Superstar slipping away (From Daily Echo)

Good
Not for us at this time,we have priorities elsewhere in the team

Again...good! Completely unnecessary.

If he was 35 I would be pleased to get him but he's just too old to play Premier league football. This isn't the same situation as Paul Scholes who roams around the centre of the park pulling strings. Del Piero would never settle in to the pace of this division. If he's too slow for Serie A he'd just look **** over here.

Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

I'm free.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

John Mensah available on a free I believe...

Confucious wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

I'm free.

How tall are you?

SaintWavey wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

John Mensah available on a free I believe...

Sounds intelligent!

He wouldn't (shouldn't) get many chances for Saints, at least not without upsetting other pretenders to a starting place up front like Lambo, Lalla, Jay-Rod and Mayuka. HIs pay may also distort the wage structure. At this point we need players who can ensure we keep our place in the PL over the next 2 seasons and then push on towards the coveted European slots. We don't need show ponies/celebrities detracting from that objective.

We should be at least trying to find a good out of contract CB to strengthen the shaky defence.

BTW do others find difficulty in typing on this website without missing out letters?

COYR

SaintWavey wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

John Mensah available on a free I believe...

Looking at his CV he is far too injury prone and disruptive in the dressing room, not for us I think.

Not a bad defender. 29 years old so he's experienced, played in the prem for Sunderland on loan. Had spells at Lyon and Rennes also.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

SaintWavey wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

John Mensah available on a free I believe...

Sounds intelligent!

Not a bad defender. 29 years old so he's experienced, played in the prem for Sunderland on loan. Had spells at Lyon and Rennes also.

Good. I hate the way this is being reported as if it were a deeply-desired transfer for the fans. It isn't. Unless he can play LB or CB of course.

There rumors keegan is lacing up this boots

saint Compo wrote:
He wouldn't (shouldn't) get many chances for Saints, at least not without upsetting other pretenders to a starting place up front like Lambo, Lalla, Jay-Rod and Mayuka. HIs pay may also distort the wage structure. At this point we need players who can ensure we keep our place in the PL over the next 2 seasons and then push on towards the coveted European slots. We don't need show ponies/celebrities detracting from that objective.

We should be at least trying to find a good out of contract CB to strengthen the shaky defence.

BTW do others find difficulty in typing on this website without missing out letters?

COYR

I always seem to be missing out letters when I type, and also my spelling goes awol when I get a bit excited, I like to correct others, (it's not meant to be malicious or critical, just a tease) but that is spoilt if you get it wrong yourself! Even proof reading doesn't help, seems your brain tells you what you want to think is right, when in fact it's wrong, ho hum, sometimes creates a bit of mirth, no harm in that.

I will be glad when we know one way or the other. This is just blundering on presumably waiting for the player to decide.
I can't see what else is in the way. If its not about money (as suggested here) is he looking for European football? If thats the case its game over for us.

I have said before that I think it would be pointless him coming here, but after a nights sleep I think he could do some good if you consider the bigger picture.

Anyway .. onto more important things . can we field our best side against Arsenal . .are all these wondeful signings available, fit and ready? Do we know or not?

SlupsPups wrote:
Good. I hate the way this is being reported as if it were a deeply-desired transfer for the fans. It isn't. Unless he can play LB or CB of course.

Speak for yourself mate! The poll clearly showed the majority of fans did want him!

BBC website says Sydney are putting on a press conference today.
Looks like he went down under.

That's fine. Because, you see, we don't actually need him - but it would have been great to get him purely for his wealth of experience on the pitch. And what that would have meant to the other players in the team who could learn from him.

I hope that we can find some defenders who are free now. but you never know - the defenders we have are learning some hard lessons. Some of them may step up their game because of it and develop into a good strong back line.
You can rest assured that NA is going to be working them hard in the coming weeks.

This is merely a matter of time. And the delightful thing is - we have time on our side. There's plenty of games left this season, we haven't got an administrator trying to keep us going from week to week, we've got a good financial base.
NA is going to find a way for Saints to survive in the Premier League and NC is behind him all the way.

I'm quite relaxed about all this

Disagree with previous posts Del Piero would both excite and be a commercial success as well as giving invaluable experience to our younger players. No problem with his fitness as he would probably sit in an advanced midfield creating chances and only be needed for 30 to 45 minutes per game.
Seems Liverpool know what he would bring to their squad and no doubt other Prem teams are watching the situation.

billythesaint wrote:
If he was 35 I would be pleased to get him but he's just too old to play Premier league football. This isn't the same situation as Paul Scholes who roams around the centre of the park pulling strings. Del Piero would never settle in to the pace of this division. If he's too slow for Serie A he'd just look **** over here.

hes off to Wet Spam anyway!!.....I for one would be happy for Del Perio to come to saints. I think he could be so good both on and off the field.
The contract we have offered him only works out at £15K- £18K per week, which in footballing terms isnt a great deal, so therefore not much of a risk. Plus he is on big bonuses which means he has goals to acheive,and acheivments to aim for rather then a big pay check for doing f all.
I too would love to have a better defense then we have but theres not a lot we can do about that now the windows shut......so all you doubters get off Nic and Nig's back and get behind the team. As soon as the doubters appear thats when cracks appear....stay posative.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

Confucious wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

I'm free.

How tall are you?

Taller than most because I always stand on a chair to clean my teeth. In any case you've inspired me to muck in and help and I've e mailed Nige to let him know I'm available.

I've admitted I'm not the quickest, but I do have the quick mind you mentioned. Many years have passed, but I I still hold the record at my school for doing the 100 metres in 6.8 seconds. Uniquely, only I knew a short cut.

My offer may not be taken up, however, as I don't like driving massive SUVs or wearing huge hi-fi earphones - and I don't have hundreds of tattoos either.

Cheapshot wrote:

SlupsPups wrote:
Good. I hate the way this is being reported as if it were a deeply-desired transfer for the fans. It isn't. Unless he can play LB or CB of course.

Speak for yourself mate! The poll clearly showed the majority of fans did want him!

Not quite right. The poll said that the majority of fans that post on the echo site or at least had read the article page and bothered to click the poll wanted him... And exactly how many was that??

Im glad he aint coming,we are already top heavy with frontmen. This is beginning to look a bit like the R. Lowe days when the Director was picking the players. I hope its not a repeat of that. Surely our Nigel knows whats needed and it isnt another striker, we loaned out a perfectly good one who I really feel for. I bet he didn't think for one minute he'd be out the door that fast, esp after scoring the goals that he did.
The guy that replaced Lambert on Sunday didnt look much either, not that fifteen mins is much to go on of course but after his interview and the hype in the papers I think I was expecting something a bit more exciting than what I saw. Still get a negative feeling about Rodrigues as well, all that money and for what? I know hes out of position but that begs the question why buy him in the first place if he cant play where he is best at.
7 mill is enough for Nigel to have to pick him even if he didnt really want to. I cant see NC letting Nigel leave him out after all that dosh been spent. Maybe Im wrong and I hope that I am but its beginning to look like NC is pulling all the strings and it didnt get us anywhere last time. Our Nigel knows the score, knows whats needed and is the best guy to pick the team and the squad, I just hope he's left to do it, if not I think it could all go a bit sour with Nigel out the door as well.
Fingers crossed I'm wrong but nothing that comes out of the club settles any nerves or fears about this, not having this paper on side isnt much help either, really bad PR from Saints but the Don will be obeyed won't he. I would just liek to read or hear more about the high morale, that Nigel is the main man who picks the team etc but theres nothing, even the rumours over Nigel and the Don at the back end of last year have not been played down. Left to fester these rumours gain credibility and all some of us would like is reassurance things at the club are well. We've seen two great matches so far lets hope the team have lots more but with more luck in the future.

Confucious wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

Confucious wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote: Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

I'm free.

How tall are you?

Taller than most because I always stand on a chair to clean my teeth. In any case you've inspired me to muck in and help and I've e mailed Nige to let him know I'm available. I've admitted I'm not the quickest, but I do have the quick mind you mentioned. Many years have passed, but I I still hold the record at my school for doing the 100 metres in 6.8 seconds. Uniquely, only I knew a short cut. My offer may not be taken up, however, as I don't like driving massive SUVs or wearing huge hi-fi earphones - and I don't have hundreds of tattoos either.

You have a womans legs!

I was a bit concerned about the original headline, sounded like DP had a terminal illness!

Confucious wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

Confucious wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

I'm free.

How tall are you?

Taller than most because I always stand on a chair to clean my teeth. In any case you've inspired me to muck in and help and I've e mailed Nige to let him know I'm available.

I've admitted I'm not the quickest, but I do have the quick mind you mentioned. Many years have passed, but I I still hold the record at my school for doing the 100 metres in 6.8 seconds. Uniquely, only I knew a short cut.

My offer may not be taken up, however, as I don't like driving massive SUVs or wearing huge hi-fi earphones - and I don't have hundreds of tattoos either.

How many tattoos do you have and what do they say?

NC Fan4Life wrote:
Disagree with previous posts Del Piero would both excite and be a commercial success as well as giving invaluable experience to our younger players. No problem with his fitness as he would probably sit in an advanced midfield creating chances and only be needed for 30 to 45 minutes per game. Seems Liverpool know what he would bring to their squad and no doubt other Prem teams are watching the situation.

exactly!
the point being made that "we dont need him" is neither here nor there, we dont need to have the best academy in the country but we have! just by him being here increases the profile of the club. he would bring in the experience that some have begged for, i know its not in the prem but he has won nearly everthing he could as a player. as others have said imagine lallana, jwd, clyne and our other great youngsters listening to his stories about world cups, champions league etc. surley that would encourage them to try to do the same!
i dont think he will come here now and to be honest i am not that bothered if not as we have some great players anyway, however it would be great if he did.

roverme wrote:
Im glad he aint coming,we are already top heavy with frontmen. This is beginning to look a bit like the R. Lowe days when the Director was picking the players. I hope its not a repeat of that. Surely our Nigel knows whats needed and it isnt another striker, we loaned out a perfectly good one who I really feel for. I bet he didn't think for one minute he'd be out the door that fast, esp after scoring the goals that he did.
The guy that replaced Lambert on Sunday didnt look much either, not that fifteen mins is much to go on of course but after his interview and the hype in the papers I think I was expecting something a bit more exciting than what I saw. Still get a negative feeling about Rodrigues as well, all that money and for what? I know hes out of position but that begs the question why buy him in the first place if he cant play where he is best at.
7 mill is enough for Nigel to have to pick him even if he didnt really want to. I cant see NC letting Nigel leave him out after all that dosh been spent. Maybe Im wrong and I hope that I am but its beginning to look like NC is pulling all the strings and it didnt get us anywhere last time. Our Nigel knows the score, knows whats needed and is the best guy to pick the team and the squad, I just hope he's left to do it, if not I think it could all go a bit sour with Nigel out the door as well.
Fingers crossed I'm wrong but nothing that comes out of the club settles any nerves or fears about this, not having this paper on side isnt much help either, really bad PR from Saints but the Don will be obeyed won't he. I would just liek to read or hear more about the high morale, that Nigel is the main man who picks the team etc but theres nothing, even the rumours over Nigel and the Don at the back end of last year have not been played down. Left to fester these rumours gain credibility and all some of us would like is reassurance things at the club are well. We've seen two great matches so far lets hope the team have lots more but with more luck in the future.

And you have just started a whole lot more havent you,Either back this "NC picks the team and players" with hard facts or dont bother posting rubbish youve just made up.
And as for the Zambian lad,correct ,dont judge him on 15 minutes.

White and red till dead wrote:

Cheapshot wrote:

SlupsPups wrote:
Good. I hate the way this is being reported as if it were a deeply-desired transfer for the fans. It isn't. Unless he can play LB or CB of course.

Speak for yourself mate! The poll clearly showed the majority of fans did want him!

Not quite right. The poll said that the majority of fans that post on the echo site or at least had read the article page and bothered to click the poll wanted him... And exactly how many was that??

As it stands its 68% in favor of him signing! That good enough for you??

You lot are missing the point of him signing....as mentioned above by Stroppy_gramps and NC Fan4Life it's what he'll bring to the club as a whole! take your blinkers off ffs!!

If there was a decent CB and LB available on a free don't you think we would have signed him???????

Cheapshot wrote:

SlupsPups wrote:
Good. I hate the way this is being reported as if it were a deeply-desired transfer for the fans. It isn't. Unless he can play LB or CB of course.

Speak for yourself mate! The poll clearly showed the majority of fans did want him!

I want him but wont be disappointed if we dont land him.. Im more than happy with our midfield and attacking options at this time


STID

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

Del Piero is one of several free agents still without a club, including ex-Fiorentina goalkeeper Artur Boruc, Milan full-back Gianluca Zambrotta, World Cup winner Fabio Grosso and the likes of Massimo Mutarelli, Simone Barone, Alex Manninger, Per Kroldrup, David Suazo and Simone Loria.

Those who can appreciate the bigger picture would be in favour of getting him here. 70% in favour by the way! And just because he comes it doesn't mean NA has given up on defenders, hey, we can sign more than one player, if they are free agents.

If he turns us down it will be a massive opportunity missed.

miltonarcher wrote:
Those who can appreciate the bigger picture would be in favour of getting him here. 70% in favour by the way! And just because he comes it doesn't mean NA has given up on defenders, hey, we can sign more than one player, if they are free agents.

If he turns us down it will be a massive opportunity missed.

turns out we were 3rd choice. hes just chosen sydney over liverpool...

Del Piero would have been great for the profile of our club and, as anybody who understands football knows, class is class and will always be so - even in a player who is getting on.

I'm surprised really that having had a foot in the door to sign him, he would choose to go to Australia! English Premier League surely has to be something a top player would want to experience.

At the next opportunity to do so I recommend we try and get Raul - he would deliver the same effect.

Confucious wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

Confucious wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

I'm free.

How tall are you?

Taller than most because I always stand on a chair to clean my teeth. In any case you've inspired me to muck in and help and I've e mailed Nige to let him know I'm available.

I've admitted I'm not the quickest, but I do have the quick mind you mentioned. Many years have passed, but I I still hold the record at my school for doing the 100 metres in 6.8 seconds. Uniquely, only I knew a short cut.

My offer may not be taken up, however, as I don't like driving massive SUVs or wearing huge hi-fi earphones - and I don't have hundreds of tattoos either.

You definitely need a couple of armfuls of tattoos, so the deal is off.

The Grinch wrote:
Del Piero would have been great for the profile of our club and, as anybody who understands football knows, class is class and will always be so - even in a player who is getting on.

I'm surprised really that having had a foot in the door to sign him, he would choose to go to Australia! English Premier League surely has to be something a top player would want to experience.

At the next opportunity to do so I recommend we try and get Raul - he would deliver the same effect.

Raul is playing in qatar and hes on silly wages!

Like Del Piero, Raul certainly doesn't need the money - just the Premier League on his CV! (Wishful thinking!!)

roverme wrote:
Im glad he aint coming,we are already top heavy with frontmen. This is beginning to look a bit like the R. Lowe days when the Director was picking the players. I hope its not a repeat of that. Surely our Nigel knows whats needed and it isnt another striker, we loaned out a perfectly good one who I really feel for. I bet he didn't think for one minute he'd be out the door that fast, esp after scoring the goals that he did.
The guy that replaced Lambert on Sunday didnt look much either, not that fifteen mins is much to go on of course but after his interview and the hype in the papers I think I was expecting something a bit more exciting than what I saw. Still get a negative feeling about Rodrigues as well, all that money and for what? I know hes out of position but that begs the question why buy him in the first place if he cant play where he is best at.
7 mill is enough for Nigel to have to pick him even if he didnt really want to. I cant see NC letting Nigel leave him out after all that dosh been spent. Maybe Im wrong and I hope that I am but its beginning to look like NC is pulling all the strings and it didnt get us anywhere last time. Our Nigel knows the score, knows whats needed and is the best guy to pick the team and the squad, I just hope he's left to do it, if not I think it could all go a bit sour with Nigel out the door as well.
Fingers crossed I'm wrong but nothing that comes out of the club settles any nerves or fears about this, not having this paper on side isnt much help either, really bad PR from Saints but the Don will be obeyed won't he. I would just liek to read or hear more about the high morale, that Nigel is the main man who picks the team etc but theres nothing, even the rumours over Nigel and the Don at the back end of last year have not been played down. Left to fester these rumours gain credibility and all some of us would like is reassurance things at the club are well. We've seen two great matches so far lets hope the team have lots more but with more luck in the future.

In my book CORTESE IS KING. Nothing remotely like RLowe in any way shape or form. You dont see him running around in track suits training with the squad, getting in on every tv interview or draining every penny out of the club.
No he quietly and professionally goes about his business, doesnt take any cr@p and is focused on Southampton FC. No doubt he is targeting some defenders but saw this deal with DP as an opportunity, thats all. I read a fascinating interview with him post last season in the Telegraph (still available to see online)......Trust me..... this man is as passionate as we are about our club.He is restoring us to our former glory (and lets face it we're not far off!) and in rapid time. Please dont even compare him with the crook that was RLowe

STID

No thanks! Can't quite believe we are looking at another attacking player (of this age too!) when we are screaming out for a CB, LB and a GK!!! A post on another site alleges that Artur Boruc is available...also, I believe that Spurs are planning on putting Gomes and Cuddicini out for loan? "Hey over here please!"

Can't believe people want to judge our manager and his signings after 3 games considering 2 of those games were against the top teams in the country !!! Jay-rod was one of the best performers in the championship and at his age can only get better , mayuke was player of the tournament at the last African cup of nations and too has age on his side , NA is building a team for the next five years not one to bankrupt us with senior players looking for one last pay out, we still have an academy the envy of 99 % of the clubs in the country and shaw will be the next bale or bridges given time and patience .
Too many people who post on here are more worried about what's happening 15 miles down the road , who bloody cares we are premiership they will be lucky to survive til the end of the month, we should be more worried about premiership survival and supporting our club, the manager and the players.
The saints go marching in..... Together as one

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

Confucious wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

Confucious wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

I'm free.

How tall are you?

Taller than most because I always stand on a chair to clean my teeth. In any case you've inspired me to muck in and help and I've e mailed Nige to let him know I'm available.

I've admitted I'm not the quickest, but I do have the quick mind you mentioned. Many years have passed, but I I still hold the record at my school for doing the 100 metres in 6.8 seconds. Uniquely, only I knew a short cut.

My offer may not be taken up, however, as I don't like driving massive SUVs or wearing huge hi-fi earphones - and I don't have hundreds of tattoos either.

How many tattoos do you have and what do they say?

I only have two and both are on my willy. One says COYR and the other, for the sake of the visually impaired, says exactly the same thing in braille. I'm very thoughful about things like that.

Red&WhiteStripes wrote:
No thanks! Can't quite believe we are looking at another attacking player (of this age too!) when we are screaming out for a CB, LB and a GK!!! A post on another site alleges that Artur Boruc is available...also, I believe that Spurs are planning on putting Gomes and Cuddicini out for loan? "Hey over here please!"

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that post window PL clubs can't even take in players on loan. It's OK for a PL player to be loaned to say a Championship club but not to another PL club.

COYR

st1halo wrote:

roverme wrote:
Im glad he aint coming,we are already top heavy with frontmen. This is beginning to look a bit like the R. Lowe days when the Director was picking the players. I hope its not a repeat of that. Surely our Nigel knows whats needed and it isnt another striker, we loaned out a perfectly good one who I really feel for. I bet he didn't think for one minute he'd be out the door that fast, esp after scoring the goals that he did.
The guy that replaced Lambert on Sunday didnt look much either, not that fifteen mins is much to go on of course but after his interview and the hype in the papers I think I was expecting something a bit more exciting than what I saw. Still get a negative feeling about Rodrigues as well, all that money and for what? I know hes out of position but that begs the question why buy him in the first place if he cant play where he is best at.
7 mill is enough for Nigel to have to pick him even if he didnt really want to. I cant see NC letting Nigel leave him out after all that dosh been spent. Maybe Im wrong and I hope that I am but its beginning to look like NC is pulling all the strings and it didnt get us anywhere last time. Our Nigel knows the score, knows whats needed and is the best guy to pick the team and the squad, I just hope he's left to do it, if not I think it could all go a bit sour with Nigel out the door as well.
Fingers crossed I'm wrong but nothing that comes out of the club settles any nerves or fears about this, not having this paper on side isnt much help either, really bad PR from Saints but the Don will be obeyed won't he. I would just liek to read or hear more about the high morale, that Nigel is the main man who picks the team etc but theres nothing, even the rumours over Nigel and the Don at the back end of last year have not been played down. Left to fester these rumours gain credibility and all some of us would like is reassurance things at the club are well. We've seen two great matches so far lets hope the team have lots more but with more luck in the future.

In my book CORTESE IS KING. Nothing remotely like RLowe in any way shape or form. You dont see him running around in track suits training with the squad, getting in on every tv interview or draining every penny out of the club.
No he quietly and professionally goes about his business, doesnt take any cr@p and is focused on Southampton FC. No doubt he is targeting some defenders but saw this deal with DP as an opportunity, thats all. I read a fascinating interview with him post last season in the Telegraph (still available to see online)......Trust me..... this man is as passionate as we are about our club.He is restoring us to our former glory (and lets face it we're not far off!) and in rapid time. Please dont even compare him with the crook that was RLowe

STID

st1halo,totally agreed with you up to the point of calling R Lowe a crook.I suspect the majority of people who come on this site would agree with you, but I take a different view.
Despite all R Lowe's frailties,IMO you can't take away the fact he delivered us with a new stadium,and was the main instigator of setting up the academy which we are so rightly proud of today. I am waiting for the abuse ,but have my tin hat on.

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

saint Compo wrote: He wouldn't (shouldn't) get many chances for Saints, at least not without upsetting other pretenders to a starting place up front like Lambo, Lalla, Jay-Rod and Mayuka. HIs pay may also distort the wage structure. At this point we need players who can ensure we keep our place in the PL over the next 2 seasons and then push on towards the coveted European slots. We don't need show ponies/celebrities detracting from that objective. We should be at least trying to find a good out of contract CB to strengthen the shaky defence. BTW do others find difficulty in typing on this website without missing out letters? COYR

I always seem to be missing out letters when I type, and also my spelling goes awol when I get a bit excited, I like to correct others, (it's not meant to be malicious or critical, just a tease) but that is spoilt if you get it wrong yourself! Even proof reading doesn't help, seems your brain tells you what you want to think is right, when in fact it's wrong, ho hum, sometimes creates a bit of mirth, no harm in that.

Spell checker on iPhone and iPad has a habit of changing words without you noticing, so anyone (like me) who uses those gets hit by the gobbledygook stick from time to time.

Does anybody else get annoyed when Saints fans posting on here refer to OUR players as eg 'that bloke that replaced Lambert'

How long does it take for a player to be referred to by name ? Must really make him (Emmanuel Mayuka) feel welcome !

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

Sol Cambell?

long memory wrote:

st1halo wrote:

roverme wrote:
Im glad he aint coming,we are already top heavy with frontmen. This is beginning to look a bit like the R. Lowe days when the Director was picking the players. I hope its not a repeat of that. Surely our Nigel knows whats needed and it isnt another striker, we loaned out a perfectly good one who I really feel for. I bet he didn't think for one minute he'd be out the door that fast, esp after scoring the goals that he did.
The guy that replaced Lambert on Sunday didnt look much either, not that fifteen mins is much to go on of course but after his interview and the hype in the papers I think I was expecting something a bit more exciting than what I saw. Still get a negative feeling about Rodrigues as well, all that money and for what? I know hes out of position but that begs the question why buy him in the first place if he cant play where he is best at.
7 mill is enough for Nigel to have to pick him even if he didnt really want to. I cant see NC letting Nigel leave him out after all that dosh been spent. Maybe Im wrong and I hope that I am but its beginning to look like NC is pulling all the strings and it didnt get us anywhere last time. Our Nigel knows the score, knows whats needed and is the best guy to pick the team and the squad, I just hope he's left to do it, if not I think it could all go a bit sour with Nigel out the door as well.
Fingers crossed I'm wrong but nothing that comes out of the club settles any nerves or fears about this, not having this paper on side isnt much help either, really bad PR from Saints but the Don will be obeyed won't he. I would just liek to read or hear more about the high morale, that Nigel is the main man who picks the team etc but theres nothing, even the rumours over Nigel and the Don at the back end of last year have not been played down. Left to fester these rumours gain credibility and all some of us would like is reassurance things at the club are well. We've seen two great matches so far lets hope the team have lots more but with more luck in the future.

In my book CORTESE IS KING. Nothing remotely like RLowe in any way shape or form. You dont see him running around in track suits training with the squad, getting in on every tv interview or draining every penny out of the club.
No he quietly and professionally goes about his business, doesnt take any cr@p and is focused on Southampton FC. No doubt he is targeting some defenders but saw this deal with DP as an opportunity, thats all. I read a fascinating interview with him post last season in the Telegraph (still available to see online)......Trust me..... this man is as passionate as we are about our club.He is restoring us to our former glory (and lets face it we're not far off!) and in rapid time. Please dont even compare him with the crook that was RLowe

STID

st1halo,totally agreed with you up to the point of calling R Lowe a crook.I suspect the majority of people who come on this site would agree with you, but I take a different view.
Despite all R Lowe's frailties,IMO you can't take away the fact he delivered us with a new stadium,and was the main instigator of setting up the academy which we are so rightly proud of today. I am waiting for the abuse ,but have my tin hat on.

No need for tin hat long memory, I respect your opinion.
Calling him a crook may have been a bit harsh as it implies he did something illegal and he didnt, however a lot of money was drained from the Saints coffers during his time. In our cup run to the final we had all home fixtures , fans queuing around the stadium to buy shirts that we made ourselves, full houses at SMS, which I estimate should have brought in £1m a pop, a wage structure in place, and yet a net spend after sales and purchases of players of only £250k per season, take out payin for the stadium and his court case fees and staff, add back in tv rights etc,,, something wasnt right but there are plenty of ways of fleecing a company legally, anyway,, im rambling... I dont credit him with the stadium too much as it had been rumbling on for 20 years and whoever had been in charge would have had to deal with that event, although I do accept he presided over it as he did with the academy but I tend to give Clive Woodward more credit as I understand it was his baby at the time, I could be wrong on that in which case I'll borrow your tin hat !!!
I do have a lot of respect for Cortese though. As a supporter I feel like I only have to worry about what happens on the pitch... Such is my trust for the chairman and I think we are very lucky to find ourselves in this position


STID

You make some valid points st1halo,but one should not assume that whoever was in charge would automatically build a new stadium.How many years have chairman at Portsmouth been promising a new stadium,and look where they are now.
I totally concur with you regarding NC,it annoys me immensely when people slag him off,without NC and ML we would be where Pompey are today.Sorry if it offends anyone that I call our rivals by their correct name,just shows I am getting on in years,and was brought up to show respect.

st1halo wrote:

long memory wrote:

st1halo wrote:

roverme wrote: Im glad he aint coming,we are already top heavy with frontmen. This is beginning to look a bit like the R. Lowe days when the Director was picking the players. I hope its not a repeat of that. Surely our Nigel knows whats needed and it isnt another striker, we loaned out a perfectly good one who I really feel for. I bet he didn't think for one minute he'd be out the door that fast, esp after scoring the goals that he did. The guy that replaced Lambert on Sunday didnt look much either, not that fifteen mins is much to go on of course but after his interview and the hype in the papers I think I was expecting something a bit more exciting than what I saw. Still get a negative feeling about Rodrigues as well, all that money and for what? I know hes out of position but that begs the question why buy him in the first place if he cant play where he is best at. 7 mill is enough for Nigel to have to pick him even if he didnt really want to. I cant see NC letting Nigel leave him out after all that dosh been spent. Maybe Im wrong and I hope that I am but its beginning to look like NC is pulling all the strings and it didnt get us anywhere last time. Our Nigel knows the score, knows whats needed and is the best guy to pick the team and the squad, I just hope he's left to do it, if not I think it could all go a bit sour with Nigel out the door as well. Fingers crossed I'm wrong but nothing that comes out of the club settles any nerves or fears about this, not having this paper on side isnt much help either, really bad PR from Saints but the Don will be obeyed won't he. I would just liek to read or hear more about the high morale, that Nigel is the main man who picks the team etc but theres nothing, even the rumours over Nigel and the Don at the back end of last year have not been played down. Left to fester these rumours gain credibility and all some of us would like is reassurance things at the club are well. We've seen two great matches so far lets hope the team have lots more but with more luck in the future.

In my book CORTESE IS KING. Nothing remotely like RLowe in any way shape or form. You dont see him running around in track suits training with the squad, getting in on every tv interview or draining every penny out of the club. No he quietly and professionally goes about his business, doesnt take any cr@p and is focused on Southampton FC. No doubt he is targeting some defenders but saw this deal with DP as an opportunity, thats all. I read a fascinating interview with him post last season in the Telegraph (still available to see online)......Trust me..... this man is as passionate as we are about our club.He is restoring us to our former glory (and lets face it we're not far off!) and in rapid time. Please dont even compare him with the crook that was RLowe STID

st1halo,totally agreed with you up to the point of calling R Lowe a crook.I suspect the majority of people who come on this site would agree with you, but I take a different view. Despite all R Lowe's frailties,IMO you can't take away the fact he delivered us with a new stadium,and was the main instigator of setting up the academy which we are so rightly proud of today. I am waiting for the abuse ,but have my tin hat on.

No need for tin hat long memory, I respect your opinion. Calling him a crook may have been a bit harsh as it implies he did something illegal and he didnt, however a lot of money was drained from the Saints coffers during his time. In our cup run to the final we had all home fixtures , fans queuing around the stadium to buy shirts that we made ourselves, full houses at SMS, which I estimate should have brought in £1m a pop, a wage structure in place, and yet a net spend after sales and purchases of players of only £250k per season, take out payin for the stadium and his court case fees and staff, add back in tv rights etc,,, something wasnt right but there are plenty of ways of fleecing a company legally, anyway,, im rambling... I dont credit him with the stadium too much as it had been rumbling on for 20 years and whoever had been in charge would have had to deal with that event, although I do accept he presided over it as he did with the academy but I tend to give Clive Woodward more credit as I understand it was his baby at the time, I could be wrong on that in which case I'll borrow your tin hat !!! I do have a lot of respect for Cortese though. As a supporter I feel like I only have to worry about what happens on the pitch... Such is my trust for the chairman and I think we are very lucky to find ourselves in this position STID

Wow, a compliment for Woodward and his time at Saints! You really will be needing that tin hat. Even if he did spawn the academy, we had a youth system that was generating exciting talent (beyond le tiss & co, there was the wallace brothers and many others). Woodie will go down in infamy for the infights with Redknapp I think -- the mutual loathing was readily apparent, and Rupert just let them duke it out. Ugly times for which everyone at Southampton Leisure Holdings (shudder) has some blame I think.

I agree that the numbers have never added up from the Rupert years. I think it will be a long time before anyone really works out what happened to the Rupert millions.

I still have share certificates knocking about somewhere...

I still have mine somewhere too!! And some of the Financial Reports, maybe I should dig them out and see if I can trace Ruperts millions!!
I wasnt praising Woodward by the way, I think he was just a Lowe cronie who exploited the club fr as much as he could get too, 'long memory' is right in a way, they have both contributed something i suppose, and in a way if they hadnt been that way we wouldnt be where we are now.... every cloud and all that!!


STID

st1halo wrote:
I still have mine somewhere too!! And some of the Financial Reports, maybe I should dig them out and see if I can trace Ruperts millions!!
I wasnt praising Woodward by the way, I think he was just a Lowe cronie who exploited the club fr as much as he could get too, 'long memory' is right in a way, they have both contributed something i suppose, and in a way if they hadnt been that way we wouldnt be where we are now.... every cloud and all that!!


STID

Yeah, agreed. Glad it's all long gone now.

Dellgirl wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:
Now how about concentrating on a Free agent Centre Back with a bit of pace and a quick mind, anybody know of one? (or two)?).

Sol Cambell?

Can I add youngish to the CV!

City Saint wrote:

OSPREYSAINT wrote:

saint Compo wrote: He wouldn't (shouldn't) get many chances for Saints, at least not without upsetting other pretenders to a starting place up front like Lambo, Lalla, Jay-Rod and Mayuka. HIs pay may also distort the wage structure. At this point we need players who can ensure we keep our place in the PL over the next 2 seasons and then push on towards the coveted European slots. We don't need show ponies/celebrities detracting from that objective. We should be at least trying to find a good out of contract CB to strengthen the shaky defence. BTW do others find difficulty in typing on this website without missing out letters? COYR

I always seem to be missing out letters when I type, and also my spelling goes awol when I get a bit excited, I like to correct others, (it's not meant to be malicious or critical, just a tease) but that is spoilt if you get it wrong yourself! Even proof reading doesn't help, seems your brain tells you what you want to think is right, when in fact it's wrong, ho hum, sometimes creates a bit of mirth, no harm in that.

Spell checker on iPhone and iPad has a habit of changing words without you noticing, so anyone (like me) who uses those gets hit by the gobbledygook stick from time to time.

Predictive text must be one of the most annoying inventions of all time.