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Southampton FC plan to improve Staplewood training facilties in Marchwood

More stories about: Southampton FC


SAINTS have submitted bold plans for a state-of-the-art redevelopment of their Staplewood training ground.

The major project will result in a dramatic overhaul of the club’s New Forest base.

Staplewood’s existing buildings – excluding the dome – will be ripped down.

They will be replaced by a new two-storey structure, |complete with a range of impressive facilities.

Executive chairman Nicola Cortese is due to officially unveil the project tomorrow.

The provisional scheme has already been submitted to New Forest District Council for planning permission.

Saints have, however, confirmed the proposals have changed slightly from those initially put in.

Cortese is set to reveal the exact details at a press conference.

The scheme forms part of the club’s plans for its 125th anniversary, which occurs next year.

Saints believe the current buildings at Staplewood are “basic” and “unattractive”, with some of the areas deemed “significantly substandard”.

Full story in today's Southern Daily Echo.



Your Say YourEcho

worried of e sussex, says...
8:05am Tue 8 Dec 09

better late than never
no mention of pies?
was i first?

stmarysmush, soton says...
8:16am Tue 8 Dec 09

Should build a proper Saints supporters club near St Marys first.

expatmanila, Philippines says...
8:21am Tue 8 Dec 09

Further commitment on long term plans for the Saints, get in there!

Lon Kirk the Saints Fan, Southampton says...
8:28am Tue 8 Dec 09

Great, this was long over-due. Shows the long term plans of the new board.

Brite Spark, Stubbington says...
8:29am Tue 8 Dec 09

Great to see Saints re developing their already superb training facilities, when them down the M27 don't have any of their own at all!

The Moog, Ashbourne says...
8:45am Tue 8 Dec 09

Hilarious thatn our training ground will be better than their shed of a stadium. Fantastic show of intent from the new owners!

COYR!!!!!!!!

dini, melb,aus says...
8:47am Tue 8 Dec 09

this is a very good sign and shows the board are thinking long term.just another sign that we are in safe hands,their probably getting it ready for the championship next year.

batesieboy, Beijing says...
8:48am Tue 8 Dec 09

This is very good news for Saints. Developing and making progress, we will soon have a Premiership team, with Prem facilities, playing in the Prem. Those who took the risk of taking Saints on, are taking us back where we belong! So happy lately, and I have a lovely little betting account which has swelled quite nicely in time for Xmas. Thanks guys!

Sainty saint saint, Southampton says...
8:51am Tue 8 Dec 09

This story is hilarious! Someone on the threads yesterday pointed us in the direction of this story, and then suddenly it appears in the Echo! That's not journalism!!

Anyway, that's by the by, great news for Saints

Sunny Saint, Essex says...
8:52am Tue 8 Dec 09

The news just gets better & better

And I kid you not!!! I swear that the security word for this post is 'fish-rain'
Thats just made my day :-)

threetimes, Southampton says...
8:59am Tue 8 Dec 09

Thank you again Liebherr/Cortese!

german bloodline rottweiler, southampton says...
9:11am Tue 8 Dec 09

I didnt think there was much wrong with staplewood.but hey ill take it.
do you think we will have a special kit for the 125 years?itll probably be the chequers.

Alicesdad, Chandler's Ford says...
9:28am Tue 8 Dec 09

Every time I see something emerging in the "development" vein it sets off dreams of absolute grandeur. Can't help it, after the utter despair of June all this good news is like all my Christmases coming at once.

The whole set up could, within a fairly short period (5-10 years) become the biggest club in Europe.

I know this will make people smile and maybe tap their temples in sympathy but it's good to have ambition.

I always thought their would never be anything in football to top the feeling I experienced when we won the cup in '76 .. and maybe I'm right.

But I'd get a significantly warm glow if we actually lift the Premiership trophy .... and then of course we would win the Champions League.

It will be great to stop hearing about the so called big four ... when we get back there it will be just "the big ONE". Match of The Day will become the Saturday night Southampton Show ... the entire team will be knighted by the Queen and the whole world will become a better place.....

It's Christmas, look out of the window and be happy ...

It's good to dream ................


fred the red, Southampton says...
9:34am Tue 8 Dec 09

Our club seems to be going in the right direction with an infrastructure that will help us to return to the top flight where we belong.
Well done and thank you to all, owner, chief exec etc for rebuilding our club, our team and our spirit.

It seems a bit mealy mouthed to mention the rabble down the end of the M275 but will Staplewood redeveloped be bigger than Krap Nottarf?

Saints since '57, Nursling says...
9:35am Tue 8 Dec 09

This really shows commitment by the Liebherr/Cortese partnership. We really fell on our feet when they saved us from the brown stuff! Mr Liebherr seems to be here for the long haul - how much easier would it have been for him have recovered his original outlay by selling Staplewood for housing?
Onwards and upwards!

fred the red, Southampton says...
9:38am Tue 8 Dec 09

I was approached by an Arab guy in Sainsbury's ten minutes ago and he asked if I would give him 50p for an Echo. He looked at the story on the back page and asked if I could tell him what the words "redevelopment" and "investment" mean.
He had a "jobsite" shirt on under his robes!

Footso, Bitterne Park says...
9:42am Tue 8 Dec 09

More evidence (should we need it), that this club really means business! I do agree with StMMush on the supporters club issue, somewhere to meet up, get a half-decent pint (and dare I say, a proper pie) would add to the overall community spirit.
(T. Dan, lovin' your similes last night, by the way)

puppy saint, republic of bitterne triangle says...
10:07am Tue 8 Dec 09

Footso! Never stop using that beautiful three letter word! COYR!

alexc, bitterne says...
10:47am Tue 8 Dec 09

Just when you think things cant get any better....Im so proud to be a Saints fan at the moment. We are so lucky to have such an amazing owner and we must be the envy of most clubs. Please name the new training facilities after Liebherr in recognition of what he has done for our great club. Forever in your dept Marcus thankyou from the bottom of my heart!

JasperAG, Kingston says...
10:52am Tue 8 Dec 09

I posted it yesterday. Copy this link to see the desing and the plans:

http://web3.newfores
t.gov.uk/images/plan
ningimages/129047_1.
pdf

JasperAG, Kingston says...
10:53am Tue 8 Dec 09

This is an easier link to follow:

http://bit.ly/5vS2SV

StPete, Southampton says...
10:55am Tue 8 Dec 09

Alicesdad wrote:
Every time I see something emerging in the "development" vein it sets off dreams of absolute grandeur. Can't help it, after the utter despair of June all this good news is like all my Christmases coming at once.

The whole set up could, within a fairly short period (5-10 years) become the biggest club in Europe.

I know this will make people smile and maybe tap their temples in sympathy but it's good to have ambition.

I always thought their would never be anything in football to top the feeling I experienced when we won the cup in '76 .. and maybe I'm right.

But I'd get a significantly warm glow if we actually lift the Premiership trophy .... and then of course we would win the Champions League.

It will be great to stop hearing about the so called big four ... when we get back there it will be just "the big ONE". Match of The Day will become the Saturday night Southampton Show ... the entire team will be knighted by the Queen and the whole world will become a better place.....

It's Christmas, look out of the window and be happy ...

It's good to dream ................

One step at a time Alice's Dad!

Things just keep getting better and better!

allways the optimist, says...
10:55am Tue 8 Dec 09

It gets even funnier for the skates! they're recruiting rejects from Ruperts old regime!
.
http://www.thesun.co
.uk/sol/homepage/spo
rt/football/2756269/
Mark-goes-for-the-Wo
tte-seat.html
.
I wonder if this means that Lowe will take over the club and appoint him as manager? would be great for us (not so great for them though!)

Sainty saint saint, Southampton says...
11:14am Tue 8 Dec 09

allways the optimist wrote:
It gets even funnier for the skates! they're recruiting rejects from Ruperts old regime! . http://www.thesun.co .uk/sol/homepage/spo rt/football/2756269/ Mark-goes-for-the-Wo tte-seat.html . I wonder if this means that Lowe will take over the club and appoint him as manager? would be great for us (not so great for them though!)
Poor old Wotte... he deserves better than ending up as Pompey youth coach surely?!

Footso, Bitterne Park says...
11:33am Tue 8 Dec 09

Sainty saint saint wrote:
allways the optimist wrote: It gets even funnier for the skates! they're recruiting rejects from Ruperts old regime! . http://www.thesun.co .uk/sol/homepage/spo rt/football/2756269/ Mark-goes-for-the-Wo tte-seat.html . I wonder if this means that Lowe will take over the club and appoint him as manager? would be great for us (not so great for them though!)
Poor old Wotte... he deserves better than ending up as Pompey youth coach surely?!
I quite agree, SSS. He really tried, at a hideously difficult time for the club, to dig us out of the mire. If it was down to the Manager's efforts alone, we would not have been relegated.
I hope the Kebab Man can find the money to pay him!

Billy 2 Baps, Gosport says...
11:54am Tue 8 Dec 09

alexc wrote:
Just when you think things cant get any better....Im so proud to be a Saints fan at the moment. We are so lucky to have such an amazing owner and we must be the envy of most clubs. Please name the new training facilities after Liebherr in recognition of what he has done for our great club. Forever in your dept Marcus thankyou from the bottom of my heart!
Well said Alex

Tye-Dye, Veil Nebula says...
11:59am Tue 8 Dec 09

Totally confirms the point that St Markus and St Nic have long term plans, there are so few clubs around with training facilities as good as ours already so reading that our is to be improved is another good news day, to go with all the other good news days since July. Also knowing them oiks have to train at the end of Southampton Rd in Eastleigh, in what is basically a College/University sports hall and fields, makes this news even sweeter and for them even more shameful, just keeps getting better :)))

normsted, puybossard says...
12:00pm Tue 8 Dec 09

intersted to hear how the existing facilities dont stack up. But great news for the club. Any player contemplating a move to saints will no doubt have a tour of the spanking new training facilities ,and bless them they need a bit of TLC,so look forward to attracting ,top class talent. The way this club is being handled can only be applauded,everyone totally focused on eventual promotion back to the prem .
Looking forward to charging through the championship and when we arrive at the prem,we will be set up for maintaining a position in it. (big difference)
In the past any investment of this kind was to the detrament of the funds made available for playing staff,not any more.
Im the meantime what prem club would not want to loan a future star to this set up,exciting times.

Portland Saint, Marchwood says...
12:00pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Every time I see something emerging in the "development" vein it sets off dreams of absolute grandeur. Can't help it, after the utter despair of June all this good news is like all my Christmases coming at once.

The whole set up could, within a fairly short period (5-10 years) become the biggest club in Europe.

I know this will make people smile and maybe tap their temples in sympathy but it's good to have ambition.

I always thought their would never be anything in football to top the feeling I experienced when we won the cup in '76 .. and maybe I'm right.

But I'd get a significantly warm glow if we actually lift the Premiership trophy .... and then of course we would win the Champions League.

It will be great to stop hearing about the so called big four ... when we get back there it will be just "the big ONE". Match of The Day will become the Saturday night Southampton Show ... the entire team will be knighted by the Queen and the whole world will become a better place.....

It's Christmas, look out of the window and be happy ...

It's good to dream ................


I'll have whatever he's on!!!

The Exiled Saint, NEWPORT/Salop says...
12:03pm Tue 8 Dec 09

This is indeed most welcome news, as it sends out a clear message that the new ownership is planning and thinking of the Club’s longterm future.

It would have so much easier to take the populist approach like spending the money on players.

My goodness, when you think that just before we began the season we didn’t even have a club let alone a coach or team and a League-imposed ten-point penalty before we kicked a ball.

And this week sees the Saints overcome that impediment, escape from the bottom four and go into the Christmas period with justifiable hopes of progressing further up the League and well as through the next rounds of the FA Cup and The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Soon we’ll be able to banish the nightmare of the Lowe/Wilde/Crouch/Mc
Menemy years and the damage they collectively inflicted during their tenure.

Happy Christmas Herr Leibherr and Mr Cortese.

Saints No 1 Fan, New Forest says...
12:17pm Tue 8 Dec 09

This is really great news for the club! I thought the facilities at Marchwood were great already so to here that they are being redeveloped is amazing! This should help us to attract top talent in the transfer window!
COYR!

Costa Baz, Southampton says...
12:33pm Tue 8 Dec 09

We have been well and truly leibherrated.

StEmmosfire, Woolston says...
12:46pm Tue 8 Dec 09

So was all the work that Clive Woodward supposedly done a waste of time then? Rupert really did know how to waste money thinking it was a saving. Bring on the new regime.

worthing_saint, worthing says...
1:01pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Costa Baz wrote:
We have been well and truly leibherrated.
Love it.

Word of the decade for me :)

Alicesdad, Chandler's Ford says...
1:03pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Portland Saint wrote:
Every time I see something emerging in the "development" vein it sets off dreams of absolute grandeur. Can't help it, after the utter despair of June all this good news is like all my Christmases coming at once. The whole set up could, within a fairly short period (5-10 years) become the biggest club in Europe. I know this will make people smile and maybe tap their temples in sympathy but it's good to have ambition. I always thought their would never be anything in football to top the feeling I experienced when we won the cup in '76 .. and maybe I'm right. But I'd get a significantly warm glow if we actually lift the Premiership trophy .... and then of course we would win the Champions League. It will be great to stop hearing about the so called big four ... when we get back there it will be just "the big ONE". Match of The Day will become the Saturday night Southampton Show ... the entire team will be knighted by the Queen and the whole world will become a better place..... It's Christmas, look out of the window and be happy ... It's good to dream ................ I'll have whatever he's on!!!
Good point, well made !! ;-)

I might have had too much of the tropical fruit juice with my breakfast today. I'm seeing sunshine everywhere. Mind you SMS is the sunniest place to be on the South coast these days.

St Retford, Manchester says...
1:14pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Man, we have the best owners in football. To be honest, back in the summer when the Pinnacle bid collapsed and everything looked gloomier than Whitehaven on a wet February night I'd have gladly settled for any two-bit shyster coming in and just keeping the club going on a shoe-string and letting us bumble along at the bottom of League 1. But as it turned out we won the lottery a million times over with Markus and Nicola. They have ambition, talent and resources that will make us better than we've ever been. I think we should all have a bit of a whip round and buy them a Christmas present. What do you buy a Swiss multi-millionaire who has everything?

realistic lover, South says...
1:18pm Tue 8 Dec 09

St Retford wrote:
Man, we have the best owners in football. To be honest, back in the summer when the Pinnacle bid collapsed and everything looked gloomier than Whitehaven on a wet February night I'd have gladly settled for any two-bit shyster coming in and just keeping the club going on a shoe-string and letting us bumble along at the bottom of League 1. But as it turned out we won the lottery a million times over with Markus and Nicola. They have ambition, talent and resources that will make us better than we've ever been. I think we should all have a bit of a whip round and buy them a Christmas present. What do you buy a Swiss multi-millionaire who has everything?
He's german. So we can buy him some wurst. Germans love wurst.


realistic lover, South says...
1:19pm Tue 8 Dec 09

'As part of the plans for the clubs 125th anniversary next year'

Does anybody know if there is a plan for an anniversary shirt without sponsors?

rednwhite1, southampton says...
1:28pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Great stuff it gets better and better for our precious club. Doing great in the league, semis in the JPT, and 3rd round of fa cup and now investing in a brand new training complex, this shows commitment from Liebherr and Cortese and showing us that they mean business and the long term future for the club. The young players are settling in nicely and this will help them and show them what the owner wants to achieve and show us supporters want he wants. SOUTHAMPTON TILL I DIE so happy to renew my season ticket in the lovely northam end and be part of this. CMON SAINTS

The Moog, Ashbourne says...
1:28pm Tue 8 Dec 09

realistic lover wrote:
'As part of the plans for the clubs 125th anniversary next year' Does anybody know if there is a plan for an anniversary shirt without sponsors?
That would be good. I was one of the 100 mascots at the Centenary game and still have the shirt I was given. I don't think they did one without sponsors then though.

St Retford, Manchester says...
1:30pm Tue 8 Dec 09

realistic lover wrote:
'As part of the plans for the clubs 125th anniversary next year' Does anybody know if there is a plan for an anniversary shirt without sponsors?
O that would be good. I still think West Brom have the best shirt in the country by about a million miles simply by not having a sponsor. If we got rid of ours for a year it would be amazing.

And you're right about wurst. Germans love that stuff. I had a "currywurst" in Berlin the other week. It was absolutely horrible, but at least they're starting to discover the joy of curry on the continent.

realistic lover, South says...
1:38pm Tue 8 Dec 09

The Moog wrote:
realistic lover wrote: 'As part of the plans for the clubs 125th anniversary next year' Does anybody know if there is a plan for an anniversary shirt without sponsors?
That would be good. I was one of the 100 mascots at the Centenary game and still have the shirt I was given. I don't think they did one without sponsors then though.
We couldn't afford it back then though.... I believe it would be inspired. I also thiink they should put it out to the fans to design it..... then the voted winner gets produced

Footso, Bitterne Park says...
1:41pm Tue 8 Dec 09

normsted wrote:
intersted to hear how the existing facilities dont stack up. But great news for the club. Any player contemplating a move to saints will no doubt have a tour of the spanking new training facilities ,and bless them they need a bit of TLC,so look forward to attracting ,top class talent. The way this club is being handled can only be applauded,everyone totally focused on eventual promotion back to the prem . Looking forward to charging through the championship and when we arrive at the prem,we will be set up for maintaining a position in it. (big difference) In the past any investment of this kind was to the detrament of the funds made available for playing staff,not any more. Im the meantime what prem club would not want to loan a future star to this set up,exciting times.
Exciting times, indeed! It's great to be a Saint!! By the way Norm, is that Poitou-Charente?

Stevie the saint, Calmore says...
1:42pm Tue 8 Dec 09

I had a 20 quid on Saints finishing top 3 a while ago .......... 80/1 odds. mmmmmm.
What do you reckon??? 3rd could be a shout???

St Retford, Manchester says...
1:44pm Tue 8 Dec 09

realistic lover wrote:
The Moog wrote:
realistic lover wrote: 'As part of the plans for the clubs 125th anniversary next year' Does anybody know if there is a plan for an anniversary shirt without sponsors?
That would be good. I was one of the 100 mascots at the Centenary game and still have the shirt I was given. I don't think they did one without sponsors then though.
We couldn't afford it back then though.... I believe it would be inspired. I also thiink they should put it out to the fans to design it..... then the voted winner gets produced
Another good shout, and it would really help the club and fans reconnect. But it kind of depends on how long the contract with FlyBe is due to run. Didn't we renew it towards the end of last season or something? Can't remember the story or how long the deal is for, but it would cost us a few quid to pull out of it.

SaintL-Y, Cotswold Country says...
1:49pm Tue 8 Dec 09

StEmmosfire wrote:
So was all the work that Clive Woodward supposedly done a waste of time then? Rupert really did know how to waste money thinking it was a saving. Bring on the new regime.
I don't think SCW's work was a waste of time (or money)necessarily - it was more done with the players at the time, not the fabric of the building. Anyway, that's raking over very old ground - this is the kind of investment that shows the true direction of this great club. Anyone will tell you the greatest structures are only ever built on the most sound of foundations....I give you exhibit 1!! COYR!

St Retford, Manchester says...
1:49pm Tue 8 Dec 09

St Retford wrote:
realistic lover wrote:
The Moog wrote:
realistic lover wrote: 'As part of the plans for the clubs 125th anniversary next year' Does anybody know if there is a plan for an anniversary shirt without sponsors?
That would be good. I was one of the 100 mascots at the Centenary game and still have the shirt I was given. I don't think they did one without sponsors then though.
We couldn't afford it back then though.... I believe it would be inspired. I also thiink they should put it out to the fans to design it..... then the voted winner gets produced
Another good shout, and it would really help the club and fans reconnect. But it kind of depends on how long the contract with FlyBe is due to run. Didn't we renew it towards the end of last season or something? Can't remember the story or how long the deal is for, but it would cost us a few quid to pull out of it.
Apparently the FlyBe deal expires in June next year. This would be PERFECT.

Footso, Bitterne Park says...
1:49pm Tue 8 Dec 09

realistic lover wrote:
St Retford wrote: Man, we have the best owners in football. To be honest, back in the summer when the Pinnacle bid collapsed and everything looked gloomier than Whitehaven on a wet February night I'd have gladly settled for any two-bit shyster coming in and just keeping the club going on a shoe-string and letting us bumble along at the bottom of League 1. But as it turned out we won the lottery a million times over with Markus and Nicola. They have ambition, talent and resources that will make us better than we've ever been. I think we should all have a bit of a whip round and buy them a Christmas present. What do you buy a Swiss multi-millionaire who has everything?
He's german. So we can buy him some wurst. Germans love wurst.
Then we should buy him the best wurst money can buy!

realistic lover, South says...
1:57pm Tue 8 Dec 09

St Retford wrote:
St Retford wrote:
realistic lover wrote:
The Moog wrote:
realistic lover wrote: 'As part of the plans for the clubs 125th anniversary next year' Does anybody know if there is a plan for an anniversary shirt without sponsors?
That would be good. I was one of the 100 mascots at the Centenary game and still have the shirt I was given. I don't think they did one without sponsors then though.
We couldn't afford it back then though.... I believe it would be inspired. I also thiink they should put it out to the fans to design it..... then the voted winner gets produced
Another good shout, and it would really help the club and fans reconnect. But it kind of depends on how long the contract with FlyBe is due to run. Didn't we renew it towards the end of last season or something? Can't remember the story or how long the deal is for, but it would cost us a few quid to pull out of it.
Apparently the FlyBe deal expires in June next year. This would be PERFECT.
I think our owners are forward thinking people. I think this was the plan all along. They aren't stupid. Although i really hope i can design a shirt for them..... I'm thinking of going back to the glory years of early 80's for inspiration, or i may look at 1890, or maybe 1976.

Saints4Eva, Fair Oak says...
1:57pm Tue 8 Dec 09

The Liebherr/Cortese 5 year plan is being delivered just as they said it would. What a shame the FA won't allow SAINTS to be part of the 2018 World Cup plans, but I'm sure if the bid is successful the top countries will be fighting with each other to use Staplewood as their training venue. Has anyone seen the story on Sky Sports News that Doncaster want to buy Simon Gillett in the January transfer window. It is obvious that AP never fancied him as a player and he is not part of his plans. Cash in now I say and use the money to strengthen the squad to get us up into the play-offs.

The Moog, Ashbourne says...
2:02pm Tue 8 Dec 09

realistic lover wrote:
St Retford wrote:
St Retford wrote:
realistic lover wrote:
The Moog wrote:
realistic lover wrote: 'As part of the plans for the clubs 125th anniversary next year' Does anybody know if there is a plan for an anniversary shirt without sponsors?
That would be good. I was one of the 100 mascots at the Centenary game and still have the shirt I was given. I don't think they did one without sponsors then though.
We couldn't afford it back then though.... I believe it would be inspired. I also thiink they should put it out to the fans to design it..... then the voted winner gets produced
Another good shout, and it would really help the club and fans reconnect. But it kind of depends on how long the contract with FlyBe is due to run. Didn't we renew it towards the end of last season or something? Can't remember the story or how long the deal is for, but it would cost us a few quid to pull out of it.
Apparently the FlyBe deal expires in June next year. This would be PERFECT.
I think our owners are forward thinking people. I think this was the plan all along. They aren't stupid. Although i really hope i can design a shirt for them..... I'm thinking of going back to the glory years of early 80's for inspiration, or i may look at 1890, or maybe 1976.
The deal was worth about 250k a year I think- we could do without that for a year couldn't we? 500 or so extra fans for all the home games covers it surely and we're defo getting that.

I'm going for a shirt with red and white stripes and, er, that's it.

realistic lover, South says...
2:08pm Tue 8 Dec 09

The Moog wrote:
realistic lover wrote:
St Retford wrote:
St Retford wrote:
realistic lover wrote:
The Moog wrote:
realistic lover wrote: 'As part of the plans for the clubs 125th anniversary next year' Does anybody know if there is a plan for an anniversary shirt without sponsors?
That would be good. I was one of the 100 mascots at the Centenary game and still have the shirt I was given. I don't think they did one without sponsors then though.
We couldn't afford it back then though.... I believe it would be inspired. I also thiink they should put it out to the fans to design it..... then the voted winner gets produced
Another good shout, and it would really help the club and fans reconnect. But it kind of depends on how long the contract with FlyBe is due to run. Didn't we renew it towards the end of last season or something? Can't remember the story or how long the deal is for, but it would cost us a few quid to pull out of it.
Apparently the FlyBe deal expires in June next year. This would be PERFECT.
I think our owners are forward thinking people. I think this was the plan all along. They aren't stupid. Although i really hope i can design a shirt for them..... I'm thinking of going back to the glory years of early 80's for inspiration, or i may look at 1890, or maybe 1976.
The deal was worth about 250k a year I think- we could do without that for a year couldn't we? 500 or so extra fans for all the home games covers it surely and we're defo getting that. I'm going for a shirt with red and white stripes and, er, that's it.
V-neck, round neck, or collared? Moog, the possibilities are endless....! i may go all redcurrant. Err hasn't that already been done actually? We can afford 250k, releasing these shirts for one year only will surely generate that? £25 a shirt, 10,000 shirts. thats 250k revenue, so 20,000 to make a profit... thats before shorts and socks.... It makes business sense. Unfortunate for us the paying fan though. OR Why not put everyone's season ticket up by 30 quid and give them a free commemorative shirt? I'm a genius.

Sainty saint saint, Southampton says...
2:12pm Tue 8 Dec 09

St Retford wrote:
Man, we have the best owners in football. To be honest, back in the summer when the Pinnacle bid collapsed and everything looked gloomier than Whitehaven on a wet February night I'd have gladly settled for any two-bit shyster coming in and just keeping the club going on a shoe-string and letting us bumble along at the bottom of League 1. But as it turned out we won the lottery a million times over with Markus and Nicola. They have ambition, talent and resources that will make us better than we've ever been. I think we should all have a bit of a whip round and buy them a Christmas present. What do you buy a Swiss multi-millionaire who has everything?
You get him the best fans in the country - loyal, passionate, and NOISY at all ends of the ground.

That's the best Christmas present we can give him I reckon - so let's make it happen!

St Retford, Manchester says...
2:20pm Tue 8 Dec 09

realistic lover wrote:
The Moog wrote:
realistic lover wrote:
St Retford wrote:
St Retford wrote:
realistic lover wrote:
The Moog wrote:
realistic lover wrote: 'As part of the plans for the clubs 125th anniversary next year' Does anybody know if there is a plan for an anniversary shirt without sponsors?
That would be good. I was one of the 100 mascots at the Centenary game and still have the shirt I was given. I don't think they did one without sponsors then though.
We couldn't afford it back then though.... I believe it would be inspired. I also thiink they should put it out to the fans to design it..... then the voted winner gets produced
Another good shout, and it would really help the club and fans reconnect. But it kind of depends on how long the contract with FlyBe is due to run. Didn't we renew it towards the end of last season or something? Can't remember the story or how long the deal is for, but it would cost us a few quid to pull out of it.
Apparently the FlyBe deal expires in June next year. This would be PERFECT.
I think our owners are forward thinking people. I think this was the plan all along. They aren't stupid. Although i really hope i can design a shirt for them..... I'm thinking of going back to the glory years of early 80's for inspiration, or i may look at 1890, or maybe 1976.
The deal was worth about 250k a year I think- we could do without that for a year couldn't we? 500 or so extra fans for all the home games covers it surely and we're defo getting that. I'm going for a shirt with red and white stripes and, er, that's it.
V-neck, round neck, or collared? Moog, the possibilities are endless....! i may go all redcurrant. Err hasn't that already been done actually? We can afford 250k, releasing these shirts for one year only will surely generate that? £25 a shirt, 10,000 shirts. thats 250k revenue, so 20,000 to make a profit... thats before shorts and socks.... It makes business sense. Unfortunate for us the paying fan though. OR Why not put everyone's season ticket up by 30 quid and give them a free commemorative shirt? I'm a genius.
Indeed. From a long term business point of view this would be a fantastic move. We'd win extra fans and sell a shed load more shirts. Remember Barcelona when they didn't have a sponsor? They sold them faster than they could make them. Admittedly, they have slightly more fans than us but NOT FOR LONG.

Lon Kirk the Saints Fan, Southampton says...
3:13pm Tue 8 Dec 09

It is so good to see so much confidence in the club now and the board.

SAINTS best football club in the world. With the Best OWNER in the world.

mattledavis, southampton says...
3:26pm Tue 8 Dec 09

What does COYR mean?

The Moog, Ashbourne says...
3:28pm Tue 8 Dec 09

mattledavis wrote:
What does COYR mean?
I assume you're joking?

E-M27, Southampton says...
3:39pm Tue 8 Dec 09

mattledavis wrote:
What does COYR mean?
Oh "Come On You Rascal".....you know what it means

E-M27, Southampton says...
3:43pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Totally agree with stmarysmush we could do with a saints supporters club near st marys as well.
Great news every week is making this winter feel quite cosy!!!

normsted, puybossard says...
3:53pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Footso wrote:
normsted wrote:
intersted to hear how the existing facilities dont stack up. But great news for the club. Any player contemplating a move to saints will no doubt have a tour of the spanking new training facilities ,and bless them they need a bit of TLC,so look forward to attracting ,top class talent. The way this club is being handled can only be applauded,everyone totally focused on eventual promotion back to the prem . Looking forward to charging through the championship and when we arrive at the prem,we will be set up for maintaining a position in it. (big difference) In the past any investment of this kind was to the detrament of the funds made available for playing staff,not any more. Im the meantime what prem club would not want to loan a future star to this set up,exciting times.
Exciting times, indeed! It's great to be a Saint!! By the way Norm, is that Poitou-Charente?
Yep.

Footso, Bitterne Park says...
4:15pm Tue 8 Dec 09

normsted wrote:
Footso wrote:
normsted wrote: intersted to hear how the existing facilities dont stack up. But great news for the club. Any player contemplating a move to saints will no doubt have a tour of the spanking new training facilities ,and bless them they need a bit of TLC,so look forward to attracting ,top class talent. The way this club is being handled can only be applauded,everyone totally focused on eventual promotion back to the prem . Looking forward to charging through the championship and when we arrive at the prem,we will be set up for maintaining a position in it. (big difference) In the past any investment of this kind was to the detrament of the funds made available for playing staff,not any more. Im the meantime what prem club would not want to loan a future star to this set up,exciting times.
Exciting times, indeed! It's great to be a Saint!! By the way Norm, is that Poitou-Charente?
Yep.
Lucky you: long way to travel for a home game though!!

The Red & White Mole, Eastleigh says...
4:41pm Tue 8 Dec 09


surely a red and white striped shirt
with the name Liebherr in the
centre would not be a bad choice,
it would advertise his business and
give us all achance to pay homage
to the person who made Saints
125th year possible.

The Moog, Ashbourne says...
5:08pm Tue 8 Dec 09

The Red & White Mole wrote:
surely a red and white striped shirt with the name Liebherr in the centre would not be a bad choice, it would advertise his business and give us all achance to pay homage to the person who made Saints 125th year possible.
Although his father set up the Liebherr group of companies, St Markus handed back the majority of his shares some 15 years ago to run his own companies. To advertise his businesses we would have to put 'MALI' on the front of the shirt, which doesn't quite work in the homage stakes, and putting 'Liebherr' would not be of any financial gain to him. I feel no sponsor at all would be better.

slugger, southampton says...
5:47pm Tue 8 Dec 09

i saw the plans yesterday as someone posted a link,wonder what the revised ones will look like(EVEN BETTER)?
as many have said,it shows true commitment to the future of our beloved club.
it just gets better and better!!
on the shirt thing,i think a replica of our first(no sponsers)would be perfick!!!
COYR

Captain Swing, Southampton says...
5:58pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Great thinking. Staplewood was rated among the top three or four training grounds in the Premiership back in 2006, and this is an impressive initiative to improve a much envied facility. It also demonstrates that the executive understands that there’s more to building a top club than bunging large wads of cash at footballers.

For the record, Markus Liebherr is founder of the Mali Group. The Liebherr Group, which makes the container cranes we so admire in the docks, is run by his brother and sister Willi and Isolde Liebherr – according to their respective websites and Wikipedi


realistic lover, South says...
6:00pm Tue 8 Dec 09

The Moog wrote:
The Red & White Mole wrote: surely a red and white striped shirt with the name Liebherr in the centre would not be a bad choice, it would advertise his business and give us all achance to pay homage to the person who made Saints 125th year possible.
Although his father set up the Liebherr group of companies, St Markus handed back the majority of his shares some 15 years ago to run his own companies. To advertise his businesses we would have to put 'MALI' on the front of the shirt, which doesn't quite work in the homage stakes, and putting 'Liebherr' would not be of any financial gain to him. I feel no sponsor at all would be better.
Also on this note, by putting 'leibherr, mali' etc on our shirt still shows that we are reliant on corporate support. The significance of having no sponsor, suggests that the club is the most important of all, and the removing of the sponsor suggests giving the club back to the fans.

slugger, southampton says...
6:05pm Tue 8 Dec 09

realistic lover wrote:
The Moog wrote:
The Red & White Mole wrote: surely a red and white striped shirt with the name Liebherr in the centre would not be a bad choice, it would advertise his business and give us all achance to pay homage to the person who made Saints 125th year possible.
Although his father set up the Liebherr group of companies, St Markus handed back the majority of his shares some 15 years ago to run his own companies. To advertise his businesses we would have to put 'MALI' on the front of the shirt, which doesn't quite work in the homage stakes, and putting 'Liebherr' would not be of any financial gain to him. I feel no sponsor at all would be better.
Also on this note, by putting 'leibherr, mali' etc on our shirt still shows that we are reliant on corporate support. The significance of having no sponsor, suggests that the club is the most important of all, and the removing of the sponsor suggests giving the club back to the fans.
perhaps every shirt could have liebherr across the back,just a thought to show our gratitude.

The Watcher, Oceana Boulevard says...
6:05pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Captain Swing wrote:
Great thinking. Staplewood was rated among the top three or four training grounds in the Premiership back in 2006, and this is an impressive initiative to improve a much envied facility. It also demonstrates that the executive understands that there’s more to building a top club than bunging large wads of cash at footballers. For the record, Markus Liebherr is founder of the Mali Group. The Liebherr Group, which makes the container cranes we so admire in the docks, is run by his brother and sister Willi and Isolde Liebherr – according to their respective websites and Wikipedi
If you really think (like the Echo did) that Staplewood was one of the top three or four training grounds in the Premiership, then I'm afraid you've been taking in by the propaganda spouted during the Lowe era.

It was a nice set-up, but no way up there with the many outstanding set-ups that could be found in the top flight.

In fact, it was on a par with a number of training grounds found in the Championship.

Good news on the investment front from the new owners and certainly sets their stall out that they're not just here for the short term if they're willing to stump up this much cash.


Tye-Dye, Veil Nebula says...
6:07pm Tue 8 Dec 09

How about the Saints shirt of the 1800's when St Marys first started, ok it would have to be made using modern materials as it would give the opposition a distinct advantage, especially in the wet when it would weigh about 10stone on its own :)) But totally agree about no sponsor, reading that FlyBe's sponsorship would have expired would mean no hard feelings as they have helped when we needed it, all in all its really great talking about the future when 4 months ago we didn't have one, just like our (ahem) neighbours now, Que Sera Sera.

fred the red, Southampton says...
7:45pm Tue 8 Dec 09

E-M27 wrote:
mattledavis wrote:
What does COYR mean?
Oh "Come On You Rascal".....you know what it means
it used to mean "Clear Off Yuppie Rupert"

Paul from woolston, Southampton says...
7:45pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Well the plans look superb, very forward thinking design with a good balance to blend with the surrounding area.
Off track for a moment, I have just caught up with posts from slugger, and puppy, regarding the flimsy plastic beer jugs.
Firstly, and I`m not suggesting my email to the club had any bearing, have you noticed the bottle stall in the Northam end is now back with us, offering cider or lager as an alternative to the long queuing for a pint!!
Secondly you`re right about how thin and flimsy the glasses are,...... I feel another email campaign coming. Also I like the idea of a bigger saints social club....and maybe we could buy a brewery to help keep the prices down!!!...... See, Alice's dad is not the only one having these magical dreams...........UTS

Harleysaint, Marlow says...
7:47pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Fresh........MMMMMMM
......GOOD.

Paul from woolston, Southampton says...
7:49pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Sorry, meant north kingsland end, but I presume they`re all open now?

Harleysaint, Marlow says...
8:09pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Paul from woolston wrote:
Sorry, meant north kingsland end, but I presume they`re all open now?
O.S. forecasting nearly 30,000 for the Exeter game.
Please tell me that the "Wind of Change"is being felt across the globe!
How long before the "authorities" recognise that we are a "Shining Example " to the whole industry?
If all my bets this year pan out I will happily pay for the Plaque dedicating the new training ground development to our "SAVIOUR"
HERR LIEBHERR AS A BUILDER I WILL EVEN FIX IT:
diy CHEEPER BUT NOT AS GOOD!
Free of Charge

BrixtonSaint, London says...
8:09pm Tue 8 Dec 09

just make sure there's no Pompey on the construction gang. The gag's about their shirts in the foundations of SMS we're boring enough

Harleysaint, Marlow says...
8:12pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Harleysaint wrote:
Paul from woolston wrote: Sorry, meant north kingsland end, but I presume they`re all open now?
O.S. forecasting nearly 30,000 for the Exeter game. Please tell me that the "Wind of Change"is being felt across the globe! How long before the "authorities" recognise that we are a "Shining Example " to the whole industry? If all my bets this year pan out I will happily pay for the Plaque dedicating the new training ground development to our "SAVIOUR" HERR LIEBHERR AS A BUILDER I WILL EVEN FIX IT: diy CHEEPER BUT NOT AS GOOD! Free of Charge
Sorry!!
Too much Johny Smiths!!!
Catch you later.
COYRAWAPMACHINE!!!!!
!

seven777, southampton says...
8:19pm Tue 8 Dec 09

just found this after reading the shirt
part of this thread. some may be interested in our past designs.
http://www.historica
lkits.co.uk/Southamp
ton/Southampton.htm

slugger, southampton says...
8:23pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Paul from woolston wrote:
Well the plans look superb, very forward thinking design with a good balance to blend with the surrounding area. Off track for a moment, I have just caught up with posts from slugger, and puppy, regarding the flimsy plastic beer jugs. Firstly, and I`m not suggesting my email to the club had any bearing, have you noticed the bottle stall in the Northam end is now back with us, offering cider or lager as an alternative to the long queuing for a pint!! Secondly you`re right about how thin and flimsy the glasses are,...... I feel another email campaign coming. Also I like the idea of a bigger saints social club....and maybe we could buy a brewery to help keep the prices down!!!...... See, Alice's dad is not the only one having these magical dreams...........UTS
nice to know you're on the case paul,nothing worse than a floppy beerglass !
mabey for regulars,we could have hooks behind the bar with our personal tankards hanging there.lol

Baddesley Bill, North Baddesley says...
8:26pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Looking like it's gonna be Luton in the cup...they're 2-0 up!

Captain Swing, Southampton says...
8:32pm Tue 8 Dec 09

The Watcher wrote:
Captain Swing wrote: Great thinking. Staplewood was rated among the top three or four training grounds in the Premiership back in 2006, and this is an impressive initiative to improve a much envied facility. It also demonstrates that the executive understands that there’s more to building a top club than bunging large wads of cash at footballers. For the record, Markus Liebherr is founder of the Mali Group. The Liebherr Group, which makes the container cranes we so admire in the docks, is run by his brother and sister Willi and Isolde Liebherr – according to their respective websites and Wikipedi
If you really think (like the Echo did) that Staplewood was one of the top three or four training grounds in the Premiership, then I'm afraid you've been taking in by the propaganda spouted during the Lowe era. It was a nice set-up, but no way up there with the many outstanding set-ups that could be found in the top flight. In fact, it was on a par with a number of training grounds found in the Championship. Good news on the investment front from the new owners and certainly sets their stall out that they're not just here for the short term if they're willing to stump up this much cash.
You are sadly misinformed - or deluded.
Even before the indoor pitch went up Staplewood was being compared favourably with the training facilities of Arsenal and Manchester United, by the Telegraph, Guardian, Financial Times and Times, which were all pointing out during and after our appearance in Cardiff that Southampton was worth several times the share value and was ripe for a take over and big investment.
However, we ended up getting a rich owner, prepared to invest his own money, the hard way.

Paul from woolston, Southampton says...
8:37pm Tue 8 Dec 09

hahahahahah, like it slugger, but can`t promise.........

puppy saint, republic of bitterne triangle says...
9:20pm Tue 8 Dec 09

St Retford wrote:
Man, we have the best owners in football. To be honest, back in the summer when the Pinnacle bid collapsed and everything looked gloomier than Whitehaven on a wet February night I'd have gladly settled for any two-bit shyster coming in and just keeping the club going on a shoe-string and letting us bumble along at the bottom of League 1. But as it turned out we won the lottery a million times over with Markus and Nicola. They have ambition, talent and resources that will make us better than we've ever been. I think we should all have a bit of a whip round and buy them a Christmas present. What do you buy a Swiss multi-millionaire who has everything?
A decent pie!

Baddesley Bill, North Baddesley says...
9:35pm Tue 8 Dec 09

puppy saint wrote:
St Retford wrote: Man, we have the best owners in football. To be honest, back in the summer when the Pinnacle bid collapsed and everything looked gloomier than Whitehaven on a wet February night I'd have gladly settled for any two-bit shyster coming in and just keeping the club going on a shoe-string and letting us bumble along at the bottom of League 1. But as it turned out we won the lottery a million times over with Markus and Nicola. They have ambition, talent and resources that will make us better than we've ever been. I think we should all have a bit of a whip round and buy them a Christmas present. What do you buy a Swiss multi-millionaire who has everything?
A decent pie!
Dan...get on the case...a Ponsonby pie on a private Swissair jet please(we all know you're an eccentric millionaire really!)

Ross96, Chandlers Ford says...
9:56pm Tue 8 Dec 09

wait we have already got the best training centre in the Football league

St Retford, Manchester says...
10:13pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Looks like we've picked a good time to be playing Leeds - they're going decidedly off the boil at the moment.

Southampton Heart, Living Near Manchester says...
10:23pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Just got back from Southampton after a fab weekend away.

On the way down I went to the Walsall game and yes.....lost my voice etc etc....what a great atmosphere from us Saints fans again. Walsall fans were so quiet.

Near the end of the game we were singing "Cherrio Cherrio" to the Walsall fans...haha!!!....it was hilarious.

Of course I visited "our Mecca St Mary's Stadium"....to buy Saints goodies.....and I bought 2 x Echo's too. Fantastic Weekend.

The new Staplewood training facilities look and sound awesome.....and I'm so happy our club is taking shape. Thank you St Markus and Nicola.

St Retford, Manchester says...
10:32pm Tue 8 Dec 09

Sorry Kettering - I just jinxed you there. Still, it doesn't say much for Leeds that they get taken to extra time in a replay against a team from Shitsville. We'll murder them.

puppy saint, republic of bitterne triangle says...
11:21pm Tue 8 Dec 09

They got Old Trafford on their minds and I'm not talking about the catering!

puppy saint, republic of bitterne triangle says...
11:24pm Tue 8 Dec 09

ps COYR!

gosportsaint, gosport says...
1:06am Wed 9 Dec 09

Hi everyone, havent had time to read all the posts. But hey, fantastic news. We susposesadly had one of the best training grounds in the country already, but now we are going to have one of the best in europe. Saints in ten years will be the biggest team in England if not Europe. Thank God for Nicola who saw a good thing.
Thank You NC for everything and thank you St. Markus for buying us.
Now after the training ground please can you increase SMS to 55000.
Love
Graham x

gosportsaint, gosport says...
1:13am Wed 9 Dec 09

Hi everyone, havent had time to read all the posts. But hey, fantastic news. We susposesadly had one of the best training grounds in the country already, but now we are going to have one of the best in europe. Saints in ten years will be the biggest team in England if not Europe. Thank God for Nicola who saw a good thing.
Thank You NC for everything and thank you St. Markus for buying us.
Now after the training ground please can you increase SMS to 55000.
Love
Graham x

gosportsaint, gosport says...
1:29am Wed 9 Dec 09

Hi everyone, havent had time to read all the posts. But hey, fantastic news. We susposesadly had one of the best training grounds in the country already, but now we are going to have one of the best in europe. Saints in ten years will be the biggest team in England if not Europe. Thank God for Nicola who saw a good thing.
Thank You NC for everything and thank you St. Markus for buying us.
Now after the training ground please can you increase SMS to 55000.
Love
Graham x

Tirau Dan, Tirau (NZL) says...
6:54am Wed 9 Dec 09

Baddesley Bill wrote:
puppy saint wrote:
St Retford wrote: Man, we have the best owners in football. To be honest, back in the summer when the Pinnacle bid collapsed and everything looked gloomier than Whitehaven on a wet February night I'd have gladly settled for any two-bit shyster coming in and just keeping the club going on a shoe-string and letting us bumble along at the bottom of League 1. But as it turned out we won the lottery a million times over with Markus and Nicola. They have ambition, talent and resources that will make us better than we've ever been. I think we should all have a bit of a whip round and buy them a Christmas present. What do you buy a Swiss multi-millionaire who has everything?
A decent pie!
Dan...get on the case...a Ponsonby pie on a private Swissair jet please(we all know you're an eccentric millionaire really!)
lol..I should wish. just a struggla here dear friends.

I still reckon there must be a good bakery local... I like the idea of having a good English Pie and SMS even it's it's a Pasty from Rowes of Falmouth.
Does anyone actually know the date the contract come up or if they'll tender the contract or hire a cater.

realistic lover, South says...
8:24am Wed 9 Dec 09

Do we rename the Chapel Stand the 'Liebherr Stand' or would be more insulting than flattering?

Tye-Dye, Veil Nebula says...
8:56am Wed 9 Dec 09

http://www.express.c
o.uk/posts/view/1448
96/Portsmouth-s-ange
r-at-malicious-charg
es

Hmmm, not just a malicious rumour this is based on a leak inside Not Arf Krap, they will be in Admin within 2 weeks, the Prem have refused to bail them out and are ready to take steps to kick them out, and Storrie has gone on holiday....??
Things are going to get very interesting over the next few days for the blue few, I bet they really wish they were more sympathetic when we were in the mire?

Lon Kirk the Saints Fan, Southampton says...
9:16am Wed 9 Dec 09

Tye-Dye wrote:
http://www.express.c o.uk/posts/view/1448 96/Portsmouth-s-ange r-at-malicious-charg es Hmmm, not just a malicious rumour this is based on a leak inside Not Arf Krap, they will be in Admin within 2 weeks, the Prem have refused to bail them out and are ready to take steps to kick them out, and Storrie has gone on holiday....?? Things are going to get very interesting over the next few days for the blue few, I bet they really wish they were more sympathetic when we were in the mire?
Poor Pompey.

The Prem was never for them, but I hope they survive as a professional league club.


Saints need a local derby/rivals and banter.

Costa Baz, Southampton says...
11:21am Wed 9 Dec 09

Don't know how much truth there is in the above rumour, re Poopey going into admin, but looking ahead to next season, when we will both be in the CCC, I can't help but smile at the possibility of them trying to sign a player we are interested in.
I can imagine the player saying "show me your ground, training facilities, ambition and money" and then dismissing Poopey out of hand.
Priceless.

St Retford, Manchester says...
2:23pm Wed 9 Dec 09

I was just talking to quite a reaonable Pompey fan who said the problem with them at the moment is that people keep buying them in the mistaken belief they'll make money from them. However, in a city of 160,000 people (once you exlude students) the only way they'll make a profit is to get rid of the big wage earners and play in the Championship.

The Watcher, Oceana Boulevard says...
6:42pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Captain Swing wrote:
The Watcher wrote:
Captain Swing wrote: Great thinking. Staplewood was rated among the top three or four training grounds in the Premiership back in 2006, and this is an impressive initiative to improve a much envied facility. It also demonstrates that the executive understands that there’s more to building a top club than bunging large wads of cash at footballers. For the record, Markus Liebherr is founder of the Mali Group. The Liebherr Group, which makes the container cranes we so admire in the docks, is run by his brother and sister Willi and Isolde Liebherr – according to their respective websites and Wikipedi
If you really think (like the Echo did) that Staplewood was one of the top three or four training grounds in the Premiership, then I'm afraid you've been taking in by the propaganda spouted during the Lowe era. It was a nice set-up, but no way up there with the many outstanding set-ups that could be found in the top flight. In fact, it was on a par with a number of training grounds found in the Championship. Good news on the investment front from the new owners and certainly sets their stall out that they're not just here for the short term if they're willing to stump up this much cash.
You are sadly misinformed - or deluded. Even before the indoor pitch went up Staplewood was being compared favourably with the training facilities of Arsenal and Manchester United, by the Telegraph, Guardian, Financial Times and Times, which were all pointing out during and after our appearance in Cardiff that Southampton was worth several times the share value and was ripe for a take over and big investment. However, we ended up getting a rich owner, prepared to invest his own money, the hard way.
You must be rather parochial in your outlook if you're trying to compare Staplewood with Arsenal's Shenley Ground or United's at Carrington.

Arsenal spent £10m building theirs 10 years ago and have spent millions updating it since. As for Carrington, then go and have a search for the size, resources and cost and it makes Staplewood look small time (even The Cliff was better than Staplewood).

Staplewood is a decent little set up and comparable to a number of Premiership and Championship set-ups, but to suggest it was in the top 3 or 4 in the country is laughable.

Having been to a number of training grounds, including including Boro, Villa, Blackburn & Newcastle, then I have to say you need to get out more and not listen to what Rupert told the papers!

The Watcher, Oceana Boulevard says...
6:42pm Wed 9 Dec 09

Captain Swing wrote:
The Watcher wrote:
Captain Swing wrote: Great thinking. Staplewood was rated among the top three or four training grounds in the Premiership back in 2006, and this is an impressive initiative to improve a much envied facility. It also demonstrates that the executive understands that there’s more to building a top club than bunging large wads of cash at footballers. For the record, Markus Liebherr is founder of the Mali Group. The Liebherr Group, which makes the container cranes we so admire in the docks, is run by his brother and sister Willi and Isolde Liebherr – according to their respective websites and Wikipedi
If you really think (like the Echo did) that Staplewood was one of the top three or four training grounds in the Premiership, then I'm afraid you've been taking in by the propaganda spouted during the Lowe era. It was a nice set-up, but no way up there with the many outstanding set-ups that could be found in the top flight. In fact, it was on a par with a number of training grounds found in the Championship. Good news on the investment front from the new owners and certainly sets their stall out that they're not just here for the short term if they're willing to stump up this much cash.
You are sadly misinformed - or deluded. Even before the indoor pitch went up Staplewood was being compared favourably with the training facilities of Arsenal and Manchester United, by the Telegraph, Guardian, Financial Times and Times, which were all pointing out during and after our appearance in Cardiff that Southampton was worth several times the share value and was ripe for a take over and big investment. However, we ended up getting a rich owner, prepared to invest his own money, the hard way.
You must be rather parochial in your outlook if you're trying to compare Staplewood with Arsenal's Shenley Ground or United's at Carrington.

Arsenal spent £10m building theirs 10 years ago and have spent millions updating it since. As for Carrington, then go and have a search for the size, resources and cost and it makes Staplewood look small time (even The Cliff was better than Staplewood).

Staplewood is a decent little set up and comparable to a number of Premiership and Championship set-ups, but to suggest it was in the top 3 or 4 in the country is laughable.

Having been to a number of training grounds, including including Boro, Villa, Blackburn & Newcastle, then I have to say you need to get out more and not listen to what Rupert told the papers!

pardsarmy, chicago says...
12:29am Thu 10 Dec 09

funny
http://www.mirrorfoo
tball.co.uk/news/Por
tsmouth-s-financial-
crisis-forced-club-t
o-bench-Aruna-Dindan
e-in-Carling-Cup-cla
sh-article246147.htm
l


funnier
http://www.mirrorfoo
tball.co.uk/news/Avr
am-Grant-I-didn-t-kn
ow-about-Portsmouth-
s-money-worries-befo
re-taking-over-as-ma
nager-article248457.
html


funniest
http://www.telegraph
.co.uk/sport/footbal
l/leagues/premierlea
gue/portsmouth/67638
86/Peter-Storrie-goe
s-abroad-to-plug-60m
-hole-as-Portsmouth-
deadline-looms.html

well the last one is a very well written piece by the telegraph on the state of affairs down the road,enjoy!

pardsarmy, chicago says...
12:40am Thu 10 Dec 09

its the same story here! LOL

http://www.dailyexpr
ess.co.uk/posts/view
/145130/Portsmouth-P
eter-Storrie-seeks-P
remier-League-TV-cas
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Lon Kirk the Saints Fan, Southampton says...
8:24am Thu 10 Dec 09

Poor Pompey, tried to live in fantasy land. Now going to play in Scrapyard Land.

montechristoes, canterbury says...
3:01pm Thu 10 Dec 09

Clearly, the Northam stand should be renamed the 'wurst end' - or where visitors fear 'the wurst'.

On infrastructure spending: the Council & Club should 'revisit' the possibility of constructing a halt on the rarely used railway line by the club - that could become a tramway to the eastern Docks. A dream, but ...

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An artist's impression of the improved Staplewood. An artist's impression of the improved Staplewood.

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