wrong, from what I've heard, we are now playing some great football, but youngsters confidence will quickly wain if they don't see any end product.
Senior players at the club must now step forward to the plate in the same way that the youngsters have stated off, and more importanly, the powers that be must realise that we can not go through the season on an already threadbare squad.
Lets hope that reinforcements are just around the corner.

S_F_C, Lordswood says...
9:58am Mon 18 Aug 08

If Reading are so much after Drew, then what's this report all about????????

http://www.skysports
.com/story/0,19528,1
1673_4004893,00.html


Get some real reporters Daily Echo

Fed up with the moaners, Soton says...
9:59am Mon 18 Aug 08

Graham wrote:
To all the above posters.

Here is the tragedy of SFC fully revealed.

Once you're in a decline the fall from grace becomes quicker and quicker.

The Club is broke and needs to increase income or sell off its players to keep going on a season by season basis.

Each sale reduces the Club's team strength as the best ones will be sold off first.

As the Club's performance worsens so the fan base drifts away. As the fan base drifts away so the Club's income declines and the process is repeated until there is nothing left to sell.

The decline can be slowed down and maybe halted if the experiment with the younger players works.

There is a strong body of opinion (me and a few others) that sees something exciting in what has been happening but it needs more supporters to make a difficult decision and decide that they want to help the Club through this most difficult of times and pay to support their Team.


We are where we are and it's not a good position. Apportion as much blame as you want, it gets the Club nowhere.

I would rather see a concerted effort, both on and off the pitch, to appreciate that the Club is probably in it's most serious position ever and carry on supporting rather than "I told you so'ing" from the sidelines.

Please keep the faith and look forward, not back.

Couldnt have said it better myself. Sadly too many 'fans' seem content to watch the results come in at the end of the day and then continue to moan and whinge about the demise of a club they are helping to oversee by staying away. Its a shame that more arent prepared to stump up some cash but instead seem happier to simply watch from their armchair and spend all their efforts sl*gging off Lowe et al. Very constructive!!!

ps Davies signalled his intentions by watching the Stoke game on Saturday rather than being at SMS!!

Harry Fox, New Forest says...
10:42am Mon 18 Aug 08

To even consider selling the two Andrews is madness personified. For a few weeks it looked possible that the lunatics running this club had taken a turn for the better. Whatever medicatio they are on seemed to be having an effect. It shows just how easily we can be lulled into a false sense of security. People never change of course, they are what they are!

The narrow visioned bean-counters who put money ahead of everything will destroy the very soul of this club before they are finished. They have had their warning 'though, an 18,000 turn-out against front runners Birmingham in the opening match of the so-called 'new era' is a shot across the bows of HMS Southampton from disgruntled fans who are approaching the end of their tether. Sell the Andrews and Wilde, Lowe and their cohorts can kiss goodbye of ever returning to profitability through gate receipts. It won't be just the corners of SMS that will need to be closed on math-days.

Jesus_02, Kingsland says...
10:45am Mon 18 Aug 08

Insider wrote:
Davies was never going to stay so get used to the fact that he is moving on. He was signed and was given a contract for £10k per week. Within weeks, after Crouch took over as Chairman, he was asked to take a pay cut to £5k per week which he refused to accept so it was always on the cards he would leave. At Middlesborough he was never considered 'top drawer' but would cope in the Championship and therefore ended up at Saints. His 'style' suited the fans, who were looking for a hero, but will never be a clas act and will continue to be a journeyman.
How do you know this?

Every time Lowe makes an unpopular or contradictory move there seems to be someone that has "the real" reason why

The truth is that although we have stated that we are now financially stable we are being told that we need to raise 4m by the echo.

Oh what a coincidence we have offers for two young players that exactly equal 4m

leesaint, behindbluelines says...
10:48am Mon 18 Aug 08

We are desperate for fullbacks and need depth in all defenders. Svensson cannot play every game, Perry and Thomas are no spring chickens. If we sell Surman, Davies has gone, then we WILL be relegated. I for one will not waste my money every other week to see us beat.

If you keep doing the same things you will get the same outcomes. Lowe out now!!!!

diretimes, southampton says...
10:54am Mon 18 Aug 08

In todays Times Poortvliet is asked how much the club needed to either bring in through sales or cut from the wage bill, he replied I don't know exactly maybe something like £6 million, he was quickly interrupted by a PR man. He also said he had no idea which players were going and who was staying.

What chance has he got of keeping us in this division?

What happens if players aren't sold?

Doesn't bear thinking about.

SAINTS FAN, SOUTHAMPTON says...
10:55am Mon 18 Aug 08

Fed up with the moaners wrote:
Graham wrote: To all the above posters. Here is the tragedy of SFC fully revealed. Once you're in a decline the fall from grace becomes quicker and quicker. The Club is broke and needs to increase income or sell off its players to keep going on a season by season basis. Each sale reduces the Club's team strength as the best ones will be sold off first. As the Club's performance worsens so the fan base drifts away. As the fan base drifts away so the Club's income declines and the process is repeated until there is nothing left to sell. The decline can be slowed down and maybe halted if the experiment with the younger players works. There is a strong body of opinion (me and a few others) that sees something exciting in what has been happening but it needs more supporters to make a difficult decision and decide that they want to help the Club through this most difficult of times and pay to support their Team. We are where we are and it's not a good position. Apportion as much blame as you want, it gets the Club nowhere. I would rather see a concerted effort, both on and off the pitch, to appreciate that the Club is probably in it's most serious position ever and carry on supporting rather than "I told you so'ing" from the sidelines. Please keep the faith and look forward, not back.
Couldnt have said it better myself. Sadly too many 'fans' seem content to watch the results come in at the end of the day and then continue to moan and whinge about the demise of a club they are helping to oversee by staying away. Its a shame that more arent prepared to stump up some cash but instead seem happier to simply watch from their armchair and spend all their efforts sl*gging off Lowe et al. Very constructive!!! ps Davies signalled his intentions by watching the Stoke game on Saturday rather than being at SMS!!
how can you keep faith in the club when we are being run by bunch of two faced tw*ts that are full of bullsh*t!! They said in the past we are going to build a squad and use the youth, well if you sell two of the best youth players in the team davies and surman then what message are they sending out!! At the end of the day a certain person put us in this position along time ago a certain person who has four managers in one season, a certain person who sold a lot of good players and the club has never seen much of it spent on buy new players!! At the end of the day we need investment not people like lowe and wilde who are only interested in making money for themselfs and their goons in the boardroom!! lowe and wilde havent really got a pot to pi*s in to be honest when have they ever stuck their own hands in their own pockets let me think never, well except when cash goes in to the pocket!! to me it looks like the club should be making money soon as all the players will be on yts contracts probably earning no more than £500 a week. If investment did come in would lowe and wilde accept the bid?! I think possibly not cause if any bid did come in they wont pay what lowe and wilde probably expect to sell the club for! Any other chairman who has love for the club which is sinking fast would accept a bid from someone whos got alot of money to invest in the team, where as lowe and wilde are to big headed and only worried about their own pocket to sell for a lower price!! Lets just say see how much you get back lowe and wilde when our club sinks and goes into administration cause you won't see a penny back!! Don't be fooled people because if the fiances are as they say they are, it wont be long till it happens and i pray it doesnt and we sell and get rid of those two clowns who no one wanted to see back here, apart from the lowe lovers who really need a reality check fast!! I love the club but if more big players leave why should i pay to watch a youth team play, i could of done that last season for free watch the youth at saints training ground!! SOMEONE SAVE OUR CLUB!!!

Jesus_02, Kingsland says...
11:10am Mon 18 Aug 08

Fed up with the moaners wrote:
Graham wrote: To all the above posters. Here is the tragedy of SFC fully revealed. Once you're in a decline the fall from grace becomes quicker and quicker. The Club is broke and needs to increase income or sell off its players to keep going on a season by season basis. Each sale reduces the Club's team strength as the best ones will be sold off first. As the Club's performance worsens so the fan base drifts away. As the fan base drifts away so the Club's income declines and the process is repeated until there is nothing left to sell. The decline can be slowed down and maybe halted if the experiment with the younger players works. There is a strong body of opinion (me and a few others) that sees something exciting in what has been happening but it needs more supporters to make a difficult decision and decide that they want to help the Club through this most difficult of times and pay to support their Team. We are where we are and it's not a good position. Apportion as much blame as you want, it gets the Club nowhere. I would rather see a concerted effort, both on and off the pitch, to appreciate that the Club is probably in it's most serious position ever and carry on supporting rather than "I told you so'ing" from the sidelines. Please keep the faith and look forward, not back.
Couldnt have said it better myself. Sadly too many 'fans' seem content to watch the results come in at the end of the day and then continue to moan and whinge about the demise of a club they are helping to oversee by staying away. Its a shame that more arent prepared to stump up some cash but instead seem happier to simply watch from their armchair and spend all their efforts sl*gging off Lowe et al. Very constructive!!! ps Davies signalled his intentions by watching the Stoke game on Saturday rather than being at SMS!!
Why do you assume that if someone moans that they don’t pay to see Saints?

I think that there are two side to Lowe, a very good business head and a terrible footballing one.

Unfortunately the only the original post is quite correct here. And Rupert cannot have it both ways. If he wants to run a business then he needs to have a product (good players).

I buy my season ticket regardless, but some people just feel that they are simply being taken advantage of.

No other form of entertainment would allow this kind of behaviour. If you bought tickets to see a gig and only the support act turned up you would want a refund (regardless of how well they played), simple.

My issue is not necessarily the sale of Andrew Davies, and Andrew Surman but the fact that they would have got a good deal more if;

a) we didn’t constantly go on about how desperate we are to sell player

b) we just waited until Andrew Davies proved himself at Saints. If we sold him in January we would have got far more than 1.5m

Its simply bad football business