Saints still waiting on decision from Del Piero (From Daily Echo)

Mr. T wrote:
why oh why are we looking to bring in another striker - and one who is 37 years old!!!

Are there no unattached defenders out there?

Alicesdad wrote:
I think he's too old.

I also think he would be expensive just for a place on a bench as I frankly dont think he would get in the team. NC will want value for money and NA will not want anyone who is only here to see out his time at a Premiership club.

You only need to read the posts on this thread to know this would be a very unpopular and risky bit of business.

Alicesdad wrote:
I think he's too old.

I also think he would be expensive just for a place on a bench as I frankly dont think he would get in the team. NC will want value for money and NA will not want anyone who is only here to see out his time at a Premiership club.

You only need to read the posts on this thread to know this would be a very unpopular and risky bit of business.

Egomaniac wrote:
The advantages of landing the signature of Alessandro Del Piero far outweigh the negatives, and for the antis the argument that he is too old is very short sighted.

Yes, of course we still need to strengthen the defence - and urgently! Nevertheless, Piero would have so much to offer in terms of overall experience and skills, and if there's chance to 'bag' him, then we should.

saintshorse101 wrote:
if del piero needs any help deciding where to go then i hope this may do some good.
australia is full of nasty biting stingy things! and its too hot!
switzerland is full of chocolate yes but what about all those clocks, cheese and knives also everyone has machine guns and the animals can get rabies!
england/southampton is a lovely place nice weather (normally) and we have contained the nasty biting stingy things with rabies to portsea island! yes some of them get out every other weekend but its only a few and thats getting less and by next month will be stopped anyway!

Alicesdad wrote:
I think he's too old.

I also think he would be expensive just for a place on a bench as I frankly dont think he would get in the team. NC will want value for money and NA will not want anyone who is only here to see out his time at a Premiership club.

You only need to read the posts on this thread to know this would be a very unpopular and risky bit of business.

zummerzet saint wrote:
Imagine if Del Piero had come on Sunday with 15 mins left? With that experience and knowledge of massive games, you couldn't want a better player to hold play up! Think about it!

SaintPC wrote:
My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!).

No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc.

These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton.

NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying.

When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club.

So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up.

We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time.

We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that.

Together as one!

SaintPC wrote:
My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!).

No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc.

These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton.

NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying.

When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club.

So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up.

We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time.

We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that.

Together as one!

hedge end bob wrote:

Egomaniac wrote:
The advantages of landing the signature of Alessandro Del Piero far outweigh the negatives, and for the antis the argument that he is too old is very short sighted.

Yes, of course we still need to strengthen the defence - and urgently! Nevertheless, Piero would have so much to offer in terms of overall experience and skills, and if there's chance to 'bag' him, then we should.

Positivity , well done. I can only remember negative posts from you, glad to see you have another side.

If that is true OSPREYSAINT i feel it is our loss. He would of brought so much to our club. Yes to everyone shouting out we need defenders, we know but, if an oppertunity like this comes along we must act on it.

Lets all sit back tonight and watch how the best team in the world. With the best stadium in the world. WITH THE BEST SUPPORTERS ( WHO ARE ALWAYS ON HERE SEEING WHAT WE ARE DOING) IN THE WORLD. Win against Bournmouth in the cup they slagged us off about when we won it watched by 44,000 fans. Should be a laugh.

Hobson82 wrote:
It does look like he is about to sign for Sydney.
Shame, thought he would be a good signing.

St Retford wrote:

Hobson82 wrote: It does look like he is about to sign for Sydney. Shame, thought he would be a good signing.

Aye. But it depends what he's after. I wouldn't blame him for wanting to gently wind down his career somewhere hot and near a beach.

City Saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Hobson82 wrote: It does look like he is about to sign for Sydney. Shame, thought he would be a good signing.

Aye. But it depends what he's after. I wouldn't blame him for wanting to gently wind down his career somewhere hot and near a beach.

He'll get more games in Oz, nicer weather and probably a sweeter lifestyle. Good on him.

Would have liked to have seen him around to mentor the new boys, but at the end of the day Rickie can do some of that in the next few years anyways.

SaintPC wrote:
My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!).

No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc.

These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton.

NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying.

When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club.

So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up.

We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time.

We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that.

Together as one!

kenis wrote:
You only have to look at the impact of a 37 year old Paul Scholes come on on Sunday to see what an "old" player can do in the final 15-20mins of a match. Just what we need to keep the ball and see out games. Add in fact he might help Gaston settle quicker and its a no brainer. Just hope we get him.

SaintPC wrote:
My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!).

No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc.

These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton.

NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying.

When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club.

So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up.

We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time.

We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that.

Together as one!

info@denisbundy.co.u
k wrote:
'arguably the highest profile capture in the club’s history' I think Kevin Keegan and Alan Ball might have something to say about that! Quality defenders please!

SaintPC wrote:
My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!). No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc. These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton. NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying. When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club. So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up. We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time. We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that. Together as one!

St Retford wrote:

City Saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Hobson82 wrote: It does look like he is about to sign for Sydney. Shame, thought he would be a good signing.

Aye. But it depends what he's after. I wouldn't blame him for wanting to gently wind down his career somewhere hot and near a beach.

He'll get more games in Oz, nicer weather and probably a sweeter lifestyle. Good on him.

Would have liked to have seen him around to mentor the new boys, but at the end of the day Rickie can do some of that in the next few years anyways.

Plus, in Australia you can walk into a department store and ask for a "ballbag", a "dicktog" or even "cockjocks" with a straight face as they're all recognised types of swimming trunk.

To be honest, that would probably swing it for me.

bigfella777 wrote:
All the other press is saying he has signed for Sydney,he peaked 10 years ago this is just silly .

SouthamptonLegend wrote:

Alicesdad wrote:
I think he's too old.

I also think he would be expensive just for a place on a bench as I frankly dont think he would get in the team. NC will want value for money and NA will not want anyone who is only here to see out his time at a Premiership club.

You only need to read the posts on this thread to know this would be a very unpopular and risky bit of business.

Idiot.

This will be a sound investment and one that Cortese is in for...

Cortese knows what he's doing ffs. I wish we had him signed before the United game, he would have made the difference with class and experience (THAT WE NEED), how you can't see that is ridiculous. Did you watch the game on Sunday? What happened when a 37 year old came on for United...he changed the game. Del Piero is not only the same age but he has won the World Cup, he has won more European trophies and you've already written him off...

Your opinions are void.

Alicesdad wrote:

SouthamptonLegend wrote:

Alicesdad wrote:
I think he's too old.

I also think he would be expensive just for a place on a bench as I frankly dont think he would get in the team. NC will want value for money and NA will not want anyone who is only here to see out his time at a Premiership club.

You only need to read the posts on this thread to know this would be a very unpopular and risky bit of business.

Idiot.

This will be a sound investment and one that Cortese is in for...

Cortese knows what he's doing ffs. I wish we had him signed before the United game, he would have made the difference with class and experience (THAT WE NEED), how you can't see that is ridiculous. Did you watch the game on Sunday? What happened when a 37 year old came on for United...he changed the game. Del Piero is not only the same age but he has won the World Cup, he has won more European trophies and you've already written him off...

Your opinions are void.

This is the kind of response that deserves to be in a lavatory having been wiped carefully first. An opinion can be stated without resorting to illiterate vulgarity and clumsy uneducated phrasing.

I see elsewhere that my suggestion that it's unpopular probably was wrong. And I am big enough to admit that without resorting to insulting anyone. But i remain coinvinced that signing him is a romantic fantasy in the fans eyes. He is not the player he used to be.

Comparing him to Scholes is unsound. They are both immensely experienced but to buy him would be a temporary measure when we are looking long term. You don not buy players to bring them on for twenty minutes.

The fact that it's got this far may suggest that Cortese is interested. We shall see. But I doubt that if he comes here he will stay any longer than Billy Sharp.

To those who disagreed with me and put their view in well measured terms I thank you for joing the debate. To those who decided to suck their comments up from the gutter I wish you a safe trip back there.

The future's bright wrote:
Maradona spotted at Staplewood.

teddrake wrote:
We should definitely sign him - his name shows he is perfect for us: the 'Dell' significance in his name is obvious and Piero carries an echo of the Italian word 'Pero', which means Peartree. I believe that there is a Sardianian dialect where Allessandro is sometimes pronounced in such a way as to resemble 'Mansbridge' - though I believe this involves stuffing your mouth full of olives (at least 50 at a time) and copious frascati (interestingly, the name of a minor prelate in the service of Julius Caesar, after he landed at Walmer (Eastleigh airport being closed at the time)). Del Piero's associations with Southampton are there for all to see (except of course for those who can't see - in which case they can get a step ladder - not that it's only height that is an issue in seeing - and not that it's an issue anyway of course - except for jockeys, who need to be reasonably conservative with their inches and no double entendres intended). But where was I? Oh yes? ADP.. should we sign him? Well apart from the above links, he is used to playing in stripes (albeit slightly thicker than the current ones that he would need to adopt), but a leopard never changes its spots - unlike a ladybird, which does, and a tiger, which also doesn't change - not its spots, but its stripes... although he would have to in this case - the tiger, not del Piero or is it versa vice or did I get that the wrong way round? .... or does any of this matter a great deal in the greater scheme of things? Ooh, must go - there's my bus!

angus mc coatup wrote:
reading some of the posts on here makes me wonder what a club has to acheive before the doom mongers come out in force.
some of you should hang your heads in shame.
going by some twisted logic i'v read on here we should sack the groundsman for watering the pitch and making clyne slip for the first united goal.
sack cortese for spending thirty mill,
sac adkins for not winning against top premier teams.
we should cancel clynes contract for falling over in first place.
boody hell!!
some people need to get a grip this team aint the finished article yet is it. And i think the powers that be are well aware of that fact and are drawing up a plan to sort that out.
some of you lot should be running the country with your infinit knowledge and know all posturing.
don't you think that the club tried to get a couple of defenders in before the dead line.adkins said as much on the day.they obviously coudln't get the right deal or the right player so we go with what we've got till january
I don't have any inside knowledge of how the nc/na axis works but they aint done bad up till now, so i'll stick to supporting this regime and whatever team and tactics adkins puts out
stop bleating and get behind the team.

TEBOURBA wrote:
We need Del Piero like a hole in the head, we would be better off signing Del Trotter, at least he would bamboozle a few.
LMcM said a good goalkeeper is worth 10 points a season, that's why he signed Shilton, as did an even better Manager, Brian Clough, before him.
KD may have served us well over the years but he is not up to the pace of the Premiership and makes stupid mistakes that have and will cost us dear.
We need at least 2 good defenders and a world class goalkeeper, KD would struggle to keep his place in a League 2 team.

TEBOURBA wrote:
We need Del Piero like a hole in the head, we would be better off signing Del Trotter, at least he would bamboozle a few.
LMcM said a good goalkeeper is worth 10 points a season, that's why he signed Shilton, as did an even better Manager, Brian Clough, before him.
KD may have served us well over the years but he is not up to the pace of the Premiership and makes stupid mistakes that have and will cost us dear.
We need at least 2 good defenders and a world class goalkeeper, KD would struggle to keep his place in a League 2 team.

Golden Balls wrote:
Can't believe some don't want him.

This is Del Piero for god sake. DEL PIERO!!!!!

White and red till dead wrote:

SaintPC wrote:
My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!).

No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc.

These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton.

NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying.

When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club.

So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up.

We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time.

We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that.

Together as one!

Best post on here in years. Nice one.
COYRs

murfmeister wrote:
if we sign him it will be another player with it written into his contract that he has to play when fit!
So it's guly, mayuka and del piero up front then?

Dickosfc wrote:

SaintPC wrote:
My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!). No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc. These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton. NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying. When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club. So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up. We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time. We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that. Together as one!

I third, fourth and fith that! Best post in ages.

St Retford wrote:

City Saint wrote:

St Retford wrote:

Hobson82 wrote: It does look like he is about to sign for Sydney. Shame, thought he would be a good signing.

Aye. But it depends what he's after. I wouldn't blame him for wanting to gently wind down his career somewhere hot and near a beach.

He'll get more games in Oz, nicer weather and probably a sweeter lifestyle. Good on him.

Would have liked to have seen him around to mentor the new boys, but at the end of the day Rickie can do some of that in the next few years anyways.

Plus, in Australia you can walk into a department store and ask for a "ballbag", a "dicktog" or even "cockjocks" with a straight face as they're all recognised types of swimming trunk.

To be honest, that would probably swing it for me.

Mr. T wrote:
why oh why are we looking to bring in another striker - and one who is 37 years old!!!

Are there no unattached defenders out there?

St Retford wrote:

murfmeister wrote:
if we sign him it will be another player with it written into his contract that he has to play when fit!
So it's guly, mayuka and del piero up front then?

Right, given Rickie was knackered and given we needed to bring on a big, muscular striker capable of holding the ball up a bit, who would you have brought on if not Guly?

St Retford wrote:

murfmeister wrote:
if we sign him it will be another player with it written into his contract that he has to play when fit!
So it's guly, mayuka and del piero up front then?

Right, given Rickie was knackered and given we needed to bring on a big, muscular striker capable of holding the ball up a bit, who would you have brought on if not Guly?

lowe esteem wrote:
Some very reasoned comments on here as to why not, yet they are panned for being treason, and the yes men are down their throats between sips of lager.
As a long-standing (rarely sitting) and self-proclaimed positivo I AM concerned that there might be some rampant naivity abroad at our great club since our promotion to the Premier League madhouse.
Transfers and transfer-windows being a case in point, and we now appear to be doing our own share of childish and vain Soccer Stars Sticker collecting- as if we HAVE to as asylum members.
I would sooner have seen Saints break the bank-yes, pay over the odds- for that centre-back if it meant that this was a major piece in the jigsaw that comprises our great team and meant we could hold a lead and be six points better off -whoever we are playing against.
I'm all for entertainment, mentoring and experience, but this was also provided in the past- albeit with less fuss and adulation by the likes of Shilton, Mills, Watson and Nicholl.
There are different ways of showing you mean business in football, but the best way is usually played out on the park-not the transfer market.
In case you wondered when the moans coming, get ready, here it comes now>
WTF was resonsible for choosing that diabolically Un Saintly strip-it better be a one-off!

hedge end bob wrote:

Dickosfc wrote:

SaintPC wrote: My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!). No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc. These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton. NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying. When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club. So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up. We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time. We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that. Together as one!

I third, fourth and fith that! Best post in ages.

6TH. LIKE

TEBOURBA wrote:
Del Pierro's best is behind him.
We need a good goalkeeper, KD's best is well behind him and we also need two good defenders.
I never thought I would see the day when the potential number of shirts sold in the Saints' shop would determine who we buy!
If NA allows this to happen he will be out of a job by Guy Fawkes Day, if not sooner and Saints will be relegation certainties, don't take my word --- both bets attract the lowest odds at the bookies!!

St Retford wrote:

murfmeister wrote:
if we sign him it will be another player with it written into his contract that he has to play when fit!
So it's guly, mayuka and del piero up front then?

Right, given Rickie was knackered and given we needed to bring on a big, muscular striker capable of holding the ball up a bit, who would you have brought on if not Guly?

TEBOURBA wrote:
The bookies say NA will be the first Premier League Manager to be sacked and Saints will be relegated.
There is no partisanship with the bookies, they look at form, the facts and the management of the Club
The form is played 3 won 0 lost 3,including what should have been a home banker against Wigan against, 8 = 101 goals against in the Season.
The facts Saints don't recognise the holes in their defence and the management doesn't know what it is doing by pursuing a 37 year old, over the hill striker, we might as well bring LeTiss back, at least he would sell a few of the obnoxious Liverpool circa 1970 strip probably a lot more than if we buy DelBoy!!

hedge end bob wrote:
Just google DEL BOY ,. Fc Sydney have not yet signed him and will have further talks on Wednesday.
Get in there Nicola tell him what a wonderfull place SOUTHAMPTON is. We have Ocean Village where he can tie his boat up. We have The Isle of Wight, can match any of the little islands around the MED. We also have SAINTS F C. a club that is going places.

What would he have in OZ. Football played on a round pitch were they keep picking the ball up and running with it. Watched by fans that would be more interested in the amber necter and B B Q'S. They got snakes down the loo that if you dont notice will bite your arse . And spiders that try to take over your shoes. NO CONTEST IN MY BOOK.

hedge end bob wrote:
Just google DEL BOY ,. Fc Sydney have not yet signed him and will have further talks on Wednesday.
Get in there Nicola tell him what a wonderfull place SOUTHAMPTON is. We have Ocean Village where he can tie his boat up. We have The Isle of Wight, can match any of the little islands around the MED. We also have SAINTS F C. a club that is going places.

What would he have in OZ. Football played on a round pitch were they keep picking the ball up and running with it. Watched by fans that would be more interested in the amber necter and B B Q'S. They got snakes down the loo that if you dont notice will bite your arse . And spiders that try to take over your shoes. NO CONTEST IN MY BOOK.

Dubai-saints89 wrote:

hedge end bob wrote:
Just google DEL BOY ,. Fc Sydney have not yet signed him and will have further talks on Wednesday.
Get in there Nicola tell him what a wonderfull place SOUTHAMPTON is. We have Ocean Village where he can tie his boat up. We have The Isle of Wight, can match any of the little islands around the MED. We also have SAINTS F C. a club that is going places.

What would he have in OZ. Football played on a round pitch were they keep picking the ball up and running with it. Watched by fans that would be more interested in the amber necter and B B Q'S. They got snakes down the loo that if you dont notice will bite your arse . And spiders that try to take over your shoes. NO CONTEST IN MY BOOK.

Hope this is true! i really hope he chooses us..

the only thing they got over us is the weather and beaches! haha. i guess it depends what he wants, i fear that he might find the EPL to competitive and would rather settle down for a more laidback rubbish standard A- League football..sorry i mean "soccer"

Dubai-saints89 wrote:

hedge end bob wrote:
Just google DEL BOY ,. Fc Sydney have not yet signed him and will have further talks on Wednesday.
Get in there Nicola tell him what a wonderfull place SOUTHAMPTON is. We have Ocean Village where he can tie his boat up. We have The Isle of Wight, can match any of the little islands around the MED. We also have SAINTS F C. a club that is going places.

What would he have in OZ. Football played on a round pitch were they keep picking the ball up and running with it. Watched by fans that would be more interested in the amber necter and B B Q'S. They got snakes down the loo that if you dont notice will bite your arse . And spiders that try to take over your shoes. NO CONTEST IN MY BOOK.

Hope this is true! i really hope he chooses us..

the only thing they got over us is the weather and beaches! haha. i guess it depends what he wants, i fear that he might find the EPL to competitive and would rather settle down for a more laidback rubbish standard A- League football..sorry i mean "soccer"

timbersaint wrote:

hedge end bob wrote:

Dickosfc wrote:

SaintPC wrote: My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!). No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc. These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton. NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying. When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club. So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up. We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time. We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that. Together as one!

I third, fourth and fith that! Best post in ages.

6TH. LIKE

agreed best post in ages.

TEBOURBA wrote:
The bookies say NA will be the first Premier League Manager to be sacked and Saints will be relegated. There is no partisanship with the bookies, they look at form, the facts and the management of the Club The form is played 3 won 0 lost 3,including what should have been a home banker against Wigan against, 8 = 101 goals against in the Season. The facts Saints don't recognise the holes in their defence and the management doesn't know what it is doing by pursuing a 37 year old, over the hill striker, we might as well bring LeTiss back, at least he would sell a few of the obnoxious Liverpool circa 1970 strip probably a lot more than if we buy DelBoy!!

SaintPC wrote:
My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!).

No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc.

These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton.

NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying.

When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club.

So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up.

We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time.

We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that.

Together as one!

NikkkoNik wrote:
Not sure if we have lost the plot, another striker. We only have so many slots on the pitch, which means someone else makes way. Perhaps we can play Rodriguez in left back, well he is not a left winger and we only paid £7M for, then we can play Mayuka in goal as he is not a centre forward, but could play there if there was a hit man next to him, Lambert or Rodriguez. I think Atkins is asking the cleaner to makes the subs and the tea lady about signings. Defence tactics, well that must down to the scarecrow on the roof that keeps the pigeons away. Scoring goals will help keep up in the Premier, but we have to score 4 to win! Once the Arsenal game is over pressure will build, if we lose to the Villa, 5 games and no points Atkins better start looking for a club. Anyway on the positive… We played some great football and outplayed the richest club in the world and recent league winners. I know this sounds funny, but I think the harder games will be against Villa, Stoke, Fulham QPR etc, they will not give an inch for us to play our nice stuff and will fight for every tackle (sorry went back to the negative). Get a Goalkeeper, West Ham played £1M for theirs who has played at this level for 10 years. The Man Utd left back won’t even get a game, Tottenham have 4 goalkeepers better than ours. Defends have to be much tighter and not jump in.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
On Twitter it says the Team that has covered the most distance so far on the pitch 195.18 miles. Saints. Men on a Mission or headless chickens, you choose.

george chivers wrote:

timbersaint wrote:

hedge end bob wrote:

Dickosfc wrote:

SaintPC wrote: My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!). No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc. These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton. NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying. When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club. So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up. We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time. We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that. Together as one!

I third, fourth and fith that! Best post in ages.

6TH. LIKE

agreed best post in ages.

A very good post. My view at the start of the season was we would have between 1 and 4 points after game 6, Everton. Then we would start to pick up points on a more regular basis and finish between 12th and 15th. I also thought we needed 9 additional players to start the season with. Including 2 CB's and a LB. Personally I would have given Richardson a try, but not the other 3. Just my view.

Who knows what Nigel thought, none of us know that. But the thing that bothers me now is we appear to be bringing in players who have been selected by somebody else other than Nigel. A continental strategy, something I am not comfortable with. But it can be workable if the players are recruited early enough and the manager is happy managing on those terms.That hasn't been the case with Saints, some of the players have arrived well after the start of the season. Some are not here yet.

Just after the end of last season there was a feature article in The Sunday Times about Nicola Cortese. It stressed his close personal relationship with Roberto Di Matteo. How much he consulted him before he came to Saints and how close he and his family were to Di Matteo's and his family.

At the time Chelsea hadn't won the Champions League and it seemed to me Nigel could be on borrowed time if he didn't start well in the PL and Di Matteo could be a threat to him. Well of course things changed and Chelsea did win the CL and after a while Di Matteo was installed as Chelsea's manager on a permanent basis. So the threat disappeared; at least for a while.

But I fear if we do achieve what I felt we would achieve pre season in the first 6 games i.e. 1-4 points then I think Nigel will be at risk. Somebody will need to be blamed after the big spending in the summer. And it won't be Cortese who takes the rap.

So I agree it is time for patience and it is also time for supporters and fans to get behind the manager. Chant his name when we play Villa loud and clear. If you want to keep him, tell him! Lift him up, we need to motivate him as much as he needs to motivate the players.

If we don't get some points quickly Nigel could go from Hero to Zero by October. And as much as I don't want non mangers buying players, I want a new manager even less. Especially if his name, as some have suggested, is Harry Redknap.

teddrake wrote:

SaintPC wrote:
My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!).

No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc.

These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton.

NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying.

When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club.

So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up.

We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time.

We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that.

Together as one!

I agree entirely - thank you for expressing some well considered points. This is a WONDERFUL period for Saints - we've got a fantastic chairman, a brilliant manager (how wonderful it must be to go into work every day with Nigel in charge!) and some superb players... we've got the best twisty-turny, loyal captain you could hope for; a brilliant centre forward, an excellent defensive midfielder in Morgan Schneider- Trophy, a future England right-back, a really great defender in Yoshida Maya... we've got a lightning-quick goal-scorer in Mayuka and we've just signed an AMAZINGLY skillful player in Gaston Ramirez. There may be weaknesses in the team, but so what? We've had weaknesses in the team every single season since the club was founded! So has every club! We will do really well this season - so let's enjoy following the team and (above all) enjoy ourselves!

teddrake wrote:

SaintPC wrote:
My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!).

No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc.

These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton.

NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying.

When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club.

So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up.

We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time.

We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that.

Together as one!

I agree entirely - thank you for expressing some well considered points. This is a WONDERFUL period for Saints - we've got a fantastic chairman, a brilliant manager (how wonderful it must be to go into work every day with Nigel in charge!) and some superb players... we've got the best twisty-turny, loyal captain you could hope for; a brilliant centre forward, an excellent defensive midfielder in Morgan Schneider- Trophy, a future England right-back, a really great defender in Yoshida Maya... we've got a lightning-quick goal-scorer in Mayuka and we've just signed an AMAZINGLY skillful player in Gaston Ramirez. There may be weaknesses in the team, but so what? We've had weaknesses in the team every single season since the club was founded! So has every club! We will do really well this season - so let's enjoy following the team and (above all) enjoy ourselves!

TEBOURBA wrote:
To all those who joyfully say Saints came close to beating Man C and Man U, well I came close to winning the Lottery last week but I didn't and still have to go to work!
Coming close counts for nothing and if perpetuated will lead to relegation!

TEBOURBA wrote:
The bookies say NA will be the first Premier League Manager to be sacked and Saints will be relegated.
There is no partisanship with the bookies, they look at form, the facts and the management of the Club
The form is played 3 won 0 lost 3,including what should have been a home banker against Wigan against, 8 = 101 goals against in the Season.
The facts Saints don't recognise the holes in their defence and the management doesn't know what it is doing by pursuing a 37 year old, over the hill striker, we might as well bring LeTiss back, at least he would sell a few of the obnoxious Liverpool circa 1970 strip probably a lot more than if we buy DelBoy!!

slugger wrote:
numptie alert !

TEBOURBA wrote:
George Chivers made some excellent points.
I wouldn't trust NC as far as I could spit particularly after his treatment of AP.
Watch out NA the Mafia are watching and are ready to pounce!

TEBOURBA wrote:
NA will be sacked and Saints will be relegated if they do not replace KD with a world class goalkeeper and strengthen the defence
The time for action is NOW, not when we are languishing at the bottom of the league, 10 points adrift of everyone else.
The interest in DelBoy just shows the lack of joined up thinking by the Saints management who appear to be more interested in the income from selling shirts with DelBoy's name on than staying in the premiership.

german saint wrote:

slugger wrote:
numptie alert !

yeah slugger.... its a mirror

TEBOURBA wrote:
To all those who joyfully say Saints came close to beating Man C and Man U, well I came close to winning the Lottery last week but I didn't and still have to go to work!
Coming close counts for nothing and if perpetuated will lead to relegation!

Enock84 wrote:
This is a joke . We **** need centre halves when is cortese going to stop meddling with NA team .

Enock84 wrote:
Come on bournemouTh lol Angus get of our forum u bent ****

slugger wrote:
for the record , i don't think we need del piero , we do still need to bolster our defence .

TEBOURBA wrote:
George Chivers made some excellent points. I wouldn't trust NC as far as I could spit particularly after his treatment of AP. Watch out NA the Mafia are watching and are ready to pounce!

german saint wrote:
i have to agree with the above.... we are where we are and for that we thank you but its time to hand over the reigns to a more expeinced person before its too late.. who that might be is still unclear but it can only benefit the club in the long run... this is what happens and can only strengthen our intent..... coyr

slugger wrote:
for the record , i don't think we need del piero , we do still need to bolster our defence .

angus mc coatup wrote:
reading some of the posts on here makes me wonder what a club has to acheive before the doom mongers come out in force.
some of you should hang your heads in shame.
going by some twisted logic i'v read on here we should sack the groundsman for watering the pitch and making clyne slip for the first united goal.
sack cortese for spending thirty mill,
sac adkins for not winning against top premier teams.
we should cancel clynes contract for falling over in first place.
boody hell!!
some people need to get a grip this team aint the finished article yet is it. And i think the powers that be are well aware of that fact and are drawing up a plan to sort that out.
some of you lot should be running the country with your infinit knowledge and know all posturing.
don't you think that the club tried to get a couple of defenders in before the dead line.adkins said as much on the day.they obviously coudln't get the right deal or the right player so we go with what we've got till january
I don't have any inside knowledge of how the nc/na axis works but they aint done bad up till now, so i'll stick to supporting this regime and whatever team and tactics adkins puts out
stop bleating and get behind the team.

slugger wrote:
for the record , i don't think we need del piero , we do still need to bolster our defence .

right back in the bar wrote:
We have lost two games from winning positions due to a lack of nous and composure which 2 good teams exploited to the full. In both Manchester games at 2-1 we let them play in front of us and made silly mistakes. Yes it looks like Fox and Fonte might struggle but the evidence so far shows its pyschological in all 3 games the lack of composure was there for all to see - Fox can't wait to get rid of the ball, Fonte is slow to react and then panics (on that point Hooveld looks even worse with his two panic challenges that gave away penalties in both Manchester games). For several players the step up has been a breeze (enough of Scholes what about Spiderman on Sunday - world class). Others need more time. That is why someone like Del Pierro would be invaluable to this team at this time.

westfordUSAsaints wrote:

slugger wrote:
for the record , i don't think we need del piero , we do still need to bolster our defence .

Well, we can't now, can we. So, we have to deal with what we have until the window opens up again.

I predict that come Jan, we will be doing just fine and everyone will be moaning about Gaston not being worth the money.

loosehead wrote:
I don't understand all this Scholes changed the game attitude?
From what I saw it was more like Adkins substitutions changed the game.
Ask yourself's this why with a reactive team with almost everyone in defence how come no one marked Van Persie?
for the changes to work we needed an organised defence & we definitely didn't have that.
most teams that's down to the Keeper to organise so why isn't ours?
Will another striker/attacking midfielder improve our defence?
It's great bringing in big name signings but what about big name signings in defence?
Adkins seems to be giving the team that got us promoted a chance but will that chance cost us our place in the Premiership?

up saints wrote:

slugger wrote:
for the record , i don't think we need del piero , we do still need to bolster our defence .

like to see luke shaw get a start said that last year about JWP.took until this season for him to get a regular spot.we will never know he could of been the hero againts man u

westfordUSAsaints wrote:

german saint wrote:
i have to agree with the above.... we are where we are and for that we thank you but its time to hand over the reigns to a more expeinced person before its too late.. who that might be is still unclear but it can only benefit the club in the long run... this is what happens and can only strengthen our intent..... coyr

Careful what you wish for. Who's out there, Harry, you want him back, or maybe Hoddle?

TEBOURBA wrote:
George Chivers made some excellent points.
I wouldn't trust NC as far as I could spit particularly after his treatment of AP.
Watch out NA the Mafia are watching and are ready to pounce!

TEBOURBA wrote:
George Chivers made some excellent points.
I wouldn't trust NC as far as I could spit particularly after his treatment of AP.
Watch out NA the Mafia are watching and are ready to pounce!

german saint wrote:

slugger wrote: numptie alert !

yeah slugger.... its a mirror

TEBOURBA wrote:
To all those who joyfully say Saints came close to beating Man C and Man U, well I came close to winning the Lottery last week but I didn't and still have to go to work! Coming close counts for nothing and if perpetuated will lead to relegation!

SaintDon13 wrote:

TEBOURBA wrote:
To all those who joyfully say Saints came close to beating Man C and Man U, well I came close to winning the Lottery last week but I didn't and still have to go to work! Coming close counts for nothing and if perpetuated will lead to relegation!

You only failed to win the Lottery 'cause you picked the wrong numbers, has nowt to do with winning football matches does it. I won £3-00 on the Euromillions thought about investing in another football club but wasn't quite enough.

up saints wrote:

westfordUSAsaints wrote:

german saint wrote: i have to agree with the above.... we are where we are and for that we thank you but its time to hand over the reigns to a more expeinced person before its too late.. who that might be is still unclear but it can only benefit the club in the long run... this is what happens and can only strengthen our intent..... coyr

Careful what you wish for. Who's out there, Harry, you want him back, or maybe Hoddle?

do agree with westford harry defo no look what happened last time.hoddle same boat.sort the last 15 mins out and N/A will be ok.got us up back to back 4 or 5 decent signings in my opinion people will say jay rod not worth 7 mil.but look back josh was poor for the first 6 games.maybe ask me again at christmas may change my mind but i think no one better out there

german saint wrote:

up saints wrote:

westfordUSAsaints wrote:

german saint wrote: i have to agree with the above.... we are where we are and for that we thank you but its time to hand over the reigns to a more expeinced person before its too late.. who that might be is still unclear but it can only benefit the club in the long run... this is what happens and can only strengthen our intent..... coyr

Careful what you wish for. Who's out there, Harry, you want him back, or maybe Hoddle?

do agree with westford harry defo no look what happened last time.hoddle same boat.sort the last 15 mins out and N/A will be ok.got us up back to back 4 or 5 decent signings in my opinion people will say jay rod not worth 7 mil.but look back josh was poor for the first 6 games.maybe ask me again at christmas may change my mind but i think no one better out there

oh my god no..... both would be a step in the wrong direction... id rather bring dave merrington back.... ;-) coyr

TEBOURBA wrote:
George Chivers made some excellent points.
I wouldn't trust NC as far as I could spit particularly after his treatment of AP.
Watch out NA the Mafia are watching and are ready to pounce!

swisssaint wrote:

TEBOURBA wrote:
George Chivers made some excellent points.
I wouldn't trust NC as far as I could spit particularly after his treatment of AP.
Watch out NA the Mafia are watching and are ready to pounce!

TEBOURBA or MONTECRISTO?

Same old sh*te rhetoric

Optimist wrote:
Oh no, we're going to sign Del Piero, what a disaster! How on earth can we go on letting this club be run this way, the last thing our young strikers on long contracts need is to learn from a six time Serie A champion with twelve cup medals including a Champions league medal and a world cup winners medal. There is nothing he can teach Jay or Emmanuel that they don't already know. No way that training against such a player will help our back line learn the tricks of the higher leagues.
TBH I can't think of a single premiership player over the age of 36 that is of any use to their team at all. His 208 goals in 513 appearances for Juventus is in no way a guarantee that he could be of any use to us whatsoever! Plus he only averaged one goal in every three games for Italy! Is this really the kind of player that we want at this club? I think not.



Cortese hang your head in shame! You have taught so many of our fans so little, they dare question a signing of such beauty that every home game in September will now be played in sunshine.
Should we sign Del Piero? 32% of Saints fans really need to realize the gravity of such a question.

arm chair fan wrote:
so as its a worthless paintpot trophy are pompey putting out thier reserve team ?

insane saint wrote:

arm chair fan wrote: so as its a worthless paintpot trophy are pompey putting out thier reserve team ?

now now thats not fair it is the local boys team from southsea v ballmouth but still like your comment

warrens 76 wrote:
If we were playing awful football or losing by a hatful and had few if any quality players then and only then it would be correct to express displeasure with our position....

However, nothing could be further from the truth we have genuine stars at times we play sublime football and have had nothing but success for 3 solid years...

It is one thing for the honest amongst us to accept that regrettably portsmuff have more passion for their team...indeed sorry to say it but I wish to god everyone would support the team and make St Mary's a couldron instead of relying on one corner of the bl***y ground..

.....however to hear people sounding like plastic Mufc fans who expect and indeed only support them because they win all the time is a choker, I always thought we are more than that.....if you cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen and support Chelsea or Mufc, leave our REAL club alone.

slugger wrote:
pack the park ? ............. best laugh iv'e had in a while ............ where's trebourba when you want him ?

hedge end bob wrote:

warrens 76 wrote:
If we were playing awful football or losing by a hatful and had few if any quality players then and only then it would be correct to express displeasure with our position....

However, nothing could be further from the truth we have genuine stars at times we play sublime football and have had nothing but success for 3 solid years...

It is one thing for the honest amongst us to accept that regrettably portsmuff have more passion for their team...indeed sorry to say it but I wish to god everyone would support the team and make St Mary's a couldron instead of relying on one corner of the bl***y ground..

.....however to hear people sounding like plastic Mufc fans who expect and indeed only support them because they win all the time is a choker, I always thought we are more than that.....if you cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen and support Chelsea or Mufc, leave our REAL club alone.

Sorry but cant agree it is only Northam that make all the noise.When i look across from Itchen North i can see Kingsland North giving it some , as do Itchen North. It's a pity they wont move the away support to the Chaple area then we would have one big horse shoe of fans all singing together.MAKES SENSE

Baddesley Bill wrote:

hedge end bob wrote:

warrens 76 wrote:
If we were playing awful football or losing by a hatful and had few if any quality players then and only then it would be correct to express displeasure with our position....

However, nothing could be further from the truth we have genuine stars at times we play sublime football and have had nothing but success for 3 solid years...

It is one thing for the honest amongst us to accept that regrettably portsmuff have more passion for their team...indeed sorry to say it but I wish to god everyone would support the team and make St Mary's a couldron instead of relying on one corner of the bl***y ground..

.....however to hear people sounding like plastic Mufc fans who expect and indeed only support them because they win all the time is a choker, I always thought we are more than that.....if you cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen and support Chelsea or Mufc, leave our REAL club alone.

Sorry but cant agree it is only Northam that make all the noise.When i look across from Itchen North i can see Kingsland North giving it some , as do Itchen North. It's a pity they wont move the away support to the Chaple area then we would have one big horse shoe of fans all singing together.MAKES SENSE

Itchen South has a noisey enclave to it this season.... (except during "pie" time) :O)

george chivers wrote:

timbersaint wrote:

hedge end bob wrote:

Dickosfc wrote:

SaintPC wrote: My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!). No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc. These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton. NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying. When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club. So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up. We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time. We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that. Together as one!

I third, fourth and fith that! Best post in ages.

6TH. LIKE

agreed best post in ages.

A very good post. My view at the start of the season was we would have between 1 and 4 points after game 6, Everton. Then we would start to pick up points on a more regular basis and finish between 12th and 15th. I also thought we needed 9 additional players to start the season with. Including 2 CB's and a LB. Personally I would have given Richardson a try, but not the other 3. Just my view.

Who knows what Nigel thought, none of us know that. But the thing that bothers me now is we appear to be bringing in players who have been selected by somebody else other than Nigel. A continental strategy, something I am not comfortable with. But it can be workable if the players are recruited early enough and the manager is happy managing on those terms.That hasn't been the case with Saints, some of the players have arrived well after the start of the season. Some are not here yet.

Just after the end of last season there was a feature article in The Sunday Times about Nicola Cortese. It stressed his close personal relationship with Roberto Di Matteo. How much he consulted him before he came to Saints and how close he and his family were to Di Matteo's and his family.

At the time Chelsea hadn't won the Champions League and it seemed to me Nigel could be on borrowed time if he didn't start well in the PL and Di Matteo could be a threat to him. Well of course things changed and Chelsea did win the CL and after a while Di Matteo was installed as Chelsea's manager on a permanent basis. So the threat disappeared; at least for a while.

But I fear if we do achieve what I felt we would achieve pre season in the first 6 games i.e. 1-4 points then I think Nigel will be at risk. Somebody will need to be blamed after the big spending in the summer. And it won't be Cortese who takes the rap.

So I agree it is time for patience and it is also time for supporters and fans to get behind the manager. Chant his name when we play Villa loud and clear. If you want to keep him, tell him! Lift him up, we need to motivate him as much as he needs to motivate the players.

If we don't get some points quickly Nigel could go from Hero to Zero by October. And as much as I don't want non mangers buying players, I want a new manager even less. Especially if his name, as some have suggested, is Harry Redknap.

insane saint wrote:
2-2

buster gutt wrote:
strange submitting 22 players plus doe that mean we will be signing another 3 players out of contract or on loan?

westfordUSAsaints wrote:

loosehead wrote:
I don't understand all this Scholes changed the game attitude?
From what I saw it was more like Adkins substitutions changed the game.
Ask yourself's this why with a reactive team with almost everyone in defence how come no one marked Van Persie?
for the changes to work we needed an organised defence & we definitely didn't have that.
most teams that's down to the Keeper to organise so why isn't ours?
Will another striker/attacking midfielder improve our defence?
It's great bringing in big name signings but what about big name signings in defence?
Adkins seems to be giving the team that got us promoted a chance but will that chance cost us our place in the Premiership?

You watch, we will stay up, there are worse teams out there than Saints, it's only 3 games in, we all knew we had a tough start.

QPR, Villa, Reading, Fulham, and Norwich will all drop down and struggle, you watch. We are better than all those teams, just you wait and see.

QPR can't buy their way out of the the bottom three and Villa, they are in freefall. Reading haven't strengthened from last year at all

saintjak wrote:
I wouldn't spend much time worrying over this. Get the feeling Liverpool maybe a bit more keen than us. I'd certainly welcome him though!!! Defensivly - If Luke Shaw is up for it I think he needs to go in. IMO Fox is not even close to being up to PL standard. He's been exposed in all 3 games I have seen. If JWP can step up maybe its time for the prospect that all the top clubs were looking at to also be given a chance...

german saint wrote:
i have to agree with the above.... we are where we are and for that we thank you but its time to hand over the reigns to a more expeinced person before its too late.. who that might be is still unclear but it can only benefit the club in the long run... this is what happens and can only strengthen our intent..... coyr

Alicesdad wrote:

SouthamptonLegend wrote:

Alicesdad wrote: I think he's too old. I also think he would be expensive just for a place on a bench as I frankly dont think he would get in the team. NC will want value for money and NA will not want anyone who is only here to see out his time at a Premiership club. You only need to read the posts on this thread to know this would be a very unpopular and risky bit of business.

Idiot. This will be a sound investment and one that Cortese is in for... Cortese knows what he's doing ffs. I wish we had him signed before the United game, he would have made the difference with class and experience (THAT WE NEED), how you can't see that is ridiculous. Did you watch the game on Sunday? What happened when a 37 year old came on for United...he changed the game. Del Piero is not only the same age but he has won the World Cup, he has won more European trophies and you've already written him off... Your opinions are void.

This is the kind of response that deserves to be in a lavatory having been wiped carefully first. An opinion can be stated without resorting to illiterate vulgarity and clumsy uneducated phrasing. I see elsewhere that my suggestion that it's unpopular probably was wrong. And I am big enough to admit that without resorting to insulting anyone. But i remain coinvinced that signing him is a romantic fantasy in the fans eyes. He is not the player he used to be. Comparing him to Scholes is unsound. They are both immensely experienced but to buy him would be a temporary measure when we are looking long term. You don not buy players to bring them on for twenty minutes. The fact that it's got this far may suggest that Cortese is interested. We shall see. But I doubt that if he comes here he will stay any longer than Billy Sharp. To those who disagreed with me and put their view in well measured terms I thank you for joing the debate. To those who decided to suck their comments up from the gutter I wish you a safe trip back there.

slugger wrote:

westfordUSAsaints wrote:

slugger wrote:
for the record , i don't think we need del piero , we do still need to bolster our defence .

Well, we can't now, can we. So, we have to deal with what we have until the window opens up again.

I predict that come Jan, we will be doing just fine and everyone will be moaning about Gaston not being worth the money.

unless there's a gem of a free agent , i also think we'll be fine .

saintshorse101 wrote:
5,979 oh dear!
well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it!
the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:
God I miss Div1

hedge end bob wrote:

warrens 76 wrote:
If we were playing awful football or losing by a hatful and had few if any quality players then and only then it would be correct to express displeasure with our position....

However, nothing could be further from the truth we have genuine stars at times we play sublime football and have had nothing but success for 3 solid years...

It is one thing for the honest amongst us to accept that regrettably portsmuff have more passion for their team...indeed sorry to say it but I wish to god everyone would support the team and make St Mary's a couldron instead of relying on one corner of the bl***y ground..

.....however to hear people sounding like plastic Mufc fans who expect and indeed only support them because they win all the time is a choker, I always thought we are more than that.....if you cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen and support Chelsea or Mufc, leave our REAL club alone.

Sorry but cant agree it is only Northam that make all the noise.When i look across from Itchen North i can see Kingsland North giving it some , as do Itchen North. It's a pity they wont move the away support to the Chaple area then we would have one big horse shoe of fans all singing together.MAKES SENSE

warrens 76 wrote:

hedge end bob wrote:

warrens 76 wrote: If we were playing awful football or losing by a hatful and had few if any quality players then and only then it would be correct to express displeasure with our position.... However, nothing could be further from the truth we have genuine stars at times we play sublime football and have had nothing but success for 3 solid years... It is one thing for the honest amongst us to accept that regrettably portsmuff have more passion for their team...indeed sorry to say it but I wish to god everyone would support the team and make St Mary's a couldron instead of relying on one corner of the bl***y ground.. .....however to hear people sounding like plastic Mufc fans who expect and indeed only support them because they win all the time is a choker, I always thought we are more than that.....if you cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen and support Chelsea or Mufc, leave our REAL club alone.

Sorry but cant agree it is only Northam that make all the noise.When i look across from Itchen North i can see Kingsland North giving it some , as do Itchen North. It's a pity they wont move the away support to the Chaple area then we would have one big horse shoe of fans all singing together.MAKES SENSE

It's true on some games the atmosphere moves around the ground..however we do not have anywhere near the vociferous support our loathsome rivals have and that is disappointing to say the least...we do not have to be savages like them but a lot of our fans do not deserve the team...they expect to be entertained not contribute themselves.

mack chinnon wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:
God I miss Div1

Do you mean the 3rd division. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.
I like them comfy seats
Come on Crawley.

bigfella777 wrote:
All the other press is saying he has signed for Sydney,he peaked 10 years ago this is just silly .

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

mack chinnon wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:
God I miss Div1

Do you mean the 3rd division. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.
I like them comfy seats
Come on Crawley.

No I mean it. I didn't have to keep getting out of my comfy seat to let the JCL's leave early or get to the bar first. I didn't have to queue at the bar. But above all you didn't get the tossers on here! Well apart from Slugger and Bill of course :)

warrens 76 wrote:

hedge end bob wrote:

warrens 76 wrote:
If we were playing awful football or losing by a hatful and had few if any quality players then and only then it would be correct to express displeasure with our position....

However, nothing could be further from the truth we have genuine stars at times we play sublime football and have had nothing but success for 3 solid years...

It is one thing for the honest amongst us to accept that regrettably portsmuff have more passion for their team...indeed sorry to say it but I wish to god everyone would support the team and make St Mary's a couldron instead of relying on one corner of the bl***y ground..

.....however to hear people sounding like plastic Mufc fans who expect and indeed only support them because they win all the time is a choker, I always thought we are more than that.....if you cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen and support Chelsea or Mufc, leave our REAL club alone.

Sorry but cant agree it is only Northam that make all the noise.When i look across from Itchen North i can see Kingsland North giving it some , as do Itchen North. It's a pity they wont move the away support to the Chaple area then we would have one big horse shoe of fans all singing together.MAKES SENSE

It's true on some games the atmosphere moves around the ground..however we do not have anywhere near the vociferous support our loathsome rivals have and that is disappointing to say the least...we do not have to be savages like them but a lot of our fans do not deserve the team...they expect to be entertained not contribute themselves.

pompey in spain wrote:
no passion for your team.thats always been your lots problem. p,s, we won tonight children. P,U,P,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

worried of n e hampshire wrote:
Lee Barnard on as sub, nearly scored 2-2 10 mins to go come on cherries!

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

mack chinnon wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:
God I miss Div1

Do you mean the 3rd division. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.
I like them comfy seats
Come on Crawley.

No I mean it. I didn't have to keep getting out of my comfy seat to let the JCL's leave early or get to the bar first. I didn't have to queue at the bar. But above all you didn't get the tossers on here! Well apart from Slugger and Bill of course :)

pompey in spain wrote:
angus!....you dont

pompey in spain wrote:
seed and slugger .....you make me laugh.

saintshorse101 wrote:
5,979 oh dear! well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it! the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

mack chinnon wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

mack chinnon wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote: God I miss Div1

Do you mean the 3rd division. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. I like them comfy seats Come on Crawley.

No I mean it. I didn't have to keep getting out of my comfy seat to let the JCL's leave early or get to the bar first. I didn't have to queue at the bar. But above all you didn't get the tossers on here! Well apart from Slugger and Bill of course :)

I loved it in division 3. You can take the champions league (and whoever is 2nd 3rd and 4th ) and stick it up your ar$e. Its the FA cup for me.

City Saint wrote:

mack chinnon wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

mack chinnon wrote:

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote: God I miss Div1

Do you mean the 3rd division. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. I like them comfy seats Come on Crawley.

No I mean it. I didn't have to keep getting out of my comfy seat to let the JCL's leave early or get to the bar first. I didn't have to queue at the bar. But above all you didn't get the tossers on here! Well apart from Slugger and Bill of course :)

I loved it in division 3. You can take the champions league (and whoever is 2nd 3rd and 4th ) and stick it up your ar$e. Its the FA cup for me.

Dunno which stand you were in, but we had plenty of early leavers and long beer lines in league one over in kingsland. Still do.

The only things I miss about league one are the players doing interviews in the itchen after the match, cheaper beer and the better saints home record.

Skating on thin ice wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote:
5,979 oh dear! well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it! the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

Here is a quiz question for you. 2 years ago almost to the day, you were home to Swindon in this same Paint Trophy competition. We will gloss over the result (0-3, in case you have forgotten). My point is, that game was your first game defending the trophy you had won only weeks before at Wembley, in front of 50000 of your oh-so-loyal lifelong supporters. What was your crowd for that Swindon game? How many of the Wembley "supporters" were anything other than fairweather plastics?

A lot of them are back now, but not for many more games.

pompey in spain wrote:
no passion for your team.thats always been your lots problem. p,s, we won tonight children. P,U,P,!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

City Saint wrote:
Now that I think about it, I also miss the fact that Jose looked like a god in defense. That's about it tho.

Dubai-saints89 wrote:

hedge end bob wrote:
Just google DEL BOY ,. Fc Sydney have not yet signed him and will have further talks on Wednesday.
Get in there Nicola tell him what a wonderfull place SOUTHAMPTON is. We have Ocean Village where he can tie his boat up. We have The Isle of Wight, can match any of the little islands around the MED. We also have SAINTS F C. a club that is going places.

What would he have in OZ. Football played on a round pitch were they keep picking the ball up and running with it. Watched by fans that would be more interested in the amber necter and B B Q'S. They got snakes down the loo that if you dont notice will bite your arse . And spiders that try to take over your shoes. NO CONTEST IN MY BOOK.

Hope this is true! i really hope he chooses us..

the only thing they got over us is the weather and beaches! haha. i guess it depends what he wants, i fear that he might find the EPL to competitive and would rather settle down for a more laidback rubbish standard A- League football..sorry i mean "soccer"

george chivers wrote:

timbersaint wrote:

hedge end bob wrote:

Dickosfc wrote:

SaintPC wrote: My biggest worry isn't with NA/NC, or with them signing older players, or even with Fox/Fonte still in the team (which is a worry, don't get me wrong!). No, my biggest worry is that there seems to be such an ignorance in a lot of saints fans on this site, calling for NA to "wise up" and questioning NC about signings and business dealings etc. These guys have presided over the greatest period in our history. NC brought in a billionaire backer and has done nothing but deliver time and time again for this club. Turning down AC Milan to stay with Southampton, brokering some of the best business deals we have seen, and at all times behaved impeccably and set a standard of behaviour that is emulated across the entire staff at Southampton. NA has done the exact same thing, brought good players to the club, trained them hard, built a wonderful team playing good football. Bringing through plenty of younger players to supplement those we are buying. When buying players, they havent gone for "proven" premiership journeymen who get relegated every year, they have selected - carefully - the right players, young and hungry, with the right attitude that will fit into the squad and look to build their future at the club. So, my biggest worry is that these fans, with little vision, short memories, ready to knee-jerk a reaction to whatever they may have read in the Sun or Mirror over the weekend, will start to voice more and more discontent at the current set-up. We MUST have patience, this is a long term project, and it is not an overnight quick fix. We WILL struggle this year, but we will get better and better. These players will learn, the right players will join when they are identified and become available. NA/NC know the issues and they will be addressed in the fullness of time. We must do our roles, support the team, through thick and thin, and whatever we do.....DON'T start calling for the head of either of them, do that and the instability returns, and you might just get your wish.....chase away Adkins, Cortese, the Liebherrs, and see where we end up.....let's not do that. Together as one!

I third, fourth and fith that! Best post in ages.

6TH. LIKE

agreed best post in ages.

A very good post. My view at the start of the season was we would have between 1 and 4 points after game 6, Everton. Then we would start to pick up points on a more regular basis and finish between 12th and 15th. I also thought we needed 9 additional players to start the season with. Including 2 CB's and a LB. Personally I would have given Richardson a try, but not the other 3. Just my view.

Who knows what Nigel thought, none of us know that. But the thing that bothers me now is we appear to be bringing in players who have been selected by somebody else other than Nigel. A continental strategy, something I am not comfortable with. But it can be workable if the players are recruited early enough and the manager is happy managing on those terms.That hasn't been the case with Saints, some of the players have arrived well after the start of the season. Some are not here yet.

Just after the end of last season there was a feature article in The Sunday Times about Nicola Cortese. It stressed his close personal relationship with Roberto Di Matteo. How much he consulted him before he came to Saints and how close he and his family were to Di Matteo's and his family.

At the time Chelsea hadn't won the Champions League and it seemed to me Nigel could be on borrowed time if he didn't start well in the PL and Di Matteo could be a threat to him. Well of course things changed and Chelsea did win the CL and after a while Di Matteo was installed as Chelsea's manager on a permanent basis. So the threat disappeared; at least for a while.

But I fear if we do achieve what I felt we would achieve pre season in the first 6 games i.e. 1-4 points then I think Nigel will be at risk. Somebody will need to be blamed after the big spending in the summer. And it won't be Cortese who takes the rap.

So I agree it is time for patience and it is also time for supporters and fans to get behind the manager. Chant his name when we play Villa loud and clear. If you want to keep him, tell him! Lift him up, we need to motivate him as much as he needs to motivate the players.

If we don't get some points quickly Nigel could go from Hero to Zero by October. And as much as I don't want non mangers buying players, I want a new manager even less. Especially if his name, as some have suggested, is Harry Redknap.

Skating on thin ice wrote:
Adkins now odds on to go. Arry 3-1 favourite to replace him (was 10-1 only yesterday). Somebody is obviously "in the know", and the bookies will close the market soon.

Skating on thin ice wrote:
Adkins now odds on to go. Arry 3-1 favourite to replace him (was 10-1 only yesterday). Somebody is obviously "in the know", and the bookies will close the market soon.

Rob The Saint NOT in NZ wrote:

Skating on thin ice wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote:
5,979 oh dear! well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it! the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

Here is a quiz question for you. 2 years ago almost to the day, you were home to Swindon in this same Paint Trophy competition. We will gloss over the result (0-3, in case you have forgotten). My point is, that game was your first game defending the trophy you had won only weeks before at Wembley, in front of 50000 of your oh-so-loyal lifelong supporters. What was your crowd for that Swindon game? How many of the Wembley "supporters" were anything other than fairweather plastics?

A lot of them are back now, but not for many more games.

We averaged more than 20,000 in League 1, you had 12,000 in last week ('packing the Park' - joke).

You also lost 1-0 to a team we beat 6-0!

I rest my case.

Skating on thin ice wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote:
5,979 oh dear! well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it! the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

Here is a quiz question for you. 2 years ago almost to the day, you were home to Swindon in this same Paint Trophy competition. We will gloss over the result (0-3, in case you have forgotten). My point is, that game was your first game defending the trophy you had won only weeks before at Wembley, in front of 50000 of your oh-so-loyal lifelong supporters. What was your crowd for that Swindon game? How many of the Wembley "supporters" were anything other than fairweather plastics?

A lot of them are back now, but not for many more games.

Skating on thin ice wrote:
Adkins now odds on to go. Arry 3-1 favourite to replace him (was 10-1 only yesterday). Somebody is obviously "in the know", and the bookies will close the market soon.

Baddesley Bill wrote:

Skating on thin ice wrote:
Adkins now odds on to go. Arry 3-1 favourite to replace him (was 10-1 only yesterday). Somebody is obviously "in the know", and the bookies will close the market soon.

Best get your rent money on it then...do let us all know how you get on.

Skating on thin ice wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote: 5,979 oh dear! well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it! the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

Here is a quiz question for you. 2 years ago almost to the day, you were home to Swindon in this same Paint Trophy competition. We will gloss over the result (0-3, in case you have forgotten). My point is, that game was your first game defending the trophy you had won only weeks before at Wembley, in front of 50000 of your oh-so-loyal lifelong supporters. What was your crowd for that Swindon game? How many of the Wembley "supporters" were anything other than fairweather plastics? A lot of them are back now, but not for many more games.

saintshorse101 wrote:

Skating on thin ice wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote: 5,979 oh dear! well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it! the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

Here is a quiz question for you. 2 years ago almost to the day, you were home to Swindon in this same Paint Trophy competition. We will gloss over the result (0-3, in case you have forgotten). My point is, that game was your first game defending the trophy you had won only weeks before at Wembley, in front of 50000 of your oh-so-loyal lifelong supporters. What was your crowd for that Swindon game? How many of the Wembley "supporters" were anything other than fairweather plastics? A lot of them are back now, but not for many more games.

8,333 thats still just under 2500 more than you had tonight! so whats your point? we had won that trophy and couldnt be bothered with it again, didnt want it getting in the way of a successful promotion campaign! we also didnt need to "fudgepack the park" to raise a few quid to pay the players on monthly contracts!
just accept that you debt ridden hole of a club is an embarrassment as are you fans! is your fishy shop full of the latest shirts for the fans to buy yet?
if you want to play figures, ok then how many of the 250k fans at southsea after you brought (still to pay) the fa cup, were at the cowshed tonight?

pompey in spain wrote:
no passion for your team.thats always been your lots problem. p,s, we won tonight children. P,U,P,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

saintkenny wrote:

Rob The Saint NOT in NZ wrote:

Skating on thin ice wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote:
5,979 oh dear! well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it! the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

Here is a quiz question for you. 2 years ago almost to the day, you were home to Swindon in this same Paint Trophy competition. We will gloss over the result (0-3, in case you have forgotten). My point is, that game was your first game defending the trophy you had won only weeks before at Wembley, in front of 50000 of your oh-so-loyal lifelong supporters. What was your crowd for that Swindon game? How many of the Wembley "supporters" were anything other than fairweather plastics?

A lot of them are back now, but not for many more games.

We averaged more than 20,000 in League 1, you had 12,000 in last week ('packing the Park' - joke).

You also lost 1-0 to a team we beat 6-0!

I rest my case.

we averaged 24.000 in league one ,they averaged 17.000 in the premier league including away support .we also when they were in the premier had 2000 average more at away games in league one .so the stats are there ,we are the best supported south coast club.if you can add up ,average for saints in the premier is 31.000 so every home its 14000 more fans .for the thick blue few add it up 19 times this is how many more fans come through the gates ,making much more money ,and soon in a few years increased to 48.000 capacity ,so then it will be,31.000 more than you every home game .add this up 19 times ,see its not rocket science you dont have the support or any assets we do ,thats why your in league ,and were in the premier league ,its called infrastructure

saintkenny wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote:

Skating on thin ice wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote: 5,979 oh dear! well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it! the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

Here is a quiz question for you. 2 years ago almost to the day, you were home to Swindon in this same Paint Trophy competition. We will gloss over the result (0-3, in case you have forgotten). My point is, that game was your first game defending the trophy you had won only weeks before at Wembley, in front of 50000 of your oh-so-loyal lifelong supporters. What was your crowd for that Swindon game? How many of the Wembley "supporters" were anything other than fairweather plastics? A lot of them are back now, but not for many more games.

8,333 thats still just under 2500 more than you had tonight! so whats your point? we had won that trophy and couldnt be bothered with it again, didnt want it getting in the way of a successful promotion campaign! we also didnt need to "fudgepack the park" to raise a few quid to pay the players on monthly contracts!
just accept that you debt ridden hole of a club is an embarrassment as are you fans! is your fishy shop full of the latest shirts for the fans to buy yet?
if you want to play figures, ok then how many of the 250k fans at southsea after you brought (still to pay) the fa cup, were at the cowshed tonight?

very well put horse

Skating on thin ice wrote:
Adkins now odds on to go. Arry 3-1 favourite to replace him (was 10-1 only yesterday). Somebody is obviously "in the know", and the bookies will close the market soon.

pompey in spain wrote:
no passion for your team.thats always been your lots problem. p,s, we won tonight children. P,U,P,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

Skating on thin ice wrote:
Adkins now odds on to go. Arry 3-1 favourite to replace him (was 10-1 only yesterday). Somebody is obviously "in the know", and the bookies will close the market soon.

I strongly advise you to put the mortgage on it, you will be sure to make a fortune, absolutely guaranteed to happen, don't miss out, sadly you can't put on a cash bet at Nottarf as your gaming licence ran out and you cannot afford to renew it. Which bookmaker is offering such tight odds on this racing certainty please tell so that we can all jump on the bandwagon.

Skating on thin ice wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote:
5,979 oh dear! well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it! the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

Here is a quiz question for you. 2 years ago almost to the day, you were home to Swindon in this same Paint Trophy competition. We will gloss over the result (0-3, in case you have forgotten). My point is, that game was your first game defending the trophy you had won only weeks before at Wembley, in front of 50000 of your oh-so-loyal lifelong supporters. What was your crowd for that Swindon game? How many of the Wembley "supporters" were anything other than fairweather plastics?

A lot of them are back now, but not for many more games.

angus mc coatup wrote:

saintkenny wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote:

Skating on thin ice wrote:

saintshorse101 wrote: 5,979 oh dear! well done poopey fans 1 chance to save your club by giving much needed gate receipts and you blew it! the bestest gratest bestest best fans of the bestest club (tm) what a joke!

Here is a quiz question for you. 2 years ago almost to the day, you were home to Swindon in this same Paint Trophy competition. We will gloss over the result (0-3, in case you have forgotten). My point is, that game was your first game defending the trophy you had won only weeks before at Wembley, in front of 50000 of your oh-so-loyal lifelong supporters. What was your crowd for that Swindon game? How many of the Wembley "supporters" were anything other than fairweather plastics? A lot of them are back now, but not for many more games.

8,333 thats still just under 2500 more than you had tonight! so whats your point? we had won that trophy and couldnt be bothered with it again, didnt want it getting in the way of a successful promotion campaign! we also didnt need to "fudgepack the park" to raise a few quid to pay the players on monthly contracts! just accept that you debt ridden hole of a club is an embarrassment as are you fans! is your fishy shop full of the latest shirts for the fans to buy yet? if you want to play figures, ok then how many of the 250k fans at southsea after you brought (still to pay) the fa cup, were at the cowshed tonight?

very well put horse

strange that when confronted with the facts they just shut up. them trying to goad us up is like pi$$ing in the wind. shot down in flames everytime.

angus mc coatup wrote:
I think pompey are trying to broker a deal with waterlooville to borrow their crowd for home games.

Baddesley Bill wrote:
We seem to have a fair mix on this thread today...true supporters, Victor Meldews...and a thin scattering of skunt (surely they have a game to go to tonight?)
I can't see this deal coming off...if it does, I won't write this fella off. In fact, the more the merrier (assuming we get good value for money and don't upset the applecart). After Schole's display on Sunday, would the grumps on here slate him if he wanted a year here?..I think not.
I'm standing by for another potential 2 weeks sparring with a few knobends on here...and willing to bet that when we string some results together, they will simply disappear ...again! COYR

randre wrote:

Baddesley Bill wrote:
We seem to have a fair mix on this thread today...true supporters, Victor Meldews...and a thin scattering of skunt (surely they have a game to go to tonight?)
I can't see this deal coming off...if it does, I won't write this fella off. In fact, the more the merrier (assuming we get good value for money and don't upset the applecart). After Schole's display on Sunday, would the grumps on here slate him if he wanted a year here?..I think not.
I'm standing by for another potential 2 weeks sparring with a few knobends on here...and willing to bet that when we string some results together, they will simply disappear ...again! COYR

I love the way certain skunts come on here and talk about our attendances...

I have seen a bigger turn out at Wimborne FC than at Fratton Park tonight.

Dare I say I don't believe they are the bestest, greatest, bestest best fans ever to be the bestest of the best ever fans (tm) after all!

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

randre wrote:

Baddesley Bill wrote:
We seem to have a fair mix on this thread today...true supporters, Victor Meldews...and a thin scattering of skunt (surely they have a game to go to tonight?)
I can't see this deal coming off...if it does, I won't write this fella off. In fact, the more the merrier (assuming we get good value for money and don't upset the applecart). After Schole's display on Sunday, would the grumps on here slate him if he wanted a year here?..I think not.
I'm standing by for another potential 2 weeks sparring with a few knobends on here...and willing to bet that when we string some results together, they will simply disappear ...again! COYR

I love the way certain skunts come on here and talk about our attendances...

I have seen a bigger turn out at Wimborne FC than at Fratton Park tonight.

Dare I say I don't believe they are the bestest, greatest, bestest best fans ever to be the bestest of the best ever fans (tm) after all!

How very dare you! I know for a FACT they are. They told me so several times.

Swissowned wrote:

Mr. T wrote:
why oh why are we looking to bring in another striker - and one who is 37 years old!!!

Are there no unattached defenders out there?

Read the article and see the comment previous to your post. There are a lot of positives in this signing including a financial benefit to the club.
Take the blinkers off and look beyond what the guy can offer on the football pitch!

Skating on thin ice wrote:
Adkins now odds on to go. Arry 3-1 favourite to replace him (was 10-1 only yesterday). Somebody is obviously "in the know", and the bookies will close the market soon.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
On Twitter it says the Team that has covered the most distance so far on the pitch 195.18 miles. Saints. Men on a Mission or headless chickens, you choose.

st1halo wrote:
If you're in a hurry then here is a summary of tonights posts.

Basically, NC and NA should be sacked as soon as possible as there are only 35 games left and tme is running out!! The running of the club should be handed over to Ladbrokes and BetFred asap as they know what they are doing!! We dont want or need world class players here.
Saints need to be thrown out of the Premier League by getting CB, LB NOW even though the transfer window has closed!!. Big Lawrie needs to go and find a world class goalie for us!! Luke Shaw must be played even though he's been ill.!! Apparently the Mafia have been spotted outside SMS asking for a bloke named Nigel, so nothing controversial on tonights forum.

It was interrupted late in the game by some skates acting like they had just won the champions league but they were quickly taken out by Mr. Cold Hard Facts and Mr. Stats

My fave post of the day was from St Retford letting me know that I can go into a supermarket in Oz and ask for ballbags, dicktogs and cockjocks and ill get some swimming trunks. Even though my brother is an aussie, I didnt know this and it really made me laugh.What worries me is if i ask for swimming trunks , is some b@stard gonna try and stick some nuts in my hand?? Later, whillst washing my swimming trunks in the bath I started to think I wonder what names they have for tampons and panty liners?? Please ..no suggestions but worth a thought... Night all


STID

st1halo wrote:
If you're in a hurry then here is a summary of tonights posts. Basically, NC and NA should be sacked as soon as possible as there are only 35 games left and tme is running out!! The running of the club should be handed over to Ladbrokes and BetFred asap as they know what they are doing!! We dont want or need world class players here. Saints need to be thrown out of the Premier League by getting CB, LB NOW even though the transfer window has closed!!. Big Lawrie needs to go and find a world class goalie for us!! Luke Shaw must be played even though he's been ill.!! Apparently the Mafia have been spotted outside SMS asking for a bloke named Nigel, so nothing controversial on tonights forum. It was interrupted late in the game by some skates acting like they had just won the champions league but they were quickly taken out by Mr. Cold Hard Facts and Mr. Stats My fave post of the day was from St Retford letting me know that I can go into a supermarket in Oz and ask for ballbags, dicktogs and cockjocks and ill get some swimming trunks. Even though my brother is an aussie, I didnt know this and it really made me laugh.What worries me is if i ask for swimming trunks , is some b@stard gonna try and stick some nuts in my hand?? Later, whillst washing my swimming trunks in the bath I started to think I wonder what names they have for tampons and panty liners?? Please ..no suggestions but worth a thought... Night all STID

Seedhouse the Unrepentant wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
On Twitter it says the Team that has covered the most distance so far on the pitch 195.18 miles. Saints. Men on a Mission or headless chickens, you choose.

It means Nigel has got them fit and working harder than 19 other Premier League sides. Better use squad rotation and substitutes when they tire then.

We tried to bring in defenders and were linked to many. Maybe the failure to achieve this, for whatever reasons, led to us shipping too many goals to date.

Stroppy_gramps wrote:
I think he's off to Oz.
shame, would have been great for the club if he had come to the only Premiership team on the south coast.
However I just this:

http://www.guardian.

co.uk/football/2012/

sep/04/sydney-southa

mpton-alessandro-del

-piero

welp, you win some you lose some. Would be nice to see some more defence added in this transfer window. I'm not aware of any top class defenders available on a free transfer.
However, I will say this: I do think that the signings we have made in this transfer window are very exciting and I look forward to see what impact they will have on the pitch (which is where it matters). Do Prado just doesn't do it for me - Some matches he actually seems to want to play and others he's just not there. I get frustrated with players who are like this - at this stage of our glorious march to the future we cannot afford to have anyone on the pitch who isn't giving it 110% every matchday. I do think he has talent, however he just doesn't look hungry enough for me.
Ricky on the other hand appears to be in heaven - he's loving the chance to get at these Premier League defenses and mess them about. He's started this season as he left off - banging in the shots.
Clyne appears to be settling in quite nicely although he needs more experience with Saints before I give my final verdict on him.

Adkins has made a couple of errors in the start to this season, but I am confident that he has what it takes and will develop into a **** fine Premier League manager. Furthermore, I firmly believe that the set up is for the long term, not some short lived, flash in the pan, spend loads of money, win a cup, then freefall back down through the leagues whining and crying and ripping off everyone around you while going through successive owners none of whom actually have a clue about how to run a football club properly. The build up to this has been fantastic - it started when we developed our amazing youth academy, it wobbled a bit when the vampire got his claws into the club (but at least we came out of it with a Premiership standard stadium) and the like a pheonix we rose from the ashes with an owner who believed in us, believed in the City and gave us all something to be proud of in our club. We gained a manager who could well be the next Fergie, we got a financial base that is the envy of most other football clubs, we still have that amazing academy, and we've got an exciting squad who will go on to do great things.

My children, the ride will be bumpy. There will be highs, there will be lows. There will be times that we all question what our great manager was thinking, there will be times when we will all want to buy him a pint for a great game plan in the last match. This is our time, these are our players and this is our club. We have been up against two of the greatest sides on this planet and taken both to the wire already this season and we've only just started. 'but what about Wigan!' I hear you cry. Well, I say to you that these games will happen. It happens to the greatest teams in the world - sometimes the other team just get it right. Those are times that you as fans must let your team know that it doesn't matter, we'll get them next time. Rest assured that your team will look at that match and in his heart each player will swear 'Never Again'.

So take heart my friends, no one ever said that this ride would be smooth. The future is Red and White on the South Coast of this Green and Pleasant Land. Go to the games, sing your heart out, give those plucky lads all the support you can. We will stay up despite the naysayers. We will take the top teams all the way. And I promise you, there is no one on the South Coast to compare to the Mighty Saints.

Flashin the pan wrote:
Del boy has never really heard of Southampton let alone be interested in a side stuck at the bottom of the pile and he's likely to choose the Man Utds, Chelseas and Liverpools of this world that have a proven record of winning tournaments...not a side that sits one place above the Championship and are just on a 'visitor's pass'. Arsenal... and the torment continues.

oregonsaint wrote:

Swissowned wrote:

Mr. T wrote:
why oh why are we looking to bring in another striker - and one who is 37 years old!!!

Are there no unattached defenders out there?

Read the article and see the comment previous to your post. There are a lot of positives in this signing including a financial benefit to the club.
Take the blinkers off and look beyond what the guy can offer on the football pitch!

So, Swissedowned, you think that Del Piero would be good for marketing purposes. That's fine, but what we really need is a couple of defenders, and spend cash on them, rather than spending it on an ageing player, great though he has been over the years.
If the team can perform, then we don't need a circus act.

WobblyCat wrote:

Flashin the pan wrote:
Del boy has never really heard of Southampton let alone be interested in a side stuck at the bottom of the pile and he's likely to choose the Man Utds, Chelseas and Liverpools of this world that have a proven record of winning tournaments...not a side that sits one place above the Championship and are just on a 'visitor's pass'. Arsenal... and the torment continues.

Jeez I'm sure you don't have to post your chin dribble 3 times!!

So anyway


45 places below


the' bottom of the pile'



Hello Pooooopey!!

Flashin the pan wrote:
Del boy has never really heard of Southampton let alone be interested in a side stuck at the bottom of the pile and he's likely to choose the Man Utds, Chelseas and Liverpools of this world that have a proven record of winning tournaments...not a side that sits one place above the Championship and are just on a 'visitor's pass'.
Arsenal... and the torment continues.

Flashin the pan wrote:
Del boy has never really heard of Southampton let alone be interested in a side stuck at the bottom of the pile and he's likely to choose the Man Utds, Chelseas and Liverpools of this world that have a proven record of winning tournaments...not a side that sits one place above the Championship and are just on a 'visitor's pass'. Arsenal... and the torment continues.

Flashin the pan wrote:
Del boy has never really heard of Southampton let alone be interested in a side stuck at the bottom of the pile and he's likely to choose the Man Utds, Chelseas and Liverpools of this world that have a proven record of winning tournaments...not a side that sits one place above the Championship and are just on a 'visitor's pass'.
Arsenal... and the torment continues.