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		<title>SaintsWeb - Blogs</title>
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			<title>SaintsWeb - Blogs</title>
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			<title>Anders Svensson (the one that knocked those pesky Argies out)</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?77-Anders-Svensson-(the-one-that-knocked-those-pesky-Argies-out)</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 11:57:44 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>---Quote (Originally by kpturner)--- 
---Quote (Originally by Yate Saint)--- 
I have Sweden in the sweepstake at work. Go Anders!!!! 
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					<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>kpturner</strong>
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					<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Yate Saint</strong>
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				<div class="message">I have Sweden in the sweepstake at work. Go Anders!!!!</div>
			
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</div>Don't hold your breath!</div>
			
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			<dc:creator>saintrich</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?77-Anders-Svensson-(the-one-that-knocked-those-pesky-Argies-out)</guid>
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			<title>One Negative and Five Positives</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?76-One-Negative-and-Five-Positives</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 11:54:07 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[It has been such a wonderful year, before drawing a blue line under this season it's probably a good idea to take a look back at how we have got this...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">It has been such a wonderful year, before drawing a blue line under this season it's probably a good idea to take a look back at how we have got this far and use Nigel Adkins' own technique to appraise how we have done.<br />
<br />
<b>The 1 Negative: We Are Not Going To Win As Many Games From Now On</b><br />
<br />
Since Markus Liebherr purchased us, our league win ratio stands at 56%, when we achieved our best position in the Premier League, 8th, our win ratio was 34%. A typical mid-table side achieves a win once in every 3 games. With the best will in the world we will not have the same winning feeling as often next year, learning how to cope with that will be important. As fans we have been a little spoilt in the past three years with a major event to celebrate in each season, now it is time to get back into a more traditional rhythm.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1st Positive: Our Fanbase</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=911&amp;d=1335872814" id="attachment911" rel="Lightbox_76" ><img src="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=911&amp;d=1335872814&amp;thumb=1" border="0" alt="Click image for larger version.&nbsp;

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Prior to relegation we could fill St Mary's 90% Full even in quieter types of league fixture. This was at a time when there was a great degree of negativity towards the board, certain players and the management. We now have a wave of positivity flowing through us, similar in style to how Stoke City managed to push on 4 seasons ago. The atmosphere at St Mary's next season will be outstanding and regardless of league position, we will turn up in numbers. <br />
<br />
<b>2nd Positive: The Real Nigel Adkins</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=912&amp;d=1335872855" id="attachment912" rel="Lightbox_76" ><img src="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=912&amp;d=1335872855&amp;thumb=1" border="0" alt="Click image for larger version.&nbsp;

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It comes as a surprise to read that some opposing fans see Nigel Adkins as aloof, even cocky. For those of us who see him week in week out we know that nothing could be further from the truth. His carefully selected 'Adkinsisms' a reflection of the positivity and consistency he aims to provide to his players, those around him at the club and the media, a product of his knowledge of sports psychology, not a mere cheap trick to appear smarter or better then others for the sake of it. <br />
<br />
After the final whistle on Saturday, his emotional side came out. His genuine pride at the achivements of HIS PLAYERS, not himself meant so much to him. The guy is an absolute gem, selfless but resolute. Determined without being overtly aggressive and professional yet undoubtably human. An absolute class act to his core, we are incredibly fortunate to have him.<br />
<br />
<b>3rd Positive: He Stands Just Under 6ft 3......</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=913&amp;d=1335872895" id="attachment913" rel="Lightbox_76" ><img src="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=913&amp;d=1324727527&amp;thumb=1" border="0" alt="Click image for larger version.&nbsp;

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Rickie! Rickie! He's taken us to the Premier League you know! No, still can't believe the prophecy has fulfilled itself either. Proof that there are diamonds in the rough in the lower leagues, now he has polished his diet, attitude and manner since his days drifting between Stockport and Rochdale he has flourished. At the peak of his career he will be so desperately hungry to prove himself at the highest level, a level he must surely at some point believed he would never achieve. Here is your chance Rickie, 31 League goals Rickie, Seize it, we are all behind you.<br />
<br />
<b>4th Positive: The Foundations</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=914&amp;d=1335872950" id="attachment914" rel="Lightbox_76" ><img src="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=914&amp;d=1324727633&amp;thumb=1" border="0" alt="Click image for larger version.&nbsp;

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So important. Without a solid base the building above will crumble, won't it Mr Westwood? The academy is being refurbished, the Stadium too in recent times. We are not just sinking money it a first team everything behind it is being built up to a level of being 'World Class.' The five year plan Mr Cortese and Markus put into place wasn't just about league position, it was about stature and resource.<br />
<br />
The base that has provided us with a Stadium that, while not exactly unique is more then functional and atmospheric and an academy that has already producted more talent then many more well regarded clubs, including the still young Adam Lallana, a first team mainstay. <br />
<br />
We are not treating this as an excuse to burn money, something lasting is being produced here.<br />
<br />
<b>5th Positive: We Are Premier League</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=915&amp;d=1335873175" id="attachment915" rel="Lightbox_76" ><img src="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=915&amp;d=1335873175&amp;thumb=1" border="0" alt="Click image for larger version.&nbsp;

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To Markus Liebherr, Nigel Adkins, Nicola Cortese, Alan Pardew, The Players and Fans. We did it, far sooner then anyone could have expected. An achievement to absolutely savour.<br />
<br />
<i><b>The Future Is Bright, The Future is Red and White!</b></i></blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>Colinjb</dc:creator>
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			<title>Mboro 2 Saints 1 - Post Match Reactions</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?75-Mboro-2-Saints-1-Post-Match-Reactions</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:24:07 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[---Quote (Originally by DarrenLeTiss)--- 
Not good enough. Middlesbrough keeper didn't make a save. Created **** 
All. Hammond was woeful. Fonte a...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">[QUOTE=DarrenLeTiss;1342308]Not good enough. Middlesbrough keeper didn't make a save. Created ****<br />
All. Hammond was woeful. Fonte a liability again. Can see us bottling it next week now..[/QUOTE] <br />
<br />
I have a horrible feeling.</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
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			<title>*VACANCY* Midfield Hardman</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?74-*VACANCY*-Midfield-Hardman</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:28:10 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>---Quote (Originally by Thedelldays)--- 
you think they just make it up..? 
seriously 
 
I will whack £100 to the saints foundation if gilfy...</description>
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					<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Thedelldays</strong>
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				<div class="message">you think they just make it up..?<br />
seriously<br />
<br />
I will whack £100 to the saints foundation if gilfy siggardson signs for any of the 3 promoted NPC teams</div>
			
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			<dc:creator>Dibden Purlieu Saint</dc:creator>
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			<title>Pompey tickets.. SOLD OUT</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?73-Pompey-tickets-SOLD-OUT</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:02:25 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[---Quote (Originally by Sour Mash)--- 
Reading have sold out their allocation, Saints haven't yet. 
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					<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Sour Mash</strong>
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				<div class="message">Reading have sold out their allocation, Saints haven't yet.</div>
			
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			<dc:creator>Sour Mash</dc:creator>
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			<title>Is Hypocrisy Necessary? Part 2</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?72-Is-Hypocrisy-Necessary-Part-2</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:40:05 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Part 1: http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?59-Is-Hypocrisy-Necessary 
 
On the publishing of our financial results for 2010-11, The news that our...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">Part 1: <a href="http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?59-Is-Hypocrisy-Necessary" target="_blank">http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php...risy-Necessary</a><br />
<br />
On the publishing of our financial results for 2010-11, The news that our wage bill was 93% of our turnover at the time came as something of a shock, albeit not a totally unexpected one. Just before the start of the season I asked the question, &quot;Is hypocrisy neccessary&quot; as we looked to sign players on large wages to enhance us on the field. With the revelation that our wages are largely disproportionate to our income it is certainly prudent to ask the question again.   <br />
<br />
So, are we having to spend money to make ourselves immediately competitive? And is it a bit rich to be slating the Skates for spending themselves to death when we are at risk of the same problem?<br />
<br />
In answer to the first question, the answer is yes. Without the wages spent Jack Cork wouldn't have signed and Adam Lallana, Jose Fonte, Rickie Lambert, Morgan Schneiderlin would almost certainly have not pledged their ongoing allegiance to us for the foreseable future. Are wages the only factor? The fan in me says 'No! We are progressing nicely, that's why they want to stay!' yet just like the symbiotic nature of the chicken and the egg, the money and the success working together keeps the whole project together. So it would be extremely rich for us to speak out at clubs that spend money to achieve. Sadly, the likes of Manchester City, Leicester and Chelsea are on the same moral plain.<br />
<br />
So, question two. What about the clubs that spend themselves into oblivion and claim to be victims afterwards? Well, 93% of our turnover is wages. On top of that, 33 Million Pounds has been loaned to the club, that's one hell of a loss leader! At that rate we'll be at Skate levels of debt by the end of the '5 year plan,' that Chief Executive Nicola Cortese is masterminding. This loan however has been converted into club equity. In essence, the Liebherr family has invested the money into the club, it is absolutely integrated into Southampton Football Club and would need to be sold by them to get it back, it cannot simply be 'claimed back.' <br />
<br />
Now, we know what happens when loans are recalled, don't we Mr Gaydamak? This is the key difference as to why although our behaviour is a little vulgar it is not the same. 33 million pounds worth of shares may be worth a bit more, or less in future. Yet it is now a certain percentage of the overall value of the club. In short, we have been gifted the money, it is ours. And the price for the Liebherrs? Hopefully the value of their assett will increase by the amount of money they have parted with. <br />
<br />
The Skates just kept borrowing with no long term benefit or fall back. The money was always someone elses, therefore, they cheated and for a brief time lived like kings on the rewards. <br />
<br />
So, question 2. Is it a bit rich to be slating the Skates for spending themselves to death? No, the circumstances are quite seperate and not comparable.<br />
<br />
At this moment in time then, is Hypocrisy Neccessary? No. It thankfully is not. And all thanks to three men.<br />
<br />
Firstly, Nicola Cortese, for introducing our second individual, Markus Liebherr to the club. Markus' money has given Cortese the means to propell us upwards. His will has been for the money to become ours to invest in infrastructure and playing staff at no real detriment. If the Liebherr familly want the investment back at some stage they will have to sell the club on at market value to reclaim it and there is no certainty that they will get it back unless the club grows. <br />
<br />
And the third person to thank? Well, we didn't end up with such seemingly benevolent owners by complete chance. Our club has always looked to invest in infrastructure and it's future and the seeds for our academy and stadium where laid by (braces self).... Rupert Lowe. Thankyou Rupert Lowe for giving us an excellent foundation for the future and then for nearly killing it.... thus reducing the asking price to a level that Markus Liebherr saw as a bargain. Whatever Markus' motivations for buying us he certainly wasn't seeking a quick return. As our Chief Financial Officer Gareth Rogers stated:<br />
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				In isolation you could say it's a very scary figure,  but in the  context of the [five-year] plan it was expected. It includes  £1.4m of  one-off payments that won't re-occur.<br />
                  The loss incurred to date is absolutely beneath what   we expected, so perverse as it sounds, we're pleased with that size of   loss,<br />
                  <b>I am absolutely confident fans need not be concerned about the future financial stability of the club.  <br />
                  Nothing has changed operationally or strategically   with Markus not being here. Nicola will drive the club forward and has   every plan to do so.</b>
			
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</div>And as we sit at the top of the Championship with new academy and training facilities under construction... as promised, we should surely have no reason to doubt him. I will say it again, the money being spent on wages, development and other aspects is vulgar. We are not a self sufficient club but we are absolutely trying to build something with solid foundation that can be in the future.<br />
<br />
On the day of Markus Liebherr's 64th Birthday I would like to again just say two words.<br />
<br />
Thank you.</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>Colinjb</dc:creator>
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			<title>A Message of Sympathy</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?71-A-Message-of-Sympathy</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:51:59 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Dear The Blue Few 
 
In light of the recent developments 17 miles to our east I believe it is only fair to extend a message to you at this moment in...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">Dear The Blue Few<br />
<br />
In light of the recent developments 17 miles to our east I believe it is only fair to extend a message to you at this moment in time.<br />
<br />
I wish to make it clear that I am extending this message as a direct reply to treatment you gave to us in our hour of need, which not only was overwhelming in it's quantity those 3 short years ago but also supremely heartening.<br />
<br />
It is always a shame when a club of such historic prudence, humility and dignity finds itself in such a predicament. Certainly, having seen you build a cup winning team on the back of a proven, sustainable business plan.... one of course driven by the size of your own fan base (who will forget the scenes of 25 million season ticket holders, none of who where just turning out for the novelty... not at all, celebrating on Southsea common) experiencing such a baffling economic crash. I remember well when you indeed asked questions of your board, even refusing to chant their names as a matter of caution, just incase things where not as they appeared. Your wisdom provided inspiration and it is a shame it has been rewarded in such dire terms. <br />
<br />
 The humility you showed to us during your cup win was incredible. The rivalry, which had turned nasty over recent years instead turned to empathy. Many of your fans quite openly surpressed the urge to jeer and instead joined with us in wishing for our club to survive. Such shows of solidarity should never be forgotten, and so it shall be now.<br />
<br />
If there is anything, anything at all that we can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask. Kindness should be rewarded with kindness and due to recent history shared that is exactly what shall now be upon you.<br />
<br />
You reap what you sow.</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>Colinjb</dc:creator>
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			<title>Warnock has Leeds job</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?70-Warnock-has-Leeds-job</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:59:52 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>---Quote (Originally by Bexy)--- 
True, but it does mean they will almost certainly beat Donny Rovers today (in fairness they probably would have...</description>
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					<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Bexy</strong>
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				<div class="message">True, but it does mean they will almost certainly beat Donny Rovers today (in fairness they probably would have anyway) meaning that Pompey will escape from going bottom of the league.</div>
			
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</div>Another reason to hate the dirty northern barstewards!!!</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>ericofarabia</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Who's going to the Olympics?]]></title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?69-Who-s-going-to-the-Olympics</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:44:45 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>---Quote (Originally by action man)--- 
got tickets for 4th august evening,reckon i got a good deal with jessica ennis in heptathalon and mo farrah...</description>
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					<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>action man</strong>
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				<div class="message">got tickets for 4th august evening,reckon i got a good deal with jessica ennis in heptathalon and mo farrah in 10,000mts should see at least 2 medals,hopefully golds<br />
<br />
Athletics<br />
<br />
Olympic Park - Olympic Stadium<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Men's 400m Hurdles: semi-finals<br />
Men's 10,000m: final<br />
Men's Long Jump: final<br />
Men's Shot Put: victory ceremony<br />
Men's 20km Race Walk: victory ceremony<br />
Women's 100m: semi-finals, final<br />
Women's 400m: semi-finals<br />
Women's 10,000m: victory ceremony<br />
Women's Discus: final, victory ceremony<br />
Women's Heptathlon: 800m, victory ceremony</div>
			
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			<dc:creator>action man</dc:creator>
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			<title>Football League Show axe</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?68-Football-League-Show-axe</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[---Quote (Originally by VectisSaint)--- 
Actually the one thing they don't need to do is to dump Claridge. Its the other bloke that is the problem,...]]></description>
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					<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>VectisSaint</strong>
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				<div class="message">Actually the one thing they don't need to do is to dump Claridge. Its the other bloke that is the problem, knows nothing about football and is a real thrush. Claridge is actually very good, trouble is some on here are blinkered and can't see past his Skate connections, shame really because he is nearly always very complimentary about Saints.</div>
			
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</div>Absolutely right</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>Upton72</dc:creator>
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			<title>Coventry V Saints - Second Half Thread</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?67-Coventry-V-Saints-Second-Half-Thread</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:51:24 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[---Quote (Originally by Dalek2003)--- 
Can't believe things at the moment. This is better than Hoddle years and you can quote me on this ! 
---End...]]></description>
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					<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Dalek2003</strong>
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				<div class="message">Can't believe things at the moment. This is better than Hoddle years and you can quote me on this !</div>
			
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			<dc:creator>Dibden Purlieu Saint</dc:creator>
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			<title>There are more important things in life then football.</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?66-There-are-more-important-things-in-life-then-football</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:10:55 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[It's sometimes easy to forget. When something happens to humble our collective obsession it will often be something dreadful and so it is the case...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">It's sometimes easy to forget. When something happens to humble our collective obsession it will often be something dreadful and so it is the case this time.<br />
<br />
I'm sure anyone will be feeling for Doncaster striker Billy Sharp, whose newborn baby son passed away after only 2 days in this world. Understandably, he was declared as missing their fixture against Coventry on Saturday but he returned to action tonight against Middlesborough. Heroically he scored the opening goal of the game. Naturally it was dedicated to his child; Louie Jacob.<br />
<br />
The rumours that came out after his name was ommited from the team-sheet on Saturday; that he was leaving Doncaster and was trying to force a loan move to either ourselves or Ipswich, now pale as vulgar and redundant. It is a pity that a false conclusion was come to, in itself reflecting the self obsessed bubble that football inhabits but now the truth is out it is extremely heartening that the collective humanity of all fans, of all clubs is coming to the fore.   <br />
<br />
We are football fans/people second, but human beings first and foremost. My thoughts are with you Billy Sharp, your wife and your family in this terrible time.</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>Colinjb</dc:creator>
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			<title>Can Promotion Come Too Soon?</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?65-Can-Promotion-Come-Too-Soon</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:30:34 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[*“You don't want to go up too soon now Col, you have to be sure you're stable for when you do get promotion.”*  
 
 The words of a colleague of mine...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore"><i><b>“You don't want to go up too soon now Col, you have to be sure you're stable for when you do get promotion.”</b></i> <br />
<br />
 The words of a colleague of mine this week. Are these words of 'wisdom' correct though? Saints are in a wonderful position at the moment, top of the league by two points, playing excellent football and even when losing not doing so without a fight, we are creating chances even in our worse performances. Teams have been promoted from this league even after losing ten games over a season, well, currently our form is about right. So, would it be too soon, or should we look to take the chance if it is there for us?   <br />
<br />
 Regardless of whether we can continue as we are I wanted to look at the two sides of this. What has happened to teams who have been promoted unexpectedly or quickly to the Premier League? To the teams who took the chance, and what happened to those that missed their opportunity, who didn't let or have the momentum to carry them all the way. Here are a few of the teams who have been in these situations since the start of the Premier League, there are a few obvious omissions in these lists, but there should be enough in there to reach a conclusion.<br />
 <br />
<br />
 <b>The Nearly Men:<br />
</b><br />
 1992, Cambridge United<br />
<br />
 Under manager John Beck Cambridge United had enjoyed a rapid rise from the fourth tier to the second and in 1992, after an excellent league campaign they embarked on a journey into the Play-offs. Alas, they were battered by Leicester in the semi-finals and never came close again. Their better players left (Dion Dublin being the biggest name) financial turmoil arrived and the club spiralled downwards, eventually resulting in non-league status.   <br />
<br />
<br />
 1993, 1994 and 1995, Tranmere Rovers<br />
 <br />
 There was a time when the other side of the river Mersey played host to one of the most ambitious sides outside of the Premier League. Tranmere had built themselves a very able team which included famous ex-Liverpool striker John Aldridge. Despite a modest fanbase they made the play-offs for three seasons in a row and lost in the semi-finals in each one.<br />
 <br />
 They kept fighting on after this but rather then flourish they stagnated. John Aldridge eventually became manager of the club and even managed to lead his team onto a league cup final in 2000 but their league form never quite met the level of promise that had been previously present. Relegation eventually followed and Tranmere now find themselves as third tier mainstays.  <br />
<br />
<br />
2000, Huddersfield Town<br />
<br />
  One of the more unfashionable clubs in Yorkshire came close to joining the elite in 2000, after sitting top of the table at Christmas Huddersfield were a class apart and the South side of the M62 was salivating at the prospect of playing their deadly rivals and then high-flier Leeds United in the top flight. Fortune can take as much as it can give though, injuries to key defenders (including ex Saint Chris Lucketti) and talismanic striker Marcus Stewart was sold to rivals Ipswich Town as the terriers lurched into 8<sup>th</sup> place. All the hard work from the start of the season was worth nothing in the end.  <br />
<br />
  It was to get worse for them as just the next season they finished 22<sup>nd</sup> and were relegated. The turnaround in fortune was spectacular as one of the more stable teams at Championship level at the time completely self destructed. A further relegation came but a recent upturn has seen them get back to the third tier where they are now an extremely competitive force. Indeed, their cruel loss to Peterborough in the League 1 play-off final was extremely harsh on a side that has still not lost a regular league fixture in this calendar year.  <br />
 <br />
<br />
 2001 and 2005, Preston North End<br />
<br />
 Under manager David Moyes, Preston North End achieved the feat of a play-off appearance on the back of promotion from the third tier. Not only did they make the semi final, but they despatched Birmingham City to set up a final clash with Sam Allardyce's Bolton Wanderers. The future presented Bolton as part of the top flight establishment and Preston North End as a side who lost their star man to the same league. David Moyes was snapped up by Everton to good effect after North End's 3-0 defeat to the trotters but despite this they stayed competitive for a while, even getting back into the knock-outs for 2005.  <br />
<br />
 The 2005 final resulted in another defeat, this time to West Ham and Preston never quite made the same impression again. The stagnation effect took hold in the club but the drama of their relegation from the Championship last year was surely a surprise to many.<br />
<br />
 <br />
<b>The Clubs That Took Their Chance</b><br />
<br />
 1993, Swindon Town<br />
 <br />
 Swindon reached the summit after a period of relative drama for the Wiltshire side. Promotion had been denied from them a few seasons before due to financial reasons but under Glen Hoddle's leadership they had been promoted in style via the play-offs.<br />
 <br />
 Glenn Hoddle however had bigger ambitions. Swindon's talisman and player manager departed for Chelsea and their top flight dream became a relentless nightmare. 100 goals were conceded by stand in manager (and another ex Saint) John Gorman's side and relegation followed. Further relegations came, as did financial trauma and to this day Swindon now find themselves bouncing between the bottom two professional leagues in this country wondering just exactly 'how could this happen?'<br />
 <br />
<br />
 1999 and 2006, Watford<br />
 <br />
 Graham Taylor had been the mastermind of the glory days at Watford. Under Elton John's chairmanship they had finished in 2<sup>nd</sup> place in the top flight and provided one of the real romantic stories during the dark footballing days on the 1980's. Taylor's second spell in charge looked as though it could live up to the demands of history as he led the Hornets to back top back promotions to the Premiership in 1999. Alas, immediate relegation showed Taylor that this was a step too far for Watford and he resigned shortly after the drop was confirmed.<br />
 <br />
 Financial strife followed but after a few years a storming campaign under manager Aidy Boothroyd resulted in a remarkable promotion after a play-off final victory v Leeds United. Another dismal campaign however led to relegation, more financial melodrama and Championship anonymity.     <br />
 <br />
<br />
 2002, 2007 and 2009, Birmingham City<br />
<br />
 Birmingham had long been a 'sleeping giant.' Living in the shadow of their neighbours Aston Villa they had been anonymous for a long while but under the ownership of soft-porn/news retailer David Sullivan and business management of Karen Brady they had finally stabilised and looked credible as a football club. After a cruel defeat in the 2001 League Cup Final to Liverpool the Brummies were back in the big time. My goodness though they made the best of it, Birmingham threatened for a time to be a consistent mid-table finisher but after a few year spell relegation followed. Birmingham made a great fist of their most recent return to the top flight after a spell as a yo-yo side but immediately followed it with further relegation. A league cup win against Arsenal did however provide the Blue side of Birmingham with some glory to remember.<br />
 <br />
 For now though, financial drama is destroying any hope for another swift return to the top flight, but what a ride they had experienced.<br />
 <br />
<br />
 2008, Stoke City.<br />
 <br />
 'Solid but not spectacular' is a description that could match Stoke City's progress through the early and mid part of the last decade. They had risen from League 1 into the Championship and had become a steady Eddie in the league. A few ambitious signings and astute if direct tactical approach from their manager Tony Pulis resulted in a second place league finish in 2008 and a place in the Premier league for the Potteries.<br />
 <br />
 Stoke's return to the top flight has been nothing short of a triumph. Survival gave way to mid-table security which led to a cup final appearance and UEFA cup campaign. Stoke have steadily and consistently built on what they have and are now enjoying life as one of the better sides outside of the Premiership's big names.    <br />
 <br />
<br />
 2010, Blackpool<br />
<br />
 With not much money, a small fan-base and as eccentric yet able manager Blackpool sensationally reached the Premiership after a fearless Championship season of unrelenting attacking football that culminated in an amazing 3-2 Play-off final win v Cardiff.<br />
 <br />
 An insistence of not overspending on players plus a continuation of their 'attack-attack' playing style endeared them to neutrals and also, unfortunately opposing attackers. Despite a blistering start Blackpool couldn't maintain their momentum and relegation followed despite a spirited effort.<br />
<br />
 The star players of these two season, the Charlie Adams, D.J. Campbells etc, have now been snapped up by other clubs but in terms of longer term impact on the clubs finances, facilities and reputation, it should benefit them for years to come.<br />
 <br />
<br />
<br />
 What conclusions can be made then? Well, firstly, I think the original question misses the point entirely. Being stable enough to sustain premiership football is not something that can be relied on, if you make it or not your better players and managers are still quite likely to be picked off by higher reputation clubs regardless. Instead what matters is being able to take the chances when thy come. <br />
<br />
Many clubs have had a shot at the big time, but the only recurring theme is that there is no certainty that any further chances will come. Birmingham have had many but their luck now seems to be running out, Blackpool had one and nearly made the most of it, but there are no regrets for them. If we have a shot of promotion this year we should do everything in our power to seize it with both hands and then look to push on if the best happens.</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>Colinjb</dc:creator>
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			<title>Half-time competition</title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?64-Half-time-competition</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:16:55 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[I will go as far to say that I'd rather anyone doing the half time I hathe bloke.  Whoever he is.... He's a fuc*wit]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">I will go as far to say that I'd rather anyone doing the half time I hathe bloke.  Whoever he is.... He's a fuc*wit</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>CFSFC</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Islamic Law in British 'zones'?]]></title>
			<link>http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?63-Islamic-Law-in-British-zones</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:45:42 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Mods.  Please delete. 
 
Epic fail.</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">Mods.  Please delete.<br />
<br />
Epic fail.</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>pap</dc:creator>
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