Send pictures to us
Send us your pictures and video by text, email or by uploading. Click here to find out how. »
Club responds to Lowe and Wilde joining forces
3:32pm Wednesday 19th March 2008
Comments (101) Have your say »
Former Saints chairmen Michael Wilde and Rupert Lowe are preparing to join forces in a dramatic bid to regain control of the club.
Though Lowe and Wilde have had very public differences in the past - Wilde led the campaign to oust Lowe in the summer of 2006 - sources close to the Daily Echo understand they are ready to put that to one side to return to the club in unison.
Both men, and in Lowe's case the former board supporters he still represents, fear a slide towards financial oblivion under the current directors.
Between them, Wilde and the Lowe camp represent around 46 per cent of the club's shareholding - if they came together, a figure large enough to basically instigate whatever changes they want.
In the first instance, that could be making changes to the board, throwing into major doubt the position of Crouch as chairman.
The theory behind the move is believed to be that in the short term Wilde and Lowe think they could halt the current slide before the club hits the rocks.
And in the longer term it would make it easier for investors to talk to the club with nearly half of the total shares being represented on the PLC board.
Currently, there is less than ten per cent of the shareholding on the PLC board - the vast majority belonging to Crouch, who bought a nine per cent stake from an investment company, which had always previously backed Lowe, in April 2006.
Wilde is Saints' biggest individual shareholder with around 17 per cent - most of which were bought from ex-Saints shareholders Paul Thompson, Keith Wiseman, Ian Gordon and Brian Hunt.
And while Lowe holds less than seven per cent himself, he is said to speak for some 29 per cent of the holding, including former board supporters Guy Askham, Andrew Cowen, Mike Richards, David Windsor-Clive and Michael Withers.
Wilde and Lowe have been the subject of fierce criticism from the fans in recent weeks who claim they are doing nothing to help the club in its hour of need.
That could be part of the motivation for a possible return.
There is also the prospect that if the club continued its current slide, the shareholdings - which Lowe has held out to sell at a premium rate - could dramatically decrease in value.
The Daily Echo has been told by financial experts that if Wilde and Lowe do act together, they could make whatever changes they wanted.
Though the ultimate weapon would be to call an EGM, with such a clear victory in their sights Saints' legal advisors Seymour Pierce would almost certainly recommend that the current board accepts whatever they request.
That would be likely to mean Wilde and Lowe returning to the board, with or without Crouch.
Crouch was the man who supported Wilde in ousting Lowe, ultimately tipping the balance Wilde's way and becoming the agent for change' he always insisted he wanted to be.
This latest twist in the Saints ownership saga, though, would be the most dramatic yet as things would have swung full circle.
When contacted by the Daily Echo yesterday, Wilde said: "I can't comment on speculation and rumour."
Lowe said: "I have nothing to report to you, old chap" before hanging up.
Saints chairman Crouch declined to comment.
This afternoon, the club released a statement concerning the speculation.
It read: "The Club are aware of the article which appeared in the Southern Daily Echo today regarding Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde.
"There is no intention to make any comment at this time as the board have not yet been required in writing to consider any proposal.
"All that matters at this stage of the season is the concentration of everyone (board, staff, manager, players and fans) upon the match against Coventry on Saturday and the need to succeed both then and in the following weeks.
"No true fan of the club or responsible shareholder could credibly identify themselves with such a controversial proposal at so delicate a time."
Your Say YourDaily Echo
red n white, southampton says...
8:14am Wed 19 Mar 08
Wazza, says...
8:16am Wed 19 Mar 08
Maybe going down (something which is becoming more likely - something which, at the start of the season I never considered a possibility at the start of the season and midway through the season) would be the best for the club. Get rid of the deadwood, at all levels, and rebuild - just so long as we can get a new owner in who can shoulder the debt that we have until we can rebuild.
Now I will sit back and wait for this board to turn into the mindless, insane, incoherent rubbish contributed to by the Blue Few and that plonker that poses as any number of WWE wrestlers.
skateater, portsmouth says...
8:20am Wed 19 Mar 08
Sniper, says...
8:24am Wed 19 Mar 08
Because of these people and the pathetic work-shy players we've had, our club is dying. The last people you want to revive the club is the ones who got it into the mess in the first place.
ITCHEN BOYZ, SOUTHAMPTON says...
8:25am Wed 19 Mar 08
red n white wrote:Well said.. im not sure about renewing my ticket either although i still wish to support my team...but they seem to have the loyalty all wrong..i got my son a season ticket at christmas so he can sit next to me and although it was only a half season ticket i was quite pleased with the cost as it was £45...how in the do they think im going to pay nearly £190 for a full season i might as well wait until christmas again and spend only a quarter...comon saints get your proirities right ive had a season ticket for 10 years and feel a little let down on my finacial support of the club
Oh great so the prat thats put us in this position in the first place now wants to come back with the other prat who failed to invest and resinged,So possibly league 1 next season and with dumb and dumber in charge and control things are looking up, thankfully i ripped up my season ticket ren ewal form last night after they are rewarding the loyal fans for going to preston and sheffeld, lovely what about the season ticket holders who have gone to four away games and shelled out lots of hard working wages to pay for it,oh yeah we dont get free tickets for our loyalty.
Hank, says...
8:30am Wed 19 Mar 08
Will someone please administer the lethal injection and put our suffering club out of it's misery.
It's all becoming very embarrassing.
Portswood Pete, says...
8:54am Wed 19 Mar 08
Weston Saint, Weston says...
9:50am Wed 19 Mar 08
It has been known for some time that a dialogue has taken place between Wilde and Lowe via Cowan. Crouch was aware of this as well. So have many other interested parties, even those sniffing around with alleged bid interest.
Who leaked the story? Could it have been the Lowe/Wilde camp to test the water? Could it have been the Crouch camp to force their hand when they are still not in agreement as to how to proceed to make it look like they do not have a clue? Could it have been an interested "bid" party" to stir the pot?
We live in a world of spin and those linked to SFC are Past Masters of the same.
It may happen. It is certainly possible. If it does I hope it is purely to stabilise the club and make it fit for a decent takeover next season. The priority, however, is remaining in this division.
Whatever happens it needs a strong independent PLC Chairman. I am not sure we will get that with the present or alleged new alliance.
Time will tell but it is running out fast.
solid advice, winchester says...
10:06am Wed 19 Mar 08
Andy P, Bitterne says...
10:09am Wed 19 Mar 08
Wazza wrote:Nothing more needs to be said, Wazza is spot on.
This story is probably believable, their shares will be worth half what they are now if we go down. What's sad is, they probably won't be 'in unison' for the good of the club rather for their own financial gain. They will be prepared to bury the hatchet so as not to lose a few bob. Maybe going down (something which is becoming more likely - something which, at the start of the season I never considered a possibility at the start of the season and midway through the season) would be the best for the club. Get rid of the deadwood, at all levels, and rebuild - just so long as we can get a new owner in who can shoulder the debt that we have until we can rebuild. Now I will sit back and wait for this board to turn into the mindless, insane, incoherent rubbish contributed to by the Blue Few and that plonker that poses as any number of WWE wrestlers.
Lets go into administration, that way those who have dragged this club right down will end up with what they deserve, NOTHING!
Aussie Saint, Wiltshire says...
10:11am Wed 19 Mar 08
George, Southampton says...
10:15am Wed 19 Mar 08
The Lowe/Wilde axis is the first sensible thing to happen in ages - this, plus the appoinment of Pearson is a very positive step.
What amazes me is that people comment without putting forward their alternative ideas for the future of the club!!
Aussie Saint, says...
10:27am Wed 19 Mar 08
George wrote:Thankyou. I couldn't agree with you more.
Judging by the comments - no wonder Saints supporters were voted the most pessimistic in the football league! What a load of whingers! The Lowe/Wilde axis is the first sensible thing to happen in ages - this, plus the appoinment of Pearson is a very positive step. What amazes me is that people comment without putting forward their alternative ideas for the future of the club!!
Concerned fan, Southampton says...
10:39am Wed 19 Mar 08
It just needs everyone to sort the mess out really and for many to realise the gravy train is headed towards a hole that it could disappear down!
Reality, Terra firma says...
10:44am Wed 19 Mar 08
L, Southampton says...
10:51am Wed 19 Mar 08
Elizabeth Fields, Kingsland says...
11:03am Wed 19 Mar 08
no more talk of relegation..., southampton says...
11:06am Wed 19 Mar 08
ok so we didnt push on from the 2003 cup final....but at least he did invest in the side...his managers spent over £30 million during his reign as chairman.....most of this was recouped from sales of players such as Beattie etc....but while he was in charge we were in a much healthier position than we are now...
maybe if he came back as an investor it could work??
George, says...
11:07am Wed 19 Mar 08
The then manager and players took Saints down.
The club was financially stable until Lowe was removed.
princey boy, Bitterne says...
11:15am Wed 19 Mar 08
Aussie Saint wrote:Proffesional leadership,Dumb and Dumber coming together, not for the sake of SFC, but because they fear they will lose a considerable amount of money.
The best news I have heard in a long time. I am a die hard Saints fan and unfortunately it has been a board that listens to the fans that have got us in this mess, current and past. Fans DO NOT know how to run a company, that is why you have a board of directors who know and are in better position to made these financial decisions. We will be in a much better position with CREDIBLE and experienced directors at the helm than the WEAK we have in place at the moment. And to think that the fans wanted representation on the board, what a joke. Bring back Lowe and Wilde and at least we will have some sort of professional leadership in getting a DECENT and REAL backer to buy into this club. Wake up Saints fans and think premiership and not Division 1. Surely that is our long term strategy. This current board couldn't even afford to keep Christian Dailly on 5000 pounds a week, and did we get any replacements for the jewels that were sold last year. Bring back some stability and direction in the club, Lowe and Wilde, and lets move upward and not downward. We are a big club so lets bring back a BIG and knowledgable board.
I hope the club goes down and into ADMINISTRATION.
Greedy IDIOTS!
Egomaniac, Southampton says...
11:18am Wed 19 Mar 08
George, says...
11:20am Wed 19 Mar 08
I hope the club goes down and into ADMINISTRATION.
Greedy IDIOTS!"
So, what money have you risked in a business venture?
Anyone in business, including football, is in it to make money in the long term except for one or two philanthropists (try saying that after drinking alcohol!).
You don't invest money to lose it!!
Martin Wild, lymington says...
11:21am Wed 19 Mar 08
SFC4EVA, soton says...
11:24am Wed 19 Mar 08
Penny a share anyone!, Bitterne says...
11:38am Wed 19 Mar 08
George wrote:The club was financially stable playing in the Premiership.
"Rupert ruined it - so Rupert should fix it. If he makes a few bob on the way that's his prerogative as (possibly) Chairman." The then manager and players took Saints down. The club was financially stable until Lowe was removed.
If you do not buy the quality needed to maintain that stability of playing in the Premiership, this is the end result.
When Saints were fighting for their Premiership lives, Mr Lowe gave £90,000 as a means of buying players.
Not very clever was it.
Maybe thats why Mr Lowe is a farmer, who clearly has no business sense whatsoever.
Well done Rupert.
Mr myagi, Tibet says...
11:45am Wed 19 Mar 08
Sniper, says...
11:47am Wed 19 Mar 08
Lowe had nothing to do with the fact that Sky TV was pumping millions into Saints. That is what made Saints financially stable and the fact that Lowe never gave his managers enough money to really compete.
It was Lowe who refused to speculate to accummulate to make sure Saints weren't relegated. We got relegated due to players, poor managers and Mr Lowe and his board of cronies.
How stupid does that penny-pinching in the last few years of us being in the Prem now look compared to how much money we've lost getting relegated and losing the Sky money.
Any idiot could make a club financially stable in the Prem. Lowe wouldn't have a clue where to start with us in this position.
LOWE AND WILDE ARE ONLY GETTING INVOLVED AGAIN BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED WITLESS THEIR SHARES WILL BE SOON WORTH NOTHING. FACT.
princey boy, Bitterne says...
11:54am Wed 19 Mar 08
SFC4EVA wrote:No if Lowe was not removed, instead of playing League 1 football next season, we would probably be playing League 3 football next season.
I have to agree with everyone that is saying this might not be a bad thing! I whink it would be a very good thing. I lots of heated debates with friends and on this site I had the opinion that if Lowe was removed it would result in a downward spiral for the club....Hate to say it but.....I told you so....the new board(s) haven't delivered anything financially as promised. I think Lowe could get us back on an even keel financially.
As for being on an even keel as far as finance is concerned, this could have been achieved months ago, but one sad individual decided to throw his toys out of his pram, thus denying any potential takeover.
Its about time this great club had proper people with PROPER money who actually know a bit about football.
All we have now is three individuals who are basicly worth tupence.
Penny a share anyone!, Bitterne says...
12:00pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Sniper wrote:Still at least Lowes shares will be worth more than the penny a share he gave to all those poor old people that he was caring for.
How thick are some fans? Lowe had nothing to do with the fact that Sky TV was pumping millions into Saints. That is what made Saints financially stable and the fact that Lowe never gave his managers enough money to really compete. It was Lowe who refused to speculate to accummulate to make sure Saints weren't relegated. We got relegated due to players, poor managers and Mr Lowe and his board of cronies. How stupid does that penny-pinching in the last few years of us being in the Prem now look compared to how much money we've lost getting relegated and losing the Sky money. Any idiot could make a club financially stable in the Prem. Lowe wouldn't have a clue where to start with us in this position. LOWE AND WILDE ARE ONLY GETTING INVOLVED AGAIN BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED WITLESS THEIR SHARES WILL BE SOON WORTH NOTHING. FACT.
Shame on you Rupert Lowe.
Realist Richard, Lee on the Solent says...
12:01pm Wed 19 Mar 08
George wrote:Agree whole heartedly. Too much attention has been given to the 'class warriors' scribblings on this web site. So what, if Rupert Lowe is a toff, at least he has a business brain which must be more than some of the posters here have.
Judging by the comments - no wonder Saints supporters were voted the most pessimistic in the football league! What a load of whingers! The Lowe/Wilde axis is the first sensible thing to happen in ages - this, plus the appoinment of Pearson is a very positive step. What amazes me is that people comment without putting forward their alternative ideas for the future of the club!!
Sad Old Saint, Southampton says...
12:07pm Wed 19 Mar 08
If Lowe/Wilde can bring serious investment before August then ok, but jsut talking a good job is no longer exceptable. The other option if they stay up and go into Admin is that it will clear out the deadwood and losers and maybe get some real cash in the bank, a minus 15 point start may be a smal price to pay given the appalling record of the Board members over the past 4-5 years.....Only time will tell who really has the future prospects of the Club at heart.
NB: Nigel P. needs to be given time and hopefully clear out the 'Donkeys' before the start of next season !
princey boy, Bitterne says...
12:15pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Realist Richard wrote:I did not realise getting up at 4am and milking the cows, like farmers do, made you a toff.
George wrote: Judging by the comments - no wonder Saints supporters were voted the most pessimistic in the football league! What a load of whingers! The Lowe/Wilde axis is the first sensible thing to happen in ages - this, plus the appoinment of Pearson is a very positive step. What amazes me is that people comment without putting forward their alternative ideas for the future of the club!!Agree whole heartedly. Too much attention has been given to the 'class warriors' scribblings on this web site. So what, if Rupert Lowe is a toff, at least he has a business brain which must be more than some of the posters here have.
Must try that one.
Class warriors,ive heard it all now, the lowe luvvies are certainly in ggod form today.
Do keep it up, my sides are splitting.
David Crook, Yorkshire says...
12:16pm Wed 19 Mar 08
TFLS wrote:I agree what you say TFLS,because The club this season has been run by a bunch of amateurs,thats why we are in the position we are in,near relegation.
WOW! Brilliant news! The popular ex-chairman Rupert Lowe will once again run Saints professionally. This is the moment the real fans have been waiting for... Party time!!!
Bring Back The PROFESSIONALS
David Crook
Former Milton Road Inmate, Southampton says...
12:22pm Wed 19 Mar 08
For any investor the ever incresing debt is a problem, not least because the St Mary's stadium has still not been paid for, so it's like thinking your buying a supermarket and ending up with something that has the prospects of a corner shop!. If the Ground is an asset then use that to raise funds, you won't get much for the current playing staff?. If there is no investment then are we are looking at becoming the next Rotherham, Leeds, Accrington Stanley or Aldershot?, and they will be probaly be back in the FL next season, only there going upwards?
Hmmm time to draw a line in the sand maybe otherwise Aldershot could be on the fixture list within a season, who's next Eastleigh and Havant & Waterlloville.
Time to act Msrrs Lowe and Wilde put your (somebodys cash) where your M**th is !
princey boy, Bitterne says...
12:26pm Wed 19 Mar 08
David Crook wrote:Yes and bring back the proffesionals who actually achieved relegation, from the richest league on planet earth.
TFLS wrote: WOW! Brilliant news! The popular ex-chairman Rupert Lowe will once again run Saints professionally. This is the moment the real fans have been waiting for... Party time!!!I agree what you say TFLS,because The club this season has been run by a bunch of amateurs,thats why we are in the position we are in,near relegation. Bring Back The PROFESSIONALS David Crook
That makes good sense.
George, says...
12:43pm Wed 19 Mar 08
However you look at it, Lowe/Cowans ran a financially stable football club.
Rednapp and the players got us relegated.
The post Lowe regime has got us nearly to administration.
Pearson will see us ok with the team - he will succeed.
Lowe will inject belief back into the staff.
Combine the two and we will be playing Championship football next season!
Or do you have a better plan?
StPete, Heaven says...
12:48pm Wed 19 Mar 08
TFLS wrote:It's the news we've all been waiting for mate! Great news all round!!!
WOW! Brilliant news! The popular ex-chairman Rupert Lowe will once again run Saints professionally. This is the moment the real fans have been waiting for... Party time!!!
KM, Totton says...
12:49pm Wed 19 Mar 08
TFLS, The South Coast Riviera says...
12:53pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Scooby will be overjoyed and the fringe will be made to eat their words...
I wonder if the messiah will return?
George, says...
12:55pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Isn't that what you have?!
StPete, Heaven says...
1:11pm Wed 19 Mar 08
KM wrote:Not all of us wanted him out KM. Some of us saw through the false promises of who would replace him.
I am sorry, but people have this blinkered vision of what Lowe was like - yes he was in charge when the new stadium was built, but was he not in charge when our decline started, was he not in charge, when we all wanted him out, and he instructed the stewards to ensure that no "anti" Lowe flags were allowed into the ground, was he not the man in charge when everybody was singing hang him from the Itchen Bridge, and again he sent in the stewards to stop those who sang purely on the basis that others who did not sing may be upset, again was Lowe not in charge when all the spin started, he then came over as the biggest turd in the Solent, telling everybody that he was "Mr Saint", and we all must jump to his tune. So far i have not renewed by 2 season tickets, i proberly will do, but what happens if Lowe comes back, can i get a refund - like hell i can. lets go down a division, recoup, let the money men loose a fortune on share values, find a father christmas with deep pockets, and come back up next season as champions, and in a few years all this will be forgotton, unless the turd man is back,we will still go down, but he will come out as the saviour to got us back up again - if Lowe comes back i will go down to Bournemnouth to watch my football, rather that see his smug face in the program every other week, telling us what he wants us to read. Do you really think he would allow our new manager to tell things how they are, and the team are crap, i dont think so
I hope you enjoy going to watch Bournemouth play
dave, some where says...
1:11pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Jude, london SAINT says...
1:15pm Wed 19 Mar 08
....and I think it is just about too.
Desperate, Mansbridge says...
1:22pm Wed 19 Mar 08
My concern is once back at the helm will he get too comfortable back there and block potential investors?
Jesus_02, Kingsland says...
1:28pm Wed 19 Mar 08
no more talk of relegation... wrote:It is only right that Lowe is at the helm as the goodship St Mary's slowly sinks.
at least we were financially stable when rupert was at the helm.... ok so we didnt push on from the 2003 cup final....but at least he did invest in the side...his managers spent over £30 million during his reign as chairman.....most of this was recouped from sales of players such as Beattie etc....but while he was in charge we were in a much healthier position than we are now... maybe if he came back as an investor it could work??
Thanks for being "prudent".
Thanks for replacing good players with bad.
Thanks for ensuring we paid dividends to investors while supporters paid the bill.
Thanks for believing that we could aquire high quality players by investing only in training facilities.
Thanks for taking Saints out of our depth, and just when we needed you swim furiously, you first floated, and then allowed our heads to slip under the water.
Thanks for playing god with our dreams
J. Dodd, Chilworth says...
1:34pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Alan, Eastleigh says...
1:34pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Mr myagi wrote:A good point illustrating you know even less about football. Actually 10 years at the helm does give him a good insight. Suggest you read Broken Dreams which shows just how hard he worked to clean up the game. His mistake was not investing after the Cup Final. Relegation should not have happened with the players we had at our disposal so that must go down to the team and that manager.
Are u people crazy. Lowe was responsible for the appointment of grey, wiggley and woodwood. His ego means he will always interfere with what he knows nothing about (football).He ripped the heart out of the club with his reverse takeover .adminirtration woud be a better option...then we can start again
George, says...
1:38pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Clearly they revel in their title as the most pessimistic supporters in the football league!
The tiny minority whose vitriol revved up the anti Lowe lobby clearly have a lot to answer for - the current instability of Saints FC.
Rednapp and the players got us relegated.
The supporters who were against Lowe created the current financial mess by getting him to leave and supporting the board change!
Who do they blame? Not Rednapp, not the players, not themselves - no they blame Lowe for everything!!
Pearson will succeed. Lowe will succeed. We will stay in the Championship for next season!
StPete, Heaven says...
1:46pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Jude wrote:I hope one day Jude that yourself and the rest of the anti-lowe brigade stop foaming at the mouth, put your blind hatred aside and start to have a balanced viewpoint.
Only 2 days ago on Yahoo sport SAINTS page I posted a comment about "could it get any worse"....well thanks for this headline, and the answer is yes.....LOWE ON WAY BACK. Is this not the man who run OUR club into the ground, put us in what some £50M debt, sold off all our credible players and pocketed the money via his other company Southampton Leisure Holdings. How many managers did we have in Rupert Lowes time? too many is the answer. Dont forget this is the man who on Danny Wallace's testimonial took 9 months to pay half the money raised. Charged Danny for car parking at the ground but also charged the car driver, charged for stewards when they worked for free. Then he went on to employ a Rugby manager as our Director of Football, the very first appointment of a Director of Football in the premier league, and what did he do for us.....Nothing. Can it get any worse...........Yes. ....and I think it is just about too.
The anti-Lowe brigade are the reason we're in this mess, and I hope they won't try and stand in the clubs way now there's a possible light at the end of the tunnel.
Marian, southampton says...
1:56pm Wed 19 Mar 08
princey boy, Bitterne says...
1:59pm Wed 19 Mar 08
George wrote:The tiny minority.
Once again, the anti Lowe brigade are letting their prejudices rule their heads! Clearly they revel in their title as the most pessimistic supporters in the football league! The tiny minority whose vitriol revved up the anti Lowe lobby clearly have a lot to answer for - the current instability of Saints FC. Rednapp and the players got us relegated. The supporters who were against Lowe created the current financial mess by getting him to leave and supporting the board change! Who do they blame? Not Rednapp, not the players, not themselves - no they blame Lowe for everything!! Pearson will succeed. Lowe will succeed. We will stay in the Championship for next season!
Did not look that tiny when the WHOLE crowd at SMS stood on their feet and demanded Lowe leave.
It worked, thank goodness.
Take it from me, SFC will not be playing championship football next season, l witnessed against Leicster how poor they are, and boy they were bad.
Actually l am now praying we go into administration, at least this way we will flush all the crap and filth that have basicly raped SFC since it become a plc.
Egomaniac, Southampton says...
2:01pm Wed 19 Mar 08
TFLS, St Pete and George - thank goodness for your sensible and articulate contributions.
Come back Rupert, get the mess created by the current inept Board sorted, and let's get back to the Premier League as soon as possible.
TFLS - come home to 606 soon old buddy!
StPete - what the hell you doing over on this MB for illiterates? Come back to 606 pronto!
David Brown, Lee-on-Solent says...
2:02pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Lowe came into the club as a Hockey supporter and admitted having little knowledge about football.
He did not listen to a number of ex players or managers who wished to discuss area's of concern beccause in his eyes he knew it all after a six month period as Chairman.
Believe me we are where we are because of Rupert Lowe and if you dont believe me ask one ex Manager(a Scotsman) who took us to a Cup Final.
MJ, Southampton says...
2:02pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Penny a share anyone!, Bitterne says...
2:04pm Wed 19 Mar 08
StPete wrote:Wrong, SFC are where they are now one one very simple reason.
Jude wrote: Only 2 days ago on Yahoo sport SAINTS page I posted a comment about "could it get any worse"....well thanks for this headline, and the answer is yes.....LOWE ON WAY BACK. Is this not the man who run OUR club into the ground, put us in what some £50M debt, sold off all our credible players and pocketed the money via his other company Southampton Leisure Holdings. How many managers did we have in Rupert Lowes time? too many is the answer. Dont forget this is the man who on Danny Wallace's testimonial took 9 months to pay half the money raised. Charged Danny for car parking at the ground but also charged the car driver, charged for stewards when they worked for free. Then he went on to employ a Rugby manager as our Director of Football, the very first appointment of a Director of Football in the premier league, and what did he do for us.....Nothing. Can it get any worse...........Yes. ....and I think it is just about too.I hope one day Jude that yourself and the rest of the anti-lowe brigade stop foaming at the mouth, put your blind hatred aside and start to have a balanced viewpoint. The anti-Lowe brigade are the reason we're in this mess, and I hope they won't try and stand in the clubs way now there's a possible light at the end of the tunnel.
MISMANAGEMENT, thank old Rupert for that.
Andy T, USA says...
2:04pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Sniper wrote:Well siad Sniper - we are in this postition because of Lowe. Two wrongs don't make a right, and these two failed miserably (though I would have liked Wilde to have had more time - he did give GB lot's of transfer money, which was wasted). Why do they bring this up now? We are in the fight of our lives (yet again) and all this will do is add yet another huge distraction at a critical stage of the season. Pearson will never put up with Lowes nonsense, so the revolving door which saw so many managers come and go under lowes "leadership" will no doubt resume. These two have obviously no clue about what is best for the club. If Lowe returns, we'll all watch Pearson do well and move on to a club and chairman that really appreciate what he can do. And all us Saints fans will be left shaking our heads in disbelief yet again. Let's just focus on stopping up, then let the board have their little wars.
How thick are some fans? Lowe had nothing to do with the fact that Sky TV was pumping millions into Saints. That is what made Saints financially stable and the fact that Lowe never gave his managers enough money to really compete. It was Lowe who refused to speculate to accummulate to make sure Saints weren\'t relegated. We got relegated due to players, poor managers and Mr Lowe and his board of cronies. How stupid does that penny-pinching in the last few years of us being in the Prem now look compared to how much money we\'ve lost getting relegated and losing the Sky money. Any idiot could make a club financially stable in the Prem. Lowe wouldn\'t have a clue where to start with us in this position. LOWE AND WILDE ARE ONLY GETTING INVOLVED AGAIN BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED WITLESS THEIR SHARES WILL BE SOON WORTH NOTHING. FACT.
COYR - 3 points Saturday please.
doom & gloom, SPAIN says...
2:11pm Wed 19 Mar 08
George, says...
2:14pm Wed 19 Mar 08
You clearly support the antics of the tiny minority who stirred up the hate and used the vitriol to bully people. They did so without a clue as to the outcome.
What an outcome?! Those self same supporters are still ranting and raving and are totally clueless about what to do, having created the mess in the first place!
Enter the Lone Ranger in the shape of Rupert Lowe! He will sort it out - nobody else will!
Richard Realist, Lee on the Solent says...
2:22pm Wed 19 Mar 08
princey boy wrote:You are just so so wrong you bigot. I was there for every match during those protests and the Itchen and Kingsland stands were certainly not with you. You have lost your credibility on this site and your limit is to wish for administration. I don't beleive you even know what that means. The Administrator's fees will make this years wasted money look like petty cash. Think about it.
George wrote: Once again, the anti Lowe brigade are letting their prejudices rule their heads! Clearly they revel in their title as the most pessimistic supporters in the football league! The tiny minority whose vitriol revved up the anti Lowe lobby clearly have a lot to answer for - the current instability of Saints FC. Rednapp and the players got us relegated. The supporters who were against Lowe created the current financial mess by getting him to leave and supporting the board change! Who do they blame? Not Rednapp, not the players, not themselves - no they blame Lowe for everything!! Pearson will succeed. Lowe will succeed. We will stay in the Championship for next season!The tiny minority. Did not look that tiny when the WHOLE crowd at SMS stood on their feet and demanded Lowe leave. It worked, thank goodness. Take it from me, SFC will not be playing championship football next season, l witnessed against Leicster how poor they are, and boy they were bad. Actually l am now praying we go into administration, at least this way we will flush all the crap and filth that have basicly raped SFC since it become a plc.
George, says...
2:26pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Lowe came into the club as a Hockey supporter and admitted having little knowledge about football." So what? He didn't need it! Look at Majeski or Abromovich or the Gold Brothers or David O'Sullivan etc etc - you don't need football experience - you need business experience!
"He did not listen to a number of ex players or managers who wished to discuss area's of concern beccause in his eyes he knew it all after a six month period as Chairman."
He listened but like a lot of football people, they think they know best when in truth, it's a business!
"Believe me we are where we are because of Rupert Lowe and if you dont believe me ask one ex Manager(a Scotsman) who took us to a Cup Final."
How come Strachan continued to talk to Lowe - Burley even asked Strachan about Lowe before taking the job - him taking the job gives you the answer!
sailor sam, portsmouth says...
2:50pm Wed 19 Mar 08
princey boy wrote:After a prolonged absence from these pages, Princess Bitterness, the Tart with a Heart is back!
Aussie Saint wrote: The best news I have heard in a long time. I am a die hard Saints fan and unfortunately it has been a board that listens to the fans that have got us in this mess, current and past. Fans DO NOT know how to run a company, that is why you have a board of directors who know and are in better position to made these financial decisions. We will be in a much better position with CREDIBLE and experienced directors at the helm than the WEAK we have in place at the moment. And to think that the fans wanted representation on the board, what a joke. Bring back Lowe and Wilde and at least we will have some sort of professional leadership in getting a DECENT and REAL backer to buy into this club. Wake up Saints fans and think premiership and not Division 1. Surely that is our long term strategy. This current board couldn't even afford to keep Christian Dailly on 5000 pounds a week, and did we get any replacements for the jewels that were sold last year. Bring back some stability and direction in the club, Lowe and Wilde, and lets move upward and not downward. We are a big club so lets bring back a BIG and knowledgable board.Proffesional leadership,Dumb and Dumber coming together, not for the sake of SFC, but because they fear they will lose a considerable amount of money. I hope the club goes down and into ADMINISTRATION. Greedy IDIOTS!
I guess she must have finished watching her old videos of 'the good old days' at Wembley!
I note that she refers to 'Dumb and Dumber'! I wonder if she is talking about the Dumbest, who spells Professional with two 'f's and only one 's'!
She Claims to be an SFC fan, and Hopes her club goes into Administration, which is not a wish that I, a supporter of PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB, THE ONLY PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM ON THE SOUTH COAST, have ever wished on SFC!
With supposed 'Support' like that, is it any wonder that SFC is in dire straits!
Bilster, Romsey says...
2:51pm Wed 19 Mar 08
StPete, Heaven says...
2:54pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Penny a share anyone! wrote:Redknapp had more than enough time to save us. He along with the players let the fans and Rupert Lowe down.
StPete wrote:Wrong, SFC are where they are now one one very simple reason. MISMANAGEMENT, thank old Rupert for that.Jude wrote: Only 2 days ago on Yahoo sport SAINTS page I posted a comment about "could it get any worse"....well thanks for this headline, and the answer is yes.....LOWE ON WAY BACK. Is this not the man who run OUR club into the ground, put us in what some £50M debt, sold off all our credible players and pocketed the money via his other company Southampton Leisure Holdings. How many managers did we have in Rupert Lowes time? too many is the answer. Dont forget this is the man who on Danny Wallace's testimonial took 9 months to pay half the money raised. Charged Danny for car parking at the ground but also charged the car driver, charged for stewards when they worked for free. Then he went on to employ a Rugby manager as our Director of Football, the very first appointment of a Director of Football in the premier league, and what did he do for us.....Nothing. Can it get any worse...........Yes. ....and I think it is just about too.I hope one day Jude that yourself and the rest of the anti-lowe brigade stop foaming at the mouth, put your blind hatred aside and start to have a balanced viewpoint. The anti-Lowe brigade are the reason we're in this mess, and I hope they won't try and stand in the clubs way now there's a possible light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank old Rupert for Mismangement??!! It's because of his "Mismanagement" why we were able to financially cope with relegation. Blame the small time charlie's who thought they could run a football club, not to mention the anti-lowe brigade for putting them there, for the footballing nightmare we're in now.
The hatred you feel towards Lowe is clearly clouding your judgement
TFLS, The South Coast Riviera says...
3:31pm Wed 19 Mar 08
TFLS, St Pete and George - thank goodness for your sensible and articulate contributions.
Come back Rupert, get the mess created by the current inept Board sorted, and let's get back to the Premier League as soon as possible.
TFLS - come home to 606 soon old buddy!
StPete - what the hell you doing over on this MB for illiterates? Come back to 606 pronto!
They're not the anti lowe brigade! They are the rabid fringe!!
606 have misguidedly banned me for standing up to and renouncing the said fringe...
My glorious return to 606 will happen in the near future...
lowe out, DEPRESSED OF SOTON says...
3:33pm Wed 19 Mar 08
anyone know where the duck off banner went
George, says...
3:35pm Wed 19 Mar 08
anyone know where the duck off banner went"
Pray tell us your solution for Saints FC?
EVALUTION, says...
3:41pm Wed 19 Mar 08
THEY WILL DO NO GOOD TO OUR CLUB INSTEAD OF JUST RETRIEVING MORE CASH
THEY NEVER SAID HOW THEIR GONNA HELP SFC
EXCEPT A FURTHER PUSH TO DIV 1
WE WILL GET NO TAKEOVERS NOW
StPete, Heaven says...
3:41pm Wed 19 Mar 08
George wrote:I think it's very clear George. The anti-Lowe brigade's manifesto for the club consists of...
" think its about time to relaunch loweout.com anyone know where the duck off banner went" Pray tell us your solution for Saints FC?
1. Remove the evil Rupert Lowe
2. Uhhhhhhhh..........
Coverly, Denmark says...
3:49pm Wed 19 Mar 08
That idiot ruined our football club!!!!
His "prudent" mis-management started a chain of events that took us from a profit making EPL side in European competition to a financially strapped team of journeymen pros that are looking at life in league 1.
We now have a stadium we can neither pay for nor fill. We have more suits than players. We have in short, nothing anymore.
As a long suffering Saints fan, I can honestly say that I have more respect for Ian Branfoot than I do for Rupert Lowe!
Says it all doesn't it?
dave, millbrook says...
3:49pm Wed 19 Mar 08
ABOUT TIME HE **** OFF TO WATCH RUGGER OR TENNIS.
George, says...
3:50pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Exactly!
George, says...
4:01pm Wed 19 Mar 08
ABOUT TIME HE **** OFF TO WATCH RUGGER OR TENNIS."
So, what's your solution?
AK47, ikajak says...
4:04pm Wed 19 Mar 08
MY advice to you MR Crouch, is you are full of empty promises. Its time for you to move on. We need a totally new team in at the helm
I suggest that if you want to get involved with a soap opera. you leave Saints immediatley and go and set up a seuel to Howards Way or elderado.
In my humble opinion your not fit to run Southampton football club
Exiled, Birmingham says...
4:06pm Wed 19 Mar 08
let's draw a line underneath this! look back who was in charge when steve wigley managed the club? who was in charge when stuart grey managed the club? need I go on?? Yes Rupert Lowe may have been very srewed with the pennies and probably never got us into this position. You cannot ignore the fact that managerial choices were badly made and has led us to relegation from the prem. Both Lowe and Wilde can go else where, I personnally don't want them here! Crouchy will get the investment we need, now it's upto the boy's to make sure we get the great club back up the table!
COYR!!
George, says...
4:07pm Wed 19 Mar 08
That idiot ruined our football club!!!!
His "prudent" mis-management started a chain of events that took us from a profit making EPL side in European competition to a financially strapped team of journeymen pros that are looking at life in league 1.
We now have a stadium we can neither pay for nor fill. We have more suits than players. We have in short, nothing anymore.
As a long suffering Saints fan, I can honestly say that I have more respect for Ian Branfoot than I do for Rupert Lowe!
Says it all doesn't it?"
Well, I guess if you have such an unbiased christian view you best stay in Denmark! I thought Denmark was neutral?!
blah blah blah, says...
4:17pm Wed 19 Mar 08
George wrote:EPL? you're not on the continent FFS i hate that.
"If there was a God, I'd pray for him to send a bolt of lightning in Rupert Lowe's direction. That idiot ruined our football club!!!! His "prudent" mis-management started a chain of events that took us from a profit making EPL side in European competition to a financially strapped team of journeymen pros that are looking at life in league 1. We now have a stadium we can neither pay for nor fill. We have more suits than players. We have in short, nothing anymore. As a long suffering Saints fan, I can honestly say that I have more respect for Ian Branfoot than I do for Rupert Lowe! Says it all doesn't it?" Well, I guess if you have such an unbiased christian view you best stay in Denmark! I thought Denmark was neutral?!
Believer, says...
4:18pm Wed 19 Mar 08
The Echo need to back off from their dislike of Lowe and stick to reporting not making news.
It is partly thanks to the Echo's anti Hoddle campaign that SFC had so many managers.
George, says...
4:22pm Wed 19 Mar 08
You hit the nail on the head - good one.
Mick Channon, says...
4:24pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Just whoever can do it - just do it and save all us saints fans the pain and embarrasement of dragging it all out in the press.
If only the saying 'any press is good press' were true - then we would be riding high in the premiership!
lowe out forever, says...
4:29pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Richard Realist, Lee on the Solent says...
4:49pm Wed 19 Mar 08
lowe out forever wrote:Big Deal, the anti Rupert mob found the money for that gimmick but have not been able to find anymore to save the club. Beggars belief!
JUST SHOWS YOU THOUGH THAT A 30FT PIECE OF CLOTH WITH A FEW WORDS ON ACHIEVED MORE EMBARSSMENT AND PRESS COVERAGE THAN ANYTHING ON ANY BLOG OR BULLETIN BOARD
George, says...
4:58pm Wed 19 Mar 08
lowe out forever wrote:I like the back-up plan!
JUST SHOWS YOU THOUGH THAT A 30FT PIECE OF CLOTH WITH A FEW WORDS ON ACHIEVED MORE EMBARSSMENT AND PRESS COVERAGE THAN ANYTHING ON ANY BLOG OR BULLETIN BOARD
New board that sends the club headlong into financial meltdown! Yes, very clever!
I hope the numpties, who consisted of a minority group of supporters spouting vitriolic bullying behaviour, have now come to realise that their inadequacies have come home to roost. Reap what you will sow!
Hence the need to get Lowe back to sort out the mess!
Fish Fiddler, Texas Tea Land says...
5:13pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Mark P, Sunny Milford says...
5:25pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Sniper wrote:Spot on, Lowe was and always will be poison, along with Askham who started it all. Remember a programme "Southern Eye" and money that went missing etc PLC NO THANKS
How thick are some fans? Lowe had nothing to do with the fact that Sky TV was pumping millions into Saints. That is what made Saints financially stable and the fact that Lowe never gave his managers enough money to really compete. It was Lowe who refused to speculate to accummulate to make sure Saints weren\'t relegated. We got relegated due to players, poor managers and Mr Lowe and his board of cronies. How stupid does that penny-pinching in the last few years of us being in the Prem now look compared to how much money we\'ve lost getting relegated and losing the Sky money. Any idiot could make a club financially stable in the Prem. Lowe wouldn\'t have a clue where to start with us in this position. LOWE AND WILDE ARE ONLY GETTING INVOLVED AGAIN BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED WITLESS THEIR SHARES WILL BE SOON WORTH NOTHING. FACT.
Trahsis, Doone says...
5:42pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Aussie Saint wrote:Fully agree. Come back Rupert - all is forgiven...
The best news I have heard in a long time. I am a die hard Saints fan and unfortunately it has been a board that listens to the fans that have got us in this mess, current and past. Fans DO NOT know how to run a company, that is why you have a board of directors who know and are in better position to made these financial decisions. We will be in a much better position with CREDIBLE and experienced directors at the helm than the WEAK we have in place at the moment. And to think that the fans wanted representation on the board, what a joke. Bring back Lowe and Wilde and at least we will have some sort of professional leadership in getting a DECENT and REAL backer to buy into this club. Wake up Saints fans and think premiership and not Division 1. Surely that is our long term strategy. This current board couldn't even afford to keep Christian Dailly on 5000 pounds a week, and did we get any replacements for the jewels that were sold last year. Bring back some stability and direction in the club, Lowe and Wilde, and lets move upward and not downward. We are a big club so lets bring back a BIG and knowledgable board.
Davi Brown, Lee-on-Solent says...
6:08pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Jesus_02, kingsland says...
6:21pm Wed 19 Mar 08
StPete wrote:Pete,
Penny a share anyone! wrote:Redknapp had more than enough time to save us. He along with the players let the fans and Rupert Lowe down. Thank old Rupert for Mismangement??!! It's because of his "Mismanagement" why we were able to financially cope with relegation. Blame the small time charlie's who thought they could run a football club, not to mention the anti-lowe brigade for putting them there, for the footballing nightmare we're in now. The hatred you feel towards Lowe is clearly clouding your judgementStPete wrote:Wrong, SFC are where they are now one one very simple reason. MISMANAGEMENT, thank old Rupert for that.Jude wrote: Only 2 days ago on Yahoo sport SAINTS page I posted a comment about "could it get any worse"....well thanks for this headline, and the answer is yes.....LOWE ON WAY BACK. Is this not the man who run OUR club into the ground, put us in what some £50M debt, sold off all our credible players and pocketed the money via his other company Southampton Leisure Holdings. How many managers did we have in Rupert Lowes time? too many is the answer. Dont forget this is the man who on Danny Wallace's testimonial took 9 months to pay half the money raised. Charged Danny for car parking at the ground but also charged the car driver, charged for stewards when they worked for free. Then he went on to employ a Rugby manager as our Director of Football, the very first appointment of a Director of Football in the premier league, and what did he do for us.....Nothing. Can it get any worse...........Yes. ....and I think it is just about too.I hope one day Jude that yourself and the rest of the anti-lowe brigade stop foaming at the mouth, put your blind hatred aside and start to have a balanced viewpoint. The anti-Lowe brigade are the reason we're in this mess, and I hope they won't try and stand in the clubs way now there's a possible light at the end of the tunnel.
I am afraid that you and others that are aiming to protect a man that has made millions at the expence of Saints.
Ever since the club was floted, it ceased to be a club.
I think that the fact that we had a brief period of sucess (we got to the FA cup final) is clouding your judgement.
Redknapp was a bad appointment, simple as. He has only proved to be effective with bags of cash. (the one thing that saints did not have)
Soon to be a Skate, Southampton says...
7:05pm Wed 19 Mar 08
L, Southampton says...
7:52pm Wed 19 Mar 08
dave, millbrook says...
8:12pm Wed 19 Mar 08
L wrote:He's the **** that got us in this position in the first place wasting money on radio stations and his rugger chums and not on employing decent managers and his pathetic fight with Mandaric getting in that Skate spiv RedKrap!
Oh shut up the lot of you. Where have we got since Lowe left? A far worse situation than we were in before. Fine, he didn't invest to keep us in the Premiership, but I bet he would get us back there quicker than with this other lot in charge.
the totton scrutineer, TOTTON says...
8:30pm Wed 19 Mar 08
DevonSaint, says...
8:37pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Barnacle Bill, somewhere on the high seas. says...
9:11pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Lowe's biggest critic, at the stock exchange says...
9:16pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Jimmy, says...
9:23pm Wed 19 Mar 08
L wrote:
Oh shut up the lot of you. Where have we got since Lowe left? A far worse situation than we were in before. Fine, he didn't invest to keep us in the Premiership, but I bet he would get us back there quicker than with this other lot in charge.
dave, millbrook
He's the **** that got us in this position in the first place wasting money on radio stations and his rugger chums and not on employing decent managers and his pathetic fight with Mandaric getting in that Skate spiv RedKrap!
Dave are you an idiot???? How may other clubs have invested in the Premiarship and got relegated anyway?? I perfer being relegated spending a little money that being relegated after spending millions. Also we spent a decent ammount of cash on players in that season. Harry got a few in (e.g. Quashie) so u can hardly say he didnt bring in players. Get some facts before posting you chav.
pugwash, southampton says...
10:01pm Wed 19 Mar 08
JOKKY, West Wellow says...
10:09pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Full of despair and lost hope, in the future of SFC says...
10:27pm Wed 19 Mar 08
TrueFan 71, Warsash says...
8:05am Thu 20 Mar 08
the totton scrutineer wrote:Facts are that FULLER is now playing regular football and scoring goals for a Championship team now in an automatic promotion place. Another manager, Paul Sturrock, who was a Rupert Lowe appointment,(and was hounded out by player power) is now in a play-off position with a team that wallopped us at home.You may all be loyal supporters of SFC but your brains and analogical reasoning are very poor and do not match that loyalty. A biggoted and clouded judgement is no judgement atall. Like it or not, Rupert Lowe and Wilde have put a lot of their own money into this club.
If Rupert Lowe had any conscience at all he would sell his shares and disappear with his tail between his legs.When Gordon Strachen ask for more money for new players after the cup final he said No!When Phillips who is scoring goals for fun wanted more money to stay he said No! When asked by Redknapp wanted money for a decent striker when we were playing the best football in the championship but couldn't score he gave £80,000 ,cometh Fuller who couldn't hit a barn door and after Morrison would have come here if the money was right.Add to that interference with managers bowing to pressure when Glen Hoddle was needed by the club plus a host of other misjudgements and you can see that I would be glad if we never see him again.My season ticket would be cancelled if he had anything more to do with the club.Michael Wilde should be ashamed to even consider this NOW of all times let's say goodbye to him as well!
dave, Cornwall says...
4:16pm Fri 21 Mar 08
StPete wrote:i side with jude your blaming the anti lowe brigade what a load of tosh . he messed the club up big time , had no clue about the game i hear astute businessman ,well he failed there with us or maybe your just blinked by his wry smile .if that guy shook my hand i would count my fingers just in case he sold a couple .keep him out a possible light at the end of the tunnel well u walk in there its probably the london exspress train heading flat out at you NO LOWE NO WAY
Jude wrote: Only 2 days ago on Yahoo sport SAINTS page I posted a comment about \"could it get any worse\"....well thanks for this headline, and the answer is yes.....LOWE ON WAY BACK. Is this not the man who run OUR club into the ground, put us in what some £50M debt, sold off all our credible players and pocketed the money via his other company Southampton Leisure Holdings. How many managers did we have in Rupert Lowes time? too many is the answer. Dont forget this is the man who on Danny Wallace\'s testimonial took 9 months to pay half the money raised. Charged Danny for car parking at the ground but also charged the car driver, charged for stewards when they worked for free. Then he went on to employ a Rugby manager as our Director of Football, the very first appointment of a Director of Football in the premier league, and what did he do for us.....Nothing. Can it get any worse...........Yes. ....and I think it is just about too.I hope one day Jude that yourself and the rest of the anti-lowe brigade stop foaming at the mouth, put your blind hatred aside and start to have a balanced viewpoint. The anti-Lowe brigade are the reason we\'re in this mess, and I hope they won\'t try and stand in the clubs way now there\'s a possible light at the end of the tunnel.
Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde
In this section
- Saints draw pre-season opener at Eastleigh
- Four men behind new £12.5m bid for Saints
- Thomas too expensive for Saints
- Lallana won't go cheap says Wotte
- Tessem on trial with Saints
- New bidders enter Saints chase
- Pinnacle back in contention for Saints
- Saints' star striker wants new start in League One
- Former Reading captain on trial at Saints
- Eastleigh boss confident of Saints' future
Sponsored Links
|
|
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
Mush Boy, Soton says...
8:05am Wed 19 Mar 08