SW11_Saint

I haven't seen a game yet, so can't say whether I "like what I see" or not - we've had indifferent pre-season results, but then we generally do. All I was saying was that I am trying to put my 'political differences' with the board on ice and focus on the football. Nothing more, nothing less. I suspect it won't last, given the reaction it's provoked on here!

I believe it's called providing some context to my comments...

I was trying to avoid this becoming a "pro/anti Lowe" thread, but you're clearly focussed on pushing it that way. I have no idea whether things will pan out or not. We may get beaten 5-0 in each of our first few games, or might win them 5-0. No idea. The heavy realince on youth players may be the biggest own goal of all time. Again, no idea. So I'll wait to see how things pan out before drawing any conclusions. Incidentally, I'd also feel the same way whether Pearson was in charge, or Crouch for that matter. My point was that I am trying to put my personal feelings about Lowe to one side and focus all of my energies on supporting the team, and the coaching staff (regardless of my feelings about the set up). Nothing more, nothing less. "new forum, same tune". Well, you said it…

I am one of Rupert Lowe's biggest critics. I'll go as far as to say, I really, truly, dislike the guy - for his track record, his inability to learn from his mistakes, his disdain for the fans, and his utter refusal to accept any blame for his part in our appalling demise (and his penchant for scapegoating others). All of that said, I am going to do my damnest to put my feelings for him aside for as long as possible, get behind Jan Poortvliet and the boys (as I have done regardless of who we've had managing/coaching/on the field) and TRY to ENJOY this season. With this in mind, I'm actually looking forward to seeing what we can do on the pitch. Here's hoping I don't have to utter a name other than one of those in red & white, or in the dugout, for the entire season. COME ON YOU SAINTS!

In The Observers Championship review 9 of the 24 fans reviewing the season have us as certs to go down. The Sunday Mirror only has Plymouth, Barnsley, Doncaster and Blackpool with worse odds than us. Depressing stuff - I used to always look forward to the pre-season reviews, even in the Premiership. I'd love to say they're all wrong (certainly hope the NOTW is), but can't realistically see us faring much better than lower mid-table. We'll see though - hope springs eternal!

That's a mistake on the Blackpool review - by a process of elimination they obviously have them as 24th, just below us.