Hundreds of Saints fans march through city (From Daily Echo)
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Angry Southampton supporters in protest
7:10am Sunday 1st February 2009 in Saints News
Hundreds of Southampton Football Club fans staged a protest in the city centre against the club’s bosses yesterday.
The fans mingled with city centre shoppers as they began a protest march against the football club’s directors.
They gathered at the Bargate before making their way down Hanover Buildings and across Hoglands Park.
They then went northbound along Kingsway, right into Old Northam Road, past the King Alfred pub, over the Iron Bridge, and down Britannia Road.
Under a police escort some of the fans carried banners while some held a paper coffin aloft.
They were also chanting among other things “Lowe Out” , "Lowe must go" and "Rupert has ruined our club" as well as favourites such as "Oh when the Saints go marching in."
They then made their way to the Itchen stand at St Mary’s Stadium, where struggling 10-man Saints drew 2-2 with Swansea City in the Championship.
Once at the ground they gathered around the Ted Bates statue where they chanted furiously up at the executive boxes.
Organisers initially estimated that as many as 1,000 protestors had taken part in the march, but police put the figure at more like 300.
After the final whistle about 150 fans gathered outside the ground and continued to chant before dispersing without incident.
The march - to protest against PLC chairman Rupert Lowe and football board chairman Michael Wilde - has been organised via a group discussion board on an internet social networking site.
Fans are angry that the club is in the relegation zone for the championship and facing financial problems.
Organiser Connor Bowers, from Hedge End, said he felt it was important fans showed their feelings and hoped the protest would have the effect they desired.
“Today we just want to voice our concerns about the way the club is being run,” he said.
“Some of the decisions Lowe has made over recent weeks are totally outrageous, like bringing in a new manager with no English league experience.”
Conor said he hoped Leon Crouch could find the necessary money to regain control of the club.
It was revealed earlier this week that Mr Lowe, Mr Wilde and fellow director Andrew Cowen had offered to step down if Mr Crouch could come up with £6m.
After the march, Conor, 16, added: “All I can say is ‘wow.’ “I was expecting 500, but we have got thousands here.
“I’m thankful for everyone here today, because without them this wouldn’t have been what it is.”
Mr Lowe was not at the game today because he is on holiday.
But football board chairman Mr Wilde was in the directors' box.
Earlier this week the Daily Echo revealed that he had been the target of a death threat.
His home and business premises have also come under attack.
Meanwhile, the younger generation of fans, meanwhile, have been praised for organising the protest march.
Southampton Independent Supporters Association member Perry McMillan, a veteran of the early 1990s protests against Ian Branfoot, said: “It’s encouraging to see the younger generation organising themselves in this way, talking to each other on the internet.
“The time to protest is before and after the game, and during it cheer on the team 100 per cent.”
Comments(90)
championez
says...
9:14am Sat 31 Jan 09
The Watcher
says...
9:15am Sat 31 Jan 09
Together we may set the ball rolling to get this club back on its feet.
Without supporters, this club is nothing, but together we could be the start of something today.
Dont regret not doing your bit.
Bright Spark
says...
9:19am Sat 31 Jan 09
Captain Kirk
says...
9:29am Sat 31 Jan 09
coyote ugly
says...
9:36am Sat 31 Jan 09
Rudd Gillett
says...
9:37am Sat 31 Jan 09
Andy Locks Heath
says...
9:38am Sat 31 Jan 09
obelisker
says...
9:45am Sat 31 Jan 09
teamgreen
says...
9:51am Sat 31 Jan 09
Ann Balref
says...
9:53am Sat 31 Jan 09
Andy Locks Heath wrote:You really don't have a clue do you.For many many people their football club is an escapism from the problems of everyday life and they work extremely hard in order to pay for it.
It really is the opium of the masses now. Why don't these jerks just watch football (or not) for 90 minutes a week and leave it at that - it isn't a religion, you aren't employed by the club, you aren't made to watch it. You don't have to go if you don't want to. The idea of protesting about something nobody makes you do and which you had to pay a fortune to do anyway is hilarious in its stupidity. I hope somebody films these idiots and posts it on Youtube, so people who have real problems to contend with can watch in amazement and incredulity. (sits back and awaits barrage of monosyllabic braying response)
I am not a Saints fan, but agree entirely with their right to protest against, what seems to be,the systematic deconstruction of a once great club by a group of individuals who seem to have no vested interest(other than money)in this city or the club itself.
I bet your latest vociferous protest was when Carol Vorderman got the sack!
Captain Swing
says...
9:54am Sat 31 Jan 09
Andy Locks Heath wrote:I must concur. This Protest-funeral, is a farce, because the protesters haven’t got a clue what has really been going on at St Mary’s for the last five years.
It really is the opium of the masses now. Why don't these jerks just watch football (or not) for 90 minutes a week and leave it at that - it isn't a religion, you aren't employed by the club, you aren't made to watch it. You don't have to go if you don't want to. The idea of protesting about something nobody makes you do and which you had to pay a fortune to do anyway is hilarious in its stupidity. I hope somebody films these idiots and posts it on Youtube, so people who have real problems to contend with can watch in amazement and incredulity. (sits back and awaits barrage of monosyllabic braying response)
A lot of people, besides Rupert, did their bit to reduce Saints to the current state, and he does not deserve this. Especially considering the mess he came back to.
We’ve now got a bright young bunch of players playing some slinky football, and this gruesome combination of the sadly misguided and outright malicious are doing nothing to boost them – it’s no wonder Saints play better away.
Nod
says...
10:05am Sat 31 Jan 09
Captain Swing wrote:We've won game at home and are second bottom of the league...
Andy Locks Heath wrote:I must concur. This Protest-funeral, is a farce, because the protesters haven’t got a clue what has really been going on at St Mary’s for the last five years.
It really is the opium of the masses now. Why don't these jerks just watch football (or not) for 90 minutes a week and leave it at that - it isn't a religion, you aren't employed by the club, you aren't made to watch it. You don't have to go if you don't want to. The idea of protesting about something nobody makes you do and which you had to pay a fortune to do anyway is hilarious in its stupidity. I hope somebody films these idiots and posts it on Youtube, so people who have real problems to contend with can watch in amazement and incredulity. (sits back and awaits barrage of monosyllabic braying response)
A lot of people, besides Rupert, did their bit to reduce Saints to the current state, and he does not deserve this. Especially considering the mess he came back to.
We’ve now got a bright young bunch of players playing some slinky football, and this gruesome combination of the sadly misguided and outright malicious are doing nothing to boost them – it’s no wonder Saints play better away.
where have you been?
derry
says...
10:09am Sat 31 Jan 09
Captain Swing wrote:One win in the league at home all season. 13 managers in 11 years in charge, we are on the fourth one in 12 months.
Andy Locks Heath wrote: It really is the opium of the masses now. Why don't these jerks just watch football (or not) for 90 minutes a week and leave it at that - it isn't a religion, you aren't employed by the club, you aren't made to watch it. You don't have to go if you don't want to. The idea of protesting about something nobody makes you do and which you had to pay a fortune to do anyway is hilarious in its stupidity. I hope somebody films these idiots and posts it on Youtube, so people who have real problems to contend with can watch in amazement and incredulity. (sits back and awaits barrage of monosyllabic braying response)I must concur. This Protest-funeral, is a farce, because the protesters haven’t got a clue what has really been going on at St Mary’s for the last five years. A lot of people, besides Rupert, did their bit to reduce Saints to the current state, and he does not deserve this. Especially considering the mess he came back to. We’ve now got a bright young bunch of players playing some slinky football, and this gruesome combination of the sadly misguided and outright malicious are doing nothing to boost them – it’s no wonder Saints play better away.
The club is a mess and the bulk of the blame is down to Lowe, but Wilde had a big part to play allowing Hone and co to oust the directors through his stupidity and incompetence. No wonder they are protesting.
Mr Melrose
says...
10:16am Sat 31 Jan 09
St.Yorkie
says...
10:52am Sat 31 Jan 09
I apologise for all those expecing me to be on the march but I have had a bad night and a bit of a problem that will not allow me to drive for 8-hours and march for 1!
I fully support todays events - and if you get a chance go to "Saintsweb" and see the post from Fitzhugh Fella. If you stay away after reading that you are not a true fan. I know FF and I know he has issues with the regime incharge - but no mention of a personal vendetta, just a love of the club.
Keep calm, keep focused, and deliver the message. I'll be watching the news to see if it makes the headlines!
How ironic would it be if we win today? Who would take the credit for that? Wotte? Lowe? Or The fact a group of fans made their feelings felt and actually got through to the players and management? Do it for the fans out there...
Andy Locks Heath
says...
10:53am Sat 31 Jan 09
Ann Balref wrote:Ann, Like most people of my age (around 50) I played the game - not great I admit - I made Hants League Div 4 and played on Sunday mornings in Southampton (morning) division 5-9 depending. There were 11 divisions in Southampton alone and another 9 or 10 in the afternoon, and So like most people in the days of the Dell I had my own team and my own effort to think about, I didn't need to think that Saints efforts defined me as a person. These days we've got thousands of bloaters who sit on their *rses all week and buy a replica shirt so they can pretend that somehow it is they who are part of the team. Football has become the fat watching the fit.
Andy Locks Heath wrote:You really don't have a clue do you.For many many people their football club is an escapism from the problems of everyday life and they work extremely hard in order to pay for it.
It really is the opium of the masses now. Why don't these jerks just watch football (or not) for 90 minutes a week and leave it at that - it isn't a religion, you aren't employed by the club, you aren't made to watch it. You don't have to go if you don't want to. The idea of protesting about something nobody makes you do and which you had to pay a fortune to do anyway is hilarious in its stupidity. I hope somebody films these idiots and posts it on Youtube, so people who have real problems to contend with can watch in amazement and incredulity. (sits back and awaits barrage of monosyllabic braying response)
I am not a Saints fan, but agree entirely with their right to protest against, what seems to be,the systematic deconstruction of a once great club by a group of individuals who seem to have no vested interest(other than money)in this city or the club itself.
I bet your latest vociferous protest was when Carol Vorderman got the sack!
THAT is the big difference now Ann, so you need to think a bit harder before posting next time.
Fides
says...
11:18am Sat 31 Jan 09
St.Yorkie wrote:No-one expected you to be on the march.
Don't believe that for a minute - e-mail, text or phone call, he can still pick the team.
I apologise for all those expecing me to be on the march but I have had a bad night and a bit of a problem that will not allow me to drive for 8-hours and march for 1!
I fully support todays events - and if you get a chance go to "Saintsweb" and see the post from Fitzhugh Fella. If you stay away after reading that you are not a true fan. I know FF and I know he has issues with the regime incharge - but no mention of a personal vendetta, just a love of the club.
Keep calm, keep focused, and deliver the message. I'll be watching the news to see if it makes the headlines!
How ironic would it be if we win today? Who would take the credit for that? Wotte? Lowe? Or The fact a group of fans made their feelings felt and actually got through to the players and management? Do it for the fans out there...
TedStripes
says...
11:23am Sat 31 Jan 09
COYR
NOT LOOSING THE FAITH.
Andy Locks Heath
says...
11:35am Sat 31 Jan 09
Soho Saint
says...
11:37am Sat 31 Jan 09
Andy Locks Heath wrote:you obviously don't get football, which is fair enough.
It really is the opium of the masses now. Why don't these jerks just watch football (or not) for 90 minutes a week and leave it at that - it isn't a religion, you aren't employed by the club, you aren't made to watch it. You don't have to go if you don't want to. The idea of protesting about something nobody makes you do and which you had to pay a fortune to do anyway is hilarious in its stupidity. I hope somebody films these idiots and posts it on Youtube, so people who have real problems to contend with can watch in amazement and incredulity. (sits back and awaits barrage of monosyllabic braying response)
but what's particularly sad is that you clearly don't understand why or how people can get passionate about anything.
genuinely feel a bit sorry for you.
x
S Pance
says...
11:51am Sat 31 Jan 09
All you'll achieve by holding a childish protest is to demoralise the team still further.
Sadly, strikes and protests are becoming all-too common under the current Labour regime. At best they achieve nothing, at worst they set the chosen cause back a number of years.
goard
says...
12:17pm Sat 31 Jan 09
goard
goard
says...
12:17pm Sat 31 Jan 09
goard
rsoton
says...
12:27pm Sat 31 Jan 09
S Pance wrote:If you knew anything about what's going on then you would realise that the protesters ARE supporting the club. How do you know that the protesters are demoralising the team? The whole idea is to protest on the way to the game and then once inside the stadium show support for the players. There is nothing wrong with having pride in your home city and for many football is the way to do that. If football doesn't interest you or the other people making negative comments about the protest that's fine but don't get involved moaning about things that don't concern you.
Why not put your efforts into SUPPORTING the club at matches, rather than kicking up a fuss outside the ground?
All you'll achieve by holding a childish protest is to demoralise the team still further.
Sadly, strikes and protests are becoming all-too common under the current Labour regime. At best they achieve nothing, at worst they set the chosen cause back a number of years.
Also, come on Daily Echo, maybe it's time to start using some sort of spell checker before posting articles. Such poor journalism!
goard
says...
1:16pm Sat 31 Jan 09
You are needed on our own 'greens'.
goard
goard
rsoton
says...
1:40pm Sat 31 Jan 09
goard wrote:Well there you go, you could suggest the club make some money by inviting local bowls players to play in the stadium when Saints are playing away. I can hear the excitement in the Northam stand now......
rsoton: I am so relieved that there are supporters - I am only sorry that you do not have the same enthusiasme and support in our survival, sadly it leave us the saddos who realise there is more to survival than our football. - I suggest if you love the game so much get your kids and yourself out on the recreational ground. I belong to a family of snooker, darts, golf and football who cannot afford the gate money, and that boring old game of bowls - get in there you competitive enthusiast. Dont pay for these over paid clubs.
You are needed on our own 'greens'.
goard
goard
coyote ugly
says...
1:49pm Sat 31 Jan 09
goard
says...
1:54pm Sat 31 Jan 09
goard
neworder
says...
1:58pm Sat 31 Jan 09
jezza
says...
2:00pm Sat 31 Jan 09
When he is not at the ground, "he should be", he is "abandoning the club" etc.
One lesson that needs to be learnt, and learnt quickly. When you make everything a person does wrong, they end up doing exactly what they like, because either way they will still be wrong.
Now, have you ever wondered why RL is like he is....and, come to think of it, why so many people around you always seem to p*ss you off deliberately?
Costa Baz
says...
3:15pm Sat 31 Jan 09
Some industries tend to put a block on staff having holidays at key times, such as Xmas, when they need all hands to the pumps.
Other industries insist on their staff having time off at certain times of the year, owing to lack of business.
They generally call it "needs of the business".
I would put the transfer windows of August and January in a similar bracket and would suggest that the people who make decisions related to transfers, should be available 24/7 and not on holiday.
jaspm7
says...
3:40pm Sat 31 Jan 09
Then I looked at our football club.
Do we have double values in this city?
S Pance
says...
4:37pm Sat 31 Jan 09
The results speak for themselves.
Currently SFC are losing 1-2 at home.
Anyone who thought that a protest would HELP moral are obviously stupid.
German Tony
says...
5:10pm Sat 31 Jan 09
As for castigating a 16 year old football fan for managing to organise a peaceful protest, what are you on?
Time was when a such a lad would have been spotted by the nutters & pressed into service organising trouble.
Not only that but when he's a good 10 years or so older who is to say that he won't be organising protest marches in support of the homeless etc?
Before anybody starts kicking up a fuss about this it's worth asking what protest marches (that were oh so much more worthwhile) they have personally organised or indeed ever bothered to attend.
MattProbert
says...
5:25pm Sat 31 Jan 09
Paul TS
says...
6:48pm Sat 31 Jan 09
S Pance: As you were posting on this site at 4PM you obviously don't go to home games, but seem pretty good at visiting this site and making many anti supporter posts!
Andy, unfortunately I am almost 50 too and attended the march today, no trouble and around 2,000 turned up! I also went to the game and like everyone else cheered the lads on, as I have for many years supported the Saints, however I just can't stand by and watch our club being torn apart by men who care nothing for Southampton FC, except for what it might possibly do for their egos, or when things go well, their purses!
We have a chairman, that in one of the busiest periods of a season goes away on holiday and has utter contempt for anyone who questions him, including the AGM, of which Wilde, the major shareholder doesnt even turn up!
For some fans their football club and the games at home are the highlight of their weeks. It is not life nor death, but it is a passion!
Perhaps if you both attended a few games you might just get the drift! However no doubt you both don't have much else to do with your lifes and have no other way, apart from being anonymous on the internet in speaking utter garbage!
robnewbury
says...
7:00pm Sat 31 Jan 09
neworder wrote:Really !!
Off to town for the match..but a mate of mine who has just walked past says 300 "protesters" maximum.
What time does your mate need to be signed back in ?
Tobeblunt
says...
7:15pm Sat 31 Jan 09
NZsaint
says...
7:15pm Sat 31 Jan 09
1/15 = 6.7%
WOW.
150 after the game, lets do the Maths on that;
0.15/15 = 1%
WOW.
Minority.
The MAJORITY were not there. Get a grip; Echo stop giving them a voice.
Proesters OUT, informed decisions IN.
COYR
col123
says...
7:42pm Sat 31 Jan 09
Tobeblunt wrote:My feelings exactly,Tobeblunt.
And who really gives a dam?
We'll probably get charged with High Treason.
robnewbury
says...
7:56pm Sat 31 Jan 09
NZsaint wrote:It would be helpful if you could make arrangements to stay in NZ for a while longer,say another 10 years.
So there were 15,000 FANS @ SMS for the game; allegedly 1,000 at the protest march ("Wow, I only expected 500")so lets do the maths; 1/15 = 6.7% WOW. 150 after the game, lets do the Maths on that; 0.15/15 = 1% WOW. Minority. The MAJORITY were not there. Get a grip; Echo stop giving them a voice. Proesters OUT, informed decisions IN. COYR
RedEyedRichie
says...
8:04pm Sat 31 Jan 09
NZsaint
says...
8:20pm Sat 31 Jan 09
Excellent comment Rob.
Why would it be helpful; does the truth hurt?
COYR
Patron
says...
8:52pm Sat 31 Jan 09
S Pance
says...
9:01pm Sat 31 Jan 09
"you...seem pretty good at visiting this site and making many anti supporter posts!"
I'm not anti supporter, far from it!
I'm against all the people that are intent on bringing the team down, people that bleat on week in week out about how Lowe is responsible for this that and the other!
Without Lowe the club would have folded ages ago.
Can't you see it? Things like protest marches and the anti-lowe campaign are simply designed to destabilise the club, not strengthen it.
You would have to be extremely stupid to think that Lowe doesn't want the club to suceed. He has a LOT of money invested. He has the club's success at heart.
The ONLY future for this club is with an expert businessman at the helm and, in the absense of anyone else coming forward, Lowe is the guy to do it.
S Pance
says...
9:03pm Sat 31 Jan 09
I'm sure he'll make a wonderful Trade Union leader one day.
Marches never got anyone anywhere, brother.
Jesus_02
says...
9:56pm Sat 31 Jan 09
rsoton wrote: so you are commenting from the ground then?
Jesus_02
says...
10:11pm Sat 31 Jan 09
S Pance wrote:you really think that you know so much more than “those lefties". Yet somehow you believe that a 16yr old is designing the destablabisation of a football club.
Paul TS Wrote: "you...seem pretty good at visiting this site and making many anti supporter posts!" I'm not anti supporter, far from it! I'm against all the people that are intent on bringing the team down, people that bleat on week in week out about how Lowe is responsible for this that and the other! Without Lowe the club would have folded ages ago. Can't you see it? Things like protest marches and the anti-lowe campaign are simply designed to destabilise the club, not strengthen it. You would have to be extremely stupid to think that Lowe doesn't want the club to suceed. He has a LOT of money invested. He has the club's success at heart. The ONLY future for this club is with an expert businessman at the helm and, in the absense of anyone else coming forward, Lowe is the guy to do it.
Please step out of the way if you cant lend a hand, for the times they are a changing...If that is you ever had the courage to stand in anyones way, the courage of a 16year old with beliefs for example
Captain Kirk
says...
12:19am Sun 1 Feb 09
Andy Locks Heath wrote:You really haven't a clue Mr Andy from Locks Heath. I too am nearly 50 and went to the Dell regularly and played in a team in Dorset Div 1 on Sundays. I only recently gave up playing veterans football and for years coached and managed youth teams. I still play 5-a-side once every two weeks and I have a fantastic family. My eldest daughter does voluntary work for a local charity and attends the local youth forum and loves film and theatre. Her ambition is to go to Oxford to study English. My youngest daughter plays rugby and does ballet too. My 14 year old son plays football for his school and his local team. He also runs cross country and has recently discovered a fascination for history, politics and world affairs. We are all fit, active, intelligent and rounded individuals. Our love for Saints isn't what defines us but it is nevertheless part of us. You don't seem to understand the passion that people feel for Saints nor how they feel when they see what is happening to our club. My 14 year old son has played youth football since he was 7 years old. My 16 year old daughter too so don't accuse us of sitting on our *rses all week. Your post shows you to be a condescending, conceited and arrogant fool if you think that everyone who is passionate about Saints is a fat, unfit pretender. We all live in the real world and Saints maybe a diversion and an escape but that doesn't make it any less important. So think a bit harder Mr Andy from Locks Heath. Not everyone is as soulless as you.
Ann Balref wrote:Ann, Like most people of my age (around 50) I played the game - not great I admit - I made Hants League Div 4 and played on Sunday mornings in Southampton (morning) division 5-9 depending. There were 11 divisions in Southampton alone and another 9 or 10 in the afternoon, and So like most people in the days of the Dell I had my own team and my own effort to think about, I didn't need to think that Saints efforts defined me as a person. These days we've got thousands of bloaters who sit on their *rses all week and buy a replica shirt so they can pretend that somehow it is they who are part of the team. Football has become the fat watching the fit. THAT is the big difference now Ann, so you need to think a bit harder before posting next time.Andy Locks Heath wrote: It really is the opium of the masses now. Why don't these jerks just watch football (or not) for 90 minutes a week and leave it at that - it isn't a religion, you aren't employed by the club, you aren't made to watch it. You don't have to go if you don't want to. The idea of protesting about something nobody makes you do and which you had to pay a fortune to do anyway is hilarious in its stupidity. I hope somebody films these idiots and posts it on Youtube, so people who have real problems to contend with can watch in amazement and incredulity. (sits back and awaits barrage of monosyllabic braying response)You really don't have a clue do you.For many many people their football club is an escapism from the problems of everyday life and they work extremely hard in order to pay for it. I am not a Saints fan, but agree entirely with their right to protest against, what seems to be,the systematic deconstruction of a once great club by a group of individuals who seem to have no vested interest(other than money)in this city or the club itself. I bet your latest vociferous protest was when Carol Vorderman got the sack!
Captain Kirk
says...
12:26am Sun 1 Feb 09
bowers-sfc
says...
12:29am Sun 1 Feb 09
I am Saint Paul
says...
12:51am Sun 1 Feb 09
6:48pm Sat 31 Jan 09
S Pance and Andy Locks Heath!
S Pance: As you were posting on this site at 4PM you obviously don't go to home games, but seem pretty good at visiting this site and making many anti supporter posts!
Andy, unfortunately I am almost 50 too and attended the march today, no trouble and around 2,000 turned up! I also went to the game and like everyone else cheered the lads on, as I have for many years supported the Saints, however I just can't stand by and watch our club being torn apart by men who care nothing for Southampton FC, except for what it might possibly do for their egos, or when things go well, their purses!
We have a chairman, that in one of the busiest periods of a season goes away on holiday and has utter contempt for anyone who questions him, including the AGM, of which Wilde, the major shareholder doesnt even turn up!
For some fans their football club and the games at home are the highlight of their weeks. It is not life nor death, but it is a passion!
Perhaps if you both attended a few games you might just get the drift! However no doubt you both don't have much else to do with your lifes and have no other way, apart from being anonymous on the internet in speaking utter garbage!
Spot on - Great post.
Unfortunately paul there are far too many people who come on sites like this and spout utter rubbish about any sort of action taken by people like the protesters.
Simple fact is that they have not got a clue about passion, support, allegiance to a cause or any knowledge of what is is to be a proper fan.
Far too many of them sit at home and moan about the world and when some people take a positive action they just moan about that.
Aah well at least the people who attend marches and try to change things for the better can have a clear conscience when we finally get our club back.
soton birdman
says...
2:32am Sun 1 Feb 09
I have not be to a game this year but as i was at sms today i went in yes lowe is wrong. the fact that the chiarman is away when we are in this postion says it all he sould be her working out a away to keep us afloat says it all about the man he only cares about what his 16% is worth
woote knows what he is doing like person last year and people did not want him he will keep us up
i know this coz i was sat by the bench woote was talking to the players and his back room staff non stop and when we scored he was jumping around like a FAN
w went down to 10 men he made the right choices with subs and formations when was the la
you dont get the last time we got back in a game with 10 men
also you dont get the HOLLAND under 21 job for no reason
so lets get behaind the boy's
as for lowe if u dont care about the team or city step down and let people that do care about Southampton fc save us
obelisker
says...
9:16am Sun 1 Feb 09
Captain Kirk wrote:Totally agree. keep all this boring football drivel in the sports section and let these anoraks chat amongst themselves.
This site is sh*te!
yummy_mummy
says...
9:24am Sun 1 Feb 09
bowers-sfc wrote:Fair play to you Connor. Football aside, I think it is so refreshng to see a 16 year old showing such passion and commitment and I really feel our society could benefit from more young lads like you.
im connor, the organiser and after reading SOME of the coments, it has given me goose bumps, thanks so much to the ones who are showing me support, but the stay aways seem to think its ok to have there views on something they did not attend! i may only be 16, but i sure no what i want from a football club i love. if some want to sit in a pub and do nothing, then fine, me, and the rest of the fans who care about the club, will continue to show how we feel until something changes. the protest before the swansea game was the first of many, belive me. the next one... preston...home... 21st febuary. it will be bigger and better!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with organising these sort of events.... no one is getting hurt and I'm sure the Directors are watching (even if they're not listening).
Keep up the good work Connor and keep keeping the faith.
Captain Kirk
says...
9:32am Sun 1 Feb 09
Andy Locks Heath wrote:Conceit. Arrogance. Condescending tone. Now who does that remind you of? Andy, are you Rupert Lowe in disguise?
It really is the opium of the masses now. Why don't these jerks just watch football (or not) for 90 minutes a week and leave it at that - it isn't a religion, you aren't employed by the club, you aren't made to watch it. You don't have to go if you don't want to. The idea of protesting about something nobody makes you do and which you had to pay a fortune to do anyway is hilarious in its stupidity. I hope somebody films these idiots and posts it on Youtube, so people who have real problems to contend with can watch in amazement and incredulity. (sits back and awaits barrage of monosyllabic braying response)
S Pance
says...
9:37am Sun 1 Feb 09
However, now is NOT the time for a divided fanbase. Now is NOT the time for kicking up a fuss.
Now is the time to stand behind the team AND management and show united support.
Don't listen to the doom mungers intent on dividing support..
S Pance
says...
9:39am Sun 1 Feb 09
I'm not talking email but properly written letters appealing for help.
I'm sure if he received thousands of letters he'd give it serious consideration..after all he has shown interest before.
bowers-sfc
says...
10:30am Sun 1 Feb 09
Carlos Tilbury
says...
10:34am Sun 1 Feb 09
bowers-sfc
says...
10:45am Sun 1 Feb 09
goard
says...
12:07pm Sun 1 Feb 09
BEST OF LUCK you need it its in your genes.
goard
the third hardest man in sholing
says...
12:10pm Sun 1 Feb 09
bowers-sfc wrote:I`ll be there mate,
its a time when us fans should be united, not arguing about whos right and whos wrong, who belives this, who belives that. the situation the club is in is a poor one. i hope that with the help with the fans that care we will get change. it will take time, im not an idiot. but the effort it will take will be worth it. please be there on the 21st :)
I was prepared to give Lowe and his cronies a chance to turn things around at our club,lets face it we`d have all settled on a lower mid table position this season because everyone can see the financial mess we`re in.
I think our league position and the reality of life as Saints fan(wow! we drew at home to Swansea)Means that Lowe who had a fair amount of support at the beginning of the season has now lost that,and the club will only recover with him removed and gone for good and that includes Wilde as well.
Ive joined the Saints Trust,along with my son,i know Illingsworth is seen as suppoortive of Lowe,but he would soon be swept aside if enough fans joined too and our voice would be heard as i feel that a "collective" group of shareholders who are true Saints fans would alongside protest marches,with Leon Crouch involved be the most effective and practical way of changing this current regime.SO I SAY BUY SHARES AND UNITE TO FORCE CHANGE.ILLINGSWORTH THIS YOUR MOMENT TO STEP FORWARD.
robhythe
says...
12:42pm Sun 1 Feb 09
NZsaint wrote:There was more than a thou! Some people dont go for different reasons such as being worried about trouble or cant be bothered even if they agree! ( i know quite a few) Watch the vids on youtube etc
So there were 15,000 FANS @ SMS for the game; allegedly 1,000 at the protest march ("Wow, I only expected 500")so lets do the maths; 1/15 = 6.7% WOW. 150 after the game, lets do the Maths on that; 0.15/15 = 1% WOW. Minority. The MAJORITY were not there. Get a grip; Echo stop giving them a voice. Proesters OUT, informed decisions IN. COYR
robhythe
says...
12:46pm Sun 1 Feb 09
bowers-sfc wrote:Well done! great effort!
im connor, the organiser and after reading SOME of the coments, it has given me goose bumps, thanks so much to the ones who are showing me support, but the stay aways seem to think its ok to have there views on something they did not attend! i may only be 16, but i sure no what i want from a football club i love. if some want to sit in a pub and do nothing, then fine, me, and the rest of the fans who care about the club, will continue to show how we feel until something changes. the protest before the swansea game was the first of many, belive me. the next one... preston...home... 21st febuary. it will be bigger and better!
Jodie Copeland
says...
1:19pm Sun 1 Feb 09
NZsaint wrote:The numbers of protesters has been played down by police, probably to try and avoid future protests ...besides, I spoke to a fair few of the people on the protest who weren't even to the game - and they won't until Lowe is out, so no point trying to be clever with pointless statistics.
So there were 15,000 FANS @ SMS for the game; allegedly 1,000 at the protest march ("Wow, I only expected 500")so lets do the maths;
1/15 = 6.7%
WOW.
150 after the game, lets do the Maths on that;
0.15/15 = 1%
WOW.
Minority.
The MAJORITY were not there. Get a grip; Echo stop giving them a voice.
Proesters OUT, informed decisions IN.
COYR
And don't forget were also another 13,000 "silent protesters" - those who have already given up on the club and found something better to do with their Saturday afternoons. You obviously decided to escape to the other side of the world - good choice!
robhythe
says...
1:36pm Sun 1 Feb 09
S Pance wrote:First of all if the fans unite then there will be more people inside St Marys! The supporters are behind the team as yesterday showed!! Lowes regime lent out all the best strikers so we dont score many goals so we go down! IS THAT GOOD BUSINESS ??? There are other good businessmen around that could run the club better! You may not like Crouch but he is a succesful businessman! And supports Saints
Paul TS Wrote: "you...seem pretty good at visiting this site and making many anti supporter posts!" I'm not anti supporter, far from it! I'm against all the people that are intent on bringing the team down, people that bleat on week in week out about how Lowe is responsible for this that and the other! Without Lowe the club would have folded ages ago. Can't you see it? Things like protest marches and the anti-lowe campaign are simply designed to destabilise the club, not strengthen it. You would have to be extremely stupid to think that Lowe doesn't want the club to suceed. He has a LOT of money invested. He has the club's success at heart. The ONLY future for this club is with an expert businessman at the helm and, in the absense of anyone else coming forward, Lowe is the guy to do it.
The protest was well behaved with all age groups and there was a huge turnout! Be proud of your team and fantastic support
saintsnick
says...
4:40pm Sun 1 Feb 09
It is simple. I am a season ticket holder. I hate the way our club has been run for the last 10 or so years and Rupert Lowe was in charge for the vast majority of that time, before being replaced by oh yes...his new best friend Michael Wilde.
I went on the march...I will go on future marches. For the 90 minutes in between I will sing my heart out and get behind Wotte and the team.
Simple
Denzil'
says...
6:43pm Sun 1 Feb 09
Andy Locks Heath wrote:I bet you are a right laugh in the pub.
It really is the opium of the masses now. Why don't these jerks just watch football (or not) for 90 minutes a week and leave it at that - it isn't a religion, you aren't employed by the club, you aren't made to watch it. You don't have to go if you don't want to. The idea of protesting about something nobody makes you do and which you had to pay a fortune to do anyway is hilarious in its stupidity. I hope somebody films these idiots and posts it on Youtube, so people who have real problems to contend with can watch in amazement and incredulity. (sits back and awaits barrage of monosyllabic braying response)
homegrown
says...
7:51pm Sun 1 Feb 09
the third hardest man in sholing wrote:Illingsworth was sat in some pub getting **** whilst the true support were protesting,what does that tell you.
bowers-sfc wrote: its a time when us fans should be united, not arguing about whos right and whos wrong, who belives this, who belives that. the situation the club is in is a poor one. i hope that with the help with the fans that care we will get change. it will take time, im not an idiot. but the effort it will take will be worth it. please be there on the 21st :)I`ll be there mate, I was prepared to give Lowe and his cronies a chance to turn things around at our club,lets face it we`d have all settled on a lower mid table position this season because everyone can see the financial mess we`re in. I think our league position and the reality of life as Saints fan(wow! we drew at home to Swansea)Means that Lowe who had a fair amount of support at the beginning of the season has now lost that,and the club will only recover with him removed and gone for good and that includes Wilde as well. Ive joined the Saints Trust,along with my son,i know Illingsworth is seen as suppoortive of Lowe,but he would soon be swept aside if enough fans joined too and our voice would be heard as i feel that a "collective" group of shareholders who are true Saints fans would alongside protest marches,with Leon Crouch involved be the most effective and practical way of changing this current regime.SO I SAY BUY SHARES AND UNITE TO FORCE CHANGE.ILLINGSWORTH THIS YOUR MOMENT TO STEP FORWARD.
Still the true supporters spokemen were all thee yesterday,Macmillan and Chorley,proper supporters.
ILLINGSWORTH you need to step aside,you showed your true colours yesterday.
yummy_mummy
says...
7:54pm Sun 1 Feb 09
saintsnick wrote:Exactly. 100% right Nick.
I am fed up of all of the people on here who feel the need to try and bring up politics, class issues, pretend that they know more about economics, that they are a "better" fan, or belittle people for caring about their club. It is simple. I am a season ticket holder. I hate the way our club has been run for the last 10 or so years and Rupert Lowe was in charge for the vast majority of that time, before being replaced by oh yes...his new best friend Michael Wilde. I went on the march...I will go on future marches. For the 90 minutes in between I will sing my heart out and get behind Wotte and the team. Simple
St.Yorkie
says...
8:52pm Sun 1 Feb 09
Is this the way The Echo and the club respond to something so big in the history of SFC. To dismiss it as a minority of 300?
A truly great effort.
I watched the TV this moirning and listened to Leon Crouch. He wasn't exactly subtle in his words saying "We have to get Lowe and Wilde completely out". I didn't like Wotte's attitude - he was almost as arrogant as Lowe. The "Rupert wasn't here last year" was well scripted.
The march certainly did seem to have an effect. If nothing else the team seemed to fight for a bit of pride.
S Pance
says...
9:26pm Sun 1 Feb 09
Errrr...yes!
SFC couldn't afford their wages. Either they went out on loan or SFC went under.
Which would you choose? "bottom of the league and fighting for survival" or "no club"?
Doesn't take Einstein to work it out...
andy newbury
says...
9:30pm Sun 1 Feb 09
F Fan
says...
10:37pm Sun 1 Feb 09
St.Yorkie wrote:On what grounds do you claim reports of 300 are spin? Why would the Echo and the Police want to spin? I was there and counted them as they left the Bargate - minimum 300, maximum 500. Don't know if many joined later (or indeed left).
I see the PR machine is at it again - 300 people!
Is this the way The Echo and the club respond to something so big in the history of SFC. To dismiss it as a minority of 300?
A truly great effort.
I watched the TV this moirning and listened to Leon Crouch. He wasn't exactly subtle in his words saying "We have to get Lowe and Wilde completely out". I didn't like Wotte's attitude - he was almost as arrogant as Lowe. The "Rupert wasn't here last year" was well scripted.
The march certainly did seem to have an effect. If nothing else the team seemed to fight for a bit of pride.
Interesting and welcome that the people posting in support of the march say they also went to the game which is excellent. By all means protest in any legal way you choose (but not during the game) but the only honourable thing for fans to do is to turn up and support the team.
ray the turk
says...
7:10am Mon 2 Feb 09
Others stay away and do nothing but talk.
If I had been in England I would have marched with pride,
March with you all, not stay home or hide.
Watch our boys play with slickness and passes..
Don't stay indoors and sit on your ****.
Rupert's on holiday, without any cares..
Come on home and get rid of your shares !!
Do the right thing ..RESIGN from the board..
Listen to protests.. they are long and loud.
Sit in your box and just watch the crowd.
They are worried to death at the plight of their team..
That's why at YOU their insults they scream!!
SO,GET UP OF YOUR SUN-BED.. GET BACK HERE..
COME ON NOW RUPERT YOU'VE NOTHING TO FEAR.
THE FANS ALL LOVE YOU YOU MUST KNOW THAT..
LISTEN TO THE VOICES.. DON'T ACT LIKE A PRATT.
damien thorn
says...
7:11am Mon 2 Feb 09
miltonarchers
says...
10:47am Mon 2 Feb 09
The majority recognise that SFC is in a financial hole and we need everybody to get behind the club and support the team. So homegrown, UTS and the rest, recognise you are not in the majority and get down to SMS, because to support is to sustain.
COYR
miltonarchers
says...
10:54am Mon 2 Feb 09
andy newbury wrote:300 marched, 15,000 went to SMS. Sorry mate, you are in a tiny minority. Wake up, smell the coffee and get behind the club.
All round a great day yesterday, our team perfomed well,the march has been well and truly advertised both on tv and by the echo,and the police I believe have stated that it was a well organised protest that went without any trouble.The only thing we can hope for now is that the board and share holders take notice of how a lot of us fans feel about our two chairmen.Thank you all the fans that went on my behalf as I couldn,t get there but I WAS THERE CHERRING OUR TEAM ON as I am sure a lot of you were. Keep on supporting our team on the pictch please and keep RL&W now how a great number of us supporters feel about what they have done for our club.Thank you for letting us drop into the championship and hopfully servival in it this year, it looks like on yesterdays performance that the team are willing to fight on the field of play,so they are doing there bit so what about the board!
Saint_John
says...
11:15am Mon 2 Feb 09
Saturday's night Pink says
"A HUGE group of Saints fans marched through the streets.....
MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND trooped from the city centre to St Marys....
It was an incredible sight, as the huge throng of supporters made their way...."
(real quotes from the paper)
Then suddenly the spin from the "Mugube PR machine" comes out and the numbers go down.
Gordon, I was there and COULD SEE OVER THOUSAND, if not 1500 marching (and a policeman I was talking to also estimated over a thousand)
SHAME ON YOU GORDON.
The fans will remember which side you and the Echo are on when we get the "Radley Mafia and their lap dog" out.
miltonarchers
says...
11:54am Mon 2 Feb 09
Saint_John wrote:You are clutching at straws. Police put the figure at 300. 15,000 in the ground. Even if there were 1000 (there weren't) you are still in the minority. Trouble is you and your sort will never admit you are wrong. The current Board want to put things right after the financial mess left by Crouch. You want Lowe out. Ok, what then? Give us your plan to keep the Bank on board.
This is getting more like a "Mugabe" state where he controls the press. Saturday's night Pink says "A HUGE group of Saints fans marched through the streets..... MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND trooped from the city centre to St Marys.... It was an incredible sight, as the huge throng of supporters made their way...." (real quotes from the paper) Then suddenly the spin from the "Mugube PR machine" comes out and the numbers go down. Gordon, I was there and COULD SEE OVER THOUSAND, if not 1500 marching (and a policeman I was talking to also estimated over a thousand) SHAME ON YOU GORDON. The fans will remember which side you and the Echo are on when we get the "Radley Mafia and their lap dog" out.
truesaint
says...
12:47pm Mon 2 Feb 09
robhythe
says...
1:02pm Mon 2 Feb 09
miltonarchers wrote:Have a look at the some of the videos on youtube! I was on the march and wasnt sure if there was going to be many but i couldnt see the front or back of march and it was 10 deep! Not sure why the police said there was only 300? It was great to see the Swansea fans waving on the coaches and at the stadium! Spoke to a swan fab in the pub after game who thought the march was impresive
Saint_John wrote: This is getting more like a "Mugabe" state where he controls the press. Saturday's night Pink says "A HUGE group of Saints fans marched through the streets..... MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND trooped from the city centre to St Marys.... It was an incredible sight, as the huge throng of supporters made their way...." (real quotes from the paper) Then suddenly the spin from the "Mugube PR machine" comes out and the numbers go down. Gordon, I was there and COULD SEE OVER THOUSAND, if not 1500 marching (and a policeman I was talking to also estimated over a thousand) SHAME ON YOU GORDON. The fans will remember which side you and the Echo are on when we get the "Radley Mafia and their lap dog" out.You are clutching at straws. Police put the figure at 300. 15,000 in the ground. Even if there were 1000 (there weren't) you are still in the minority. Trouble is you and your sort will never admit you are wrong. The current Board want to put things right after the financial mess left by Crouch. You want Lowe out. Ok, what then? Give us your plan to keep the Bank on board.
Saint_John
says...
3:17pm Mon 2 Feb 09
miltonarchers wrote:Everyone that was there (and has seen pictures/videos) SAW OVER A THOUSAND leave the Bargate and walk through Hoglands Park and along Kings Way.
Saint_John wrote: This is getting more like a "Mugabe" state where he controls the press. Saturday's night Pink says "A HUGE group of Saints fans marched through the streets..... MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND trooped from the city centre to St Marys.... It was an incredible sight, as the huge throng of supporters made their way...." (real quotes from the paper) Then suddenly the spin from the "Mugube PR machine" comes out and the numbers go down. Gordon, I was there and COULD SEE OVER THOUSAND, if not 1500 marching (and a policeman I was talking to also estimated over a thousand) SHAME ON YOU GORDON. The fans will remember which side you and the Echo are on when we get the "Radley Mafia and their lap dog" out.You are clutching at straws. Police put the figure at 300. 15,000 in the ground. Even if there were 1000 (there weren't) you are still in the minority. Trouble is you and your sort will never admit you are wrong. The current Board want to put things right after the financial mess left by Crouch. You want Lowe out. Ok, what then? Give us your plan to keep the Bank on board.
May I also remind you that Saints were getting 22k last year and the 15k this year is made up of 7000+ ST who renewed before the end of March and almost 8000 before the Dark Lord came back (of 9,800 ST).
There is a BIG DROP in ST numbers coming if the "Radley Mafia and their lap dog" do not go.
As far as the financial mess, I think you will find most of that is down to the Dark Lord getting us relegated from the PL while he gave £4.5M to the Shareholders. And of course that was followed by Wilde's men spending money they did not have.
bowers-sfc
says...
4:17pm Mon 2 Feb 09
robhythe
says...
5:16pm Mon 2 Feb 09
bowers-sfc
says...
7:16pm Mon 2 Feb 09
oregonsaint
says...
6:47am Tue 3 Feb 09
Andy Locks Heath wrote:Steady on old chap, ater all, it's only a game,(the beautiful game), and not deserving of such written diarrhoea like you and countless others seem to delight in. Sorry about confounding your monosyllabic expectations by the way!
It really is the opium of the masses now. Why don't these jerks just watch football (or not) for 90 minutes a week and leave it at that - it isn't a religion, you aren't employed by the club, you aren't made to watch it. You don't have to go if you don't want to. The idea of protesting about something nobody makes you do and which you had to pay a fortune to do anyway is hilarious in its stupidity. I hope somebody films these idiots and posts it on Youtube, so people who have real problems to contend with can watch in amazement and incredulity. (sits back and awaits barrage of monosyllabic braying response)
That's quite enough for this month I think. Take care, and why not take up a hobby?
Denzil'
says...
12:14pm Tue 3 Feb 09
miltonarchers wrote:Shut up troll, the figure was closer to 2000.
andy newbury wrote: All round a great day yesterday, our team perfomed well,the march has been well and truly advertised both on tv and by the echo,and the police I believe have stated that it was a well organised protest that went without any trouble.The only thing we can hope for now is that the board and share holders take notice of how a lot of us fans feel about our two chairmen.Thank you all the fans that went on my behalf as I couldn,t get there but I WAS THERE CHERRING OUR TEAM ON as I am sure a lot of you were. Keep on supporting our team on the pictch please and keep RL&W now how a great number of us supporters feel about what they have done for our club.Thank you for letting us drop into the championship and hopfully servival in it this year, it looks like on yesterdays performance that the team are willing to fight on the field of play,so they are doing there bit so what about the board!300 marched, 15,000 went to SMS. Sorry mate, you are in a tiny minority. Wake up, smell the coffee and get behind the club.
Robbie Robertson
says...
6:03pm Tue 3 Feb 09
My eldest boy took pictures, and film, and the figure was way over the 300 that was stated.
click2find
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