Returning Heroes?

[paulwantsapint]

So as it looks as as MLT is yet again about to save Saints which other former staff members do we want to return NO players who are still still playing so NO Beattie, Baird, Bridge or Bale
In ideal world WGS would move back to his home & manage us
In reality expect Woggy to return to kit duties

[hypochondriac]

I just want WGS. If it happens someone will have to pass me the kleenex.

[The Worm]

Niemi as goalkeeping coach

[Master Bates]

Niemi as goalkeeping coach

Nah, David Coles.

[lumuah]

Nah, David Coles.

+1 Definitely. One of the biggest mistakes ever letting him go.

[oxfordshire_saint]

Georges Prost

[Deppo]

Hopefully the Widdrington rumours prove founded.

[Nineteen Canteen]

None. Time to move forward with a clean slate and I remain somewhat concerned about Matt's future role and any unhelpful allegiances he may have with faces from the past that may prove troublesome should he choose to look beyond his own counsel and those he has now hooked up with.

[Katalinic]

None. Time to move forward with a clean slate and I remain somewhat concerned about Matt's future role and any unhelpful allegiances he may have with faces from the past that may prove troublesome should he choose to look beyond his own counsel and those he has now hooked up with.

I agree, because of the shock of relegation from the Prem and the circus that has followed we have spent the last few years looking at the positives from the past instead of dealing with the reality of the situation we are in, now is the time we have to look forward and start the re-building process.....and all together.

[whizzpop]

Steve Wigley.

[Arizona]

WGS, Woggy, David Coles, Tessem (as coach), Pinder (half time entertainemnt), Pahars (I'm not sure in what capacity, I just like him).

[lumuah]

None. Time to move forward with a clean slate and I remain somewhat concerned about Matt's future role and any unhelpful allegiances he may have with faces from the past that may prove troublesome should he choose to look beyond his own counsel and those he has now hooked up with.

Maybe a valid view for those who run the club, but a little shortsighted for those who actually do the good work. The spirit of Southampton won't return to the dressing room without the likes of Woggy, and dare I say it, someone like Dennis Rofe who despite not being the most gifted coach, could definitely get across to the players what it is to give a to5s about the club.

[Nineteen Canteen]

WGS, Woggy, David Coles, Tessem (as coach), Pinder (half time entertainemnt), Pahars (I'm not sure in what capacity, I just like him).

I stand corrected. Pinder for CEO.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

I would like to see Chris Marsden appointed as Chief Arsekicker .

[70's Mike]

IF we are ever to get back to where we were 7 years ago then it is Prost for me

[wireframebox]

Francis Benali please.

[Arizona]

I stand corrected. Pinder for CEO.

1,023 posts and we've finally got something sensible out of 19C. :D

[doughnutman]

WGS, Woggy, David Coles, Tessem (as coach), Pinder (half time entertainemnt), Pahars (I'm not sure in what capacity, I just like him).


On trial at Newcastle Jets, which I believe is a team in australia(?). Anyone know what the standard of football is like out there. Surely if he can do a job for them he'd be able to have a role in the saints team this season?

[Nineteen Canteen]

Maybe a valid view for those who run the club, but a little shortsighted for those who actually do the good work. The spirit of Southampton won't return to the dressing room without the likes of Woggy, and dare I say it, someone like Dennis Rofe who despite not being the most gifted coach, could definitely get across to the players what it is to give a to5s about the club.

With the greatest of respect to Woggy and Rofe but they will not generate unity or the 'spirit of Southampton' which incidentally has IMO been proven to be a fallacy over the past few years because in the darkest days many deserted the club and refused to support it.

Players don't give a rat's backside about their club unless they are local lads who have supported it and been lucky enough to come through the ranks like Surman and Bridge. Players are motivated by the opportunity to play, the support and money IMO and some old boy rattling on about what it means to play for the club is going to have zero impact if the other objectives are not met, more so if the individual (Rofe) has never been heard of by many. Maybe this is where MLT will have some postive impact with players as being a top player from the last generation, well known and admired.

[hypochondriac]

With the greatest of respect to Woggy and Rofe but they will not generate unity or the 'spirit of Southampton' which incidentally has IMO been proven to be a fallacy over the past few years because in the darkest days many deserted the club and refused to support it.

Players don't give a rat's backside about their club unless they are local lads who have supported it and been lucky enough to come through the ranks like Surman and Bridge. Players are motivated by the opportunity to play, the support and money IMO and some old boy rattling on about what it means to play for the club is going to have zero impact if the other objectives are not met, more so if the individual (Rofe) has never been heard of by many. Maybe this is where MLT will have some postive impact with players as being a top player from the last generation, well known and admired.

We used to have a number of players who gave a toss. Dodd, Benali, MLT, Marsden, Bridge, even Beattie I would say.

[Rocker268]

Pahars (I'm not sure in what capacity, I just like him).

I did as well and with the time he spent injured he must have picked up some medical knowledge so physio?

[Nineteen Canteen]

1,023 posts and we've finally got something sensible out of 19C. :D

'You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment':)

[70's Mike]

We used to have a number of players who gave a toss. Dodd, Benali, MLT, Marsden, Bridge, even Beattie I would say.

and many of them grew up at the club with Rofe giving them the kick up the backside they needed at times.
people like Rofe and Woggy are important because they gender dressing room unity which is vital

[Redondo Saint]

How about Claus as the team bus driver?

[Nineteen Canteen]

We used to have a number of players who gave a toss. Dodd, Benali, MLT, Marsden, Bridge, even Beattie I would say.

Don't disagree Hypo but I was looking to the future and the majority of our squads from the past two seasons in particular. I still think football will eventually eat itself without some major change and the attributes of older players and those from the last generation are not reflected in many of the younger and overseas players especially. Its just a general comment on how I perceive players loyalty today to say 10 or even 5 years ago.

Comes down to greed and why there is so much 'competitive dad syndrome' in football that you don't see in the likes of Rugby, Athletics or Cricket.

[benjii]

Frankie Bennett.

[lumuah]

With the greatest of respect to Woggy and Rofe but they will not generate unity or the 'spirit of Southampton' which incidentally has IMO been proven to be a fallacy over the past few years because in the darkest days many deserted the club and refused to support it.

Players don't give a rat's backside about their club unless they are local lads who have supported it and been lucky enough to come through the ranks like Surman and Bridge. Players are motivated by the opportunity to play, the support and money IMO and some old boy rattling on about what it means to play for the club is going to have zero impact if the other objectives are not met, more so if the individual (Rofe) has never been heard of by many. Maybe this is where MLT will have some postive impact with players as being a top player from the last generation, well known and admired.

On their own, of course they won't manage to generate the 'spirit'. But if you get rid of everyone who has ever had anything to do with the club, our history means nothing. (I wasn't suggesting that Rofe should come back, but someone of that character who we can see gives everything for the club)

The 'spirit' has been eroded considerably in the last few years, but could be, in my opinion, revived with the new ownership. This board for the first time in ages has (almost) a positive feel to it. People are looking forward to the new season despite the dreadful position we find ourselves in. The bad apples are gone, we don't have to throw away the good ones.

[Nineteen Canteen]

and many of them grew up at the club with Rofe giving them the kick up the backside they needed at times.
people like Rofe and Woggy are important because they gender dressing room unity which is vital

Disagree any coach who has the respect of the players can ensure unity in the dressing room. Wasn't it rumoured that Dodd and/or Beattie put paid to Sturrock?

[70's Mike]

Disagree any coach who has the respect of the players can ensure unity in the dressing room. Wasn't it rumoured that Dodd and/or Beattie put paid to Sturrock?

no coach on his own can it is often the number 2's and 3's that do lots of the daily routine work at the training grounds

[Nineteen Canteen]

On their own, of course they won't manage to generate the 'spirit'. But if you get rid of everyone who has ever had anything to do with the club, our history means nothing. (I wasn't suggesting that Rofe should come back, but someone of that character who we can see gives everything for the club)

The 'spirit' has been eroded considerably in the last few years, but could be, in my opinion, revived with the new ownership. This board for the first time in ages has (almost) a positive feel to it. People are looking forward to the new season despite the dreadful position we find ourselves in. The bad apples are gone, we don't have to throw away the good ones.

The trouble you have is how to assess the apples. Good and bad can be determined by a court of law whereas an assessment of an individuals contribution will still be subjective and based on opinion and worse prejudice. One man's rubbish is another man's treasure and the slate must be clean and MLT will have a tough role to play to ensure he is equitable on his assessment of the past as he takes us into the future as many fans have been stuanchly loyal through thick and thin and will have their reasons for so doing.

[Nineteen Canteen]

no coach on his own can it is often the number 2's and 3's that do lots of the daily routine work at the training grounds

OK but you get my point. They don't have to have past association with the club.

[Arizona]

How about Claus as the team bus driver?

Drink driving is a very serious issue and I don't think you should be making a mockery of it.

















Executive Suite barman surely?

[hypochondriac]

OK but you get my point. They don't have to have past association with the club.
No they don't but equally there is no problem with going with past faces. Appointing someone like Rolfe will not have any negative impact IMO and there are many faces from the past who should be welcomed back because they have never wronged the club and have no part in the failures.

[70's Mike]

OK but you get my point. They don't have to have past association with the club.

Agreed but to often it is the small roles that gel things together in all organisations.
look at the stick lou chaterley used to get but he was a major part of the team off the field.
imo we should forget all past employees, except MLT on this occassion, face reality and build for a 5 year haul back to the big time,

and in the words of the team song in 66 [promotion year)

"we may not be one of the big clubs but despite of all the rest, you will see we will become the best"

we , imo, have always been at our best when the world , except our fans, writes us off

[Nineteen Canteen]

No they don't but equally there is no problem with going with past faces. Appointing someone like Rolfe will not have any negative impact IMO and there are many faces from the past who should be welcomed back because they have never wronged the club and have no part in the failures.

Agreed but like the man said in his first post there are probably better coaches out there and we need to move forward. I can see a strong argument for Prost and Elias and even Wotte but I remain convinced that all traces of the past for those with direct responsibility or input over the team and the club in general are removed. It only takes a small seed of bitterness to germinate into something less useful so clean slate please. Best for us, best for MLT and most of all best for the club in the long term.

[Big John]

Ali Dia

[Breeny]

On trial at Newcastle Jets, which I believe is a team in australia(?). Anyone know what the standard of football is like out there. Surely if he can do a job for them he'd be able to have a role in the saints team this season?
I have seen a few games. I would put the Aussie A leauge at around lower Leauge1 level.

Robbie Fowler will be playing in it next season so he should score around 20 + even off the bench !

[ericofarabia]

I just want WGS. If it happens someone will have to pass me the kleenex.

If it did happen, try putting an image of Maggie Thatcher and Susan Boyle in your head ... that should help with the premature ejaculation problem ;)

Was Franny ever officially employed as Public Relations man or what ever in the Exec area on matchdays? He should certainly be reinstated in some capacity at the club, maybe public half time floggings of anybody who under performed on the pitch :D or manning a stall in the concourse selling poppadoms, samosas and onoin bahjees :p

Also the matchday innernet commentary needs to be reinstated and like em or not the likes of Pyscho, Watson, Case and Armstrong went through the same pain and bitter disappointments as the rest of us and in a few cases weren't afraid to put their heads above parapet and say where the blame laid.

Very surprised that nobody has canvessed for Roops to be welcomed back. Image how much of a money spinner chucking wet sponges at him locked up in stocks would make.:D

Lastly more than anything else the FA Cup picture to be reinstated into the boardroom, as a reminder of just how great our club could/should be again.

[sydney_saint]

On trial at Newcastle Jets, which I believe is a team in australia(?). Anyone know what the standard of football is like out there. Surely if he can do a job for them he'd be able to have a role in the saints team this season?

Have watched many, many A-league matches since it started and I believe that the standard from teams like Melbourne and to an extent Adelaide are probably lower end championship whilst a club like Wellington is probably upper league 2. In the case of the jets (I now live about 5 mins from the stadium) they are a solid team and whilst I would love Marian to play for them he probably won't fit in with their style of play. The A-League in general has no room for actually talented players and imo is the most physical league in the world. This will not be suitable for a small, injury prone player like Pahars. I very much doubt Saints can compete in wages if the Jets are signing him as their marquee player. So overall a fairly mixed standard of football, averaging league 1 standard, however Adelaide's and now Newcastle's success in the Asian Champions League shows that the standard is slowly improving, especially as the Jets finished bottom last season and have still done well.

[Master Bates]

WGS, Woggy, David Coles, Tessem (as coach), Pinder (half time entertainemnt), Pahars (I'm not sure in what capacity, I just like him).

Pahars is set for a months trial with Newcastle (Australia) next month.

[dubai_phil]

Anyone the new management team want to bring in, end of. No doubt MLT has already been on the phone to KK, AS, WGS, Hiddink et al who currently aren't in full time employment to work as kitman, physio etc (sorry Woggy)


BUT, being serious for our long term future then Georges Prost first and then Terry Cooper second, would IMHO be a damned wise investment.
Let's face it without Cooper, our scouting network found us...... Pulis, Gasmi, Molyneaux etc etc etc



Then being fatuous, season tickets should be SOLD to all the old hangers an and ex main shareholders and they should be seated in the Northam, and of course it should be Lowe, Crouch and Wilde alongside each other

[CWD]

WGS back would be incredible, and I can see it happening with MLT in charge.

I for one would also like to see Mike Osman back on before kick off - he was brilliant!

[ottery st mary]

I agree with Terry Cooper or the like for scouting....Never thought much of that other Dutch treats..Phil De Whales or Baden Powell.

Bring Back Woggy and Ethel the tea Lady.

[krissyboy31]

TBF, I didn't think Cooper was up to much as a scout either. I think the job of Chief Scout, just like CEO and Team Manager, should be put out into the market to get the best available person, with the most impressive track record. I do think there is a place for some people previously at the club, who can try and re-establish "the Spirit of Southampton" (Woggy perhaps) but with the main posts, it would be disastrous to fill them with sentimental blasts from the past.

[SaintRobbie]

So as it looks as as MLT is yet again about to save Saints which other former staff members do we want to return NO players who are still still playing so NO Beattie, Baird, Bridge or Bale
In ideal world WGS would move back to his home & manage us
In reality expect Woggy to return to kit duties

Woggy is a good enough start.... Feel good factor returns!

[CitySaint]

I'd love too see a great old player as manager, in that thought have Pinnacle backed Wotte or is he being replaced imminently?

[Verbal Kint]

I'd love to see Dowie brought in as manager, bringing Tim Flowers as his assistant. I still think Franny Benali may have a role somewhere. He wasn't the best of players, but there was nobody fitter and maybe he could play a role on the fitness side of things, as he certainly kept himself in very good condition.

Anyone know what Chrissy Marsden is up to these days?

[dubai_phil]

On a related topic, it would be very nice to see the return of some of our more sadly missed and respected posters of old.

Now that the battle is over and we have a new future, it would be great to see the likes of Roman or whatsitRed with his academy updates, and even, after his previous postings on plastic saints about our predicament and work on SaintsAid to see SaintLee come back.

But the Scooby's, tommacs and the like can stay where they are thanks very much and a few who popped up on here during admin with axes to grind can go off with them

[hypochondriac]

NavyRed is sorely missed. Does Ascoli still post here?

[Arizona]

WGS back would be incredible, and I can see it happening with MLT in charge.

I for one would also like to see Mike Osman back on before kick off - he was brilliant!

Mike, is that you?

[Goodfellas Jay]

On a related topic, it would be very nice to see the return of some of our more sadly missed and respected posters of old.

Now that the battle is over and we have a new future, it would be great to see the likes of Roman or whatsitRed with his academy updates, and even, after his previous postings on plastic saints about our predicament and work on SaintsAid to see SaintLee come back.

But the Scooby's, tommacs and the like can stay where they are thanks very much and a few who popped up on here during admin with axes to grind can go off with them

This fred has made me chuckle somewhat..

I wonder how Dalek feels about MLT's involvement?? No chance of Hoddle coming back I would think..

Anyway, long time Phil.. Have been away a lot and unable to get to Goodfellas to meet up with Eric and you for the last few games..

Let's catch up soon..

Jay

[Thorpe-le-Saint]

WGS back would be incredible, and I can see it happening with MLT in charge.

I for one would also like to see Mike Osman back on before kick off - he was brilliant!

Although I would probably cry tears of joy, can we really see this happening? I know the standard of the Scottish Premier League is poo, but it would still be a massive jump down from Celtic to League 1

[dubai_phil]

This fred has made me chuckle somewhat..

I wonder how Dalek feels about MLT's involvement?? No chance of Hoddle coming back I would think..

Anyway, long time Phil.. Have been away a lot and unable to get to Goodfellas to meet up with Eric and you for the last few games..

Let's catch up soon..

Jay

Good to hear you're still around! Eric & I did the CL final down at Players Lounge. First game we've seen together this season that didn't have a goal inside a minute:-)

Keep in touch, you know where to find us!

[CWD]

Mike, is that you?

LOL sadly not!:D

[CWD]

Although I would probably cry tears of joy, can we really see this happening? I know the standard of the Scottish Premier League is poo, but it would still be a massive jump down from Celtic to League 1

I seriously reckon its a possibility. He's earned mllions at Celtic through having virtually guaranteed success every season. I think a return to a club where he is adored, a club that can only get better would appeal to him.

He's the kinda guy that likes a challenge, and like shearer at Newcastle he can do no wrong in our eyes!

Wasnt the reason he left partly down to the fact that Lowe refused to give him 10mil to turn us into a european contender? Well now he'll be (hopefully) surrounded by people who really care about SFC, and have the full backing of the board.

This is all IMO of course.

Is it true he still has a house/family in Warsash?

[Crab Lungs]

Maybe the Strachan bandwagon is really gathering momentum cos I have had 3 people to day mention him to me... not anyone I would call ITK though, maybe, like me, wishing and hoping it would be possible.

I have to say though, I think Bruno Metsu would be a fantastic choice of manager.

[Amesbury Saint]

Maybe the Strachan bandwagon is really gathering momentum cos I have had 3 people to day mention him to me... not anyone I would call ITK though, maybe, like me, wishing and hoping it would be possible.



it would be great if it happens.

what a team with WGS as manager, MLT on the Board and a rich owner looking to get us back into the premier league.

[hypochondriac]

it would be great if it happens.

what a team with WGS as manager, MLT on the Board and a rich owner looking to get us back into the premier league.

Don't! I'll be too sad when it doesn't happen.

[Ewell]

TBF, I didn't think Cooper was up to much as a scout either. I think the job of Chief Scout, just like CEO and Team Manager, should be put out into the market to get the best available person, with the most impressive track record. I do think there is a place for some people previously at the club, who can try and re-establish "the Spirit of Southampton" (Woggy perhaps) but with the main posts, it would be disastrous to fill them with sentimental blasts from the past.

Yep I see what you are saying as recommending Pahars, Svensson, Niemi and many others was a total disater for the club! Granted there were many that did not pay off but on the whole Cooper did a pretty good job.

[Professor]

The new board will not make announcements on management or players until they have control but its reasonable to think they are making their plans. An approach to WGS - even if he turned it down - would be great as it would demonstrate the level of ambition, but the first action must be an interview with Wotte to tell him their intentions.

[Bailey]

The new board will not make announcements on management or players until they have control but its reasonable to think they are making their plans. An approach to WGS - even if he turned it down - would be great as it would demonstrate the level of ambition, but the first action must be an interview with Wotte to tell him their intentions.

Agreed. I actually think that Wotte should be applauded too. No, not for the part he played in our relegation to League One, but for the way he has conducted himself during what has been a very difficult time for Saints.

Wotte has taken the 'business as usual' approach and fair play to him. In reality, it was always unlikely that he'd remain as manager, especially with new owners. However, he's continued to work in a professional manner and full credit to him.

Having said that, I don't want him to remain at Saints, purely because we need a fresh start. New owners, new manager, new players, new division, new found belief and new optimism. Personally though, I wish him all the best in the future, wherever he ends up. A man with good intentions, but ultimately, not quite good enough for us.

[paulwantsapint]

Mark Wotte has done well since relegation in that he has tried to act business as usual , would not be surprised if he is kept on in short term if only to take early pre season until any new manger is in place

WGS can only refuse if somebody offers him the job personally I would offer him a rolling contract which allows him to leave if a proper team come in, manure will need a new boss some day

[Nineteen Canteen]

WGS back would be incredible, and I can see it happening with MLT in charge.

I for one would also like to see Mike Osman back on before kick off - he was brilliant!

Each to their own I guess but personally I found Osman somewhat less than brilliant and IMO he bordered on embarrassing and tragic. In particular his caterwauling at the game where we remembered Alan Ball was off the scale in terms of 'cringe factor' and IMO ruined what should have a been a poignant moment with Ball's family on the pitch. I dread to think what level he would have had to taken it too for those absolute one club legends this club has been lucky to have in the past and I guess we an only hope that when their time is done Osman won't be anywhere near the MC's microphone.

This is just my personal opinion as we have opined in the past on the merits or lack thereof of players. managers, directors and chairman discussing the merits of an 'entertainer' seems to be somewhat more emotive.

[moonraker]

To fulfil the link with History with someone who is Red and White to the core and has coaching ability but with no direct links to the Lowe era or relegation Nick Holmes seems to fit the bill. As an assitant to a proven English league manager I beleive he would bring back, with MLT, much of the spirit of Southmapton FC.

[Nineteen Canteen]

To fulfil the link with History with someone who is Red and White to the core and has coaching ability but with no direct links to the Lowe era or relegation Nick Holmes seems to fit the bill. As an assitant to a proven English league manager I beleive he would bring back, with MLT, much of the spirit of Southmapton FC.

I wouldn't disagree but lets drop the jingoistic rubbish about English managers. Don't you want Strachan or Di Matteo or any other potentially unknown European nuggets that the new regime may unearth.

[hamster]

Is Mike Osman still close pals with Matt?

I liked his enthusiasm but can we really afford to pay him what he would reportedly have received previously. Maybe he do it as a freebie as a continuation of his recent fundraising efforts.

[moonraker]

What i meant to say was we need a manager with experince of the English league not specifically and English manager