Saints fan backs Nicola Cortese's judgement (From Daily Echo)

Idiot..

You cant state idiot without backing yourself up. That piece is level headed, well thought out and echoes my thoughts

saintrooty wrote:
You cant state idiot without backing yourself up. That piece is level headed, well thought out and echoes my thoughts

My thoughts exactly. Red N White try and put a little effort in eh.

He will have to have the foresight of god, and I don't think he has.

Rhombus wrote:

saintrooty wrote:
You cant state idiot without backing yourself up. That piece is level headed, well thought out and echoes my thoughts

My thoughts exactly. Red N White try and put a little effort in eh.

NC has been clear and decisive in all that he has done. (And no, he doesn't have to tell the fans in advance what he is doing!! He acts in the best interests of SFC).
He makes his decisions and he does not court publicity for any of them - the media, ex players/managers/fan
s etc all do that for him!!)

The new Coach is better qualified than NA to take us forward so get behind him and the team!

Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

Red'N'WhiteSaint'09' wrote:
Idiot..

You are an idiot! This is very reflected and well thought over, and i happen to know that lots of ppl agree with Grant. It's always easy to call someone an idiot, but see if you can put it better...

I and a number of my fellow Saints fans agree with this article. I'm a season ticket holder who has attended many away games and who has sang for Nigel at every game. I'm sorry he has gone but he will be absolutely fine and I thank him for what he has done. NC got Markus to buy us and his decisions (including the 'shock' sacking of Pardew after a comprehensive away win) have got us where we are today. Nicola is taking us places we have never been before and I trust him. We all need to get behind NC, the Manager and the players. Lets not give the media what they want, lets stay united and drive the team on as we have so brilliantly done in the last few seasons and this one.

Well I hope Pinnochio gives us some good excuses if they loose.. It should be good. if the Saints supporters Spanish is up to it..

George4th wrote:

Rhombus wrote:

saintrooty wrote:
You cant state idiot without backing yourself up. That piece is level headed, well thought out and echoes my thoughts

My thoughts exactly. Red N White try and put a little effort in eh.

NC has been clear and decisive in all that he has done. (And no, he doesn't have to tell the fans in advance what he is doing!! He acts in the best interests of SFC).
He makes his decisions and he does not court publicity for any of them - the media, ex players/managers/fan

s etc all do that for him!!)

The new Coach is better qualified than NA to take us forward so get behind him and the team!

Hallo George. Can you explain to me how MP is better qualified than NA please as I am a bit in the dark here at the mo. Thanks.

Well said mate. I also agree with this article 100%. Anybody that doesn't is a fool in my view.

It's an opinion i share .......... I do think that Nicola should have the decency to explain his actions though ....... COYR !

We know that Adkins was after players who were not top international class, but as he knew what he had, and what he needed to fit in with what he had, that is what he would have been looking for.

The fact that players have not arrived begs the question, was Cortese letting him have the money?

As it would appear that the decision to sack him was taken some little time ago - before the transfer window opened - is it not unreasonable to assume that Cortese had not given him the go-ahead to sign anyone?

Thoughtful Post.

I have been wondering for most of this season how the declared club ambition of European Football would be possible when we seemed to be flirting with the danger zone. I did not think that we would be go down, but I felt that we seemed naive, and had obvious difficulties both in attracting some players and some of those that we did attract seemed a surprising choice. Additionally, we did not seem as assured as we were last season. I found it very difficult to put my finger on what was amiss.... I did wonder how patient the obviously ambitious NC would be. Now we know.

I am a Saints fan and I cannot transfer my loyalty elsewhere, but neither can I turn back the clock to the days of the Dell.
When I look in the mirror I ask myself do I want the Saints to be a successful Premier Club (and not a relegation survivor, year on year) and to be in Europe? The answer is "yes".

Do I think that NC is the guy to deliver this? On present evidence, yes I do. I may not like the means, but I know that I would trade them for success.
And I have answered the question about ends justifying the means, and I am not as happy as I was last Thursday. Perhaps events at SMS have had caused me to think a little more than usual......

Should the changes not work then I have real fears for the future.....

COYR

http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=EhKEUftWC
1A

Though, now an armchair fan (due to cost), I, for many seasons had a season ticket, thru good times and bad. I have watched the managerial merry-go-round and sometimes wondered why now, why him, why......? This latest one was one of the bigger shocks.....but as no-one knows what goes on behind closed doors, maybe we shouldn't judge. Maybe unrest in the players camp (a few starting line-ups have puzzled me this season) ? Maybe interest has been shown in NA from lower league clubs looking for a bit of his magic. Cos lest not forget, he got us here, now we need to get behind the team, prove to the doubters that we belong in the PL, and leave the "blame" for another day!!

Once you get over the shock, and as much as we all loved Nigel, we have an important game tomorrow.
Can't condone the way it all has transpired and with today's social networking everyone has a say within seconds of it happening.
Don't always agree with Grant, but he has nailed his colours to the mast. He isn't supporting NC's man management and simply points out Saints fans should be looking at the bigger picture.
I have been absent from SMS this season as ticket prices are too rich for me. I will be going to Wigan and will be as enthusiastic as usual.

magnette wrote:
http://www.youtube.c

om/watch?v=EhKEUftWC

1A

Thank you for that. The lady confirmed all that I had read about him on the internet.

http://onefootintheg
ame.com/2013/01/20/a
dkins-sacking-breaks
-southampton-fans-he
arts-but-dont-call-c
ortese-a-fool/?

YA Nicola Corese AICMFP!

ramptonfromsouthampt
on wrote:
Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

What a load of waffle. Football USED to be an extension of the community but now and for the last 20 years since silly money has been thrown at it and is now indeed a multimillion pound business in which the fans/customers have very little clout. Like it or not, that's the way it is. A very similar incident happened to me at my work when our boss was replaced. The staff were remotivated and performance improved and the customers accepted it and in time noticed the improvement.

George4th wrote:

Rhombus wrote:

saintrooty wrote:
You cant state idiot without backing yourself up. That piece is level headed, well thought out and echoes my thoughts

My thoughts exactly. Red N White try and put a little effort in eh.

NC has been clear and decisive in all that he has done. (And no, he doesn't have to tell the fans in advance what he is doing!! He acts in the best interests of SFC).
He makes his decisions and he does not court publicity for any of them - the media, ex players/managers/fan

s etc all do that for him!!)

The new Coach is better qualified than NA to take us forward so get behind him and the team!

Don't be an idiot!! You are just as clueless and stupid as cortese.

37 years as a Saints fan I have seen, good, bad, dark and light and since Nigel took over in 2010 it has all been light. Now for two sides of how I feel...

In the manner this sacking has been dealt with I am absolutely disgusted, ashamed, embarrassed, annoyed and quite honestly betrayed by a Chairman who seems to have forgotten that Clubs don't exist without fans and the fans by vast majority were happy with our progress within the PL under the guidance of NA. Of course we do not know what has gone on behind closed doors but we do get the feeling that our Chairman Nicola Cortese has not made it easy for Nigel in terms of interference in team matters in which case NA is probably better off out. Either way we can't change what has happened.

On the flip side, we must remember that Nicola Cortese convinced Marcus Leibher to buy our beloved club and save us from going under. We must also remember that NC brought in Nigel Adkins in 2010 after the shock sacking of Alan Pardew; an appointment that the vast majority could not understand appointing someone with such little experience - well we have to tip our hats to NA on that one - he got it bang on the money. Perhaps his statement of taking us to the next level just well needs to be believed... only time will tell.

Nigel Adkins you will always have a part in Saints history, we wish you well, we are confident of your future success and above all we salute you.

Dazzler79 wrote:

George4th wrote:

Rhombus wrote:

saintrooty wrote:
You cant state idiot without backing yourself up. That piece is level headed, well thought out and echoes my thoughts

My thoughts exactly. Red N White try and put a little effort in eh.

NC has been clear and decisive in all that he has done. (And no, he doesn't have to tell the fans in advance what he is doing!! He acts in the best interests of SFC).
He makes his decisions and he does not court publicity for any of them - the media, ex players/managers/fan


s etc all do that for him!!)

The new Coach is better qualified than NA to take us forward so get behind him and the team!

Don't be an idiot!! You are just as clueless and stupid as cortese.

Cortese is anything but what you accuse imo , ruthless yes , cold yes ....... stupid and clueless ...... no way .

If Adkins was not the right person to take us to the next level then why carry on with him this season ? Clotese should have sacked him in the summer then. Players are attracted by money and probability of winning something, not the manager. Cortese clearly is responsible for signings not Adkins.

Cortese done no wrong ! LOL hilarious

Is it my imagination or do I see a gradual acceptance of NC's decision,COYRs and good luck PM.

This article by Grant Goddard is an intelligent and excellent assessment after the initial shock of Nigels sacking, it was a shock to the majority, unbelievable but I'm sure Nigel has already moved on, he leaves with his head high having done a fantastic job but most ardent Fans know that world class Players when they become Coaches/Managers do attract the best Players in the world as do most top teams in the world, Saints Supporters want success with ambitious Directors and Managers, Nigel is ambitious but not known, he will be given time, Cortese might of felt that the young Players now a fixture in the Team, Shaw for example wouldn't stay and others, I've always believed Cortese once appointed is there to stay, his vision is to be a top Team now dominated by Man U, City, Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal, he will see the transformation within 4/5 years, so everyone must move on and get behind the new Manager and a Team who are improving with every game, so good luck Nigel and your Staff and now more important, good luck to our Manger and Team tomorrow night against Everton and 3 points to move up the league

I'm afraid that I find myself in some disagreement with the writer of this piece, the sacking of Nigel Adkins has the potential of being a massive retrograde step; Yes I know that the start of the season wasn't ideal, but lets face it the vast majority of the squad had never played at this level and Nigel had never managed at this level either, but the squad frightened the life out of Manchester City during the season opener. In recent times the team were playing much, much better and I felt the corner had been turned. I was confident that Saints were going to beat Everton on Monday and were going to continue progress up the league, I was confident of a top ten finish.

Now that Pottechino has been appointed, a man who has no experience of British Football let alone the premiership, I believe that Nigels hard work will be undone and it's straight back down to the championship. I've also read Potecchino's bio and yes he had very little money to play with but his results were mediocre to say the least. That's before we get onto the small matter of the language barrier. Most of the squad are British or at least English speakers and this guy has a very limited command of English, so is he going to draw diagrams to get his point across or does the translator accompany him to the training ground. If Cortese was adamant that Nigel had to go why not go for a manager with a proven track record in the premiership like Di Matteo?

philiprhampton wrote:
Is it my imagination or do I see a gradual acceptance of NC's decision,COYRs and good luck PM.

3 points tomorrow and it'll change more ......... us football fans are a fickle as anything else on the planet ....... COYR !!!

Matt Le God wrote:
37 years as a Saints fan I have seen, good, bad, dark and light and since Nigel took over in 2010 it has all been light. Now for two sides of how I feel...

In the manner this sacking has been dealt with I am absolutely disgusted, ashamed, embarrassed, annoyed and quite honestly betrayed by a Chairman who seems to have forgotten that Clubs don't exist without fans and the fans by vast majority were happy with our progress within the PL under the guidance of NA. Of course we do not know what has gone on behind closed doors but we do get the feeling that our Chairman Nicola Cortese has not made it easy for Nigel in terms of interference in team matters in which case NA is probably better off out. Either way we can't change what has happened.

On the flip side, we must remember that Nicola Cortese convinced Marcus Leibher to buy our beloved club and save us from going under. We must also remember that NC brought in Nigel Adkins in 2010 after the shock sacking of Alan Pardew; an appointment that the vast majority could not understand appointing someone with such little experience - well we have to tip our hats to NA on that one - he got it bang on the money. Perhaps his statement of taking us to the next level just well needs to be believed... only time will tell.

Nigel Adkins you will always have a part in Saints history, we wish you well, we are confident of your future success and above all we salute you.

Echoes exactly how I feel - it's been a dramatic couple of days and lots have posters on here and on social media have made intelligent arguements on the many facets of the situation we as Saints fans find ourselves in. I agree with Grant and I'm relieved to finally see some balance - I am really hoping we can unite behind the lads tomorrow - 3 points and we're 14th after all! COYR

NC has my trust becuase unlike almost EVERY other director he wants the best for US yes US..SFC...

Nigel will always be our 'special one' but he did not win the league did he...work
with me...

No one is bigger than the club and Cortese is the custodian...I think we could be going somewhere..just a feeling..bro feels the same ..correct Nico..

I keep seeing that Nigel's status stopped players from signing, ok.
The new manager is just as unknown.
Do not kid ourselves that his previous club was anything but a makeweight in their division and midtable was considered success.
He managed his team with promoted youth and all his best players sold.
Doesn't that sound like Saints until Nigel got us in the PL?
Espanyol never signed any marquee players, they did not and do not have any money.
He isn't going to attract any players that do not speak Spanish.
Do any of us want a team of players who don't understand a single word their supporters are singing?
Extreme?
Arsenal have bad to change their entire policy and recruit English. We are their youth policy and Wenger probably thinks yippee I'll go and ask those young lads how it feels when your boss can't talk to you!
I do understand the logic of removing Nigel, but not his replacement.

Dear Echo ; thanks for publishing this letter as it shows that not all fans feel the same way , perhaps you could alter the headline to something like "the other side of the coin" ?

saintrooty wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt

on wrote:
Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

What a load of waffle. Football USED to be an extension of the community but now and for the last 20 years since silly money has been thrown at it and is now indeed a multimillion pound business in which the fans/customers have very little clout. Like it or not, that's the way it is. A very similar incident happened to me at my work when our boss was replaced. The staff were remotivated and performance improved and the customers accepted it and in time noticed the improvement.

Well excuse me for my 'waffle' but football isn't there purely for the people who have been into the game just for the last 20 years. The idea that because of the silly money coming into the game we have to just accept the new model is arrogant to say the least. You seem to forget where that money comes from: the fans. The TV revenue is leveraged from people's tv subscriptions and we pay for our ticket to the games from our own pockets too. I would suggest that we have an entitlement to state our support or dissent accordingly. And as for the question I asked, you only have to look at the postings online here and elsewhere to see that it is relevant. If there's anyone guilty of 'waffle' mate, it's you, analogising your work situation with what's happening at Saints. It doesn't cut it with me fellah. For the record, I have been a supporter of Cortese since he came to our club, but in this instance, I think he has made a right pig's ear of it. I've nothing against the new guy coming in - if it wasn't him, it would have been someone else - and I hope he can hit the ground running. Personally, I don't subscribe to the whole 'the end justifies the means' attitude displayed by some here; seen this backfire spectacularly too many times, and not just in football. I would just like a little bit of decency and integrity to remain in the game before it becomes unrecognisable. Is that too much to ask?

Finally something intelligent has been written about this saga and I couldnt agree more.

Would like to thank all the possitive comments. I dont state my opinion is correct, just that i felt it was one that i heard others agreeing with but was not seeing represented in the media.. Its great to see the echo giving the chance for fans of ALL opinions to be voiced to an equal level.
Many thanks
Grant - "an idiot"

ramptonfromsouthampt
on wrote:

saintrooty wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt


on wrote:
Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

What a load of waffle. Football USED to be an extension of the community but now and for the last 20 years since silly money has been thrown at it and is now indeed a multimillion pound business in which the fans/customers have very little clout. Like it or not, that's the way it is. A very similar incident happened to me at my work when our boss was replaced. The staff were remotivated and performance improved and the customers accepted it and in time noticed the improvement.

Well excuse me for my 'waffle' but football isn't there purely for the people who have been into the game just for the last 20 years. The idea that because of the silly money coming into the game we have to just accept the new model is arrogant to say the least. You seem to forget where that money comes from: the fans. The TV revenue is leveraged from people's tv subscriptions and we pay for our ticket to the games from our own pockets too. I would suggest that we have an entitlement to state our support or dissent accordingly. And as for the question I asked, you only have to look at the postings online here and elsewhere to see that it is relevant. If there's anyone guilty of 'waffle' mate, it's you, analogising your work situation with what's happening at Saints. It doesn't cut it with me fellah. For the record, I have been a supporter of Cortese since he came to our club, but in this instance, I think he has made a right pig's ear of it. I've nothing against the new guy coming in - if it wasn't him, it would have been someone else - and I hope he can hit the ground running. Personally, I don't subscribe to the whole 'the end justifies the means' attitude displayed by some here; seen this backfire spectacularly too many times, and not just in football. I would just like a little bit of decency and integrity to remain in the game before it becomes unrecognisable. Is that too much to ask?

The analogy of my work I feel is indeed relevant as its an organisation dealing with millions, 100% reliant on customers. Waffle I may have done but my point about modern day football and saints current situation are very similar in the fact that yes we can jump up and down about it and express our dissatisfaction about it but ultimately we have to lump it as there nothing we can do about it.

ramptonfromsouthampt
on wrote:

saintrooty wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt


on wrote:
Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

What a load of waffle. Football USED to be an extension of the community but now and for the last 20 years since silly money has been thrown at it and is now indeed a multimillion pound business in which the fans/customers have very little clout. Like it or not, that's the way it is. A very similar incident happened to me at my work when our boss was replaced. The staff were remotivated and performance improved and the customers accepted it and in time noticed the improvement.

Well excuse me for my 'waffle' but football isn't there purely for the people who have been into the game just for the last 20 years. The idea that because of the silly money coming into the game we have to just accept the new model is arrogant to say the least. You seem to forget where that money comes from: the fans. The TV revenue is leveraged from people's tv subscriptions and we pay for our ticket to the games from our own pockets too. I would suggest that we have an entitlement to state our support or dissent accordingly. And as for the question I asked, you only have to look at the postings online here and elsewhere to see that it is relevant. If there's anyone guilty of 'waffle' mate, it's you, analogising your work situation with what's happening at Saints. It doesn't cut it with me fellah. For the record, I have been a supporter of Cortese since he came to our club, but in this instance, I think he has made a right pig's ear of it. I've nothing against the new guy coming in - if it wasn't him, it would have been someone else - and I hope he can hit the ground running. Personally, I don't subscribe to the whole 'the end justifies the means' attitude displayed by some here; seen this backfire spectacularly too many times, and not just in football. I would just like a little bit of decency and integrity to remain in the game before it becomes unrecognisable. Is that too much to ask?

I'm with you rampton. It's the Premier League business model that has undermined the link between club and community. Interesting that Guardiola has chosen to go to Germany, where fans have more say in how a club is run. Maybe that model has a stronger community base and a longer term future, a bit like the German economy that makes and sells things a little more tangible than financial services. Perhaps the spirit of engineer Liebherr is being gradually supplanted by that of banker Cortese? We still have to support the lads tomorrow though. COYR!

The Echo have made our Club a laughing stock for their quality of reporting since Friday. I am of the opinion that they do not support our Club anymore. All we get are nasty nah nah nee nah nah jibes...which do not reflect the majority of fans.

We are bored to bits of the usual people being quoted...these people do not believe in the vision.

It's time they got some decent reporters who actually care about our Club!!!!

Dookiez wrote:
Would like to thank all the possitive comments. I dont state my opinion is correct, just that i felt it was one that i heard others agreeing with but was not seeing represented in the media.. Its great to see the echo giving the chance for fans of ALL opinions to be voiced to an equal level.
Many thanks
Grant - "an idiot"

As I have just put on the fb page Grant you have clearly caught the mood of the majority with a accurate portrayal of how we feel, gutted for Nige but we HAVE to get behind the team and carry on being the 12th man MP is going to find it hard enough as it is the last thing we should do is make it worse. Oh, and the last thing you are is an idiot, the poster who put that needs to take a look in the mirror!

George4th wrote:

Rhombus wrote:

saintrooty wrote:
You cant state idiot without backing yourself up. That piece is level headed, well thought out and echoes my thoughts

My thoughts exactly. Red N White try and put a little effort in eh.

NC has been clear and decisive in all that he has done. (And no, he doesn't have to tell the fans in advance what he is doing!! He acts in the best interests of SFC).
He makes his decisions and he does not court publicity for any of them - the media, ex players/managers/fan

s etc all do that for him!!)

The new Coach is better qualified than NA to take us forward so get behind him and the team!

yes better qualified got the sack two months ago for being bottom of the league . I live in spain and watch lots of games and see all the saints games and even when we were bottom of the league we play four time better then the team he got sack from espanyol now he gone there are 14th

SaintsBTGOG wrote:
If Adkins was not the right person to take us to the next level then why carry on with him this season ? Clotese should have sacked him in the summer then. Players are attracted by money and probability of winning something, not the manager. Cortese clearly is responsible for signings not Adkins.

Cortese done no wrong ! LOL hilarious

new poster?

When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

fairdinkum wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt

on wrote:

saintrooty wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt



on wrote:
Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

What a load of waffle. Football USED to be an extension of the community but now and for the last 20 years since silly money has been thrown at it and is now indeed a multimillion pound business in which the fans/customers have very little clout. Like it or not, that's the way it is. A very similar incident happened to me at my work when our boss was replaced. The staff were remotivated and performance improved and the customers accepted it and in time noticed the improvement.

Well excuse me for my 'waffle' but football isn't there purely for the people who have been into the game just for the last 20 years. The idea that because of the silly money coming into the game we have to just accept the new model is arrogant to say the least. You seem to forget where that money comes from: the fans. The TV revenue is leveraged from people's tv subscriptions and we pay for our ticket to the games from our own pockets too. I would suggest that we have an entitlement to state our support or dissent accordingly. And as for the question I asked, you only have to look at the postings online here and elsewhere to see that it is relevant. If there's anyone guilty of 'waffle' mate, it's you, analogising your work situation with what's happening at Saints. It doesn't cut it with me fellah. For the record, I have been a supporter of Cortese since he came to our club, but in this instance, I think he has made a right pig's ear of it. I've nothing against the new guy coming in - if it wasn't him, it would have been someone else - and I hope he can hit the ground running. Personally, I don't subscribe to the whole 'the end justifies the means' attitude displayed by some here; seen this backfire spectacularly too many times, and not just in football. I would just like a little bit of decency and integrity to remain in the game before it becomes unrecognisable. Is that too much to ask?

I'm with you rampton. It's the Premier League business model that has undermined the link between club and community. Interesting that Guardiola has chosen to go to Germany, where fans have more say in how a club is run. Maybe that model has a stronger community base and a longer term future, a bit like the German economy that makes and sells things a little more tangible than financial services. Perhaps the spirit of engineer Liebherr is being gradually supplanted by that of banker Cortese? We still have to support the lads tomorrow though. COYR!

Yep, Pep Guardiola must have taken all of a few seconds to decide against managing in this league. I reiterate my belief that we have a right to express a belief in our entitlement to a say in how our clubs are run, and that just because any individual is a skilled businessman or negotiator it excuses them from behaving with decency. For us though, I guess all we can do is wait and see now the deed is done I suppose. And as you, and to be fair, the majority of posters say, we still have to support the lads tomorrow. Mind you, I can't help thinking that for once, it might be a blessing to have the game called off because of the weather, as it should give MP a bit more time with the squad. Last thing we need is to drop three points at home as well...

Honestly After promotion last season I couldn't see NA lasting another year. Can't say the new guy is the right guy for the job, only time will tell. Here's hoping COYR

I hope the game goes ahead: teams with new managers ALWAYS win.

St Retford wrote:
I hope the game goes ahead: teams with new managers ALWAYS win.

It'll go ahead , snow's nearly gone now ....... COYR !

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

Exactly, imagine this conversation

(After promotion against Coventry last year)

NC: Well Nigel, technically you have done the job you were employed for now and as initially agreed your services are no longer required but as a thankyou I want to give you the opportunity to prove yourself in the PL, however if I feel you are out of your depth I will replace you swiftly

NA: Thanks NC, I appreciate it

NC: You deserve the chance so no problem

Nobody knows exactly what has gone on and if this was true it would put an entirely different slant on people's perceptions.

Kneejerk mis or non-informed reaction is a wonderful thing isn't it?

STID

st1halo wrote:

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

Exactly, imagine this conversation

(After promotion against Coventry last year)

NC: Well Nigel, technically you have done the job you were employed for now and as initially agreed your services are no longer required but as a thankyou I want to give you the opportunity to prove yourself in the PL, however if I feel you are out of your depth I will replace you swiftly

NA: Thanks NC, I appreciate it

NC: You deserve the chance so no problem

Nobody knows exactly what has gone on and if this was true it would put an entirely different slant on people's perceptions.

Kneejerk mis or non-informed reaction is a wonderful thing isn't it?

STID

Reading between the lines and with the benefit of hindsight I find it easy to believe that it went along these lines ... as i said before , remember Nigels' bizarre interview after the Coventry game ?

Good on you Grant..
Thanks again Echo.
Support the team... enjoyed reading some pos tweets after their first training session with the new gaffer.

COYR.

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

Exactly, imagine this conversation

(After promotion against Coventry last year)

NC: Well Nigel, technically you have done the job you were employed for now and as initially agreed your services are no longer required but as a thankyou I want to give you the opportunity to prove yourself in the PL, however if I feel you are out of your depth I will replace you swiftly

NA: Thanks NC, I appreciate it

NC: You deserve the chance so no problem

Nobody knows exactly what has gone on and if this was true it would put an entirely different slant on people's perceptions.

Kneejerk mis or non-informed reaction is a wonderful thing isn't it?

STID

Reading between the lines and with the benefit of hindsight I find it easy to believe that it went along these lines ... as i said before , remember Nigels' bizarre interview after the Coventry game ?

Indeed Slugger, that's why I make the point.
There will be an inevitable parting of the ways .... wordshe used on more than one occasion!

STID

st1halo wrote:

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

Exactly, imagine this conversation

(After promotion against Coventry last year)

NC: Well Nigel, technically you have done the job you were employed for now and as initially agreed your services are no longer required but as a thankyou I want to give you the opportunity to prove yourself in the PL, however if I feel you are out of your depth I will replace you swiftly

NA: Thanks NC, I appreciate it

NC: You deserve the chance so no problem

Nobody knows exactly what has gone on and if this was true it would put an entirely different slant on people's perceptions.

Kneejerk mis or non-informed reaction is a wonderful thing isn't it?

STID

Reading between the lines and with the benefit of hindsight I find it easy to believe that it went along these lines ... as i said before , remember Nigels' bizarre interview after the Coventry game ?

Indeed Slugger, that's why I make the point.
There will be an inevitable parting of the ways .... wordshe used on more than one occasion!

STID

I just wish that Nicola would clear it up ....... if our thinking is right how much harm would it do to say it ? ......... unless of course Nigel has asked him not to , that would put a whole new slant on things .

Idiot is the right word for that Saints fan that said Cortese was right. I know Nigel was foreign to us Southerners, but at least he didn't need an interpreter. Does this mean more for wages? Mr Cortese looking at the National Papers, I think you should lock yourself in your office, and stay there.

Looney Cleo wrote:
Idiot is the right word for that Saints fan that said Cortese was right. I know Nigel was foreign to us Southerners, but at least he didn't need an interpreter. Does this mean more for wages? Mr Cortese looking at the National Papers, I think you should lock yourself in your office, and stay there.

He said he might be right ...... time will tell .

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

How about Forren meeting pochahuntas a week ago and being introduced to him being the manager, and nigel finding out he had been sacked on telly?

Deceitful and ill handled.

If cortese wants European football is he going to come up with the 50 mill it will cost. If not what was the point of sacking NA as no manager could got more out of the current squad than Adkins

Looney Cleo wrote:
Idiot is the right word for that Saints fan that said Cortese was right. I know Nigel was foreign to us Southerners, but at least he didn't need an interpreter. Does this mean more for wages? Mr Cortese looking at the National Papers, I think you should lock yourself in your office, and stay there.

Errr Cleo, if ever a pseudonym could encapsulate the person you have achieved it, many congrats!

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

Exactly, imagine this conversation

(After promotion against Coventry last year)

NC: Well Nigel, technically you have done the job you were employed for now and as initially agreed your services are no longer required but as a thankyou I want to give you the opportunity to prove yourself in the PL, however if I feel you are out of your depth I will replace you swiftly

NA: Thanks NC, I appreciate it

NC: You deserve the chance so no problem

Nobody knows exactly what has gone on and if this was true it would put an entirely different slant on people's perceptions.

Kneejerk mis or non-informed reaction is a wonderful thing isn't it?

STID

Reading between the lines and with the benefit of hindsight I find it easy to believe that it went along these lines ... as i said before , remember Nigels' bizarre interview after the Coventry game ?

Indeed Slugger, that's why I make the point.
There will be an inevitable parting of the ways .... wordshe used on more than one occasion!

STID

I just wish that Nicola would clear it up ....... if our thinking is right how much harm would it do to say it ? ......... unless of course Nigel has asked him not to , that would put a whole new slant on things .

We've said before haven't we that they need a PR team at SMS
I think Nicola likes to keep everything private... it's just his way but even though he doesn't seem to face the music sometimes, by the same token he doesn't jump up to claim credit either unlike Rupert!!

Add this to the above conversation:
NC:One more thing Nigel, when I do let you go, don't worry, it will be after some good performances hopefully so you walk with your reputation intact, don't tell anyone though, don't want people to think I'm soft!


STID

Looney Cleo wrote:
Idiot is the right word for that Saints fan that said Cortese was right. I know Nigel was foreign to us Southerners, but at least he didn't need an interpreter. Does this mean more for wages? Mr Cortese looking at the National Papers, I think you should lock yourself in your office, and stay there.

Well your sign on is fitting anyway.

st1halo wrote:

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

Exactly, imagine this conversation

(After promotion against Coventry last year)

NC: Well Nigel, technically you have done the job you were employed for now and as initially agreed your services are no longer required but as a thankyou I want to give you the opportunity to prove yourself in the PL, however if I feel you are out of your depth I will replace you swiftly

NA: Thanks NC, I appreciate it

NC: You deserve the chance so no problem

Nobody knows exactly what has gone on and if this was true it would put an entirely different slant on people's perceptions.

Kneejerk mis or non-informed reaction is a wonderful thing isn't it?

STID

Reading between the lines and with the benefit of hindsight I find it easy to believe that it went along these lines ... as i said before , remember Nigels' bizarre interview after the Coventry game ?

Indeed Slugger, that's why I make the point.
There will be an inevitable parting of the ways .... wordshe used on more than one occasion!

STID

I just wish that Nicola would clear it up ....... if our thinking is right how much harm would it do to say it ? ......... unless of course Nigel has asked him not to , that would put a whole new slant on things .

We've said before haven't we that they need a PR team at SMS
I think Nicola likes to keep everything private... it's just his way but even though he doesn't seem to face the music sometimes, by the same token he doesn't jump up to claim credit either unlike Rupert!!

Add this to the above conversation:
NC:One more thing Nigel, when I do let you go, don't worry, it will be after some good performances hopefully so you walk with your reputation intact, don't tell anyone though, don't want people to think I'm soft!


STID

Can't understand why he gets such bad press, he's such a nice guy?? Lol

STID

st1halo wrote:

st1halo wrote:

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

Exactly, imagine this conversation

(After promotion against Coventry last year)

NC: Well Nigel, technically you have done the job you were employed for now and as initially agreed your services are no longer required but as a thankyou I want to give you the opportunity to prove yourself in the PL, however if I feel you are out of your depth I will replace you swiftly

NA: Thanks NC, I appreciate it

NC: You deserve the chance so no problem

Nobody knows exactly what has gone on and if this was true it would put an entirely different slant on people's perceptions.

Kneejerk mis or non-informed reaction is a wonderful thing isn't it?

STID

Reading between the lines and with the benefit of hindsight I find it easy to believe that it went along these lines ... as i said before , remember Nigels' bizarre interview after the Coventry game ?

Indeed Slugger, that's why I make the point.
There will be an inevitable parting of the ways .... wordshe used on more than one occasion!

STID

I just wish that Nicola would clear it up ....... if our thinking is right how much harm would it do to say it ? ......... unless of course Nigel has asked him not to , that would put a whole new slant on things .

We've said before haven't we that they need a PR team at SMS
I think Nicola likes to keep everything private... it's just his way but even though he doesn't seem to face the music sometimes, by the same token he doesn't jump up to claim credit either unlike Rupert!!

Add this to the above conversation:
NC:One more thing Nigel, when I do let you go, don't worry, it will be after some good performances hopefully so you walk with your reputation intact, don't tell anyone though, don't want people to think I'm soft!


STID

Can't understand why he gets such bad press, he's such a nice guy?? Lol

STID

Not sure i'd like to work for him (a bit of a cok by all accounts) ....... but his results are there for the whole world to see and i for one can't argue it !

Well said Grant! You know quite a few of us agree with you, especially me after the discussion we had the other day (or was that with someone else?) I don't know. Either way, nobody has the right to call Grant an idiot. This is his opinion and if you disagree with it tell us why. There is nothing more pathetic than a single worded insult. I suggest you all take a look at the bigger picture. We are Southampton fans and I do NOT want to see us acting like Chelsea and treating MP like dirt. We are better than that and it's times like these that usually make us shine for the true saints we are! Nigel's phrase will stay around for me alone. We are 'together as one' get behind the team. That team is the one that represents our city no matter who the manager is. Stop your petty minded little "I'm out to prove a point" Everyone kicked off when Adkins replaced Pardew but that turned out to be one of the best decisions ever. We may not like it but a few good results and all will be forgotten. COYR Respect for Adkins tomorrow but I suggest chanting his name at half time and before or after the game. Not during game time as this may put the players off and we also need to show a nice welcome to MP.

ShakeyWiffles wrote:
Well said Grant! You know quite a few of us agree with you, especially me after the discussion we had the other day (or was that with someone else?) I don't know. Either way, nobody has the right to call Grant an idiot. This is his opinion and if you disagree with it tell us why. There is nothing more pathetic than a single worded insult. I suggest you all take a look at the bigger picture. We are Southampton fans and I do NOT want to see us acting like Chelsea and treating MP like dirt. We are better than that and it's times like these that usually make us shine for the true saints we are! Nigel's phrase will stay around for me alone. We are 'together as one' get behind the team. That team is the one that represents our city no matter who the manager is. Stop your petty minded little "I'm out to prove a point" Everyone kicked off when Adkins replaced Pardew but that turned out to be one of the best decisions ever. We may not like it but a few good results and all will be forgotten. COYR Respect for Adkins tomorrow but I suggest chanting his name at half time and before or after the game. Not during game time as this may put the players off and we also need to show a nice welcome to MP.

Well said

http://www.not606.co
m/content.php/1928-E
nough-is-enough

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

st1halo wrote:

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

Exactly, imagine this conversation

(After promotion against Coventry last year)

NC: Well Nigel, technically you have done the job you were employed for now and as initially agreed your services are no longer required but as a thankyou I want to give you the opportunity to prove yourself in the PL, however if I feel you are out of your depth I will replace you swiftly

NA: Thanks NC, I appreciate it

NC: You deserve the chance so no problem

Nobody knows exactly what has gone on and if this was true it would put an entirely different slant on people's perceptions.

Kneejerk mis or non-informed reaction is a wonderful thing isn't it?

STID

Reading between the lines and with the benefit of hindsight I find it easy to believe that it went along these lines ... as i said before , remember Nigels' bizarre interview after the Coventry game ?

Indeed Slugger, that's why I make the point.
There will be an inevitable parting of the ways .... wordshe used on more than one occasion!

STID

I just wish that Nicola would clear it up ....... if our thinking is right how much harm would it do to say it ? ......... unless of course Nigel has asked him not to , that would put a whole new slant on things .

We've said before haven't we that they need a PR team at SMS
I think Nicola likes to keep everything private... it's just his way but even though he doesn't seem to face the music sometimes, by the same token he doesn't jump up to claim credit either unlike Rupert!!

Add this to the above conversation:
NC:One more thing Nigel, when I do let you go, don't worry, it will be after some good performances hopefully so you walk with your reputation intact, don't tell anyone though, don't want people to think I'm soft!


STID

Can't understand why he gets such bad press, he's such a nice guy?? Lol

STID

Not sure i'd like to work for him (a bit of a cok by all accounts) ....... but his results are there for the whole world to see and i for one can't argue it !

I'm an awkward fcucker so have to work for myself, not given to working under a heavy hand, my temper won't allow it so defo not for me but he gets well paid to do a job and, as you say, you can't argue with the results.
I understand where he is coming from in that business is business. I think he knows he may lose some fans along the way but if successful, he will gain a lot more!

STID

No one is disputing that Nigel may not have had what it takes. But the cowardice and shabbiness of NCs actions are a stain on the club. This may indeed be a step forward for the club... but the stain on NCs character and reputation will remain. To be too scared to attend the press conference for the new manager was incredible and underlines why the fans are angry. These idiots ( as NC clearly thinks they are ) spend good money on supporting the club/team and deserve an explanation. The fact that NC is too scared to give one publicly speaks volumes. This issue is seperate from the issue of whether or not a new manager was a good decision. I think this is what the NC-worshipping delirious don't understand. You can still be a coward and still make good decisions.

MGRA wrote:
No one is disputing that Nigel may not have had what it takes. But the cowardice and shabbiness of NCs actions are a stain on the club. This may indeed be a step forward for the club... but the stain on NCs character and reputation will remain. To be too scared to attend the press conference for the new manager was incredible and underlines why the fans are angry. These idiots ( as NC clearly thinks they are ) spend good money on supporting the club/team and deserve an explanation. The fact that NC is too scared to give one publicly speaks volumes. This issue is seperate from the issue of whether or not a new manager was a good decision. I think this is what the NC-worshipping delirious don't understand. You can still be a coward and still make good decisions.

I really don't understand your point ....... in your opinion is he right or wrong ?

Judas grant goddard.

SaintsBTGOG wrote:
Judas grant goddard.

The second most ill thought out post on this thread imo .

warrens 76 wrote:
NC has my trust becuase unlike almost EVERY other director he wants the best for US yes US..SFC...

Nigel will always be our 'special one' but he did not win the league did he...work
with me...

No one is bigger than the club and Cortese is the custodian...I think we could be going somewhere..just a feeling..bro feels the same ..correct Nico..

i agree, but its still feels like we lost our innocence this week COYR

old Chinese proverb
may we live in interesting times

we are now

Salar wrote:
Thoughtful Post.

I have been wondering for most of this season how the declared club ambition of European Football would be possible when we seemed to be flirting with the danger zone. I did not think that we would be go down, but I felt that we seemed naive, and had obvious difficulties both in attracting some players and some of those that we did attract seemed a surprising choice. Additionally, we did not seem as assured as we were last season. I found it very difficult to put my finger on what was amiss.... I did wonder how patient the obviously ambitious NC would be. Now we know.

I am a Saints fan and I cannot transfer my loyalty elsewhere, but neither can I turn back the clock to the days of the Dell.
When I look in the mirror I ask myself do I want the Saints to be a successful Premier Club (and not a relegation survivor, year on year) and to be in Europe? The answer is "yes".

Do I think that NC is the guy to deliver this? On present evidence, yes I do. I may not like the means, but I know that I would trade them for success.
And I have answered the question about ends justifying the means, and I am not as happy as I was last Thursday. Perhaps events at SMS have had caused me to think a little more than usual......

Should the changes not work then I have real fears for the future.....

COYR

Why arent we as assured this season compared to last? We've just been promoted. Now instead of playing Barnsley and Millwall we play Man U and Chelsea. Seems obvious to me. As for comparing the clubs ambitions of Europe to the relegation scrap we are in..... Again we have just come up - twice. Name a club that qualifies for Europe in their first Prem season.

I share Nicola's ambition as it happens ....... I suspect we all do ! .......... COYR !!!

SaintsBTGOG wrote:
Judas grant goddard.

You can talk, I have read some of your posts before! Some were a wee bit out of order.

I fail to see why this new manager would attract any better standard of player than Adkins. There is no logic in that. What is more likely to happen is players like Shaw might leave, afterall why should they feel a sense of loyalty. I want to be positive and shall back the new man and the team but still cant fathom how this decision by Cortese makes any sense.

MGRA wrote:
No one is disputing that Nigel may not have had what it takes. But the cowardice and shabbiness of NCs actions are a stain on the club. This may indeed be a step forward for the club... but the stain on NCs character and reputation will remain. To be too scared to attend the press conference for the new manager was incredible and underlines why the fans are angry. These idiots ( as NC clearly thinks they are ) spend good money on supporting the club/team and deserve an explanation. The fact that NC is too scared to give one publicly speaks volumes. This issue is seperate from the issue of whether or not a new manager was a good decision. I think this is what the NC-worshipping delirious don't understand. You can still be a coward and still make good decisions.

Name one poster who has admitted to be a Cortese worshipper, you make the mistake of thinking we actually like him, when in fact we just respect him for what he has done, it's not the same thing. You call him a coward, based on what? The fact that you aren't good enough to be informed of the inner secrets of club. You are very judgemental without having any reason to be, you have read too many WUM posts and are showing signs of believing them as facts. Don't let me bully it's not my intention, but I would like you look at things in a different light.

Benali76 wrote:
I fail to see why this new manager would attract any better standard of player than Adkins. There is no logic in that. What is more likely to happen is players like Shaw might leave, afterall why should they feel a sense of loyalty. I want to be positive and shall back the new man and the team but still cant fathom how this decision by Cortese makes any sense.

I can appreciate your fears, but what are you baseing them on? Hearsay or facts. I think you will find that Luke Shaws loyalty is with Southampton Football Club, not ex managers. Be positive and wait and see and maybe it will all come clear, one way or the other.
We have a manager that we virtually know nothing about, as for signings well that is a mystery too, only time will tell, you mention logic, there is no logic, it doesn't make any sense at all.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

MGRA wrote:
No one is disputing that Nigel may not have had what it takes. But the cowardice and shabbiness of NCs actions are a stain on the club. This may indeed be a step forward for the club... but the stain on NCs character and reputation will remain. To be too scared to attend the press conference for the new manager was incredible and underlines why the fans are angry. These idiots ( as NC clearly thinks they are ) spend good money on supporting the club/team and deserve an explanation. The fact that NC is too scared to give one publicly speaks volumes. This issue is seperate from the issue of whether or not a new manager was a good decision. I think this is what the NC-worshipping delirious don't understand. You can still be a coward and still make good decisions.

Name one poster who has admitted to be a Cortese worshipper, you make the mistake of thinking we actually like him, when in fact we just respect him for what he has done, it's not the same thing. You call him a coward, based on what? The fact that you aren't good enough to be informed of the inner secrets of club. You are very judgemental without having any reason to be, you have read too many WUM posts and are showing signs of believing them as facts. Don't let me bully it's not my intention, but I would like you look at things in a different light.

A good point imo ...... respect is deffo different to like .

I am off of this one, lets hope for a big day tomorrow, it is going to be a bit weird I think.

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

Not nice for NA to hear about it first on tv though

slugger wrote:
I share Nicola's ambition as it happens ....... I suspect we all do ! .......... COYR !!!

Nope

SaintsBTGOG wrote:
If Adkins was not the right person to take us to the next level then why carry on with him this season ? Clotese should have sacked him in the summer then. Players are attracted by money and probability of winning something, not the manager. Cortese clearly is responsible for signings not Adkins.

Cortese done no wrong ! LOL hilarious

As Cortese is responsible for the signings then shouldn't you be praising him for signing players good enough to get us to the premiership?

ramptonfromsouthampt
on wrote:
Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

What price success ? Shafting Nigel Atkins who was a perfect fit for the Saints. This was morally wrong. And don't start on morality in football. I am old enough to understand wrong from right.

devonsaint2 wrote:

slugger wrote:
I share Nicola's ambition as it happens ....... I suspect we all do ! .......... COYR !!!

Nope

Most then ....... COYR !!!

ramptonfromsouthampt
on wrote:

George4th wrote:

Rhombus wrote:

saintrooty wrote:
You cant state idiot without backing yourself up. That piece is level headed, well thought out and echoes my thoughts

My thoughts exactly. Red N White try and put a little effort in eh.

NC has been clear and decisive in all that he has done. (And no, he doesn't have to tell the fans in advance what he is doing!! He acts in the best interests of SFC).
He makes his decisions and he does not court publicity for any of them - the media, ex players/managers/fan


s etc all do that for him!!)

The new Coach is better qualified than NA to take us forward so get behind him and the team!

Hallo George. Can you explain to me how MP is better qualified than NA please as I am a bit in the dark here at the mo. Thanks.

I can, he has played for one of the best international teams in the world fairly recently so his tactical knowledge should be up to scratch, and is one of the best young managers coming through the ranks in Spain at the moment, he is highly regarded in Spain and was in the frame for the Real Madrid job not so long ago. We all liked Nigel but this guy can take us to the next level.
Some people need to grow up Nicola isn't here to ruin the club if he was he wouldn't be spending millions try to bring in the better players.

Dr snuggles wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt

on wrote:

George4th wrote:

Rhombus wrote:

saintrooty wrote:
You cant state idiot without backing yourself up. That piece is level headed, well thought out and echoes my thoughts

My thoughts exactly. Red N White try and put a little effort in eh.

NC has been clear and decisive in all that he has done. (And no, he doesn't have to tell the fans in advance what he is doing!! He acts in the best interests of SFC).
He makes his decisions and he does not court publicity for any of them - the media, ex players/managers/fan



s etc all do that for him!!)

The new Coach is better qualified than NA to take us forward so get behind him and the team!

Hallo George. Can you explain to me how MP is better qualified than NA please as I am a bit in the dark here at the mo. Thanks.

I can, he has played for one of the best international teams in the world fairly recently so his tactical knowledge should be up to scratch, and is one of the best young managers coming through the ranks in Spain at the moment, he is highly regarded in Spain and was in the frame for the Real Madrid job not so long ago. We all liked Nigel but this guy can take us to the next level.
Some people need to grow up Nicola isn't here to ruin the club if he was he wouldn't be spending millions try to bring in the better players.

Not to mention the academy ....... Nicola means business make no mistake .

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

slugger wrote:

st1halo wrote:

St Retford wrote:
When people say they're disgusted with the way this has been handled, what exactly do they mean? Is there a nice or right way of replacing your manager if you don't feel they're the right man? However you do it it's going to hurt, so surely the most humane way to do it is quickly and decisively?

I'm not trying to be provocative. Just asking...

Exactly, imagine this conversation

(After promotion against Coventry last year)

NC: Well Nigel, technically you have done the job you were employed for now and as initially agreed your services are no longer required but as a thankyou I want to give you the opportunity to prove yourself in the PL, however if I feel you are out of your depth I will replace you swiftly

NA: Thanks NC, I appreciate it

NC: You deserve the chance so no problem

Nobody knows exactly what has gone on and if this was true it would put an entirely different slant on people's perceptions.

Kneejerk mis or non-informed reaction is a wonderful thing isn't it?

STID

Reading between the lines and with the benefit of hindsight I find it easy to believe that it went along these lines ... as i said before , remember Nigels' bizarre interview after the Coventry game ?

Indeed Slugger, that's why I make the point.
There will be an inevitable parting of the ways .... wordshe used on more than one occasion!

STID

I just wish that Nicola would clear it up ....... if our thinking is right how much harm would it do to say it ? ......... unless of course Nigel has asked him not to , that would put a whole new slant on things .

There'll almost certainly be a clause in their parting agreement to say that neither party can discuss the matter for "X" years. It's pretty standard.

AmsterdamSaint wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt

on wrote:
Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

What price success ? Shafting Nigel Atkins who was a perfect fit for the Saints. This was morally wrong. And don't start on morality in football. I am old enough to understand wrong from right.

The sacking was wrong, pure and simple.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

Benali76 wrote:
I fail to see why this new manager would attract any better standard of player than Adkins. There is no logic in that. What is more likely to happen is players like Shaw might leave, afterall why should they feel a sense of loyalty. I want to be positive and shall back the new man and the team but still cant fathom how this decision by Cortese makes any sense.

I can appreciate your fears, but what are you baseing them on? Hearsay or facts. I think you will find that Luke Shaws loyalty is with Southampton Football Club, not ex managers. Be positive and wait and see and maybe it will all come clear, one way or the other.
We have a manager that we virtually know nothing about, as for signings well that is a mystery too, only time will tell, you mention logic, there is no logic, it doesn't make any sense at all.

I am basing them on neither hearsay or facts, just thought. What I mean is the likes of AL Shaw and Punch all want to stay under Adkins. I hope nothing changes but it could do. I know myself that I am loyal to my boss rather than the company, if I saw him being utterly shafted my loyalty would be tested. I hope they all remain happy at Saints, but what an unnecessay risk.

MGRA wrote:
No one is disputing that Nigel may not have had what it takes. But the cowardice and shabbiness of NCs actions are a stain on the club. This may indeed be a step forward for the club... but the stain on NCs character and reputation will remain. To be too scared to attend the press conference for the new manager was incredible and underlines why the fans are angry. These idiots ( as NC clearly thinks they are ) spend good money on supporting the club/team and deserve an explanation. The fact that NC is too scared to give one publicly speaks volumes. This issue is seperate from the issue of whether or not a new manager was a good decision. I think this is what the NC-worshipping delirious don't understand. You can still be a coward and still make good decisions.

I think NC has got some big balls making a decision like this i wouldn't call this cowardly there will be nowhere to hide if it goes wrong,
I for one applaud him for making these kind of decisions because i know i couldn't have done it.
He did give a explanation he said. “This decision has been made with the long-term ambitions of Southampton Football Club in mind. Whilst we acknowledge the contribution Nigel has made during the past two years, for the Club to progress and achieve our long-term targets a change was needed."
Sums it up in a nutshell.
I liked NA but deep down i think we all know it was never going to last.

slugger wrote:

Dr snuggles wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt


on wrote:

George4th wrote:

Rhombus wrote:

saintrooty wrote:
You cant state idiot without backing yourself up. That piece is level headed, well thought out and echoes my thoughts

My thoughts exactly. Red N White try and put a little effort in eh.

NC has been clear and decisive in all that he has done. (And no, he doesn't have to tell the fans in advance what he is doing!! He acts in the best interests of SFC).
He makes his decisions and he does not court publicity for any of them - the media, ex players/managers/fan




s etc all do that for him!!)

The new Coach is better qualified than NA to take us forward so get behind him and the team!

Hallo George. Can you explain to me how MP is better qualified than NA please as I am a bit in the dark here at the mo. Thanks.

I can, he has played for one of the best international teams in the world fairly recently so his tactical knowledge should be up to scratch, and is one of the best young managers coming through the ranks in Spain at the moment, he is highly regarded in Spain and was in the frame for the Real Madrid job not so long ago. We all liked Nigel but this guy can take us to the next level.
Some people need to grow up Nicola isn't here to ruin the club if he was he wouldn't be spending millions try to bring in the better players.

Not to mention the academy ....... Nicola means business make no mistake .

And just where did I imply that NC is here to ruin the club? The point of my previous post on this thread was an attempt to illustrate that, in my opinion, I don't think the incoming manager is better qualified than the outgoing one. By the same token, I'm happy to give him my support and hope he can continue the great work already started. FYI, I am not a Cortese hater, I don't believe for a minute we would be where we are without him. At the same time, I am despairing at the way this whole episode has panned out.

AmsterdamSaint wrote:

AmsterdamSaint wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt


on wrote:
Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

What price success ? Shafting Nigel Atkins who was a perfect fit for the Saints. This was morally wrong. And don't start on morality in football. I am old enough to understand wrong from right.

The sacking was wrong, pure and simple.

Have you seen many posts that have said otherwise? Just repeating what most of us think, but on it's own the statement is meaningless, it shouldn't have happened, but it has, we can't change it, move on, having registered your protest.

Gazza will now be flavour of the month, now that his fellow countryman is the Gaffer, Mr Pochettino has stated that his emphasis is on youth.

Whilst accepting managerial changes take place for what may or may not be good reasons the manner of NA's departure could have been handled better and NC strikes me as a man with little or no man management ability. With that little rant over my main concern over the appointment of MP is his lack of speaking English. Living as I do in Italy with very little Italian (much to my shame) I have first hand experience of the problems associated with working through an interpreter. It is not that easy. The phrase "something lost in the interpretation". Talk about a "square ball" to an Italian during the course of a game and he will turn to you and tell you it is "round"! I rest my case.

Red'N'WhiteSaint'09' wrote:
Idiot..

i loved nige but the guys spot on nigel could not attract big names from abroad , which incase u aint noticed we need ! idiots like u think its great bringing in bargain basement has been s .

ramptonfromsouthampt
on wrote:
Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

welcome to the modern day game my son , where have you been all these years ??

One Heart....One Vision wrote:
The Echo have made our Club a laughing stock for their quality of reporting since Friday. I am of the opinion that they do not support our Club anymore. All we get are nasty nah nah nee nah nah jibes...which do not reflect the majority of fans.

We are bored to bits of the usual people being quoted...these people do not believe in the vision.

It's time they got some decent reporters who actually care about our Club!!!!

hey mate echo hates cortese and vice versa no favours from echo they just wanna sell rags ive stopped buying all news papers inc motorcycle news .

For me, a Saints fan of 40 years plus, 18/1/2013 was a pivotal date. It was the day when I fully realised beyond doubt what Cortese’s mission for SFC really was. Fans don’t usually choose their team – its determined by who their local team is, or the first match they saw with their Dad, or maybe some outstanding incident that appealed. I feel lucky than when the dice was rolled for me aged 13 to came up with Saints. The intervening 40 years has had more than its fair share of ups and won but has always been fun and emotional and I wouldn’t swap it for the world. And what I love about supporting Saints is the culture of the club. We don’t win much silverware but that just makes it so much better when we do achieve something, such as double promotion in consecutive seasons. The culture of SFC is epitomised by the loyalty shown by players such as Matt Le Tiss and Kelvin and by the academy that has brought so many excellent players through – as a fan it fills me with pride seeing a player come through the system and gain international honours. I like it that so many people say “I’ve always liked Southampton”, or “Southampton have always been my second team”. Its simply because SFC have always been a likeable club.
But the culture of any club is set not by history or the fans but by the controller of the club. During the Lowe years it became clear to me that if the controller is not a genuine fan of football and/or of Saints the desires of the average fan will be superceded by the agenda of whoever controls the club. I was delighted when Cortese took over and saved us from liquidisation (yes, I know it is Liebherr money, but NC has always been calling the shots) and without doubt, if you offered me today’s situation then, I would definitely take it. The success of the Cortese reign to date has been nothing short of remarkable and he can take much of the credit for that. Not just for organising the finance but for his decision making and negotiating skills (I love the way he stands up to agents and paparazzi). However, 18/1/2013 was the date I realised just how ruthless and focused the man was (the “Don” nickname is sooo apt). I can understand his motives but I think in footballing terms the timing of NA’s sacking was naïve and very risky. I believe 100% that Cortese believes what he says when he says it’s for the long term good of the club; but “the good of the club” is a subjective phrase – to Cortese he is talking about the Balance Sheet, specifically the row “Net Assets”. Fans like me also have a SFC balance sheet, but on it appear words like Pride, Loyalty, Devotion, Inclusion of Fans. In modern English football, a club can only be is one camp, business oriented or fan oriented, unless the controller also happens to be a genuine fan (e.g. Wigan, Stoke). I now know which camp Saints are in and the culture has changed. I’m a little disappointed in this but I think exciting times lie ahead.

Churchill Saint wrote:
For me, a Saints fan of 40 years plus, 18/1/2013 was a pivotal date. It was the day when I fully realised beyond doubt what Cortese’s mission for SFC really was. Fans don’t usually choose their team – its determined by who their local team is, or the first match they saw with their Dad, or maybe some outstanding incident that appealed. I feel lucky than when the dice was rolled for me aged 13 to came up with Saints. The intervening 40 years has had more than its fair share of ups and won but has always been fun and emotional and I wouldn’t swap it for the world. And what I love about supporting Saints is the culture of the club. We don’t win much silverware but that just makes it so much better when we do achieve something, such as double promotion in consecutive seasons. The culture of SFC is epitomised by the loyalty shown by players such as Matt Le Tiss and Kelvin and by the academy that has brought so many excellent players through – as a fan it fills me with pride seeing a player come through the system and gain international honours. I like it that so many people say “I’ve always liked Southampton”, or “Southampton have always been my second team”. Its simply because SFC have always been a likeable club.
But the culture of any club is set not by history or the fans but by the controller of the club. During the Lowe years it became clear to me that if the controller is not a genuine fan of football and/or of Saints the desires of the average fan will be superceded by the agenda of whoever controls the club. I was delighted when Cortese took over and saved us from liquidisation (yes, I know it is Liebherr money, but NC has always been calling the shots) and without doubt, if you offered me today’s situation then, I would definitely take it. The success of the Cortese reign to date has been nothing short of remarkable and he can take much of the credit for that. Not just for organising the finance but for his decision making and negotiating skills (I love the way he stands up to agents and paparazzi). However, 18/1/2013 was the date I realised just how ruthless and focused the man was (the “Don” nickname is sooo apt). I can understand his motives but I think in footballing terms the timing of NA’s sacking was naïve and very risky. I believe 100% that Cortese believes what he says when he says it’s for the long term good of the club; but “the good of the club” is a subjective phrase – to Cortese he is talking about the Balance Sheet, specifically the row “Net Assets”. Fans like me also have a SFC balance sheet, but on it appear words like Pride, Loyalty, Devotion, Inclusion of Fans. In modern English football, a club can only be is one camp, business oriented or fan oriented, unless the controller also happens to be a genuine fan (e.g. Wigan, Stoke). I now know which camp Saints are in and the culture has changed. I’m a little disappointed in this but I think exciting times lie ahead.

So you are firmly on the fence then..

gutted for NA but it is naive to believe the date 18/01/2013 represents a sea change at SFC....

We became part of the commercial football community the day lifelong shareholders were 'forced' to sell their shares at face value back to the club..back in the 90's..

It is understood that even our past hero's such as Lawrie Mac had their noses in the trough..so perspective please..

Cortese can only be judged as results and vision unfold...so far he has called it right.....no-one is happy about the way NA went...but this 3 points margin when we have some difficult games coming up is a stick or twist situation in itself...

..never mind that the future SFC needs to be streets ahead of were we are now....

..our hoofing tactics and panic needs to be addressed with composure and I for one am not sure NA could change our game that much or that we have the time frame to do it without a new pipeline....

I will say that I think NC has got it right..long live Nigel.

slugger wrote:

devonsaint2 wrote:

slugger wrote:
I share Nicola's ambition as it happens ....... I suspect we all do ! .......... COYR !!!

Nope

Most then ....... COYR !!!

Nor me, nowhere to go after being morally bankrupt. I think we've just gone from turning a corner to staring into the abyss...wake me up when it's all over...

This is a difficult time for all of us. There is a big bit of me that feels very sorry for NA and my loyalty to his acheivements for our club has made me feel very uncomfortable about the way he was dismissed. However there is another part of me that has watched as the team have struggled with the technical approach of playing out of the back line, in fact sometimes it felt almost embarassing. NA for some reason just did not have that knowledge to pass on to the players. Also some of the multiple substitutions that were made when the team were defending a lead made me feel uncomfortable as well. Bringing on fresh players sounds logical but if you are defending a lead you have helped create you often fight harder than a fresh pair of legs. i think your commitment is higher as the minutes tick away. Let us not forget we have dropped 17 points from winning positions and that is a worrying statistic that is telling us all something not just the manager. I can't be there tonight because the match was changed to Monday night from Saturday for monetary reasons, i had even purchased my rail ticket which is non refundable. But if our team can make some extra cash because of sky i will not complain. Likewise I will not complain if in the long run we support a team that can compete at the highest level in a sustaineable way,even if the route to get to that position is uncomfortable, ruthless and difficult for our sentimentalities. Please everyone, by all means sing NA's name tonight at the beginning, but the king is dead long live the king. Please cheer our team on

SonofRaythepoet wrote:
I and a number of my fellow Saints fans agree with this article. I'm a season ticket holder who has attended many away games and who has sang for Nigel at every game. I'm sorry he has gone but he will be absolutely fine and I thank him for what he has done. NC got Markus to buy us and his decisions (including the 'shock' sacking of Pardew after a comprehensive away win) have got us where we are today. Nicola is taking us places we have never been before and I trust him. We all need to get behind NC, the Manager and the players. Lets not give the media what they want, lets stay united and drive the team on as we have so brilliantly done in the last few seasons and this one.

On behalf of myself and few friends reading the article and your comments can not agree more . Thank you

fairdinkum wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt

on wrote:

saintrooty wrote:

ramptonfromsouthampt



on wrote:
Grant Goddard, "However, this is not how football works" - so, whilst you start out by stating that you are not speaking for any other Saints fans, you are telling us here how football does work as I assume you believe that the majority of us don't know. One thing I would like to know is this: what price success? Is everything and anything okay just so long as we get a little whiff of glory? I thought that football clubs were extensions of the hopes and dreams of the people living in the places they are named after. Or do we just have to accept that they are privately owned businesses financed by the likes of you and I and that we should be happy that we have one to 'support'.

What a load of waffle. Football USED to be an extension of the community but now and for the last 20 years since silly money has been thrown at it and is now indeed a multimillion pound business in which the fans/customers have very little clout. Like it or not, that's the way it is. A very similar incident happened to me at my work when our boss was replaced. The staff were remotivated and performance improved and the customers accepted it and in time noticed the improvement.

Well excuse me for my 'waffle' but football isn't there purely for the people who have been into the game just for the last 20 years. The idea that because of the silly money coming into the game we have to just accept the new model is arrogant to say the least. You seem to forget where that money comes from: the fans. The TV revenue is leveraged from people's tv subscriptions and we pay for our ticket to the games from our own pockets too. I would suggest that we have an entitlement to state our support or dissent accordingly. And as for the question I asked, you only have to look at the postings online here and elsewhere to see that it is relevant. If there's anyone guilty of 'waffle' mate, it's you, analogising your work situation with what's happening at Saints. It doesn't cut it with me fellah. For the record, I have been a supporter of Cortese since he came to our club, but in this instance, I think he has made a right pig's ear of it. I've nothing against the new guy coming in - if it wasn't him, it would have been someone else - and I hope he can hit the ground running. Personally, I don't subscribe to the whole 'the end justifies the means' attitude displayed by some here; seen this backfire spectacularly too many times, and not just in football. I would just like a little bit of decency and integrity to remain in the game before it becomes unrecognisable. Is that too much to ask?

I'm with you rampton. It's the Premier League business model that has undermined the link between club and community. Interesting that Guardiola has chosen to go to Germany, where fans have more say in how a club is run. Maybe that model has a stronger community base and a longer term future, a bit like the German economy that makes and sells things a little more tangible than financial services. Perhaps the spirit of engineer Liebherr is being gradually supplanted by that of banker Cortese? We still have to support the lads tomorrow though. COYR!

Ramps and fairdinkum, I'll add my voice to yours on this one.

Whether it pans out is another thing. We all know bankers have great long term vision of course.