VectisSaint

I usually agree with John B, but actually I think he would be surprised how many did know about the other things. As I said in my first post, there were huge numbers of people in the country who even if they weren't Saints supporters, considered us with great affection and would often say we were their "second" team (whatever that means) simply because we were seen as one of the great underdogs (along with Ipswich), regularly punching above our weight and giving the "big" teams a shock on a regular basis.

I suspect what Docker meant was qualifying for Europe regularly Ted of course did get us into Europe twice. I even forgot to mention the Europe bits in my post above, they really were great times, it is very sad that we are now a 3rd level team thanks to those who Lawrie did not like... The youngsters of today will probably never understand these past glories, and hence the lack of respect from certain people who are not bright enough to understand the true worth of certain people. They probably even criticise Mick and Ron for playing for Pompey

At least his job is made a little easier by the fact that Dyer and BWP have already departed, and there are not too many players left from the end of the Burley era when discipline and fitness became dirty words.

But it is so much more than our greatest day, isn't it? Thats what gets my back up about people like 19C and SotonJoe (or are they the same person). If the only thing Lawrie had done was to win the FA Cup then he would deserve some respect, but he did so much more. He took on a club from the great Ted Bates and built several teams using very little money with blends of homegrown youngsters and experienced pros, including some of the greatest names in the English game, and regularly provided Southampton with exciting attacking football. His whole philosophy of how football should be played earned him the respect of his peers and players, and made Southampton so many peoples "second club" because of the way we played and the regular bloody noses we handed out to the top teams. FA Cup win, promotion with an almost completely changed team a year later, runners up in the League, beaten League Cup finalists, top half finishes, there was so much more than that glorious day at Wembley. Even when he left I still felt the philosphy continued under the underrrated Chris Nichol. Only when Nichol was replaced did the Mac era really end. Then his return after the terrible Branfoot era and his collaboration with Bally who got the very best out of Tiss. Finally the arrival of Lowe spelled the end for a true football man, who could not stomach the likes of Lowe. Of course thats the real reason 19C cannot tolerate Lawrie, because he is one of those who saw through Lowe from the start and did not keep his mouth shut but as a typical northerner, bluntly called it as he saw it. OK he made some money from the share deal, well good luck to him, he deserved it, because he never really got well rewarded for what he did for us, financially. We don't need to idolise Lawrie (and I don't like the reference to the Patron Saint in the Guardian article), clearly he has done some things that did not help. But I will always hold him in high esteem for what he has done for us over many years, right up until now. The vast majority feel the same way, as was clearly demonstrated before the Charlton match. He is hugely respected in the game, and still has many many contacts. Agreed he is probably a bit long in the tooth for day to day involvement, but I will bet anything that Alan Pardew will make very sure that in the next few days he goes out of his way to spend time talking to the only real football man at SMS these days (other than the backroom staff) and picks his brains and taps into his networking to help rebuild this great club into something approaching what Lawrie and Ted originally achieved. Small minded people will continue to have a pop at Lawrie, fortunately they are very few and we will continue to see the huge majority agree that Lawrie represents all that is great about our Club and will at least respect him, even if they don't admire or worship him.

Its a long story...

Whoops, did you forget for a minute to log on as alterego SotonJoe?

You are still bitter and twisted. I agree with you totally about Wilde, and have no particular feelings about Corbett, but why you continue to slate Crouch is incresdibly naive, I wonder if he will continue to sponsor Saints or a Saints player as he has done for many years, putting money into the Club even when Lowe was in charge. We all know Crouch can be a bit of a loose cannon but really you should learn to distinguish between good and bad, right and wrong. Lowe and Wilde, they are not welcome (unless they just buy a ticket), but Crouch should at least be afforded a little respect for all the good things he has done in the past few years.

Who cares, if he gets us back in to the CC I would be happy, not too many Saints managers have ever got us promoted. He would join the elite group of McMenemy, Bates and McIntyre. If he got us to the Premier would that make him our best manager ever? (Resounding No of course). If he uses us as a stepping stone it would be because he was a success, its a double-edged sword, so as I said, who cares.

Victoria

Take a look at his Wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Pardew The extract below answers part of your question: and his régime to increase the fitness of the squad. Pardew also coined his motto "Tenacity, Spirit and Flair" to give his side a psychological edge.

Initially a bit underwhelming, but on reflection this is probably an excellent appointment, and just what we need. I was interested to see this bit on the Wiki about this time as Reading manager: "and his régime to increase the fitness of the squad. Pardew also coined his motto "Tenacity, Spirit and Flair" to give his side a psychological edge" Sounds similar ideas to WGS to me, which would be good, our fitness levels since WGS left have generally been poor (with possible exception of time Snodin was here) and truly appalling under Burley, and when you don't have the best players in the world, the fitness aspect can be the difference between failure and success (all footballers are fit, its that extra bit that keeps the mental state going until the last second of the game that is critical). Important aspect for me will be who he brings in as his assistant and othe rback room staff. Would like to see Killer retained, but AP probably needs a good assistant. Pity Snodin is now so revered at Leeds.

Which tune?

Not much change there then, we didn't see much of him when we had a crap manager either

The author should do some research. The suggestion is that Poortvliet was in charge for the 2008 season when we "just avoided relegation". Apart form rehashing some of what occurred the article itself says very little of substance. Oldfield should stick to Tubular Bells

Cos Davis was not playing?

Think thats quite likey, most other teams would not be seen dead in such an awful shirt.

Why does everyone assume we should beat Cheltenham. They gained more points in Division 3 last season than we have so far this. I know they were relegated, but guys you need to get used to the fact that this is our level now. Didn't we draw with them last season as well (2-2 maybe)? Would look it up on the OS, but buggered if I can find the Archive any more.

Have to say initial impression is absolutely feckin awful, worst kit I can remember for us. Looks rather cheap and tacky, and the blue is horrid. Maybe it will look better in the flesh.

Did hope that once the takeover was complete some of the bitter little people might give it a rest, but seems not. The boycotters were never numerous enough to do any real damage to the Club, as the moaners made very clear before we went into Admin, now they are being blamed despite their apparent lack of numbers. The boycotters were not the problem, the problem was Lowe and Wilde and ths hit decisions they made that created a footballing desert last season. FFS GM get over yourself. Just because you attended every game, what do you want a fecking medal.

I still believe SCW could have brought a lot to Saints, but he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, it was never going to work with Arry or Bertie who were too set in their ways to look at new things. The only serious mistake he made was getting involved with Mr Gosforth Town, who was basically a chump.

The answer to your question is a resounding NO Agree with most of your assessment except the bit above, Burley was better than what (and I don't mean Wotte), a hole in the head? Burley was one of the worst choices ever made, yet most fans, me included welcomed his arrival. was made to look OK by the arrival of a top class Assistant Manager, Glyn Snodin. Thanks God Scotland came calling, we would probably be in Division 4 now, thanks to Burley's lack of preparation and the fattest, laziest, least fit squad of players ever assembled on a football pitch. Of course Burley is not the only one who looks better when he has a good team behind him, Hoddle is the same.

The same, but ultimately that was the reason that the takover was possible. While we were an operating plc with divided shareholdings with Lowe at the helm, it was very very difficult for us to be taken over. Once Lowe was evicted by the Administrator and the shareholders taken out of the equation a takeover became possible. It cost me about £25 but in the end I'm not too upset about that, having a club back and without Lowe and Wilde is the only thing that matters.

But also forget about the fact that when it mattered, after 46 games, not 45 he saved us, and that following the appalling mess that Burley, then D& G got us into. NP is not the Messiah, but is certainly one of the bst young managers around and would be a good choice (though there are some others out there, Cotterill for instance).

Jimmy has a yacht if that helps

I would be perfectly happy with getting NP back, though I don't think he is the greatest thing since sliced bread that some others do. But what he did bring was discipline, fitness and motivation. In addition he has a proven record working with youngsters at the very top level (England u16, u18 & u21) and working alongside some very good managers (and Bryan Robson). He has huge respect amongst British managers in this country and has a very good contact list. His blending of youth and experience at Leicseter showed that his talents are not just on paper. I wonder if Lee Hoos would come back as well. The only one from the Wilde bunch who had any talent and who has worked with Oldknow before. We could do a lot worse. On top of all that it would be really fun for 19Canteen to have to eat his words if NP were to be successful as most people with football brains realise he would be.