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Crouch speaks out after resignation

10:30am Thursday 15th May 2008

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LEON Crouch has this morning issued a statement, following his resignation as chairman of Saints.

Remaining directors Crouch, Keith Wiseman and Patrick Trant announced their departure from the club's PLC board to the Stock Exchange at 10am, following chief executive Lee Hoos out of the door.

Tomorrow's EGM has now been cancelled, with former chairmen Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde returning to power.

In his statement, Crouch, who has also resigned from the football club board, said he was disappointed at having to stand down, but he hoped the club would still realise its dream of new investment.

His statement said: "It is with great regret that I have to announce my resignation as chairman of Southampton Football Club.

"I am also stepping down as a director of the parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC.

"It is a decision I have taken very reluctantly but which has been forced upon me by Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde who requisitioned an EGM.

"Even though most fans do not want them back, the harsh fact is that they and a handful of allies would have had enough shares to guarantee victory.

"In many ways I would have liked to have taken it to an EGM as there are a lot of things I would like to say to the shareholders.

"But it would be a costly exercise and with the result a foregone conclusion, I do not think it would do any good to re-open old wounds so I am not prepared to drag this proud club through a costly and potentially damaging EGM.

"When the EGM was requisitioned seven weeks ago, the priority was to focus on the football and ensure that the team remained in the Coca-Cola Championship.


Click here to read the statement announcing the directors' resignation.


"That aim was achieved under the passionate and careful guidance of new manager Nigel Pearson who has done a fantastic job during his three months in charge.

"He is a great character who has won over the fans and the staff in a very short time, he brought the best out of the players and he has all the qualities to take this club forward.

"With Nigel in charge, I do believe we have a great chance of a successful season. I sincerely hope he is allowed to stay because I know he is the right man for the job.

"We have hung on until almost the last possible moment not for personal gain or pride but because we were in serious negotiations with potential investors.

"We were still in talks yesterday morning but eventually we ran out of time because of the EGM.

"In the end Keith Wiseman, Patrick Trant and I had no choice but to resign but we will walk away with heads held high.

"I have done my very best for the club in the short time I have been chairman and I will continue to support the club in any way I can.

"It has been a turbulent couple of years since Michael Wilde forced Rupert Lowe out and I have to say I find it strange they are now teaming up together.

"I backed Michael because I felt it was right for the club to have a change of chairman but the promised investment did not materialise.

"The club was run by a team of executives and since their departure just before Christmas, I have tried to stabilise things.

"It is not a position I ever sought but I believe I have steadied the ship. We have united and motivated the staff and St Mary's is now a much happier place for them to work.

"I hope that this regime-change maintains that stability and also that it is only a short-term measure until investors come in and provide an injection of capital.

"But whatever happens, I will remain a passionate fan. I will go back to watching games as a sponsor and as a supporter and give the club my full backing.

"I do not think this is the right way forward but hopefully it will only be a short-term arrangement and the club will soon get the investment it needs.

"I am not going to snipe at those coming in. I just want to thank all those who have helped and supported me and to say it has been an honour and a privilege to be chairman of this great club. Come on you Reds!"



Your Say YourDaily Echo

Steve Smith, Southampton says...
10:42am Thu 15 May 08

Leon

You have done your best - you are simply not up to the job, a good fan does not make a good chairman. Rupert as much as we don't like him does have some business brains.

Rupert get the investment in and get out.

Matthew Leech, Southampton says...
10:48am Thu 15 May 08

Well - all we can hope is that Lowe has learnt his lesson and will come back with a different attitude although I am not that hopeful as he is far too arrogant to change. Anyone who thinks Lowe will stay out of the football side of things is naive, Wilde is just another "yes man" for Lowe to bully. I'm afraid it seems that Pearson will be doomed as well as he is a far too strong charcter for Lowe. OH DEAR.

More Saintly than you..., New Forest says...
10:48am Thu 15 May 08

Steve Smith wrote:
Leon You have done your best - you are simply not up to the job, a good fan does not make a good chairman. Rupert as much as we don't like him does have some business brains. Rupert get the investment in and get out.
You have done your best - you are simply not up to the job, a good fan does not make a good chairman. Rupert as much as we don't like him does have some business brains.

I think that Leon's development of Lymington Precision Engineering to a world player does indicate that he has business brains....heart on his sleeve yes I agree.

Come on then Rupert (not forgetting Mikey - I'll give you three months before you join forces with Leon again) - what are you going to do?????

Ture red, Fareham says...
10:52am Thu 15 May 08

Thanks Leon

Paddy B, The Exiled Saint., Salop, England says...
10:52am Thu 15 May 08

"Gone, gone and never called me Mother"

I shant shed too many tears at your leaving, Mr Crouch, and I'm not over-enamoured with thoughts of the return of Lowe & Wilde.

I'm sure you meant well, but just as Lowe failed to stand up to the ignorant, moronic mob, you allowed yourself to be swayed by the People from the Past.

Boards, chairmen, managers and players will come and they will go; only the supporters are loyal.


Kabba, says...
10:53am Thu 15 May 08

Apparently its 80% likely that Lowe will return, there is a twist in the story on the Radio, however, that twist was thought to be Crouch stepping down which is not really a twist as we all knew of this.
Apparently the last remaining hour for a bid is at 12'o'clock, leaving 12hours for the paperwork to be sorted so that Lowe does not return.

Portswood Pete, says...
10:59am Thu 15 May 08

Still nothing on the Official website and nothing on the LSE, which just re-inforces the amateur way that Crouch has conducted his business, through the Echo rather than the correct channels. Goodbye, and thanks for all the fish.

hotfuzz, says...
11:21am Thu 15 May 08

Hey...Lowe supporters (and by that I mean sad little spotty PR boys at the PR firm busily trying to think up screen names for posting)
Will Rupert be coming to training wearing his kit like last time? That wasn't embarrassing was it?
Will he be coming to the dressing room for the half time chat?
I've never heard of a more unprofessional chairman in football history.

JUDE, london SAINT says...
11:38am Thu 15 May 08

Yesterday I posted factual information regarding Rupert Lowe. The item was posted, with answers supporting my factual information. However, it has been deleted. Proving that the Daily Echo is working in conjunction with the PR team that is Rupert Lowe. Absolutely disgusted with you Daily Echo. You are supposed to be a boardsheet for the people, not a select few whom you choose to support and constantly give "positive" reporting too. I state below facts of yesterdays message.

Rupert Lowe's first game was in 1997 - Investment only, not as a fan.
Rupert Lowe in his ten years at our club produced 9 managers and sacked each one of them.
in 1997 we were mid table premiership having been there for 18 years. Following Rupert Lowes involvement we were relegated to the Championship.
Rupert Lowe put our club into so much debt, all decent players were sold and not replaced.
Danny Wallace held a testimonial at St Marys. he was charged out of the money raised by us fans.....for car parking, even though no charge was made to the public. (this was literally thousands of pounds in charges). Danny Wallace was charged out of the money we the fans raised for him for Security on the night.....even though the Security worked for FREE....again thousands and thousands for this was deducted from Danny's money raised.
Danny waited some 9 months following his testimonial for the money raised by us fans.
NO INTEREST IN THE MONEY RAISED AND HELD BY RUPERT LOWE WAS EVER EVER PAID TO DANNY WALLACE.
Go on Mr Lowe....Deny this factual information. I challenge you too.....Prove to us you are a true fan of our club and step aside now.

saintorsinner, Fareham says...
11:42am Thu 15 May 08

Thanks Leon. As for Rupert - it's unbelieveable that he is returning. I have never experienced the return of someone who is so unpopular with his CUSTOMERS (us, the Saints fans!!). So it's welcome back to the unpopular, unsuccesful, uninformed egomaniac Rupert and his indecisive sidekick Michael (am I for him today or against him - let's toss a coin). And don't keep telling me that he's a good businessman - a good buisnessman is not just an accountant - he should have a DEEP understanding of the industry he's working in! Since when did we become a duck shooting or rugby club??

red saint, says...
11:43am Thu 15 May 08

Portswood Pete wrote:
Still nothing on the Official website and nothing on the LSE, which just re-inforces the amateur way that Crouch has conducted his business, through the Echo rather than the correct channels. Goodbye, and thanks for all the fish.
Actually, there is now a short statement on the club website. Its not particularly informativ but it has given me a lovely picture for my dartboard

SFC4EVA, soton says...
11:50am Thu 15 May 08

Leon you failed disgracefully with after helping to oust lowe 2 years ago with promises of investment and recent BS about being close to securing investment you have disgraced yourself and now Lowe has to come in and sort the finances that you have let get into such a mess!!
Welcome back Lowe, please give Nigel the chance he deserves so he can start building today for next season!
The 2008/09 season starts today!
COYR!

Andy P, Bitterne says...
11:51am Thu 15 May 08

Thank you Leon Crouch for all your efforts,it is appreciated by those who actually know a little bit about football!

You should be proud of your achievements, and in particular the appointment of Nigel Pearson.

But above all,unlike the previous Failure,you cannot be accountable for RELEGATION,you achieved the complete opposite,WELL DONE.

Good luck Leon,and l am in no doubt that you will return as Chairman of OUR great club and finnish what you started.

THANK YOU.

DJI, Kingsland Centre says...
12:05pm Thu 15 May 08

It's a very sad day for our beloved Club that the PLC goings-on are overshadowing everything that is most important, the Football Club.
I think Leon did his very best for the Club and feel it a great shame that he could not get to finish the job he inherited.
I only hope that the first thing they do is give Nigel Pearson a long term Contract to allow him to move on with things in pre-season. That will at least allow the most important things to be concentrated on.
Thanks Leon for taking up the mantle; a true supporter.

In Mourning, Southampton says...
12:06pm Thu 15 May 08

Lowe is an Etonion. Like all Etonions they will be damned if they will be dictated to or even spoken to the way us saints fans have done. As a typical egotistical and arrogant Etonian that he is, there is no way that Lowe has not been embarrassed amongst his Etonion chums about being forced to step down. They ONLY reason Lowe wants to come back is to prove a point to his Etonion chums. He will stay, milk every penny out of the club until the club is in administration and then walk away where by I'm sure he'll have a chuckle with his Etonion chums about how he taught us peasants, who dared speak out against him, a lesson or two by ruining the thing we care deeply about.
Southampton FC does not need Lowe.

SFC4EVA, soton says...
12:09pm Thu 15 May 08

JUDE wrote:
Yesterday I posted factual information regarding Rupert Lowe. The item was posted, with answers supporting my factual information. However, it has been deleted. Proving that the Daily Echo is working in conjunction with the PR team that is Rupert Lowe. Absolutely disgusted with you Daily Echo. You are supposed to be a boardsheet for the people, not a select few whom you choose to support and constantly give \"positive\" reporting too. I state below facts of yesterdays message. Rupert Lowe\'s first game was in 1997 - Investment only, not as a fan. Rupert Lowe in his ten years at our club produced 9 managers and sacked each one of them. in 1997 we were mid table premiership having been there for 18 years. Following Rupert Lowes involvement we were relegated to the Championship. Rupert Lowe put our club into so much debt, all decent players were sold and not replaced. Danny Wallace held a testimonial at St Marys. he was charged out of the money raised by us fans.....for car parking, even though no charge was made to the public. (this was literally thousands of pounds in charges). Danny Wallace was charged out of the money we the fans raised for him for Security on the night.....even though the Security worked for FREE....again thousands and thousands for this was deducted from Danny\'s money raised. Danny waited some 9 months following his testimonial for the money raised by us fans. NO INTEREST IN THE MONEY RAISED AND HELD BY RUPERT LOWE WAS EVER EVER PAID TO DANNY WALLACE. Go on Mr Lowe....Deny this factual information. I challenge you too.....Prove to us you are a true fan of our club and step aside now.
Sacked every manager? I think you need to check your facts!

Souness - Resigned.
Jones - was Suspended due to the strains of the Child abuse case. Technically not fired.
Hoddle - Resigned to return to Spurs.
Grey - Sacked
Strachen - Resigned to take a break from football.
Sturrock - left by 'Mutual Consent' maybe you could say that he was sacked but the offical line was 'Mutual Consent'
Wiggly - Sacked
Redknapp - Resigned to return to Pompey
Burley - Appointed by Lowe but resigned under Crouch for the Scotland Job

To me that make 9 managers appointed by Lowe 2 sacked, 1 suspended, 1 by mutual consent, 4 resigned and 1 resigned under a different chairman. Again, please check your facts!

In the Premier League for 18 years in 1997? Again please check your facts! The Premier League only started in August 1995!

I don't know anything about the Wallace game so won't comment.

It makes me laugh how people must hate Lowe so much that they make things up or just ignore the real facts.

I for one think it is not a bad thing that he is back and hopefully he can steady the companie financally.

Also remember that Lowe is going to be PLC chairman and Wilde the Football chairman.

COYR!!


tim, N/A says...
12:09pm Thu 15 May 08

This is whats going to happen. lowe n wilde have to be in charge by law because the investment did not come in on time. so they will be in charge for the next few weeks or so until an investor buys every shae in the club. crouch etc will come back. if pearson gets sacked, crouch will get him back. lowe and cowen know this already.

Lowe OUT, says...
12:13pm Thu 15 May 08

Love the COYR end tagline Leon !

Judas Wilde and Lowe OUT

Lowe OUT, says...
12:13pm Thu 15 May 08

Love the COYR end tagline Leon !

Judas Wilde and Lowe OUT

Lowe OUT, says...
12:14pm Thu 15 May 08

Love the COYR end tagline Leon !

Judas Wilde and Lowe OUT

E.B.O.L, universal hall says...
12:14pm Thu 15 May 08

Oh Jade how wrong you are with your statements
about sacking all the managers. And there I was supporting you the other day, how foolish I was.
he did not sack all nie , Souness left of his own free will
Hoddle left to go spurs was not sacked
Jones was a different case. The club were dammed if they did and dammed if they didnt do something about that situation
Wrigley and gray were not upto the jub.
Sturrock was he sacked or did he resign? You and I will never know the truth

I could dissect your post even more , you have obviously listened to the spin doctors without establishing the facts for yourself.


saintjak, Hants says...
12:21pm Thu 15 May 08

Andy P wrote:
Thank you Leon Crouch for all your efforts,it is appreciated by those who actually know a little bit about football! You should be proud of your achievements, and in particular the appointment of Nigel Pearson. But above all,unlike the previous Failure,you cannot be accountable for RELEGATION,you achieved the complete opposite,WELL DONE. Good luck Leon,and l am in no doubt that you will return as Chairman of OUR great club and finnish what you started. THANK YOU.
totally agree.

I will also extend my thanks to Leon Crouch, you will never have it on your C.V. that you got saints relegated, unlike some.

It is a sad day to have a hockey lover back running a football club. However I will continue to support saints no matter what. The club, fans and history are bigger than both Lowe and Wilde

COYR

Gerald Whiley, Southampton says...
12:23pm Thu 15 May 08

A man who was in power when the club had the marketing slogan, "YOUR TEAM, YOUR WORLD, YOUR ADVENTURE" but who then stated "THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG".

In that statement, I gave up my season ticket after 18 years.

For those wearing rose-tinted glasses; Lowe does not give a **** for you, the fans... Lowe does not believe that we a fit to question him... Lowe will p*ss on your back, BUT tell you it's raining!

My 21 years as a Saints fan are at an end. That parasite, that dictator will not receive a penny of my money.

As for Michael Wilde; shame on you. You're a liar and a traitor.

J of the Special Branch, New Scotland Yard says...
12:24pm Thu 15 May 08

I thought Leon and co inferred that by resigning today then the egm would not go ahead
they also inferred that their would be no cost to the club the other day, however the EGM was meant to be tomorrow and all the shareholders including myself have been written to . So who picks up the cost the club or rupert lowe.
I suspect the club and have no idea what the cost would be but I would say in excess of 10k.

Also Leons assertion we were close to a takeover , is that with the they NAMEG company that dosent exist by any chance/ more cloud cuckoo land nonsense by the sounds of it

N, says...
12:31pm Thu 15 May 08

Andy P wrote:
Thank you Leon Crouch for all your efforts,it is appreciated by those who actually know a little bit about football! You should be proud of your achievements, and in particular the appointment of Nigel Pearson. But above all,unlike the previous Failure,you cannot be accountable for RELEGATION,you achieved the complete opposite,WELL DONE. Good luck Leon,and l am in no doubt that you will return as Chairman of OUR great club and finnish what you started. THANK YOU.
I always thought that the exact opposite of relegation was promotion, not being in the bottom three on the last day and surviving by the skin of our teeth, having spent all the money in the kitty.

SFC4EVA, soton says...
12:38pm Thu 15 May 08

Gerald Whiley wrote:
A man who was in power when the club had the marketing slogan, "YOUR TEAM, YOUR WORLD, YOUR ADVENTURE" but who then stated "THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG". In that statement, I gave up my season ticket after 18 years. For those wearing rose-tinted glasses; Lowe does not give a **** for you, the fans... Lowe does not believe that we a fit to question him... Lowe will p*ss on your back, BUT tell you it's raining! My 21 years as a Saints fan are at an end. That parasite, that dictator will not receive a penny of my money. As for Michael Wilde; shame on you. You're a liar and a traitor.
So bored of hearing people bleat on about how they aren't going to support the club anymore if certain people are in charge!

I for one will support the club no matter what! It can get frustrating and unenjoyable at times but if you really do love the club then you will stick with them through thick and thin no matter what!

So to all these people that say they will no longer support saints and moan that the club will die because of certain people have a little think to yourselves. By not supporting the club you are the ones killing it!

Grow up and support the club if not then fine but you obviously dont love it that much and you will not be missed by the people that do care.

COYR

saintjak, Hants says...
12:49pm Thu 15 May 08

I cannot believe how many fans think ruppert Lowe is financially astute.

This is the man that got us relegated through lack of spending which has now cost the club millions and put us on the brink of going bankrupt

This is the man that employed umpteen managers in 10 years. Twice employing a cheap option (the second Wigley) which got us relegated.

A man that doesn't learn by his mistakes (appointing Stuart Gray then doing it again with Wigley)

A man that bought Delgado...

A man that passed on Drogba because 3 million was too much?

A MAN that boasts he built a new stadium for saints (take a mortgage out and get planning permission, cheers)

A MAN that told us once in the stadium we would have all this extra cash, and yet continued to sell all our best players.

A MAN WHO'S TOP SPORT IS HOCKEY...!!!

Hello is anyone home...

Ruppet Lowe is the biggest H3lmet that has ever graced the board of Southampton football club.

Ruppert Lowe has come in to protect his money nothing else.

Rupert Lowe has to no love of SFC and as for Michael turn coat Wilde... We could be here all day.

Please stop bigging Ruppet Lowe up, he is the reason we are in this mess and on this board posting these comments!



Mark, Southampton says...
12:49pm Thu 15 May 08

For all you Rupert Lowes fans out there, if you truly believe that he is coming back because of the club - you are all so wrong !!!

Rupert is coming back to protect his investment, and will strip the club down of any assets that is has, in order to avoid administration. Lowe may have an understanding of how to run a business, but has no idea on how to run a football club. Whilst only 2 managers may have been sacked under his previous tenure, 4 resigned - doesn't that tell you something?

Also, if people believe that Rupert will come back, get investment and then clear off - you need to wake up !!!!! IF he does get investment, he will somehow still remain part of the club, still keep his shares, with money being ploughed in. This will hopefully then mean better players will be bought and then promotion is a possibility. IF we go up, then the share price goes up and then Rupert has and rupert is quids in, top flight football so the fans will be happy, nothing more will asked......SO WAKE UP RUPERT FANS - WAKE UP !!!!


John B, Bitterne says...
12:58pm Thu 15 May 08

Mark wrote:
For all you Rupert Lowes fans out there, if you truly believe that he is coming back because of the club - you are all so wrong !!! Rupert is coming back to protect his investment, and will strip the club down of any assets that is has, in order to avoid administration. Lowe may have an understanding of how to run a business, but has no idea on how to run a football club. Whilst only 2 managers may have been sacked under his previous tenure, 4 resigned - doesn\\\'t that tell you something? Also, if people believe that Rupert will come back, get investment and then clear off - you need to wake up !!!!! IF he does get investment, he will somehow still remain part of the club, still keep his shares, with money being ploughed in. This will hopefully then mean better players will be bought and then promotion is a possibility. IF we go up, then the share price goes up and then Rupert has and rupert is quids in, top flight football so the fans will be happy, nothing more will asked......SO WAKE UP RUPERT FANS - WAKE UP !!!!
Another Post which contains no facts just biased thoughts.

Fact Hoddle resigned to go to Spurs

Fact Strachan Resigned as wanted time out of Football


Geordie lad, Southampton says...
12:58pm Thu 15 May 08

A man who wants change for changes sake causes Mayhem. Many come and offer gifts and promises with no money of there own, then a cleaver man starts more chinese whispers causing a man who dosent suffer a constant barrage of potless fools, to act. The man then becomes a fool himself because he has to do all the dirty work cleaning up after the previous tenant who started DIY disasters for changes sake and left the house in a right mess. The chinese whisper man is in no rush,and has no funds yet. The only man left holding shares to sell is the man who wanted change for change sake because he is no longer a director and because Chinese wisper man has covered his position at the stock exchange suggesting offer iminent this makes another man his fool axe man and scapegoat. Game set and match to another potless frontman. Better the brand of bleach you know for house cleaning, till some money actually appears for a new broom. SHOW ME THE MONEY for shares and investment is a resonable and responsable request for Chinese whisper man to respond to.
House cleaning has started, the old broom has a new head and handle. The house will be lean mean and clean ready for any new tennant to inspect and sign a lease on. If they have a deposit and stockbroker of course, The days of wine and roses are over. The devil we know is back in town but he is a Red devil for all his sins. Let him without sin cast the first stone.

Osama Bin Laden, A Cave far far away says...
1:02pm Thu 15 May 08

GET OUT AND STAY OUT LEON.

WELCOME BACK RUPERT

LET THE DAYS OF STEVE WIGLEY AS MANAGER RETURN SOON

Dean, Southampton says...
1:03pm Thu 15 May 08

Mark wrote:
For all you Rupert Lowes fans out there, if you truly believe that he is coming back because of the club - you are all so wrong !!! Rupert is coming back to protect his investment, and will strip the club down of any assets that is has, in order to avoid administration. Lowe may have an understanding of how to run a business, but has no idea on how to run a football club. Whilst only 2 managers may have been sacked under his previous tenure, 4 resigned - doesn\'t that tell you something? Also, if people believe that Rupert will come back, get investment and then clear off - you need to wake up !!!!! IF he does get investment, he will somehow still remain part of the club, still keep his shares, with money being ploughed in. This will hopefully then mean better players will be bought and then promotion is a possibility. IF we go up, then the share price goes up and then Rupert has and rupert is quids in, top flight football so the fans will be happy, nothing more will asked......SO WAKE UP RUPERT FANS - WAKE UP !!!!
Superb quote.
Lowe has never had any other interest than lining his own pocket.
I hope Im wrong this time and in 12 Months singing his praises but somehow I dont think I will.

Mark, Southampton says...
1:04pm Thu 15 May 08

John B wrote:
Mark wrote: For all you Rupert Lowes fans out there, if you truly believe that he is coming back because of the club - you are all so wrong !!! Rupert is coming back to protect his investment, and will strip the club down of any assets that is has, in order to avoid administration. Lowe may have an understanding of how to run a business, but has no idea on how to run a football club. Whilst only 2 managers may have been sacked under his previous tenure, 4 resigned - doesn\\\\\\\'t that tell you something? Also, if people believe that Rupert will come back, get investment and then clear off - you need to wake up !!!!! IF he does get investment, he will somehow still remain part of the club, still keep his shares, with money being ploughed in. This will hopefully then mean better players will be bought and then promotion is a possibility. IF we go up, then the share price goes up and then Rupert has and rupert is quids in, top flight football so the fans will be happy, nothing more will asked......SO WAKE UP RUPERT FANS - WAKE UP !!!!
Another Post which contains no facts just biased thoughts. Fact Hoddle resigned to go to Spurs Fact Strachan Resigned as wanted time out of Football
If you think Gordon Strachan left because he wanted time out of football, you are very gullable. Strachan went because there was a lack of investment in players.......Strach

an wanted to take us to the next level - rupert wouldn't splash out - end of.............

thedelldays, plymouth says...
1:05pm Thu 15 May 08

Mark wrote:
For all you Rupert Lowes fans out there, if you truly believe that he is coming back because of the club - you are all so wrong !!! Rupert is coming back to protect his investment, and will strip the club down of any assets that is has, in order to avoid administration. Lowe may have an understanding of how to run a business, but has no idea on how to run a football club. Whilst only 2 managers may have been sacked under his previous tenure, 4 resigned - doesn\'t that tell you something? Also, if people believe that Rupert will come back, get investment and then clear off - you need to wake up !!!!! IF he does get investment, he will somehow still remain part of the club, still keep his shares, with money being ploughed in. This will hopefully then mean better players will be bought and then promotion is a possibility. IF we go up, then the share price goes up and then Rupert has and rupert is quids in, top flight football so the fans will be happy, nothing more will asked......SO WAKE UP RUPERT FANS - WAKE UP !!!!
for someone who has no idea how to run a football club, he has made a mockery of those who apparently do by producing/being involved with a top class academy, uefa 4-star stadium, taking a club like saints (as a PLC) to a cup final, european football...

what an easy job it is to be a football chairman...
im not a rupert fan, I am a saints fan and am able to shut up and see what happens before i go all militant about this...

Ex-Steward, Southampton says...
1:08pm Thu 15 May 08

JUDE wrote:
Yesterday I posted factual information regarding Rupert Lowe. The item was posted, with answers supporting my factual information. However, it has been deleted. Proving that the Daily Echo is working in conjunction with the PR team that is Rupert Lowe. Absolutely disgusted with you Daily Echo. You are supposed to be a boardsheet for the people, not a select few whom you choose to support and constantly give "positive" reporting too. I state below facts of yesterdays message. Rupert Lowe's first game was in 1997 - Investment only, not as a fan. Rupert Lowe in his ten years at our club produced 9 managers and sacked each one of them. in 1997 we were mid table premiership having been there for 18 years. Following Rupert Lowes involvement we were relegated to the Championship. Rupert Lowe put our club into so much debt, all decent players were sold and not replaced. Danny Wallace held a testimonial at St Marys. he was charged out of the money raised by us fans.....for car parking, even though no charge was made to the public. (this was literally thousands of pounds in charges). Danny Wallace was charged out of the money we the fans raised for him for Security on the night.....even though the Security worked for FREE....again thousands and thousands for this was deducted from Danny's money raised. Danny waited some 9 months following his testimonial for the money raised by us fans. NO INTEREST IN THE MONEY RAISED AND HELD BY RUPERT LOWE WAS EVER EVER PAID TO DANNY WALLACE. Go on Mr Lowe....Deny this factual information. I challenge you too.....Prove to us you are a true fan of our club and step aside now.
I worked as security at this game and I can 100% accurately say that I got paid! Im not a fan of Lowe or Wilde but sounds like your making some of this stuff up?

Layabout, Lordshill says...
1:09pm Thu 15 May 08

More Saintly than you... wrote:
Steve Smith wrote: Leon You have done your best - you are simply not up to the job, a good fan does not make a good chairman. Rupert as much as we don't like him does have some business brains. Rupert get the investment in and get out.
You have done your best - you are simply not up to the job, a good fan does not make a good chairman. Rupert as much as we don't like him does have some business brains. I think that Leon's development of Lymington Precision Engineering to a world player does indicate that he has business brains....heart on his sleeve yes I agree. Come on then Rupert (not forgetting Mikey - I'll give you three months before you join forces with Leon again) - what are you going to do?????
Whilst I agree that Leon's development of Lymington Precision Engineering shows he has a business brain, his association with Southampton FC is an indication that he got involved with the wrong business!
Although some footballers may act like robots, it does not mean that they are made by Lymington Precision Engineering!

Mark, Southampton says...
1:11pm Thu 15 May 08

thedelldays wrote:
Mark wrote: For all you Rupert Lowes fans out there, if you truly believe that he is coming back because of the club - you are all so wrong !!! Rupert is coming back to protect his investment, and will strip the club down of any assets that is has, in order to avoid administration. Lowe may have an understanding of how to run a business, but has no idea on how to run a football club. Whilst only 2 managers may have been sacked under his previous tenure, 4 resigned - doesn\'t that tell you something? Also, if people believe that Rupert will come back, get investment and then clear off - you need to wake up !!!!! IF he does get investment, he will somehow still remain part of the club, still keep his shares, with money being ploughed in. This will hopefully then mean better players will be bought and then promotion is a possibility. IF we go up, then the share price goes up and then Rupert has and rupert is quids in, top flight football so the fans will be happy, nothing more will asked......SO WAKE UP RUPERT FANS - WAKE UP !!!!
for someone who has no idea how to run a football club, he has made a mockery of those who apparently do by producing/being involved with a top class academy, uefa 4-star stadium, taking a club like saints (as a PLC) to a cup final, european football... what an easy job it is to be a football chairman... im not a rupert fan, I am a saints fan and am able to shut up and see what happens before i go all militant about this...
Ok, so let me ask you this question:-

When Rupert was OUSTED out, where were the cup finals, european football and premiership then?

Rupert has started our demise and it will continue, whoever is in charge, until investment is found............

dainowel, Bristol says...
1:13pm Thu 15 May 08

SFC4EVA wrote:
Leon you failed disgracefully with after helping to oust lowe 2 years ago with promises of investment and recent BS about being close to securing investment you have disgraced yourself and now Lowe has to come in and sort the finances that you have let get into such a mess!! Welcome back Lowe, please give Nigel the chance he deserves so he can start building today for next season! The 2008/09 season starts today! COYR!
Ignorant fool.
It was Lowe that brought the club to St Marys with a huge debt that the club could not service. It was Lowe who sold all our best players consigning the club to inevitable relegation from the Premiership. It was Lowe, ultimately who was responsible for our dreadful season simply because the club cannot balance the books.
So now the ogre is back and what will he do?
A few suggestions:
Pay himself the biggest salary in the Championship.
Pay himself in more shares to make up the shortfall between what he thinks he is worth and what the club can pay.
Sell Surman,Raziak and Skacel.
Sack Nigel Pearson to appoint a yes man.
Fail to renew contracts of players like Licka and Dyer (who he will sell to the enemy Pompey)
And that just off the top of my head.

What should he be doing?
Resigning as director and chairman, but he wont.
Support Nigel Pearson
Plan properly for next season.

This club is doomed with Lowe at the helm, on his record he simply cannot be trusted.

I commend Leon Crouch for his efforts he was a great chairman and he will be sadly missed.

As for Saints I fear the worst one thing is for sure Lowe neither deserves nor will get a honeymoon period and it says much about the man that he has come back to a club where he is universally hated.

It would not surprize me if he has to receive police protection such is his profile in the community.No that I would approve of violence against his person or anyone else but it has to be said what he has done flies in the face of common decency,ask David Sullivan at Birmingham, or his colleague Gold.

The campaign to oust Lowe starts here and now!!

LOWE OUT!!

Andy P, Bitterne says...
1:14pm Thu 15 May 08

SFC4EVA wrote:
Leon you failed disgracefully with after helping to oust lowe 2 years ago with promises of investment and recent BS about being close to securing investment you have disgraced yourself and now Lowe has to come in and sort the finances that you have let get into such a mess!! Welcome back Lowe, please give Nigel the chance he deserves so he can start building today for next season! The 2008/09 season starts today! COYR!
It is evident from your post that you fail to mention, the flea, who jumps from dog to dog, namely Michael Wilde who also OUSTED the FAILED ONE.

Still at the with the flea working with the cockroach VASTLY reduces the power Lowe had last time around.

And giving the fleas history,he has the power, that Lowe has not got, to get rid of him AGAIN.

HAPPY DAYS

Saints Fan, Soton says...
1:17pm Thu 15 May 08

I believe I have steadied the ship

Leon, we were 20 minutes from relegation. You are a bafoon. Goodbye.

Eaststander, london says...
1:29pm Thu 15 May 08

To one of the probably 2 Lowe life lovers that post under different names please explain something that really frustrates me.

How is Wupert responsible for the saints academy?

J of the Special Branch, New Scotland yards says...
1:34pm Thu 15 May 08

Oh Mark how fickle

"Rupert is coming back to protect his investment",

If that is the case that will be for the good of the club as well as his pocket. If it goes tits up not only will the club benefit so will lowe.
For those vowing not to come back enjoy your future, Im sure I will enjoy the games more with out you lot not attending. I go to football to watch the match not you lot constantly booing the board or players.
Something tells me you will be back next season once we start winning and the dust settles.

Andy P, Bitterne says...
1:35pm Thu 15 May 08

N wrote:
Andy P wrote: Thank you Leon Crouch for all your efforts,it is appreciated by those who actually know a little bit about football! You should be proud of your achievements, and in particular the appointment of Nigel Pearson. But above all,unlike the previous Failure,you cannot be accountable for RELEGATION,you achieved the complete opposite,WELL DONE. Good luck Leon,and l am in no doubt that you will return as Chairman of OUR great club and finnish what you started. THANK YOU.
I always thought that the exact opposite of relegation was promotion, not being in the bottom three on the last day and surviving by the skin of our teeth, having spent all the money in the kitty.
You obviously thought wrong then,N.

The opposite to RELEGATION is survival,giving the circumstances that Saints were in.

Am l right in thinking Saints were not even in the bottom three before the last game against Man Utd, when relegated from the Premiership.

Did not survive that game by skin of our teeth,the appointment of Rednapp made by Lowe was clearly one of many cocked up appointments made by the FAILED ONE.

If he listen to the proper people like Leon did before making all those appointments,we would still be in the Premiership now.

And thats the FAILED ONES biggest problem,he never listens to those who know better.

Mark, Southampton says...
1:41pm Thu 15 May 08

J of the Special Branch wrote:
Oh Mark how fickle \"Rupert is coming back to protect his investment\", If that is the case that will be for the good of the club as well as his pocket. If it goes tits up not only will the club benefit so will lowe. For those vowing not to come back enjoy your future, Im sure I will enjoy the games more with out you lot not attending. I go to football to watch the match not you lot constantly booing the board or players. Something tells me you will be back next season once we start winning and the dust settles.
Already renewed mine - first day they went on sale......

All i want is a stable football club with investmnet from the top down to the bottom....is that too much too ask?

If all of the shareholders spent the same amount of energy looking for investment, rather than taking a swipe at others, we could have been looking at football back in the premiership

Gerald Whiley, Southampton says...
1:41pm Thu 15 May 08

SFC4EVA wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote: A man who was in power when the club had the marketing slogan, \"YOUR TEAM, YOUR WORLD, YOUR ADVENTURE\" but who then stated \"THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG\". In that statement, I gave up my season ticket after 18 years. For those wearing rose-tinted glasses; Lowe does not give a **** for you, the fans... Lowe does not believe that we a fit to question him... Lowe will p*ss on your back, BUT tell you it\'s raining! My 21 years as a Saints fan are at an end. That parasite, that dictator will not receive a penny of my money. As for Michael Wilde; shame on you. You\'re a liar and a traitor.
So bored of hearing people bleat on about how they aren\'t going to support the club anymore if certain people are in charge! I for one will support the club no matter what! It can get frustrating and unenjoyable at times but if you really do love the club then you will stick with them through thick and thin no matter what! So to all these people that say they will no longer support saints and moan that the club will die because of certain people have a little think to yourselves. By not supporting the club you are the ones killing it! Grow up and support the club if not then fine but you obviously dont love it that much and you will not be missed by the people that do care. COYR
Hang on SFC4EVA, Rupert Lowe once stated, "THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG".

Do you realise what that means? He doesn't care for your opinions! He doesn't believe you are entitled to question him - and you are the fan who pays his wages!!!

You talk about love of the club and loyalty but, Rupert Lowe has seriously taken the p*ss of us.

He will pee on your back, but tell you it's raining!

We were all promised the move to St. Mary's would allow us more financial muscle to compete with those teams further up the Premier League...

But do you know this...

NOT ONE PENNY from the Premier League payments, Sky Sports money, sponsorship, the sales of season tickets, match tickets, merchandise, corporate hospitality or catering... NOT ONE PENNY of that ever found its way into the transfer budget for buying players whilst Lowe and Cowans were at the helm.

THAT IS A FACT!!!

Wake-up friend... That is not rain on your back!

Martin Betts, Suffolk says...
1:43pm Thu 15 May 08

Steve Smith wrote:
Leon You have done your best - you are simply not up to the job, a good fan does not make a good chairman. Rupert as much as we don't like him does have some business brains. Rupert get the investment in and get out.
No chance of Rupert just being their for the benefit of the Club, we will probably never see any investment, he probably won't even bother looking.

This man is back where he believes he belongs, and we just have to accept it.

Fred, Southampton says...
1:57pm Thu 15 May 08

I am going to buck the trend of the posts above and say that we should judge dear Rupert,not on his past mistakes, but what he does for the future. Come on, to err is human, but not to admit it, is crass, but Rupert has shown he is above all that.

Therefore, I am prepared to give him seven days in which he has to secure the services of Nigel Pearson, guarantee that no other decent player will be sold, attract the investment into the club that he must have been working on all this time, find a new Chairman and resign.

If he fails to do this in the timescale, I am joining the "LOWE OUT" brigade.

saintorsinner, Fareham says...
1:59pm Thu 15 May 08

Think I will refer to Lowe as Rupert Mugabe from now on - thera are so many similarities. Haven't thought of a name for Wilde yet but Parselmouth springs to mind.

JUDE, london SAINT says...
2:02pm Thu 15 May 08

SFC4EVA wrote:
JUDE wrote: Yesterday I posted factual information regarding Rupert Lowe. The item was posted, with answers supporting my factual information. However, it has been deleted. Proving that the Daily Echo is working in conjunction with the PR team that is Rupert Lowe. Absolutely disgusted with you Daily Echo. You are supposed to be a boardsheet for the people, not a select few whom you choose to support and constantly give \\\"positive\\\" reporting too. I state below facts of yesterdays message. Rupert Lowe\\\'s first game was in 1997 - Investment only, not as a fan. Rupert Lowe in his ten years at our club produced 9 managers and sacked each one of them. in 1997 we were mid table premiership having been there for 18 years. Following Rupert Lowes involvement we were relegated to the Championship. Rupert Lowe put our club into so much debt, all decent players were sold and not replaced. Danny Wallace held a testimonial at St Marys. he was charged out of the money raised by us fans.....for car parking, even though no charge was made to the public. (this was literally thousands of pounds in charges). Danny Wallace was charged out of the money we the fans raised for him for Security on the night.....even though the Security worked for FREE....again thousands and thousands for this was deducted from Danny\\\'s money raised. Danny waited some 9 months following his testimonial for the money raised by us fans. NO INTEREST IN THE MONEY RAISED AND HELD BY RUPERT LOWE WAS EVER EVER PAID TO DANNY WALLACE. Go on Mr Lowe....Deny this factual information. I challenge you too.....Prove to us you are a true fan of our club and step aside now.
Sacked every manager? I think you need to check your facts! Souness - Resigned. Jones - was Suspended due to the strains of the Child abuse case. Technically not fired. Hoddle - Resigned to return to Spurs. Grey - Sacked Strachen - Resigned to take a break from football. Sturrock - left by \'Mutual Consent\' maybe you could say that he was sacked but the offical line was \'Mutual Consent\' Wiggly - Sacked Redknapp - Resigned to return to Pompey Burley - Appointed by Lowe but resigned under Crouch for the Scotland Job To me that make 9 managers appointed by Lowe 2 sacked, 1 suspended, 1 by mutual consent, 4 resigned and 1 resigned under a different chairman. Again, please check your facts! In the Premier League for 18 years in 1997? Again please check your facts! The Premier League only started in August 1995! I don\'t know anything about the Wallace game so won\'t comment. It makes me laugh how people must hate Lowe so much that they make things up or just ignore the real facts. I for one think it is not a bad thing that he is back and hopefully he can steady the companie financally. Also remember that Lowe is going to be PLC chairman and Wilde the Football chairman. COYR!!
Apologies, I got that wrong, and I admit it, if you had seen any of the my other posts, you will see that I have never stated that he sacked them all, it was purely a slip up on my part today, disgruntled with my posts being deleted by the PR men. Apart from that fact, which is the only thing I have got wrong....what else is there.....10 years, 9 managers, came and left....(the reason for this was?)......the most common denominator is Rupert Lowe.....Danny is a member of my family, believe me...those facts are correct.

John B, Bitterne says...
2:03pm Thu 15 May 08

Gerald Whiley wrote:
SFC4EVA wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote: A man who was in power when the club had the marketing slogan, \"YOUR TEAM, YOUR WORLD, YOUR ADVENTURE\" but who then stated \"THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG\". In that statement, I gave up my season ticket after 18 years. For those wearing rose-tinted glasses; Lowe does not give a **** for you, the fans... Lowe does not believe that we a fit to question him... Lowe will p*ss on your back, BUT tell you it\'s raining! My 21 years as a Saints fan are at an end. That parasite, that dictator will not receive a penny of my money. As for Michael Wilde; shame on you. You\'re a liar and a traitor.
So bored of hearing people bleat on about how they aren\'t going to support the club anymore if certain people are in charge! I for one will support the club no matter what! It can get frustrating and unenjoyable at times but if you really do love the club then you will stick with them through thick and thin no matter what! So to all these people that say they will no longer support saints and moan that the club will die because of certain people have a little think to yourselves. By not supporting the club you are the ones killing it! Grow up and support the club if not then fine but you obviously dont love it that much and you will not be missed by the people that do care. COYR
Hang on SFC4EVA, Rupert Lowe once stated, "THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG". Do you realise what that means? He doesn't care for your opinions! He doesn't believe you are entitled to question him - and you are the fan who pays his wages!!! You talk about love of the club and loyalty but, Rupert Lowe has seriously taken the p*ss of us. He will pee on your back, but tell you it's raining! We were all promised the move to St. Mary's would allow us more financial muscle to compete with those teams further up the Premier League... But do you know this... NOT ONE PENNY from the Premier League payments, Sky Sports money, sponsorship, the sales of season tickets, match tickets, merchandise, corporate hospitality or catering... NOT ONE PENNY of that ever found its way into the transfer budget for buying players whilst Lowe and Cowans were at the helm. THAT IS A FACT!!! Wake-up friend... That is not rain on your back!
I dont really know why I am replying to such Garbage as this post but it is so ridiculous in fact the post must be a joke.


rational, says...
2:20pm Thu 15 May 08

Andy P wrote:
N wrote:
Andy P wrote: Thank you Leon Crouch for all your efforts,it is appreciated by those who actually know a little bit about football! You should be proud of your achievements, and in particular the appointment of Nigel Pearson. But above all,unlike the previous Failure,you cannot be accountable for RELEGATION,you achieved the complete opposite,WELL DONE. Good luck Leon,and l am in no doubt that you will return as Chairman of OUR great club and finnish what you started. THANK YOU.
I always thought that the exact opposite of relegation was promotion, not being in the bottom three on the last day and surviving by the skin of our teeth, having spent all the money in the kitty.
You obviously thought wrong then,N. The opposite to RELEGATION is survival,giving the circumstances that Saints were in. Am l right in thinking Saints were not even in the bottom three before the last game against Man Utd, when relegated from the Premiership. Did not survive that game by skin of our teeth,the appointment of Rednapp made by Lowe was clearly one of many cocked up appointments made by the FAILED ONE. If he listen to the proper people like Leon did before making all those appointments,we would still be in the Premiership now. And thats the FAILED ONES biggest problem,he never listens to those who know better.
To listen to the fans is insanity! You only have to look back to when GB left to the discussions here. All had different views on the names being mentioned (huge abuse for Gary Johnson and Tony Pulis - where are they?).

Plus the abuse when Pearson was named.

Jump forward a few weeks to the loan signings of Peery and Lucketti, and more rantings about aging journeymen and Div 1 rejects.

So, no. I would not listen to some of the ill informed rantings of the fans. I would look at the facts and make my decision from there.

John B, Bitterne says...
2:24pm Thu 15 May 08

dainowel wrote:
SFC4EVA wrote: Leon you failed disgracefully with after helping to oust lowe 2 years ago with promises of investment and recent BS about being close to securing investment you have disgraced yourself and now Lowe has to come in and sort the finances that you have let get into such a mess!! Welcome back Lowe, please give Nigel the chance he deserves so he can start building today for next season! The 2008/09 season starts today! COYR!
Ignorant fool. It was Lowe that brought the club to St Marys with a huge debt that the club could not service. It was Lowe who sold all our best players consigning the club to inevitable relegation from the Premiership. It was Lowe, ultimately who was responsible for our dreadful season simply because the club cannot balance the books. So now the ogre is back and what will he do? A few suggestions: Pay himself the biggest salary in the Championship. Pay himself in more shares to make up the shortfall between what he thinks he is worth and what the club can pay. Sell Surman,Raziak and Skacel. Sack Nigel Pearson to appoint a yes man. Fail to renew contracts of players like Licka and Dyer (who he will sell to the enemy Pompey) And that just off the top of my head. What should he be doing? Resigning as director and chairman, but he wont. Support Nigel Pearson Plan properly for next season. This club is doomed with Lowe at the helm, on his record he simply cannot be trusted. I commend Leon Crouch for his efforts he was a great chairman and he will be sadly missed. As for Saints I fear the worst one thing is for sure Lowe neither deserves nor will get a honeymoon period and it says much about the man that he has come back to a club where he is universally hated. It would not surprize me if he has to receive police protection such is his profile in the community.No that I would approve of violence against his person or anyone else but it has to be said what he has done flies in the face of common decency,ask David Sullivan at Birmingham, or his colleague Gold. The campaign to oust Lowe starts here and now!! LOWE OUT!!
This is mindless rubbish which does fit the facts

It was Lowe that brought the club to St Marys with a huge debt that the club could not service. The Payments for the Loan on the Stadium are quite Affordable if the Club is managed properly

Lowe who sold all our best players consigning the club to inevitable relegation from the Premiership. The only player I can think of who Lowe sold was Wayne Bridge who went to Chelsea on a massive wage I don’t think he wanted to stay.

Ultimately who was responsible for our dreadful season simply because the club cannot balance the books How can Lowe be responsible for the previous board’s Financial mismanagement.


Pay himself the biggest salary in the Championship Only a guess not a fact

Pay himself in more shares to make up the shortfall between what he thinks he is worth and what the club can pay. Only a guess not a fact

Sell Surman,Raziak and Skacel May well do but none of these players performed very well last season

Sack Nigel Pearson to appoint a yes man May well do Pearson is not a proven manager who can take teams to the next level
.
Fail to renew contracts of players like Licka and Dyer (who he will sell to the enemy Pompey) Dyer may well go to Portsmouth but they are not the enemy just another team down the road who are doing quite well at the moment Most supporters I believe do not rate Dyer highly Licka may well be given a new contract it depends on the terms if he is asking too much no..


rational, says...
2:33pm Thu 15 May 08

Eaststander wrote:
To one of the probably 2 Lowe life lovers that post under different names please explain something that really frustrates me. How is Wupert responsible for the saints academy?
If you need a history lesson then...

Yes, we had a youth system before. In particular, one generation was suberb, including Le Tiss, Shearer, Wallace brothers, Benali, Maddison, and more.

After that though, it all went a bit quiet, with probably only Matt Oakley of any real note. This coincided with a change in the youth management team.

Jump forward a few years to the Souness year, with Lawrie as Director of Football. The new Chairman, Rupert Lowe, decided the future for a club the size of Saints is a strong academy. Cue disagreement with GS and Lawrie who want all the cash for one or two big names, then stropped off when lowe kept some for building up the academy. He appointed top scouts, coaches and management.

A few years later, the early fruits of this are seen with the first of a new batch of youngsters, Wayne Bridge.

Closely followed by the another goup of the same generation including:
Bale, Baird, Mills, Crainie, Surman, Walcott, Dyer, Best, Blackstock, Jones, Lallana, McGoldrick, Lancashire and many others.

We produced very little in between, as I said probably only Oakley of any note.

More importantly, of the recent bunch, over £40m has already come into the club from those sales, with many more still at the club.

Most of that has come in the last 2 years before you talk about Lowe pocketing any of it.

Oh, and by the way, I am not a Lowe lover (and I am sure there are many more than 2 who do support him.
I am simply a genuine fan, with an opinion of my own, who has an issue with some of the ill-informed rantings and fabricated arguments I see here and on other boards.

Gerald Whiley, Southampton says...
2:36pm Thu 15 May 08

John B wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote:
SFC4EVA wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote: A man who was in power when the club had the marketing slogan, \"YOUR TEAM, YOUR WORLD, YOUR ADVENTURE\" but who then stated \"THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG\". In that statement, I gave up my season ticket after 18 years. For those wearing rose-tinted glasses; Lowe does not give a **** for you, the fans... Lowe does not believe that we a fit to question him... Lowe will p*ss on your back, BUT tell you it\'s raining! My 21 years as a Saints fan are at an end. That parasite, that dictator will not receive a penny of my money. As for Michael Wilde; shame on you. You\'re a liar and a traitor.
So bored of hearing people bleat on about how they aren\'t going to support the club anymore if certain people are in charge! I for one will support the club no matter what! It can get frustrating and unenjoyable at times but if you really do love the club then you will stick with them through thick and thin no matter what! So to all these people that say they will no longer support saints and moan that the club will die because of certain people have a little think to yourselves. By not supporting the club you are the ones killing it! Grow up and support the club if not then fine but you obviously dont love it that much and you will not be missed by the people that do care. COYR
Hang on SFC4EVA, Rupert Lowe once stated, "THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG". Do you realise what that means? He doesn't care for your opinions! He doesn't believe you are entitled to question him - and you are the fan who pays his wages!!! You talk about love of the club and loyalty but, Rupert Lowe has seriously taken the p*ss of us. He will pee on your back, but tell you it's raining! We were all promised the move to St. Mary's would allow us more financial muscle to compete with those teams further up the Premier League... But do you know this... NOT ONE PENNY from the Premier League payments, Sky Sports money, sponsorship, the sales of season tickets, match tickets, merchandise, corporate hospitality or catering... NOT ONE PENNY of that ever found its way into the transfer budget for buying players whilst Lowe and Cowans were at the helm. THAT IS A FACT!!! Wake-up friend... That is not rain on your back!
I dont really know why I am replying to such Garbage as this post but it is so ridiculous in fact the post must be a joke.
Fine, but that is a FACT that NOT ONE PENNY from the Premier League payments, Sky Sports money, sponsorship, the sales of season tickets, match tickets, merchandise, corporate hospitality or catering ever found its way into the transfer budget for buying players whilst Lowe and Cowans were at the helm.

So the next time you buy a season ticket, a shirt, a pie and pint - times it by thousands of fans (who think that money will contribute to the future success of the club) ask yourself; where is your money really going?

Here's another question: the year we were relegated we sold Crouch and Phillips for £8'000'000...

The only player we bought that summer was Ricardo Fuller for £90'000

Where did the balance of £7'910'000 go? As a fan, things like that bother me. I want to support a football team - not a bunch of city-based shareholders!!!

John B, Bitterne says...
3:06pm Thu 15 May 08

Gerald Whiley wrote:
John B wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote:
SFC4EVA wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote: A man who was in power when the club had the marketing slogan, \\\"YOUR TEAM, YOUR WORLD, YOUR ADVENTURE\\\" but who then stated \\\"THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG\\\". In that statement, I gave up my season ticket after 18 years. For those wearing rose-tinted glasses; Lowe does not give a **** for you, the fans... Lowe does not believe that we a fit to question him... Lowe will p*ss on your back, BUT tell you it\\\'s raining! My 21 years as a Saints fan are at an end. That parasite, that dictator will not receive a penny of my money. As for Michael Wilde; shame on you. You\\\'re a liar and a traitor.
So bored of hearing people bleat on about how they aren\\\'t going to support the club anymore if certain people are in charge! I for one will support the club no matter what! It can get frustrating and unenjoyable at times but if you really do love the club then you will stick with them through thick and thin no matter what! So to all these people that say they will no longer support saints and moan that the club will die because of certain people have a little think to yourselves. By not supporting the club you are the ones killing it! Grow up and support the club if not then fine but you obviously dont love it that much and you will not be missed by the people that do care. COYR
Hang on SFC4EVA, Rupert Lowe once stated, \"THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG\". Do you realise what that means? He doesn\'t care for your opinions! He doesn\'t believe you are entitled to question him - and you are the fan who pays his wages!!! You talk about love of the club and loyalty but, Rupert Lowe has seriously taken the p*ss of us. He will pee on your back, but tell you it\'s raining! We were all promised the move to St. Mary\'s would allow us more financial muscle to compete with those teams further up the Premier League... But do you know this... NOT ONE PENNY from the Premier League payments, Sky Sports money, sponsorship, the sales of season tickets, match tickets, merchandise, corporate hospitality or catering... NOT ONE PENNY of that ever found its way into the transfer budget for buying players whilst Lowe and Cowans were at the helm. THAT IS A FACT!!! Wake-up friend... That is not rain on your back!
I dont really know why I am replying to such Garbage as this post but it is so ridiculous in fact the post must be a joke.
Fine, but that is a FACT that NOT ONE PENNY from the Premier League payments, Sky Sports money, sponsorship, the sales of season tickets, match tickets, merchandise, corporate hospitality or catering ever found its way into the transfer budget for buying players whilst Lowe and Cowans were at the helm. So the next time you buy a season ticket, a shirt, a pie and pint - times it by thousands of fans (who think that money will contribute to the future success of the club) ask yourself; where is your money really going? Here\'s another question: the year we were relegated we sold Crouch and Phillips for £8\'000\'000... The only player we bought that summer was Ricardo Fuller for £90\'000 Where did the balance of £7\'910\'000 go? As a fan, things like that bother me. I want to support a football team - not a bunch of city-based shareholders!!!
If you really want to know look at Audited Accounts.

I expect the money went on wages.

When we were in the Premiership we had money coming in from Sky but not when are in the Championship

Niemmi Redknapp Lundekvam Ormerod Delap etc would have been on a Million £ a year at least

Tracey, Southampton says...
3:27pm Thu 15 May 08

Gerald Whiley wrote:
John B wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote:
SFC4EVA wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote: A man who was in power when the club had the marketing slogan, \"YOUR TEAM, YOUR WORLD, YOUR ADVENTURE\" but who then stated \"THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG\". In that statement, I gave up my season ticket after 18 years. For those wearing rose-tinted glasses; Lowe does not give a **** for you, the fans... Lowe does not believe that we a fit to question him... Lowe will p*ss on your back, BUT tell you it\'s raining! My 21 years as a Saints fan are at an end. That parasite, that dictator will not receive a penny of my money. As for Michael Wilde; shame on you. You\'re a liar and a traitor.
So bored of hearing people bleat on about how they aren\'t going to support the club anymore if certain people are in charge! I for one will support the club no matter what! It can get frustrating and unenjoyable at times but if you really do love the club then you will stick with them through thick and thin no matter what! So to all these people that say they will no longer support saints and moan that the club will die because of certain people have a little think to yourselves. By not supporting the club you are the ones killing it! Grow up and support the club if not then fine but you obviously dont love it that much and you will not be missed by the people that do care. COYR
Hang on SFC4EVA, Rupert Lowe once stated, "THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG". Do you realise what that means? He doesn't care for your opinions! He doesn't believe you are entitled to question him - and you are the fan who pays his wages!!! You talk about love of the club and loyalty but, Rupert Lowe has seriously taken the p*ss of us. He will pee on your back, but tell you it's raining! We were all promised the move to St. Mary's would allow us more financial muscle to compete with those teams further up the Premier League... But do you know this... NOT ONE PENNY from the Premier League payments, Sky Sports money, sponsorship, the sales of season tickets, match tickets, merchandise, corporate hospitality or catering... NOT ONE PENNY of that ever found its way into the transfer budget for buying players whilst Lowe and Cowans were at the helm. THAT IS A FACT!!! Wake-up friend... That is not rain on your back!
I dont really know why I am replying to such Garbage as this post but it is so ridiculous in fact the post must be a joke.
Fine, but that is a FACT that NOT ONE PENNY from the Premier League payments, Sky Sports money, sponsorship, the sales of season tickets, match tickets, merchandise, corporate hospitality or catering ever found its way into the transfer budget for buying players whilst Lowe and Cowans were at the helm. So the next time you buy a season ticket, a shirt, a pie and pint - times it by thousands of fans (who think that money will contribute to the future success of the club) ask yourself; where is your money really going? Here's another question: the year we were relegated we sold Crouch and Phillips for £8'000'000... The only player we bought that summer was Ricardo Fuller for £90'000 Where did the balance of £7'910'000 go? As a fan, things like that bother me. I want to support a football team - not a bunch of city-based shareholders!!!
To much to assume players and staff needed to be paid from the remaining £7.9 million? Also there is the mortgage on the stadium and other expenses.

J of the Special Branch, The Scene of the Crime says...
3:56pm Thu 15 May 08

Jude

I have heard different stories about the danny Wallace money. I understand the Inland revenue has a say in what tax and vat ext had to be paid on the night. Rupes didnt make the rules and then their was Police and stewards pay to consider. Only certain aspects of testimonial matches are exempt VAT and tax.

On a similar vein one thing that has always bugged me, was why Didnt manchester United do something for Danny, After all he left us to join them. Instead it was good old saints that arranged the match not the really big boys of the footballing world.

Saints Fan, says...
4:10pm Thu 15 May 08

To much to assume players and staff needed to be paid from the remaining £7.9 million? Also there is the mortgage on the stadium and other expenses.

For goodness sake Tracey, don't confuse these people with little things like facts, it tends to confuse them.

Ric Flair, says...
4:42pm Thu 15 May 08

Just heard on skysports that someone has just assaulted Rupert Lowe

As he was heading to his car, a person who was standing 6 feet 12 tall attacked him from behind.

He is now in hospital with fractured ribs and a broken cheekbone with a battered up nose.

He has also broken his leg and arm, Which means may never walk again

Ken Kerchaval, says...
4:58pm Thu 15 May 08

Ric Flair wrote:
Just heard on skysports that someone has just assaulted Rupert Lowe As he was heading to his car, a person who was standing 6 feet 12 tall attacked him from behind. He is now in hospital with fractured ribs and a broken cheekbone with a battered up nose. He has also broken his leg and arm, Which means may never walk again
Who's in hospital, the 7 foot tall bloke or Lowe?

(By the way as you're hard of thinking, I do know this is a wind up)

saints fc tops for fans, hants says...
5:07pm Thu 15 May 08

FOR GOD SAKE ALL YOU SO CALLED FANS ANTI LOWE OR PRO LOWE, HE IS HERE. AND NOT ONE THING WILL MAKE HIM GO IM AFAID AND YET AGAIN WILL WILL BE THE BIGGEST JOKE IN FOOTBALL YOU SEEN THE PAPERS .....AND IM A SEASON TICKET HOLDER... ILL BE THERE, TO SEE US PLAY WITH THE LIKES OF NEW PLAYERS JO BLOGGS ETC COME ON SAINTS

Andy P, Bitterne says...
5:34pm Thu 15 May 08

rational wrote:
Andy P wrote:
N wrote:
Andy P wrote: Thank you Leon Crouch for all your efforts,it is appreciated by those who actually know a little bit about football! You should be proud of your achievements, and in particular the appointment of Nigel Pearson. But above all,unlike the previous Failure,you cannot be accountable for RELEGATION,you achieved the complete opposite,WELL DONE. Good luck Leon,and l am in no doubt that you will return as Chairman of OUR great club and finnish what you started. THANK YOU.
I always thought that the exact opposite of relegation was promotion, not being in the bottom three on the last day and surviving by the skin of our teeth, having spent all the money in the kitty.
You obviously thought wrong then,N. The opposite to RELEGATION is survival,giving the circumstances that Saints were in. Am l right in thinking Saints were not even in the bottom three before the last game against Man Utd, when relegated from the Premiership. Did not survive that game by skin of our teeth,the appointment of Rednapp made by Lowe was clearly one of many cocked up appointments made by the FAILED ONE. If he listen to the proper people like Leon did before making all those appointments,we would still be in the Premiership now. And thats the FAILED ONES biggest problem,he never listens to those who know better.
To listen to the fans is insanity! You only have to look back to when GB left to the discussions here. All had different views on the names being mentioned (huge abuse for Gary Johnson and Tony Pulis - where are they?). Plus the abuse when Pearson was named. Jump forward a few weeks to the loan signings of Peery and Lucketti, and more rantings about aging journeymen and Div 1 rejects. So, no. I would not listen to some of the ill informed rantings of the fans. I would look at the facts and make my decision from there.
Oh clueless one,you are missing the point.

Who mentioned the fans advising Crouch on who to appoint.

Unlike Lowe,he listened to people within the game with experience,one of those probably being, Lawrie Mac MBE.

He listen, took advice and made his decision, which in the end was the correct appointment.

Lowe likes his own voice and he would never listen or take the relevent advice from those who obviously knew better, and because of his ignorance not only did this lead to ten managers in as many years,Lowe thought the likes of Drogba and Adebayor WERE NOT WORTH THE TRANSFER FEES.


lowe is a skate, eton says...
6:32pm Thu 15 May 08

Mark wrote:
John B wrote:
Mark wrote: For all you Rupert Lowes fans out there, if you truly believe that he is coming back because of the club - you are all so wrong !!! Rupert is coming back to protect his investment, and will strip the club down of any assets that is has, in order to avoid administration. Lowe may have an understanding of how to run a business, but has no idea on how to run a football club. Whilst only 2 managers may have been sacked under his previous tenure, 4 resigned - doesn\\\\\\\'t that tell you something? Also, if people believe that Rupert will come back, get investment and then clear off - you need to wake up !!!!! IF he does get investment, he will somehow still remain part of the club, still keep his shares, with money being ploughed in. This will hopefully then mean better players will be bought and then promotion is a possibility. IF we go up, then the share price goes up and then Rupert has and rupert is quids in, top flight football so the fans will be happy, nothing more will asked......SO WAKE UP RUPERT FANS - WAKE UP !!!!
Another Post which contains no facts just biased thoughts. Fact Hoddle resigned to go to Spurs Fact Strachan Resigned as wanted time out of Football
If you think Gordon Strachan left because he wanted time out of football, you are very gullable. Strachan went because there was a lack of investment in players.......Strach an wanted to take us to the next level - rupert wouldn't splash out - end of.............
spot on mark, if lowe had stopped penny pinching when we reached the fa cup final and finished 7/8th in the league, and backed strachan with £15/20 million,alot i know, but with the revenue earnt that season it wouldnt have busted us,then im sure we would be far less likely to have been relagated.look what the skates have achieved by speculating to accumulate!instead he chose the cheap option!thanks for precisely nothing mr lowe,your not bigger than saints,as much as you would like to believe.the sooner you get out of this club the better!rupert out rupert out rupert out
coyr

Tracey, Southampton says...
7:15pm Thu 15 May 08

lowe is a skate wrote:
Mark wrote:
John B wrote:
Mark wrote: For all you Rupert Lowes fans out there, if you truly believe that he is coming back because of the club - you are all so wrong !!! Rupert is coming back to protect his investment, and will strip the club down of any assets that is has, in order to avoid administration. Lowe may have an understanding of how to run a business, but has no idea on how to run a football club. Whilst only 2 managers may have been sacked under his previous tenure, 4 resigned - doesn\\\\\\\'t that tell you something? Also, if people believe that Rupert will come back, get investment and then clear off - you need to wake up !!!!! IF he does get investment, he will somehow still remain part of the club, still keep his shares, with money being ploughed in. This will hopefully then mean better players will be bought and then promotion is a possibility. IF we go up, then the share price goes up and then Rupert has and rupert is quids in, top flight football so the fans will be happy, nothing more will asked......SO WAKE UP RUPERT FANS - WAKE UP !!!!
Another Post which contains no facts just biased thoughts. Fact Hoddle resigned to go to Spurs Fact Strachan Resigned as wanted time out of Football
If you think Gordon Strachan left because he wanted time out of football, you are very gullable. Strachan went because there was a lack of investment in players.......Strach an wanted to take us to the next level - rupert wouldn't splash out - end of.............
spot on mark, if lowe had stopped penny pinching when we reached the fa cup final and finished 7/8th in the league, and backed strachan with £15/20 million,alot i know, but with the revenue earnt that season it wouldnt have busted us,then im sure we would be far less likely to have been relagated.look what the skates have achieved by speculating to accumulate!instead he chose the cheap option!thanks for precisely nothing mr lowe,your not bigger than saints,as much as you would like to believe.the sooner you get out of this club the better!rupert out rupert out rupert out coyr
Did Saints have £15/20 million to spend? Its all very well demanding that the chairman open the cheque book but he cant spend money that isn't in the account.

John B, Bitterne says...
7:50pm Thu 15 May 08

lowe is a skate wrote:
Mark wrote:
John B wrote:
Mark wrote: For all you Rupert Lowes fans out there, if you truly believe that he is coming back because of the club - you are all so wrong !!! Rupert is coming back to protect his investment, and will strip the club down of any assets that is has, in order to avoid administration. Lowe may have an understanding of how to run a business, but has no idea on how to run a football club. Whilst only 2 managers may have been sacked under his previous tenure, 4 resigned - doesn\\\\\\\'t that tell you something? Also, if people believe that Rupert will come back, get investment and then clear off - you need to wake up !!!!! IF he does get investment, he will somehow still remain part of the club, still keep his shares, with money being ploughed in. This will hopefully then mean better players will be bought and then promotion is a possibility. IF we go up, then the share price goes up and then Rupert has and rupert is quids in, top flight football so the fans will be happy, nothing more will asked......SO WAKE UP RUPERT FANS - WAKE UP !!!!
Another Post which contains no facts just biased thoughts. Fact Hoddle resigned to go to Spurs Fact Strachan Resigned as wanted time out of Football
If you think Gordon Strachan left because he wanted time out of football, you are very gullable. Strachan went because there was a lack of investment in players.......Strach an wanted to take us to the next level - rupert wouldn't splash out - end of.............
spot on mark, if lowe had stopped penny pinching when we reached the fa cup final and finished 7/8th in the league, and backed strachan with £15/20 million,alot i know, but with the revenue earnt that season it wouldnt have busted us,then im sure we would be far less likely to have been relagated.look what the skates have achieved by speculating to accumulate!instead he chose the cheap option!thanks for precisely nothing mr lowe,your not bigger than saints,as much as you would like to believe.the sooner you get out of this club the better!rupert out rupert out rupert out coyr
Why only 20 million why not 50 million

Because we did not have it and whats more there is no guarntees with that sort of money we would be able to recoup it back look at West Ham and Man City.

Also look at Leeds United spending vast sums of money they did not have

Tracey, Southampton says...
9:47pm Thu 15 May 08

Saints Fan wrote:
To much to assume players and staff needed to be paid from the remaining £7.9 million? Also there is the mortgage on the stadium and other expenses. For goodness sake Tracey, don't confuse these people with little things like facts, it tends to confuse them.
Saints fan, yep I have noticed lol.

crew 657., new forest says...
12:11am Fri 16 May 08

Andy P wrote:
Thank you Leon Crouch for all your efforts,it is appreciated by those who actually know a little bit about football!

You should be proud of your achievements, and in particular the appointment of Nigel Pearson.

But above all,unlike the previous Failure,you cannot be accountable for RELEGATION,you achieved the complete opposite,WELL DONE.

Good luck Leon,and l am in no doubt that you will return as Chairman of OUR great club and finnish what you started.

THANK YOU.
what do you know about football...youre a scummer

Tracey, Southampton says...
2:08am Fri 16 May 08

lowe is a skate wrote:
Mark wrote:
John B wrote:
Mark wrote: For all you Rupert Lowes fans out there, if you truly believe that he is coming back because of the club - you are all so wrong !!! Rupert is coming back to protect his investment, and will strip the club down of any assets that is has, in order to avoid administration. Lowe may have an understanding of how to run a business, but has no idea on how to run a football club. Whilst only 2 managers may have been sacked under his previous tenure, 4 resigned - doesn\\\\\\\'t that tell you something? Also, if people believe that Rupert will come back, get investment and then clear off - you need to wake up !!!!! IF he does get investment, he will somehow still remain part of the club, still keep his shares, with money being ploughed in. This will hopefully then mean better players will be bought and then promotion is a possibility. IF we go up, then the share price goes up and then Rupert has and rupert is quids in, top flight football so the fans will be happy, nothing more will asked......SO WAKE UP RUPERT FANS - WAKE UP !!!!
Another Post which contains no facts just biased thoughts. Fact Hoddle resigned to go to Spurs Fact Strachan Resigned as wanted time out of Football
If you think Gordon Strachan left because he wanted time out of football, you are very gullable. Strachan went because there was a lack of investment in players.......Strach an wanted to take us to the next level - rupert wouldn't splash out - end of.............
spot on mark, if lowe had stopped penny pinching when we reached the fa cup final and finished 7/8th in the league, and backed strachan with £15/20 million,alot i know, but with the revenue earnt that season it wouldnt have busted us,then im sure we would be far less likely to have been relagated.look what the skates have achieved by speculating to accumulate!instead he chose the cheap option!thanks for precisely nothing mr lowe,your not bigger than saints,as much as you would like to believe.the sooner you get out of this club the better!rupert out rupert out rupert out coyr
"look what the skates have achieved by speculating to accumulate"

Pompey have a rich sugar daddy though and on South today yesterday he talked briefly about the clubs debts.

billybeerbelly, says...
2:41am Sat 17 May 08

John B wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote:
John B wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote:
SFC4EVA wrote:
Gerald Whiley wrote: A man who was in power when the club had the marketing slogan, \\\\\\\"YOUR TEAM, YOUR WORLD, YOUR ADVENTURE\\\\\\\" but who then stated \\\\\\\"THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG\\\\\\\". In that statement, I gave up my season ticket after 18 years. For those wearing rose-tinted glasses; Lowe does not give a **** for you, the fans... Lowe does not believe that we a fit to question him... Lowe will p*ss on your back, BUT tell you it\\\\\\\'s raining! My 21 years as a Saints fan are at an end. That parasite, that dictator will not receive a penny of my money. As for Michael Wilde; shame on you. You\\\\\\\'re a liar and a traitor.
So bored of hearing people bleat on about how they aren\\\\\\\'t going to support the club anymore if certain people are in charge! I for one will support the club no matter what! It can get frustrating and unenjoyable at times but if you really do love the club then you will stick with them through thick and thin no matter what! So to all these people that say they will no longer support saints and moan that the club will die because of certain people have a little think to yourselves. By not supporting the club you are the ones killing it! Grow up and support the club if not then fine but you obviously dont love it that much and you will not be missed by the people that do care. COYR
Hang on SFC4EVA, Rupert Lowe once stated, \\\"THE POPULARIST OPINION IS USUALLY WRONG AND THE OPINION OF THE CROWD IS ALWAYS WRONG\\\". Do you realise what that means? He doesn\\\'t care for your opinions! He doesn\\\'t believe you are entitled to question him - and you are the fan who pays his wages!!! You talk about love of the club and loyalty but, Rupert Lowe has seriously taken the p*ss of us. He will pee on your back, but tell you it\\\'s raining! We were all promised the move to St. Mary\\\'s would allow us more financial muscle to compete with those teams further up the Premier League... But do you know this... NOT ONE PENNY from the Premier League payments, Sky Sports money, sponsorship, the sales of season tickets, match tickets, merchandise, corporate hospitality or catering... NOT ONE PENNY of that ever found its way into the transfer budget for buying players whilst Lowe and Cowans were at the helm. THAT IS A FACT!!! Wake-up friend... That is not rain on your back!
I dont really know why I am replying to such Garbage as this post but it is so ridiculous in fact the post must be a joke.
Fine, but that is a FACT that NOT ONE PENNY from the Premier League payments, Sky Sports money, sponsorship, the sales of season tickets, match tickets, merchandise, corporate hospitality or catering ever found its way into the transfer budget for buying players whilst Lowe and Cowans were at the helm. So the next time you buy a season ticket, a shirt, a pie and pint - times it by thousands of fans (who think that money will contribute to the future success of the club) ask yourself; where is your money really going? Here\\\'s another question: the year we were relegated we sold Crouch and Phillips for £8\\\'000\\\'000... The only player we bought that summer was Ricardo Fuller for £90\\\'000 Where did the balance of £7\\\'910\\\'000 go? As a fan, things like that bother me. I want to support a football team - not a bunch of city-based shareholders!!!
If you really want to know look at Audited Accounts. I expect the money went on wages. When we were in the Premiership we had money coming in from Sky but not when are in the Championship Niemmi Redknapp Lundekvam Ormerod Delap etc would have been on a Million £ a year at least
What a load of pap, Beats was the highest paid player on £18k pw

Robbie, Fareham says...
9:18am Thu 22 May 08

For those vowing not to come back enjoy your future, Im sure I will enjoy the games more with out you lot not attending. I go to football to watch the match not you lot constantly booing the board or players.
Something tells me you will be back next season once we start winning and the dust settles.


Get your head out of the sand!Anyone who pays into the club has a right to express an opinion. If enough people walked out and didn't return then the club would fold in a matter of weeks. Who wins then though?? certainly not the football fans. Lowe knows this and he thinks that it gives him carte blanche to do as he likes. Lowes arrogance will be his undoing though. Reading through the streams on this and other articles, it is obvious that there is a lot of feeling over a number of issues. The general feeling can be split into 2 main groups.
(A)Those who want Lowe out, and list his shortcomings. Let's look at it. His record with managers (no one asks why a manager that has taken a club to an FA Cup final, and a finish of 8th in the top flight would suddenly want to take time out from football. The fiasco with Redknapp was just foolish pride, hoping to get one over Mandaric.)His stinginess with the cheque book when it comes to buying players (Running costs CAN'T account for ALL the transfer money that your club has received over the years. If they do, settle for prawn sandwiches instead of caviar, and switch the floodlights off between matches, you'll save a fortune on the electric!!!)His anticipated reluctance to attract investment ( He's top dog, is he really going to want to share his toy with the other boys in the playground??) are all pertinent opinions, and based on his track record, fans are entitiled to be aprehensive about the next phase of the club.
(B) those who don't want Lowe out. They say he is a business man. Where has all this debt come from then? It didn't miraculously appear the night he left first time, did it? Any businessman will tell you that to stay at the top, you need to invest. A nice shiny factory is no use if the machines inside it are rusty and decrepit. The only other line that seems to come out is to say that he's here and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
I say that everyone has a right to say their piece. My wife is a shareholder, and is outraged with the state of this club. And as it's my wallet she dips into to support your club, I also have a right to say my piece. Mr Lowe is a liability, and as long as he's around, this club will not attract the investment it so badly needs. I live in Fareham, surrounded by Portsmouth fans. real fans and Fair Weather Fans, and we discuss football at length. The decent fans don't want to see Saints in this predicament. It isn't good for anyone. But just sitting there looking for the silver lining won't do any good. How long are you prepared to wait to see how LOwe gets on? Don't take too long, or the next time you turn up at St Mary's, they'll be building flats on it.

Comments are closed on this article.

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