um pahars

So are you saying that because Nick states/or is quoted as being a representative of the fans, then that is sufficient reason to get his season ticket revoked?

Enough to revoke your season ticket?? I hope he doesn't read this forum given the ferocity of opinions that sometimes permeate on here.

I think only the Club can tackle the route cause of the issue and they appear to have failed to do that. What obvious solution are you alluding to? Will be interesting to see what happens next if the Club refuses to adopt the suggestions from the IFO (namely an apology and a reinstatement of NI as a season ticket holder). The FA, Premiership and League back the IFO, so it may be that Clubs are asked to abide by their rulings (in a gentlmenly way as opposed to mandatory way). In which case I have to say the Club has a duty (as the IFO points out in reference to their own standards) to let him know the reason and the IFO are fairly critical of the Club over this.

To be honest, in a dispute between two parties who are probably entrenched in their own views, I would rather believe an Independent Third party whose whole raison d'etre is to investigate and rule on these kinds of disputes.

You might have a hunch and your hunch may be spot on or a million miles off. If you knew, then perhaps you could review the reasons why and perhaps apologise, explain yourself, try and make amends, try and get a mutual resolution or take it on the chin, or alternatively you could counter the reasons. But to not be told, not to tell the Independent Ombudsman and to string someone along is somewhat unprofessional, maybe unethical and certainly not up to what I would expect from my Club, indeed, it is not what the Club says it can expect from them. As the IFO stated, "this complaint has revealed clear and stark evidence that the Club was remiss in handling the complaint" combined with "It is patently obvious that Southampton failed to fulfil its Charter pledges, ............ in explaining the reasons for its actions. The way it handled this complaint hardly reflects the statement on the Club website that “listening to our supporters is vital…and we are taking this process very seriously”. The IFO finds that the Club was in breach of its Charter in the handling of this complaint and recommends that the Club apologises to the complainant and explains to the Football League how it proposes to uphold its Charter in the future. "

Peach of a header for Sir Ricky's first goal. How many Saints were there??? A few of my mates ended up in the Home end.

It's not illegal to sell the type of T-shirts NI/The Ugly Inside knocked out. No infringment of copyright etc. The Club don't (and shouldn't) have a monopoly on stuff like this. As I mentioned before the owner and members of the forerunner of this site did the very same thing in 2003. I think that when they came in NI was actually very thankful for saving the Club. And if he had said a few negative things it would a massive over reaction to castigate someone for espousing their own opinion. Once again, how can you suggest that supporting a former regime is worthy of revoking his season ticket. Despite it being a farce (although I admit I never went), I can't see how this could be considered a valid enough reason. As with the Silverspoon's debacle, how on earth could this justify the Club's actions, particularly when the initative was attempting to generate funds to keep the Club alive long enough for Markus and Cortese to buy the Club. Once again are you suggesting that critcising the Club over a specific action (an action which many had a problem with, myself included) is enough to revoke a ST? If you could find just one supporter who has had his ST revoked and not told why then I would be most grateful.

Really??? I'm not sure he really did use the Club's name to promote everything and I also don't think the Club have a monopoly on t-shirts and even other merchandise, particularly when the Official Logo isn't used. What next, attacking this forum for taking my money off the back of the Club's name??? After all, the predecessor of this forum launched some very smart (if somewhat poor quality) MUSH T shirts around the time of the FA Cup Final. Don't seem to recall any furore then. If this is the reason, (which I very much doubt), then I'm afraid I don't think it would stand up to any scrutiny. Have to say that the Silverspoons fiasco did sound terrible and IMHO Nick should apologise (if he already hasn't) even if he believes events were outside of his control. That said, I'm also unsure how that fiasco can be in any way linked to the current problem.

Indeed. Wouldn't wish the pain, anguish and suffering we as fans went through last season on anyone (although I imght reconsider that for just one club!!!!). Their supporters will be the innocent victims of a larger problem that stalks football.

You're a gent. (Good to see your little 'un the other night, hope we can get something sorted for him and the other lads regarding the cricket).

I know Parkinson's Law is probably evident in every industry/profession, but I have to say it really is true in teaching. You could easily devote every waking hour planning, marking, assessing, form filling, worrying etc etc etc, but as Choula says superbly, you need to know where to draw the line and ensure a degree of work/life balance. SuperMikey, as for specific issues relating to entering teaching, then feel free to PM me (think it might be easier than to get sidetracked by noddy stuff on here and you/I can probably be a bot more frank). I went in through the GTP route after 20 years in the Accountancy Profession/Business Finance, so might not be the same route you're looking at, but more than happy to give advice, tips, help in any way you want.

8/10 for me. Lallana and Oxo stayng major plusses. Guly and Chaplow permanent was good business. I'll reserve judgement on the two new wingers, but at least we have cover for the first two above. Puncheon going is probably good news (if he was that much of a bad influence), Wotton won't be missed. Mills is interested as although I'm nto in his fan club, he must be doing something right ooop north (and in a higher division). Being greedy, i would have liked one or two more quality players in, but I can't complain (plus I think the January window is a difficult one to buy in).

I would have to agree with you on that one. I very much doubt that NI's name was just pulled out of a hat and giving a banning just for a laugh. But the crunch is whether the reason is justified, proportionate and verifiable. Additionally, as the IFO report states, "this power should be exercised reasonably and in conformity with the good customer care philosophy extolled on the Club’s website." Let's be quite blunt here, IMHO NI has pssed off Cortese with some of his views relating to certain issues (primarily the season ticket renewal issues) and NI has aired some of these views privately, some publicly and probably some to Cortese's face. Cortese's taken umbrage at this and hit back in a way that he knew would affect NI. By the time the season came round Cortese probably knew he had acted in haste and couldn't justify banning him from the stadium, so just allowed him to buy a ticket on a match by match basis.

If we're to castigate him, then at least let's kick him in the right places. The UI merchandise was actually pretty decent quality (made by the same supplier that One True Saxon use) and in no way called be called rip off. The designs were pretty decent as well.

No idea! But I do think it's a rather large leap to try and bring the apparent farcical silverspoons gig in to being a potential reason not to sell someone a season ticket. Our coach organiser might be next, hell, given the moans on here about the database maybe baj and Granth could be next!

As much of a farce that that event seemed to have been, I'm not sure NI was trading off of the back of the Club's good name. Surely no one confused it with an Officially sanctioned event?? The bloke whose coach we went on promised us an executive one. When we got on it it was a clapped out thing with a barely functioning toilet!!! Obviously wasn't happy at the situation, but not sure I would accuse that fella of ripping off loyal fans and trading off the back of the clubs good name.

What does this refer to????

After reading (and re-reading the report) I am more than happy to accept the findings of an Independent Third Party who is obviously more privy to the facts (and both sides of the story) than anyone on here, including myself. With this Ombudsman concluding that the Club should apologise and allow Nick to purchase a season ticket, I don't think it's unreasonable to agree that the Club has acted in an unwarranted manner and that it was a therefore an unnecessary incident that should either never have arisen, or been resolved earlier. Of course we could adopt an attitude of denial or ignorance & ignore a ruling by a third party and adopt an attitude of "No one likes us, we don't care", but I would prefer us to be a little bit mature and accept that sometimes we as a Club have got things wrong. As for the dig by stealth, then I'm afraid you're tilting at windmills. I have been unequivocal in my praise for Liebherr, the Liebherr legacy and all those that came to the rescue of our Club (including Cortese who obviously played a major role in the pre and post purchase era, and continues to push us onwards). It is eminently possible to be supportive of someone (or the Club) and yet be mature enough to accept that sometimes it is possible that they have made mistakes.

Can I add a postscript of "also where kids are allowed/tolerated!!!". CHEERS

Really enjoyed that result, even if I was awoken from a snooze with a barrage of texts screaming about Lambert's late winner. Dozed off disappointed that we appeared to be heading for a defeat with our rivals all semmingly winning, only to be awoken from my slumber with the positive news. Really can't stand listening to away games on the Radio!!! In person at the Posh on Saturday, so hopefully another 3 points (although would settle for a draw there).

Couple of boring opening gambits. I've now read the report three times (I do find these things a tad long winded and all in the same kind of "lawyer" speak. Additionally, as I have stated before I have utmost respect for Liebherr, the Liebherr legacy, Cortese and everyone else for rescuing our Club and hopefully turning us around. I certainly support their vision. However, on this occasion it is my belief that the Club have acted unreasonably and most annoyingly, unnecessarily. It smacks of pettiness and vindictiveness. We're not talking about a report by The Echo, instead a report by the IFO. In additionto the petty act, the Club's unwillingness to discuss the reasons with the IFO does not bode well. I missed the furore first time around, but have to say this really should not have got to this stage. As with some of the other scrapes we seem to be getting ourselves in, I have to say some banging of heads is required and a quiet word in Cortese's ear wouldn't go amiss. It's just all so unnecessary.

Mottisfont Cricket Club are looking for players for their Tuesday (Border League) and Saturday (Hampshire Cricket league) teams (as well as Colts for their under 19 team on a Thursday). Good set up and good bunch of lads, average standard (certainly not top class cricket!!!) in a very pleasant setting. We have Indoor Nets in April with games starting in May. If anyone fancies a game, feel free to PM or reply on here.

An honourable vision and one that I'm sure many could/would buy in to. However, there are a number of obstacles to fulfilling this dream, not least that it would take some doing to produce enough youngsters on a regular basis that are capable of playing in the first team. And as you go higher through the leagues than their ability has to be even greater. And of course another obstacle is the minute anyone shows a degree of talent, then the big players and big chequebooks will attempt to lure them away. Nothing wrong with having a strong development system (both to play in the first team and to earn money from - my priority would be for them to be playing for us, but I'm not naive to think we can hold on to every star!!), but I think a team primarily made up of home grown talent may never be achievable.

Roughly how elitist do you think a University Education should be???

I think they're as broad as they are long. From the Walker & Gibson types of financing (see attached link http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/nov/10/venkys-blackburn-rovers-takeover-proposed and http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/25/premierleague.blackburn1 for info relating to Blackburn loans, conversions to shares and funding after Walker's death) to Abramovich http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/may/19/roman-abramovich-chelsea-loan-debt which is still a little unsure (loans or shares) through to Directors loans at an advantageous rate (to the Club), commercial loans (at going rate) and then shark loans (at Pompey's rates)!!!!!! Donations aren't generally the order of the day (for a number of reasons).