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8:00am Friday 30th May 2008
Comments (146) Have your say »
Michael Wilde and Rupert Lowe have outlined their vision for the future of Saints after sensationally naming Jan Poortvliet as the club's head coach.
The Dutch 1978 World Cup finalist will head up a four-man coaching team that also includes another Dutchman, Mark Woote, as well as academy coach David Hockaday and reserve team boss Stewart Henderson.
Poortvliet and Woote replace Nigel Pearson, whose contract will not be renewed this summer after just 14 games in charge.
However, this is not just a straightforward change of manager.
Saints say they are trying to break away from the gaffer culture' and introduce a continental approach to the club, with the academy players training alongside the first team to try and ensure a seamless transition between the two.
The moves have been driven by a number of factors but one of the most pressing is money.
Both Poortvliet and Woote have agreed to join on modest contracts - combined much less than Pearson's salary - but with big incentives for success.
Also with the wage bill being slashed at St Mary's and money to spend on players virtually non-existent, it is being described as the way to safeguard the future of the club.
Football board chairman Wilde said: "A major priority since taking control of the club has been to resolve the manager and coaching situation and to that end we had to look at the financial restrictions in which we're operating.
"Having established those, we held a meeting with Nigel which was extremely constructive and helpful and the board were impressed with what Nigel had to say.
"We're sure he will be a well respected manager in the future at whatever club he ultimately goes to.
"However, the board have been looking closely at the situation on the playing side of the club whereby we are inevitably going to have to depend to a large extent on the quality of our youngsters in the academy and the reserve team, who we believe are of extremely good quality and will have a big role to play in the team next season.
"Bearing in mind the financial restrictions, the board have decided to implement a coaching structure which will optimise the potential of the youngsters that are within the club.
"Our view on that was that we would need to adopt a European style coaching system led by a head coach with the objective of linking the academy to the first team, so that in essence all the players are going to be training and working together under the eye of the head coach.
"The board believe that this will create opportunities for our younger players which might not occur within the traditional English management structure.
"The objective will be that if players are good enough they will be able to play or develop in accordance with their capabilities."
There will be sympathy for Pearson, though.
Despite a record of just three wins in his 14 games, he was hailed a hero after Saints avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season.
"We're extremely grateful for Nigel's contribution," added Wilde.
"He came to the club at a time of crisis and through his hard work and commitment we were narrowly able to avoid relegation on the last day."
Wilde and Lowe's Saints vision in full - don't miss today's Daily Echo.
alpine_saint, Southampton says...
8:06am Fri 30 May 08
Wazza, says...
8:14am Fri 30 May 08
Daniel, soton says...
8:21am Fri 30 May 08
alpine_saint, Soton says...
8:27am Fri 30 May 08
Wazza wrote:Yep, fantastic start from Roops and co. Straight back into the arrogant "I know best" routine...
Why hasn't Lowe learnt after the appointment of Wigley, Grey and Sir Clive that the unconventional 'European approach' of not having a gaffer DOESN'T WORK. We are not in a position to be doing this. We should be consolidating out (weak) position within a very competitive league with a good old fashioned Gaffer (NP). What contacts does Jan Poortvliet have in England? What knowledge / experience does Jan Poortvliet have of the Championship? What chants can the Northam end put into action with the name Jan Poortvliet?! LOWE HAS GOT HIS FIRST DECISION, THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION, WRONG. It will be interesting to see the pro Lowe fans amongst us spin this one out!
alpine_saint, Soton says...
8:31am Fri 30 May 08
John B, Bitterne says...
8:32am Fri 30 May 08
George, Weston-super-Mare says...
8:33am Fri 30 May 08
Jesus_02, Kingsland says...
8:40am Fri 30 May 08
KDog, St. Marys says...
8:43am Fri 30 May 08
KEITH, southampton says...
8:44am Fri 30 May 08
alpine_saint, Soton says...
8:47am Fri 30 May 08
steve, @work says...
8:48am Fri 30 May 08
Rich, London says...
8:50am Fri 30 May 08
SFC4EVA, Soton says...
8:54am Fri 30 May 08
Jamie, London says...
8:54am Fri 30 May 08
SaintTW, Southampton says...
8:55am Fri 30 May 08
saintorsinner, Fareham says...
8:56am Fri 30 May 08
George Burley, Scotland says...
8:56am Fri 30 May 08
Mark Grant, Southampton says...
8:59am Fri 30 May 08
paul, peterborough says...
9:00am Fri 30 May 08
elvis, says...
9:02am Fri 30 May 08
Ray, Eastleigh says...
9:02am Fri 30 May 08
John B wrote:THOUGHT YOU'D BE HAPPY WITH IT RUPERT
Seems OK to me Pearson never set the world on fire
b singh, southampton says...
9:05am Fri 30 May 08
John, Southampton says...
9:05am Fri 30 May 08
Julian Robinson, says...
9:05am Fri 30 May 08
Major Sir Jerry Pending, Ward 10 says...
9:10am Fri 30 May 08
Pete, London says...
9:13am Fri 30 May 08
alan, eastleigh says...
9:14am Fri 30 May 08
Saint Ash, At work says...
9:17am Fri 30 May 08
Eaststander, london says...
9:18am Fri 30 May 08
Taylor, southampton says...
9:19am Fri 30 May 08
Simon Templar, Woolston says...
9:19am Fri 30 May 08
Saint Ash wrote:Saint or SFC in your username - check
Unbelivable.
When NP was named as manager, howl's of anger and despair!
Then, all of a sudden, he's the best thing since WGS!
The number of post's slagging this bloke off BEFORE we've even heard a peep out of him, WHAT CHANCE HAS HE GOT?
I would of been happy for NP to carry on from last season, because there was a definate improvement in the team attitude and spirit.
But let's face it, the "howl's of anger are mainly down to this being a Wupert appoinment.
You don't need to be that bright up stairs to realise that with this blokes experience in Dutch football,from playing International football and managing across all levels of the game, he must have something about him!
If we don't support him as fans, what chance does he have? NONE!
But if we at least give him a chance to speak, give us his vision for OUR future, tell us what his plans are for the Accademy players, what players he can bring in from Holland, we must surely owe him that as he's our new Manager.
How can we be so negative when we know jack sh1t about him?
Come on for Christ sake,let's not go jumping of the Itchen bridge just yet.
COYR
Bo Bedre, uk says...
9:20am Fri 30 May 08
Overton Saint, Overton says...
9:21am Fri 30 May 08
saints forever, southampton says...
9:23am Fri 30 May 08
Simon Templar, Woolston says...
9:25am Fri 30 May 08
saints forever wrote:Saint or SFC in your username - check
COME ON PEOPLE - take your intolerance goggles off and look at facts
1. Pearsons record was terrible. He kept us up but only just ! and it was other games going are way. If Pearson stayed and we lost our first 13 games you would blame the board !!!
2. This Dutch duo have a well proven record
3. Some of you need a reality check on the fact that football is a business now...if you dont like it go watch local games, but professional era means money....no money no team so YOUR actions by not renewing your ST will drive Saints down into League 1 quicker that any managerial appointment
Andy Price, London says...
9:27am Fri 30 May 08
Bitterne Park Tim, Bitterne Park says...
9:29am Fri 30 May 08
saintorsinner, Fareham says...
9:30am Fri 30 May 08
Saint Ash wrote:Saint Ash. Your comments sound reasonable and could have been made after the appointment of Wigley, Sturrock or Gray. It's the failure to learn from the club's immediate history that is worrying most people and quite rightly so, given Lowe's track record! In my opinion, the last thing the club needs now is more instability, more experimentation and another manager! Just as an aside, the official site is now banging on about relying on youth to get us promoted but who scored the goal to get Hull into the Prem?
Unbelivable. When NP was named as manager, howl's of anger and despair! Then, all of a sudden, he's the best thing since WGS! The number of post's slagging this bloke off BEFORE we've even heard a peep out of him, WHAT CHANCE HAS HE GOT? I would of been happy for NP to carry on from last season, because there was a definate improvement in the team attitude and spirit. But let's face it, the "howl's of anger are mainly down to this being a Wupert appoinment. You don't need to be that bright up stairs to realise that with this blokes experience in Dutch football,from playing International football and managing across all levels of the game, he must have something about him! If we don't support him as fans, what chance does he have? NONE! But if we at least give him a chance to speak, give us his vision for OUR future, tell us what his plans are for the Accademy players, what players he can bring in from Holland, we must surely owe him that as he's our new Manager. How can we be so negative when we know jack sh1t about him? Come on for Christ sake,let's not go jumping of the Itchen bridge just yet. COYR
Taylor, says...
9:31am Fri 30 May 08
SFC4EVA wrote:well said, Thanks nigel
Thank you for all your hard work last season Nigel! You were superb.
As for people slatting the Boards choice. Give it chance to show us what it can do before getting their backs. They may know something we don't.
Good luck for the future Nigel.
COYR! The building starts today! (where is the retained lists?!)
Robbie, Fareham says...
9:33am Fri 30 May 08
Snopper, Kent says...
9:37am Fri 30 May 08
SAINT mark, Just to get a reaction from ST says...
9:40am Fri 30 May 08
Simon Templar wrote:Simon (like that's your real name!), why do you not ever respond when someone comments on one of your posts. I for one would like to know why you do not feel that slagging of people with "saint" of "SFC" and calling them PR plants and then using a name like "Simon Templar" is not hypocritical!
Saint Ash wrote:Saint or SFC in your username - check
Unbelivable.
When NP was named as manager, howl's of anger and despair!
Then, all of a sudden, he's the best thing since WGS!
The number of post's slagging this bloke off BEFORE we've even heard a peep out of him, WHAT CHANCE HAS HE GOT?
I would of been happy for NP to carry on from last season, because there was a definate improvement in the team attitude and spirit.
But let's face it, the "howl's of anger are mainly down to this being a Wupert appoinment.
You don't need to be that bright up stairs to realise that with this blokes experience in Dutch football,from playing International football and managing across all levels of the game, he must have something about him!
If we don't support him as fans, what chance does he have? NONE!
But if we at least give him a chance to speak, give us his vision for OUR future, tell us what his plans are for the Accademy players, what players he can bring in from Holland, we must surely owe him that as he's our new Manager.
How can we be so negative when we know jack sh1t about him?
Come on for Christ sake,let's not go jumping of the Itchen bridge just yet.
COYR
Passionate post about getting behind Saints and how all is not bad - check
COYR or other trite acronym in signature - check
PR Plant - Check
Layabout, Lordshill says...
9:40am Fri 30 May 08
George wrote:Bourbons are biscuits George. What the hell have biscuits got to do with football?
Like the Bourbons who returned to the French throne in 1815 and their aristocratic companions 'they have learnt nothing and forgotten nothing'
Bitterne Park Tim, Bitterne Park says...
9:40am Fri 30 May 08
Snopper wrote:Well, at your age the trip from kent was probably exhausting, maybe go see Charlton?
That`s it for me! I saw my first Saints game in 1946 but I haven`t renewed my ST for the first time in years thanks to three things. The first is the return of Lowe and Wilde to fail yet again; the second, the antics of Dyer and BWP which brought yet more embarrassment to the club and lastly the dismissal of Nigel Pearson. Enough is at last enough!
saints in dorset, poole says...
9:45am Fri 30 May 08
Sparky, Hedge End says...
9:46am Fri 30 May 08
Artful Dodger, Millbrook says...
9:47am Fri 30 May 08
threestands, Bournemouth says...
9:53am Fri 30 May 08
Robbie wrote:Only three wins in 14 for Pearson, including a 5 - 0 hammering at Hull. Hey, guess what the response to his appointment would have been if he had been bought in by RL ?????
I am almost beyond commenting now. The clubs supporters have been split into 2 groups recently. Those who support Lowe and Wilde, and those who don't. Entitlement to opinions is what everything is about, but over the last few weeks, both sides appeared to agree on one thing. Keeping Pearson was a priority. Pearson wasn't flamboyant or flash (with the mountain he was left to climb, he didn't have time to be)but he got the players on the field looking like footballers again. they grafted for him, and got the results that were needed. Three wins isn't a lot, but more importantly, the players were trying again. I can watch a team play its heart out and still lose much more than I can watch players only putting 50-60% into a game (and still lose). The team went to West Brom (AND TOOK THE LEAD!!!!)but I suppose that a draw was a result that anyone would have taken at the kick off. The close season would have been the time to build up what Pearson needed though, and I would imagine that pre-season training would have been a major fitness session. Something that Saints lacked under Burley. I wish Nigel Pearson all the best in his new job. Based on what he showed at So'ton, he won't be out of a job for long. I don't know whether my wife will return her season ticket yet. No doubt she'll tell me when I get back from work this afternoon. I wouldn't blame her though if she cancelled her Direct Debit as well. Now is not the time to try this 'Head Coach' or 'Continental' appraoch. The Championship is a physical league, and I fear that the board should have tried to keep Pearson a bit harder. When it comes to discussing how tight the belt is, I haven't heard any mention of how much Lowe & Wilde have cut their salary by yet. as A PLC, does anyone know how I can find out? I feel sorry for Sanits fans at the moment. I really do hope that this new guy pulls it off for you, but I can't see it.
James, Soton says...
9:53am Fri 30 May 08
Robbie, Fareham says...
9:54am Fri 30 May 08
Judas Saintsfan, Southampton says...
9:55am Fri 30 May 08
threestands, Bournemouth says...
9:56am Fri 30 May 08
James wrote:Bu&&er off then. SFC need dedicated fans, not fools like you.
Oh dear!! Nice to see Lowe is using a system that teams like Ajax have been using 30+yrs! Are we a start up club?? For any rewards it is going to take many years. We'll have a good youth club but i do not want to be wasting £450 a year on kids punching above their weight, without experience our team can not survive in the Championship. Very annoyed by this but who are we ai? I'd rather follow Bournemouth right now.
the totton scrutineer, TOTTON says...
9:57am Fri 30 May 08
SFC4EVA, Soton says...
9:58am Fri 30 May 08
Pete wrote:Whilst i wanted Nigel to stay and agree he has been treated badly. Do you remember the last time Lowe listened to the fans and did not re-appoint Hoddle against his better judgement? Hmm, that put us in a good position didnt it?!
95% of supporters wanted Pearson kept on but what do we know, I've only been watching Saints 40 years. Lowe was playing Hockey most of that time. What we have learned about the Championship is that it takes hard work, team spirit and fitness to get out of it - something Pearson bought us. He has been sh*t on from the highest of heights!
Yorkie, Pocklington says...
10:01am Fri 30 May 08
paul, southampton says...
10:01am Fri 30 May 08
the totton scrutineer, TOTTON says...
10:05am Fri 30 May 08
Saint Ash, At work says...
10:06am Fri 30 May 08
saintorsinner wrote:Not really, Sturrock was the only one there that had Managerial experience, Wrigley & Grey never did, and neither fans or players gave him a chance.And I agree with you that we need stability, after all it's what all good clubs are built on.But we need to support what's been put in place, as fans we have no choice.
Saint Ash wrote: Unbelivable. When NP was named as manager, howl\'s of anger and despair! Then, all of a sudden, he\'s the best thing since WGS! The number of post\'s slagging this bloke off BEFORE we\'ve even heard a peep out of him, WHAT CHANCE HAS HE GOT? I would of been happy for NP to carry on from last season, because there was a definate improvement in the team attitude and spirit. But let\'s face it, the \"howl\'s of anger are mainly down to this being a Wupert appoinment. You don\'t need to be that bright up stairs to realise that with this blokes experience in Dutch football,from playing International football and managing across all levels of the game, he must have something about him! If we don\'t support him as fans, what chance does he have? NONE! But if we at least give him a chance to speak, give us his vision for OUR future, tell us what his plans are for the Accademy players, what players he can bring in from Holland, we must surely owe him that as he\'s our new Manager. How can we be so negative when we know jack sh1t about him? Come on for Christ sake,let\'s not go jumping of the Itchen bridge just yet. COYRSaint Ash. Your comments sound reasonable and could have been made after the appointment of Wigley, Sturrock or Gray. It\'s the failure to learn from the club\'s immediate history that is worrying most people and quite rightly so, given Lowe\'s track record! In my opinion, the last thing the club needs now is more instability, more experimentation and another manager! Just as an aside, the official site is now banging on about relying on youth to get us promoted but who scored the goal to get Hull into the Prem?
Longwayfromthe80s, NE Hants says...
10:07am Fri 30 May 08
Barnacle Bill, somewhere on the high seas says...
10:09am Fri 30 May 08
SFC4EVA, Soton says...
10:16am Fri 30 May 08
Robbie wrote:Don't forget that the Boardroom Wage bill went up when Crouch took over! The accounts have told us that!
Rangers FC appointed Paul Le Guen to show the SPL (another physical league) Total Football. He lasted 5 months. He culdn't do it after bringing in a host of players. How are this new dutch pair going to do it with no Money to spend. On hte point of Money (I asked this in another thread) How much of a pay cut have the board taken to ease the current situation. As A PLC, is there a way of finding out? Would be interesting to find out, don't you think? Good Luck Nigel Pearson. If you want the truth, you're better off out of it. BAsed on your ability to motivate the lacklustre mob you took over, you won't be out of work for long.
alpine_saint, Soton says...
10:23am Fri 30 May 08
Barnacle Bill wrote:Amen...
Thank you Nigel for saving our bacon last season but I am sorry about the kick in the teeth. Whatever you do from now on I wish you great success. I have to say you are better off away from Southampton FC and the bunch of shifters who have been running it for the last twelve years. You are a decent and honourable man and I am sure you will be able to smile in a couple of years time when you are riding the crest of a wave and we are deeper in the proverbial. Once we lost Mr Woodford as our chairman all sense of integrity and decency went from this club. Once we were a friendly family club that players enjoyed playing for people enjoyed supporting. We are no longer either for we have forgotten how to respect people and to treat them fairly. At the moment I do not like our club and I certainly do not like the people who run.
Dennis Price, Bewildered says...
10:32am Fri 30 May 08
Acas, NW1 says...
10:33am Fri 30 May 08
percy-kingsland, soton says...
10:34am Fri 30 May 08
David Brown, Lee-on-Solent says...
10:34am Fri 30 May 08
jk, Southampton says...
10:42am Fri 30 May 08
Graham, Fair Oak says...
10:48am Fri 30 May 08
Wazza wrote:Yes i am just about hanging in there as a lowe fan, im not affraid to admit it.L&W are sailing close to the wind with this appointment,but what more do you want with the situation we are in.Thes pages have been filled in the past asking for youngsters to be given a chance, and now they will.Has anyone comprehended that we plucked someone working in Qatar coz no sane person on the football radar actually wanted the job!!
Why hasn't Lowe learnt after the appointment of Wigley, Grey and Sir Clive that the unconventional 'European approach' of not having a gaffer DOESN'T WORK. We are not in a position to be doing this. We should be consolidating out (weak) position within a very competitive league with a good old fashioned Gaffer (NP). What contacts does Jan Poortvliet have in England? What knowledge / experience does Jan Poortvliet have of the Championship? What chants can the Northam end put into action with the name Jan Poortvliet?! LOWE HAS GOT HIS FIRST DECISION, THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION, WRONG. It will be interesting to see the pro Lowe fans amongst us spin this one out!
Saint Red And White, says...
10:49am Fri 30 May 08
Costa Baz, says...
10:54am Fri 30 May 08
Saint Ash wrote:Saint Ash, I would love to see this guy be a success but can't agree with you wheN you say You don't need to be that bright up stairs to realise that with this blokes experience in Dutch football,from playing International football and managing across all levels of the game, he must have something about him!
Unbelivable. When NP was named as manager, howl's of anger and despair! Then, all of a sudden, he's the best thing since WGS! The number of post's slagging this bloke off BEFORE we've even heard a peep out of him, WHAT CHANCE HAS HE GOT? I would of been happy for NP to carry on from last season, because there was a definate improvement in the team attitude and spirit. But let's face it, the "howl's of anger are mainly down to this being a Wupert appoinment. You don't need to be that bright up stairs to realise that with this blokes experience in Dutch football,from playing International football and managing across all levels of the game, he must have something about him! If we don't support him as fans, what chance does he have? NONE! But if we at least give him a chance to speak, give us his vision for OUR future, tell us what his plans are for the Accademy players, what players he can bring in from Holland, we must surely owe him that as he's our new Manager. How can we be so negative when we know jack sh1t about him? Come on for Christ sake,let's not go jumping of the Itchen bridge just yet. COYR
I despair, the man is mad says...
10:54am Fri 30 May 08
V PRICE, SOTON says...
10:54am Fri 30 May 08
threestands, Bournemouth says...
10:55am Fri 30 May 08
Barnacle Bill wrote:Why are you typing in bold text? Nigel Pearson didn't save us last season. 3 wins in 14 games meant we would be relegated unless other results went our way. We were lucky. Remember the hammering at Hull, the home defeat against Burnley (a must win game)? Na you probably cant remember can you, cos you dont know how to turn off bold text, sad. You are also living in the past, get real, this is the 21st century, football like most things has moved on, unlike you.
Thank you Nigel for saving our bacon last season but I am sorry about the kick in the teeth. Whatever you do from now on I wish you great success. I have to say you are better off away from Southampton FC and the bunch of shifters who have been running it for the last twelve years. You are a decent and honourable man and I am sure you will be able to smile in a couple of years time when you are riding the crest of a wave and we are deeper in the proverbial. Once we lost Mr Woodford as our chairman all sense of integrity and decency went from this club. Once we were a friendly family club that players enjoyed playing for people enjoyed supporting. We are no longer either for we have forgotten how to respect people and to treat them fairly. At the moment I do not like our club and I certainly do not like the people who run.
NELSONSAINTS, southampton says...
10:56am Fri 30 May 08
Jesus_02 wrote:But aren't we all looking to the Northam singing 'Dick van Dyck's red and white army.
This "approach" sounds great on the official site. Ive a feeling that the approach will be very business savvy with no end product. Still League 1 football was something that we all mentally prepared for before Pearson pulled of a near miracle. I dont think that there is any doubt that he will get another championship job. I can almost here the opposition supporters singing Theres only one Nigel Pearson and saints fans joining in.
Saint, says...
10:58am Fri 30 May 08
Simon Cowell, Southampton says...
11:05am Fri 30 May 08
Mark, says...
11:10am Fri 30 May 08
Sam, Shaftesbury says...
11:13am Fri 30 May 08
hmmm, not sure, hants says...
11:20am Fri 30 May 08
Paul, Essex says...
11:23am Fri 30 May 08
Martin Orford, says...
11:31am Fri 30 May 08
saints forever, southampton says...
11:41am Fri 30 May 08
Martin Orford wrote:and we deserve better than you as a fan. if youre not renewing just go away and leave this board and Saints to those of us that are real fans not fickle glory hunters like you
Dreadful decision - I'm so pleased that I didn't renew my season ticket, and I won't be going to St Mary's again until such time as we adopt the kind of basic route 1 game which will get us out of this league in the right direction.
No doubt we will get more Euro-style fancy football which will have all the Championship hard men laughing their socks off at us while Nigel Pearson joins the list of people set for a glittering post-Saints career.
Good luck Nigel, you deserve better than us.
Ray, Eastleigh says...
11:43am Fri 30 May 08
Barnacle Bill, somewhere on the high seas says...
11:47am Fri 30 May 08
threestands wrote:If there is no place for decency and honesty in this great game we all love then I am not going to follow it. Unlike you I am a man of principles and I do not easily throw them aside. I am also certainly not as rude or ill mannered as you obviously are but then I am not paid to say nice things about Rupert Lowe or to defend him and if you say you are not being paid then it only leaves one option and that is you are an easily led fool.
Barnacle Bill wrote: Thank you Nigel for saving our bacon last season but I am sorry about the kick in the teeth. Whatever you do from now on I wish you great success. I have to say you are better off away from Southampton FC and the bunch of shifters who have been running it for the last twelve years. You are a decent and honourable man and I am sure you will be able to smile in a couple of years time when you are riding the crest of a wave and we are deeper in the proverbial. Once we lost Mr Woodford as our chairman all sense of integrity and decency went from this club. Once we were a friendly family club that players enjoyed playing for people enjoyed supporting. We are no longer either for we have forgotten how to respect people and to treat them fairly. At the moment I do not like our club and I certainly do not like the people who run.Why are you typing in bold text? Nigel Pearson didn't save us last season. 3 wins in 14 games meant we would be relegated unless other results went our way. We were lucky. Remember the hammering at Hull, the home defeat against Burnley (a must win game)? Na you probably cant remember can you, cos you dont know how to turn off bold text, sad. You are also living in the past, get real, this is the 21st century, football like most things has moved on, unlike you.
Martin Orford, says...
11:57am Fri 30 May 08
saints forever wrote:Talk about blind faith. If being a fan means putting up with any old nonsense from the board ,no matter what, then you're welcome to Saints. I'm not supporting this regime with my money and neither will many others.
Martin Orford wrote:and we deserve better than you as a fan. if youre not renewing just go away and leave this board and Saints to those of us that are real fans not fickle glory hunters like you
Dreadful decision - I\'m so pleased that I didn\'t renew my season ticket, and I won\'t be going to St Mary\'s again until such time as we adopt the kind of basic route 1 game which will get us out of this league in the right direction.
No doubt we will get more Euro-style fancy football which will have all the Championship hard men laughing their socks off at us while Nigel Pearson joins the list of people set for a glittering post-Saints career.
Good luck Nigel, you deserve better than us.
shot in the foot, soton says...
12:09pm Fri 30 May 08
Rocker268, Hampshire says...
12:21pm Fri 30 May 08
Swisssaint, Basel, Switzerland says...
12:42pm Fri 30 May 08
Yorkie, Pocklington says...
1:18pm Fri 30 May 08
Artful Dodger, Millbrook says...
1:19pm Fri 30 May 08
Wilde? I'm Furious, The gallows on the Itchen Bridge says...
1:19pm Fri 30 May 08
Steve, Southampton says...
1:24pm Fri 30 May 08
Wilde? I'm Furious, The gallows on the Itchen Bridge says...
1:28pm Fri 30 May 08
Wilde? I'm Furious, The gallows on the Itchen Bridge says...
1:33pm Fri 30 May 08
Andy, Cowes says...
1:47pm Fri 30 May 08
Saint, says...
1:56pm Fri 30 May 08
Andy wrote:Get those rose tinted glasses off.
Can you lot all be as short-sighted as you seem? We have massive debts and no investors queuing up to, err, invest! Nigel Pearson did just enough to keep a flabby, ageing squad in the league, but we know that most of these players MUST now be sold (to the knackers yard if necessary) as they are costing us too much, and they couldn't give a monkeys. It is absolutely the right decision to build a team around youth (rather than flog every decent prospect to pay the inflated wage bills of the so-called senior pros), and it is absolutely the right decision to bring in men who actually know how to harness young talent. For once, I think Roops has done the right thing. Give the Dutchmen (and the Reserve and Academy bosses who I'm delighted to see are staying) a chance. How great would it be to see a young, home-grown Saints team climb that league? COYR
Woking Saint, Woking says...
2:02pm Fri 30 May 08
Bigb, New Milton says...
2:37pm Fri 30 May 08
JC_1998, Dell says...
2:38pm Fri 30 May 08
Barnacle Bill wrote:Well said Bill. Could not have put it better myself. The only losers here are the fans. As always.
Thank you Nigel for saving our bacon last season but I am sorry about the kick in the teeth. Whatever you do from now on I wish you great success. I have to say you are better off away from Southampton FC and the bunch of shifters who have been running it for the last twelve years. You are a decent and honourable man and I am sure you will be able to smile in a couple of years time when you are riding the crest of a wave and we are deeper in the proverbial. Once we lost Mr Woodford as our chairman all sense of integrity and decency went from this club. Once we were a friendly family club that players enjoyed playing for people enjoyed supporting. We are no longer either for we have forgotten how to respect people and to treat them fairly. At the moment I do not like our club and I certainly do not like the people who run.
James, Soton says...
2:39pm Fri 30 May 08
JC_1998, Dell says...
2:51pm Fri 30 May 08
hmmm, not sure wrote:Plan B?
---- NP got the respect of the players - without a "gaffer" we have to get rid of those players who won't play unless scatred of the boss. This was part of George's problem PLus, I think NP was a good coach as well as a manager ++ It's innovative - if the common denominator to success is money, then how do you differentiate yourself to compete if you don't have much money. It is high risk however - if it goes wrong, what does plan B look like?
saints fan, southampton says...
3:25pm Fri 30 May 08
Andrew Peterson, Romsey says...
3:28pm Fri 30 May 08
Adam Wills, shirley says...
3:28pm Fri 30 May 08
deej, fbra says...
3:32pm Fri 30 May 08
Benny Fitt, Thornhill says...
3:41pm Fri 30 May 08
saints in dorset wrote:Oh No. Don't tell us that you have already removed the car stickers.
cheap option again Rupert, well guess what I'm going to do the same, so will it be the Cherries or the Magpies ? I've already removed the car stickers , Lowe , Wilde just do one will you, if the new guy portaloo doesn't win his first games then the pair of them and their thick skins will get severly tested and Barclay's whilst maybe impressed with cost reduction won't be happy with the gate revenue reduction that goes with it GOOD LUCK NIGEL , HOPE TO SEE YOU BACK IN FOOTBALL SOON, LOVED YOUR COMMITTED APPROACH AND PASSION, MATCHED BY THE FANS IF NOT BY THE BOARD
the Truth Master, in the Real World says...
3:51pm Fri 30 May 08
Layabout wrote:Have you not heard of these players then?
George wrote: Like the Bourbons who returned to the French throne in 1815 and their aristocratic companions \'they have learnt nothing and forgotten nothing\'Bourbons are biscuits George. What the hell have biscuits got to do with football? Got it. This appointment takes the biscuit, right?
Layabout, Lordshill says...
3:56pm Fri 30 May 08
the Truth Master wrote:Yes, I have heard of these players, but they were basketball players not footballers.
Layabout wrote:Have you not heard of these players then? .........Crumbs! Garry Baldey Rich Teey and the Welsh wizard Dai JestiveGeorge wrote: Like the Bourbons who returned to the French throne in 1815 and their aristocratic companions \'they have learnt nothing and forgotten nothing\'Bourbons are biscuits George. What the hell have biscuits got to do with football? Got it. This appointment takes the biscuit, right?
Andy Andrews, Tunisia holiday/West End says...
4:01pm Fri 30 May 08
Clint, Totton says...
4:42pm Fri 30 May 08
gobsmacked, road to nowhere says...
5:02pm Fri 30 May 08
steve, netley abbey says...
5:10pm Fri 30 May 08
Christopher Robinson, Winchester says...
5:12pm Fri 30 May 08
Bassett Boy, Bassett says...
5:39pm Fri 30 May 08
Beaster, Bassett says...
5:45pm Fri 30 May 08
Saints Girl, Southampton says...
6:38pm Fri 30 May 08
Rocker268 wrote:I agree. There is so much upheaval at the moment- and we still don't know which players are coming or going. Time is running out.
WTF I have previously been Neutral to the whole situation but this has angered me we needed stability not experiments Lowe and Wilde have lost their minds Pearson needed time he had great potential! Sorry Nigel and good luck
tomsaint222, says...
6:43pm Fri 30 May 08
Simon Templar, Woolston says...
7:06pm Fri 30 May 08
tomsaint222 wrote:Well said Tom, its a very painful time to be a Saints fan but everyone I speak to around me, my family and my friends, are as angry and saddened as you. Strange it is only ever on these boards Lowe has any fans :o|
Disgusted. I\'ve just sent this to the club - it\'ll never find it\'s way to lowe and wilde but I hope someone reads it.
\'\'Dear Saints,
My name is Tom ######## and I am a life long supporter who has finally lost complete interest in this club. The politics which ensue a board change are inevitable - but I strongly feel that in this case, these politics have led to the overlooking of a potentially fantastic manager - and certainly a manager who could cut it and provide the correct football for the Championship. In short I\'m utterly disappointed that the club I put my name to has treated somebody who\'s effort and passion was so plain to see to both the supporters and, more importantly, the players. Personally, I won\'t be purchasing a season ticket this year. I sincerely hope that the decision Lowe and Wilde have made is inspired and successful, but I won\'t be putting my money towards a club which is being led in a way that I absolutely detest.
Completed Disgusted
Tom #########\'\'
I\'ve read a few comments along the lines of \'\'he only won 3 games, get behind the board\'\' but I personally feel that a chance should have been given, and that this result was born from political reasons rather than analysis of his managerial skills - something which I find utterly disgusting and I fear will be costly. I wish the managers every success but untill the club acts in a way in which I feel proud of, my money\'s staying in my pocket
David Crook, Yorkshire says...
7:27pm Fri 30 May 08
Tate Durden, Netley says...
7:36pm Fri 30 May 08
David Crook wrote:No Crookie, no one wants Hoddle back, why would we? We don't want Lowe here either, his PR bods or any fans that back him - he has ruined a once great club - and people like you aren't helping change this fact, so we would be better of if you went elsehwere as well.
Now you whingeing lot,do you want Hoddle back.
Fed up with whingeing saints supporters before the first ball is kicked.Get behind Lowe and Wilde,and Jan Poortvliet and his Dutch crew.
Saints for ever
David Crook
David Crook, Yorkshire says...
7:52pm Fri 30 May 08
Tate Durden wrote:Stop whingeing,you have just proved my point.
David Crook wrote: Now you whingeing lot,do you want Hoddle back. Fed up with whingeing saints supporters before the first ball is kicked.Get behind Lowe and Wilde,and Jan Poortvliet and his Dutch crew. Saints for ever David CrookNo Crookie, no one wants Hoddle back, why would we? We don\'t want Lowe here either, his PR bods or any fans that back him - he has ruined a once great club - and people like you aren\'t helping change this fact, so we would be better of if you went elsehwere as well.
david warner, gosport says...
7:58pm Fri 30 May 08
Don Carter, Hedge End says...
8:00pm Fri 30 May 08
saintorsinner, Fareham says...
8:03pm Fri 30 May 08
Simon Templar wrote:Well said Tom and Simon. It's the last straw for me and I will not be renewing my two season tickets. Some people seem to think that the Status Quo is all important and are quite happy to be mugged by Rupert Lowe and his indecisive henchman. Wilde in my opinion, should take most of the blame as Lowe is clinically incapable of seeing that he ever does anything wrong and should not have been elevated back into this position. If the solution is Lowe then what the hell was the problem?? Anyway - the meek can inherit the Earth, Rupert Lowe and St Marys.
tomsaint222 wrote: Disgusted. I\\\'ve just sent this to the club - it\\\'ll never find it\\\'s way to lowe and wilde but I hope someone reads it. \\\'\\\'Dear Saints, My name is Tom ######## and I am a life long supporter who has finally lost complete interest in this club. The politics which ensue a board change are inevitable - but I strongly feel that in this case, these politics have led to the overlooking of a potentially fantastic manager - and certainly a manager who could cut it and provide the correct football for the Championship. In short I\\\'m utterly disappointed that the club I put my name to has treated somebody who\\\'s effort and passion was so plain to see to both the supporters and, more importantly, the players. Personally, I won\\\'t be purchasing a season ticket this year. I sincerely hope that the decision Lowe and Wilde have made is inspired and successful, but I won\\\'t be putting my money towards a club which is being led in a way that I absolutely detest. Completed Disgusted Tom #########\\\'\\\' I\\\'ve read a few comments along the lines of \\\'\\\'he only won 3 games, get behind the board\\\'\\\' but I personally feel that a chance should have been given, and that this result was born from political reasons rather than analysis of his managerial skills - something which I find utterly disgusting and I fear will be costly. I wish the managers every success but untill the club acts in a way in which I feel proud of, my money\\\'s staying in my pocketWell said Tom, its a very painful time to be a Saints fan but everyone I speak to around me, my family and my friends, are as angry and saddened as you. Strange it is only ever on these boards Lowe has any fans :o| After 28 years I\'m finished with the club, in a cold and calculated manner, it has taken everything from us in recent years and given nothing back. I hope to go back one day with my children (who, being under 10 see nothing inspiring when I have taken them), but it will have to be a very different set up for me and my family to feel like fans of something to be proud of again. Shame on you Lowe, you are a callous, manipulating, self serving tyrant and you do not know the anguish you have caused the people of this city.
david warner, gosport says...
8:06pm Fri 30 May 08
Ted Stripes, SO19 says...
8:12pm Fri 30 May 08
Simon Templar wrote:Feck me what sort of fans are you, we are losing 40K a day. I am not a Lowe fan just Saints, NP was one lucky chappy at the end of the season. I will get behind them even more now. Lets show a bit of solidarity for Christ`s sake. If we get to a cup final ever again don`t bother to buy a ticket let a proper fan have it.
tomsaint222 wrote: Disgusted. I\'ve just sent this to the club - it\'ll never find it\'s way to lowe and wilde but I hope someone reads it. \'\'Dear Saints, My name is Tom ######## and I am a life long supporter who has finally lost complete interest in this club. The politics which ensue a board change are inevitable - but I strongly feel that in this case, these politics have led to the overlooking of a potentially fantastic manager - and certainly a manager who could cut it and provide the correct football for the Championship. In short I\'m utterly disappointed that the club I put my name to has treated somebody who\'s effort and passion was so plain to see to both the supporters and, more importantly, the players. Personally, I won\'t be purchasing a season ticket this year. I sincerely hope that the decision Lowe and Wilde have made is inspired and successful, but I won\'t be putting my money towards a club which is being led in a way that I absolutely detest. Completed Disgusted Tom #########\'\' I\'ve read a few comments along the lines of \'\'he only won 3 games, get behind the board\'\' but I personally feel that a chance should have been given, and that this result was born from political reasons rather than analysis of his managerial skills - something which I find utterly disgusting and I fear will be costly. I wish the managers every success but untill the club acts in a way in which I feel proud of, my money\'s staying in my pocketWell said Tom, its a very painful time to be a Saints fan but everyone I speak to around me, my family and my friends, are as angry and saddened as you. Strange it is only ever on these boards Lowe has any fans :o| After 28 years I'm finished with the club, in a cold and calculated manner, it has taken everything from us in recent years and given nothing back. I hope to go back one day with my children (who, being under 10 see nothing inspiring when I have taken them), but it will have to be a very different set up for me and my family to feel like fans of something to be proud of again. Shame on you Lowe, you are a callous, manipulating, self serving tyrant and you do not know the anguish you have caused the people of this city.
True Blue, Fareham says...
8:17pm Fri 30 May 08
Jannersaint, Plymuff says...
8:40pm Fri 30 May 08
Saint Ash wrote:Please post more. I'm beginning to agree with the post from Swansea. Some of you on this post have become very poisoned.
Unbelivable. When NP was named as manager, howl's of anger and despair! Then, all of a sudden, he's the best thing since WGS! The number of post's slagging this bloke off BEFORE we've even heard a peep out of him, WHAT CHANCE HAS HE GOT? I would of been happy for NP to carry on from last season, because there was a definate improvement in the team attitude and spirit. But let's face it, the "howl's of anger are mainly down to this being a Wupert appoinment. You don't need to be that bright up stairs to realise that with this blokes experience in Dutch football,from playing International football and managing across all levels of the game, he must have something about him! If we don't support him as fans, what chance does he have? NONE! But if we at least give him a chance to speak, give us his vision for OUR future, tell us what his plans are for the Accademy players, what players he can bring in from Holland, we must surely owe him that as he's our new Manager. How can we be so negative when we know jack sh1t about him? Come on for Christ sake,let's not go jumping of the Itchen bridge just yet. COYR
Jannersaint, Plymuff says...
8:45pm Fri 30 May 08
the totton scrutineer wrote:Sir Clive gave us some of the best facilities in the country. Not his fault HR is a control freak. Had we not had Sir Clive do we think HR would have developed this essential facility? I would welcome Sir Clive back to further develope our sports science. A field he is a world leader in!!!!!
Oh Dear Oh Dear another \"Clive Woodward* Prepare for another LOWE/WILDE OUT campaign when it all goes wrong and it will.Pearson did a great job he deserves better than this.This appointment shows just what crass insenstive people we have at the top.They should have given Nigel the chance to prove himself I\'m ashamed to be associated with SFC while these autocratic idiots are in charge.
jannersaint, Plymuff says...
8:47pm Fri 30 May 08
John B wrote:We've been complaining about youth not getting a chance for years. I am a big NP fan but this is a good decision in our current situation.
Seems OK to me Pearson never set the world on fire
Jannersaint, Plymuff says...
8:48pm Fri 30 May 08
the totton scrutineer wrote:Sir Clive gave us some of the best facilities in the country. Not his fault HR is a control freak. Had we not had Sir Clive do we think HR would have developed this essential facility? I would welcome Sir Clive back to further develope our sports science. A field he is a world leader in!!!!!
Oh Dear Oh Dear another \\\"Clive Woodward* Prepare for another LOWE/WILDE OUT campaign when it all goes wrong and it will.Pearson did a great job he deserves better than this.This appointment shows just what crass insenstive people we have at the top.They should have given Nigel the chance to prove himself I\\\'m ashamed to be associated with SFC while these autocratic idiots are in charge.
david warner, gosport says...
8:48pm Fri 30 May 08
david warner, gosport says...
8:52pm Fri 30 May 08
sidthesquid, says...
8:55pm Fri 30 May 08
Tracey, Southampton says...
9:10pm Fri 30 May 08
David Brown wrote:Lots of people didn't want Pearson to be appointed to beguin with. If Lowe didn't want him to stay then contract negotiations wouldn't have started in the first place so the only reason Pearson has gone is because neither side could agree terms.
I guess that Nigel Pearson has a good back bone and in his discussions with Rupert Lowe showed a mentallity that Rupert would not be able to override. It was a known factor that Rupert did not want Nigel appointed in the first place a point I registered on this site. Rupert now has a pair of lap dogs that he can once again manipulate so I say good luck to him and all the supporters that wish to be dished up with this boards mentallity in running a football club. I for one will not enter St Mary's whilst Mr Lowe & Mr Wilde are in control. I guess I will be watching Eastleigh along with my son who has this morning refused to renew his season ticket.
southamapton till i die, southampton says...
1:17am Sat 31 May 08
looking for a job, says...
1:22am Sat 31 May 08
Andy T, Salt Lake City, USA says...
5:23am Sat 31 May 08
saints forever wrote:Oh come on, please. Other results didn't go for us, they went against us more often than not. Pearson instilled some self belief and discipline to GB's useless squad that Wilde let him invest heavily in. We beat Leicester under NP's time at the club which probably kept us up. How can you seriously judge a manager on 14 games using someone elses squad? Burley used to use injuries as an excuse for losing. Pearson went out and got 3 of the best loan signings we have seen in a long time and didn't dwell on losing Andrew Davies for the season. Judge him on that if you have to. You sound like Lowe himself, give a guy a couple of months and toss him aside. Lowe has wasted more money paying off managers than is reasonable. He and Wilde blame the financial state of the Club on Leon Crouch, yet Wilde made 10,000,000 availalbe to Burley for new players. I'm sure Pearson will become a top manager in the near future, and we'll all look on with envy. Good luck Nigel Pearson, and thanks for the total committment you put forth to save the club. Too bad you're a good old fashioned full blooded passionate Englishman.
COME ON PEOPLE - take your intolerance goggles off and look at facts 1. Pearsons record was terrible. He kept us up but only just ! and it was other games going are way. If Pearson stayed and we lost our first 13 games you would blame the board !!! 2. This Dutch duo have a well proven record 3. Some of you need a reality check on the fact that football is a business now...if you dont like it go watch local games, but professional era means money....no money no team so YOUR actions by not renewing your ST will drive Saints down into League 1 quicker that any managerial appointment
Saint Elsewhere, Planet Earth says...
9:19am Sat 31 May 08
Mark Grant wrote:Very eloquent Mark, but football is a very strange game, full of very fickle fans. We are in a situation here where we have to make a decision...do we abandon our club, or do we not?
The words arrogant, egotistical, autocratic and unbelievably foolish spring to mind, quite simply the lessons and mistakes of the past seem not to have affected the man. I am a great believer in forgiving a mistake if you learn and move on, but when it is repeated over and over it comes down to a question of competence. I will not be purchasing a season ticket for the first time in 10 years on the back of this news and I am sure many other will do the same.
Keith, Milton Keynes says...
7:37pm Sat 31 May 08
CONNORDASAINT, says...
8:22pm Sat 31 May 08
Saint Elsewhere, Planet Earth says...
1:16am Sun 1 Jun 08
Keith wrote:I will too Keith, but you have to think about the old adage "you get what you pay for". Lowe and Co have just appointed two relatively unknown entities into this great club. Pearson was also relatively unknown, but what a fantastic rapport he had with the fans during his short tenure.
Do any Saints fans ever read the official stuff that comes from St Mary's - not the website spin, but the legal stuff they can't doctor? The club is in deep, deep financial s***. Never mind who got it there, that's where it is. The bank's next step is to get an administration order from the court. Automatic 10 point deduction - all senior staff (including the manager) sacked and the entire squad put up for sale by a chartered accountant who will simply take the best fire-sale price he can get for anybody - and never mind whether it leaves us with a team or not. L&W know this - they will have talked long and hard to the bank before coming back in. What they have agreed to do is what the administrator would have done, but with at least some element of football management and foresight. Pearson had to go - he was too expensive. (I know, I know - but that's how deep the s*** is.) Anybody else earning a decent salary is going to have to go too, including most of the first team squad, and the best coaching team we can afford (without a manager)will have to try and survive in the Championship with a squad of reserve teamers and youth. Frankly, I doubt we'll make it. In the end, though, who are all these people giving up their season tickets, looking for something to do on Saturday afternoons etc. On Saturday afternoon, get your arse to St Mary's and back the team, no matter what and nomatter who. If you can't be bothered to do that, do the rest of us a favour and stop calling yourself a Saints fan. We Saints fans (and I've been one for 50+ years, will carry on supporting the club we love through thick or (more likely) thin.
Grawp!, says...
9:53am Sun 1 Jun 08
Knibbo, Midst of despair says...
11:37pm Sun 1 Jun 08
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dave, millbrook says...
8:04am Fri 30 May 08