Gordon Mockles

I hope he's good. Clearly an exponent for our Asian market - keeping Tadanari happy, boosting shirt sales & marketing in the Far East & hopefully doing some decent defending too. Good luck Yoshi. Welcome!!

Ramirez will be a great signing which I heard is a done deal. Barça season long loan - Andreu Fontàs. Lucas Biglia from Anderlecht being finalised. Just hope we loan out Sharp or Guly & not Lambert cos we have too many forwards after bringing in Mayuka as well as the probability of Ramirez.

I think it's part of the forum mentality. Mental but par for the course. Some people moan at others for posting rumours, some moan for the intonation of posts, then some moan cos they're not confirmed or accuse members of making it up. Generally, they aren't confirmed until signed and the club announce it. I think a certain element struggle to comprehend the basic function of a sporting chat forum. Some post things they've heard and got chastised for being an attention seekers (which there are but it's expected as any comment on newspaper sites or youTube is met with vitriol and trolling). Live with it. If chatting about sport upsets you because you know nothing or have no contacts, I'd suggest to avoid chat forums and this isn't the platform for you. 2 baked hack making up sports headlines....whatever next! ;o)

A lot of pundits are either elitist, ignorant, pretentious or a combination of the three. Many have their own opinion and aren’t influenced by the bright lights and big names unlike Lawrenson, Gray, Sven with his England selection (took Theo, not picked!), etc. All influenced by player reputation. Some of them like Andy Gray practically run around with a semi-lob on when Rooney picks up the ball yet I saw Barnard in one game almost score a hatrick, great 35 yard shot and some incredible saves from the keeper (forget the opposition, sorry), hitting post, bar, etc. One attempt, Barnard was amazing. He shielded the ball in the box from 2 defenders closing in, had literally seconds to shield, control, swivel and rifled a snap shot from nothing into the top corner only for an incredible piece of goal keeping and the ball being tipped wide. Any other game he’d have had a hatrick. This was not picked up and not much said but I can guarantee is was as good a quality a piece of football as any Premier League striker but, sadly, you won’t always get the credit. Happens with clubs too. Southampton were often overlooked in the Premierships days. Matches in which we had been outstanding dropped on MOTD in place of poorer matches with bigger names clubs. That’s just elitism I am afraid and Liverpool fans, as many others including Saints, have pig ignorant fans who haven’t a clue about the game. They’re the same fickle fans that adopted the generic “you’ll get relegated this season” mantra for the duration of our 27/28 rein in the top flight (forgive the stat, can’t remember). Lazy opinions, often borrowed from others or too brainless and knee jerk to form a solid opinion but desperate to be smug and dictatorial. Little do they know. Lambert will be class and off the mark already as soon as he came on the pitch, much like Davis. Lazy opinions, don’t even engage them. Actions speak much louder but be sure to remind them about their transitional season eh?!

I don't think Saints are angels judging by the committee & Nicola's attitude towards people in general considering how we dealt with Adkins leaving S****horpe, alleged reports of how we approached Philips & the Clyne deal but there we go. If it saves money it's good but I don't know if such deals are possible in a more ethical manner. I just think we have lots of targets but the manner in which we approach them may not be the rose tinted optimism many fans imagine. Since the club rightly keep matters private, it's harder to prove but I'm fairly certain we aren't a bunch of samaritans & bankers aren't known for their empathy. Just saying. We run a tight ship but I am under no illusions. Let's see how long Adkins fares this season. I hope he gets a chance contrary to reports of close season matters.

WOW! Lowe’s levels of arrogance know no bounds!! He helped with the academy, not disputing that, but that is all. He took more than he gave. I still laugh as Rupe’s Wiki “POWER BROKER” self-appointed tag. Says it all. It is hardly rocket science and he used the club as a farm rather than an investment because no businessman with a modicum of sense would invest with him at the helm. Ask yourself, in all his time at the club – is it not odd no-one made any substantial investments? Much like the Jim Hone period – I expect any interest we may have had would have been instantly muted with more focus on engineering personal financial reward. Conjecture based on observations, history and my own meandering opinion. All that time in charge and no investment. Says it all and I would love to know why but can hazard a guess. So, rather than building the youth or trying to keep them, sell at first big offer. Good for the bank, bad for the team. My friend in the academy spoke direct with Gareth Bale's Dad at the time of the Spurs transfer so I know exactly how the Lowe level of trying to keep a players differs from that of how Cortese kept Lallana and tried to keep Oxo. Offering a player a p*ss poor contract and saying "but we'll really look after you" is pathetic and akin to telling them to "foxtrot oscar". Personally, I think he may have stayed had a reasonable package been offered but we were not in a good way financially and no way would he or his cronies invest. They need that share money for their personal accounts along with the dividends and such. Pathetic how we also wrote off Bale’s resale fee for Forecast and the other dross he got in. Such sporting and financial acumen! I love the way arrogant people think, it's laughable. Totally into themselves and blinded from reality. Almost sociopathic without sense and empathy, so they say. He truly has forgotten he removed Pearson, instilled 2 Dutch no hopers and thought he knew better than lifelong professionals (an EPIC FAL!!) pleading with him a squad of academy kids will not work yet he conveniently forgets this and the fact his magnificent "financial prudence" failed to balance the books and he had not been vigilant enough to prevent Barclays putting us into admin. with a relatively small debt, at a time AFTER the 10 point deduction cut off. Of course, Lowe blamed Barclays as people of his ilk do. Never man enough to hold their hands up and admit fault from the massive catalogue of failings and his absolute ineptitude in the sporting arena. Conveniently forgetting how he run us into the ground and almost destroyed us. It’s likely an article deliberately made to goad the fans. Arrogant people in tw*tty financial circles have a perverse sense of humour and place themselves above “normal” working classes and you only have to analyse that t*sser from Barclays on the Libor scandal to realise. Bunch of bankers – no offence Nicola cos he’s hardly Captain Charisma and certainly doesn’t have a warmth and empathy for people which is sad but, unlike Lowe, he does run the club well and the management of SFC currently has the 2 key elements which has strangled our club for years under Askham, Lowe and all the other self serving cronies (I don’t include Best as he did try, he did care, he did appoint a decent manager in Pearson and he did invest (personally) rather than profit personally from shares, etc. and use the club as an egotists train set. Almost child-like. Yes, he appointed well with Elias, Jennings, etc because Lowe did know the value of the Academy and he saw it as the only facet to bring in money and he was so tight, he would hold out for the absolute max transfer fee which was good for the club, no-one can deny. However, what he fails to mention to the absolute detriment of any sporting success is that he sold every performing academy players as soon as the first big money offer came in and subsequently sold off any other player that hit form. From a sporting perspective, suicide. Hence why I was relieved when Lallana was kept with a proper package offered and future rising stars will likely be made good offers and the club will try and keep them....rather than offering a p*ss poor contract, knowing they’ll say no so you can turn to the fans and say “they wouldn’t sign the contract we offered”. Luckily, the parasitic rein of Lowe has long gone and it took us 7 hard years and almost extinction to wash away the bile which pervaded every nook and cranny within St Mary’s (sadly, just Forecast left on a STUPIDLY contract long contract. Worst keeper we must have had – how long shall we sign him for without knowledge of his skill? Errrr, 5 years, 6....why not 7? Wonder what idiot signed that.................). What a t*sser. The article isn’t serious. Just a troll trying to stir up fans. If he does truly want credit still, he’ll need to accept all the blame first but sadly I don’t think people of his blinded reasoning will ever do that. Cheeky sod. His prevaricating rein is dead but our club, no thanks to him, is not. Good riddance and don’t you dare try and piggy back on our current rebirth and as Lowe is akin to the afterbirth. Send him away to be examined....preferably in a padded cell with the purveyors of a one world government to do some exploratory work!! He is a part of our history I would prefer forgotten and his mere name on the main page in our bright new era is an insult to the club, the fans, Cortese, the Liebherr’s and those whom helped rebuild the dilapidated ruins which was our club post Lowe. Foxtrot Oscar please and take your sensational tabloid t*ssy hack with you. The ending of the article is pure Lowe, funny guy when he wants to be, and I quote - “I was kicked out of the club but I think I left them with a pretty good legacy”. LMAO – There’s no point even engaging a comment like that if that is his mind set. The nutter!

Who knows. Would be a huge sign of intent but it's what you need in the PL. One or 2 game changing players can be worth so much more than the actually transfer & wage cost (although footballers are paid way too much). It all happens on a Friday. Could this be the Cortese connection in Italy working again, quality going up with each promotion. I hope so. Ramirez would be a brilliant signing but I would also be happy with Phillips or Lens but Ramirez far more expensive but quality & to beat off Liverpool & Spurs would be a good way to wildly swing open the door to loudly announce, we are back!!

He was part of our progression and for that he should be thanked and a level of respect shown. Unless you're one of those trolls who finds pleasure in berating any modicum of good sentiment!

Ahhhh, transfer news.......Nope. Mainly the usual bickering! zzzzzzzzz Any news on keeper back up? I assumed Gazzinga was 3rd choice. Would love to see Butland or an up and coming first choice keeper of proven or definite quality. With our squad not being of the upper tier, a good keeper can save a lot of points over a season. We've generally had a pretty good standard so I hope it's maintained. Class CB would be reassuring. Used to think Fonte the stronger but EPC level he looked a bit shaky last season and Hooiveld looked the stronger. Pleased we've off loaded Harding and good luck to him. Not long to go now.....

Says someone who was a Lowe sympathizer so your opinion is instantly irrelevant!

I guess you missed the sarcastic undertone. Even multiple smiley face didn't give it away? ;o)

I think some see Adkins with rose tinted specs. Lambert went off the boil. Took a while to bring him back following a poor season start in League 1. Unless you're assuming Adkins gave Lambert his goal scoring touch?! He was good regardless of manger & both have guided him well. Who did most of very difficult to say & contentious.

OMG - That's hilarious. It must be a laugh a minute on a social with you. I can't stop laughing. Rapier wit. How did you get that idea, cos the club never announced Skacel's signing? Tell me, tell me!?! It must have been even funnier at the time, I can imagine the shrieks of laughter and tom foolery in those popular and trendy bars you must frequent. Once the funniest joke on The Saints Web, all those years back yet you resurface the joke now. What a comic genius. Absolutely priceless! :rolleyes:

I agree with much of your post but when Pardew's cards were marked, I can't help but think he gave up & perhaps left us unprepared with some dejected players, possibly down to Pardew's influence, but that's immaterial as the job he did until the falling out with Cortese is what he should be judged for. He's proven his worth at Newcastle but I am grateful for Adkins, the appointment & the job he has done. Maybe Adkins has got the max out of Lambert, not taking anything away from Adkins team who equally merit much credit. It's subjective. Never the less, it's a nice time to be a Saints fan.

Wow! I didn't mean to type that much. Skip - it'll save you time but I like to think there is some sense in that epic monologue.

I'd give the credit for Lambert to Pardew, not Adkins. You're being overly generous to Adkins who I credit with 2 back to back promotions but don't conveniently forget that Pardew set all the foundations. I for one am realistic without being overly pessimistic but I have reserved judgement for Adkins in the top flight. I think he's a bright manager & a good player motivator, he's so positive, but let's see how he reacts with world class opposition & pitting hos wits against the PL managerial hierarchy. Tactically I think we may be in for one or 2 disappointments but it's early days & we have a lot to readjust to. I always thought relegation was a blessing in disguise because sometimes you need to hit rock bottom to reassemble & cast out all remnants of the past, namely the idiots board & egotists that run our club into the ground using it as an egotists play thing. However, times have changed & we have a well run club for which I am grateful. To Markus, his family & Cortese despite some elements lacking the empathy & good will towards others a community club should really possess if we lived in an ideal world. Sadly we don't & business is ruthless but that's life in football & sport has its ugly side as much as it does it banking & economics. The facade flatters to deceive. Digressing slightly, I am pleased with the squad we have & the policies we have employed which I truly believe is the way to run a football club. It pleases me to finally have confidence in our club & the management. However, we are still a little way short but you can't blame a fan for wanting Nirvana. Like Federer & his successful dominance & incredible mastery of tennis as a sport. I share the ambition the club purports but if the words are sincere, we have a way to go to become reestablished as a PL team. Defence & wide play. Davis seems a good addition. Free too as was the wise scouting & successful addition of Tadanari Lee. It's reassuring to know we've rebuilt our decimated scouting network. The future looks bright & with 1 or 2 more additions, my tone will change. I know little about Zaha's future potential but I trust in our scouts & committee. Besides, it's paper talk but The Sun do seem to get a heads up which perhaps suggests the previous tabloid hissy fight about purchasing club photos was resolved & perhaps Cortese realised the power of the press. It's a simbiotic relationship & strong handed dictatorship doesn't bode well. A bonus from the past in that he seems to learn but these opinions are pure conjecture so not worth too much credit. I prefer a manager having more impetus in transfer dealings but perhaps building a European model as has been discussed is a better structure. Committee & all. As long as a manager's opinion holds greatest influence. Too many cooks spoiling the brothe & all. A manager leaves, the structure remains. Pros & cons. I've waffled on enough but I hope we address defence, wide positions & I am confident we will reestablish ourselves as a respected competitor in the PL. If we settle for too many players of 'potential' & gamble too much, we will turn out to be a visiting club. One or 2 established heads & reputed performers, I feel the foundations are set to keep the momentum (which we have never done before down to Lowe & his inherit lack of ambition) & a healthy future. Clearly, finance dictates this & the Liebherrs will have limitations imposed on Cortese but it is the extents for which we do not know. Still, small steps. The league doesn't start til August & we have time. The core is decent & I hope we rectify the weak areas. Defensively, we looked frail late last season & that fragility will be penalised on the PL stage. The gulf in class is greater than ever but who knows; football's a funny old game!

Exactly what we needed and pleased at a bargain although imagine he had a decent sign on free. Would he not? More bodies in midfield so I would imagine pushes Hammond out which is good. Appreciate Dean's efforts but nowhere near PL quality. Don't know much about this guy but leaders are one thing we do need. Especially in the middle! Good work Saints & I'm with CB on all his comments. It's odd Cortese is so rabid about controlling & limiting information. It's like some meglomaniac dictator. We've had that. Let it go. The Ellliott Ward affair was embarrassing. As for the club keeping tight lipped on transfers, it feels as if they're slightly more relaxed about it although it's clearly wise not to alert opponents but I guess money talks...wages, fees, or otherwise. Or, maybe we're just happy to let rumours fly which WERE correctly out there weeks back. Some people so vehemently defend pointless points on here, it's perturbing!

That's down to capitalism & being a consumer nation. To be fair, it's better than fascism or communism but capitalism is disloyal & mobile. Hence why the bubble has burst & our economy is in tatters due to a controlling elite operating through privately owned central banks which do NOT belong to the state since we sold that out to the bankers in the biggest scam of the 21st century. Hence corporations controlling politics & evading democracy but that's another subject entirely & it's not the time nor place for that discussion. Phew! Tangents... Basically, we're conditioned from as soon as we can read & speak to eat, drink & consume what we are told. Advertising pervades every facet of life...yet perversely protected by almost every copyright law going despite us not choosing to view the offending items (as Banksy once so wisely uttered).

Especially if he operates in a manner akin to Putin towards his Oligarchs. [Putin] - "You will not infer I paid over the odds for a comodity as a kick back" Oh, you will?! *cue said individual having his company, reputation, employees & contacts decimated by a bully state that doesn't take kindly to answering to anyone. Then said Oligarch being thrown in jail*

I think your argument is flimsy & as lacking as the hack's "earth shattering sensationalism". I am the furthest fan from blinkered you will find. I am utterly realistic only I don't agree with this article. Bookies have complex databases & algorithms analysing every conceivable stat & probability. The journo has piggy backed on the back of some stats & has created a premise which I & some others think is weak & flimsy at best. Stats are stats. Human intervention, wisdom, understanding & prediction can rarely be replicated by even the most complex equations & algorithms. In this case, it's such a thin line & inane line, I think the article is virtually baseless & flogging a dead horse to get a rise tinier that an amoeba 's erection!

Wise post & the article is clearly written by a stupid journalist. Or at least, an ill-thought article. As you say, the basis for the entire headline is down to a Russian national being purchased who, according to their journalistic wisdom, is much better equipped for PL football due to a limited run of games. Overlooking the fact, Jay Rod is British & played against some of these players & certainly with a better insight into the English game. Not to mention the language. So, Reading are streets ahead. Now they've signed Guthrie, they must be challenging for CL under this hack's logic. He has clearly not noticed Rickie, Holt, Jay-Rod & the potential & realised potential for success. I bet he's of the same mentality saying that Rickie would struggle in the Championship. Banality in a tabloid; who would have thought. More a case of a solipsistic view from a dim journalist that doesn't do much research to fuel his obscure opinion.

Wow! As overreactions go, this kit thread is up there with the London riots & ridiculous sentence subsequently handed out for local lad making an ill-thought tongue in cheek quip about calling people to riot on Facebook!! It must be the lack of face to face contact that prevents quashing these inwardly inflating trains of thought. It's a poor kit. Esp. for the return to the PL but its merely a kit; a colour. On the Sky matches televised or from your seat in the stands, it won't make much difference.

When you actually go out, are you as pedantic in conversation or just online? You strike me as someone that would pick an argument with a samaritan! Is it an inherent inability to agree or just to maintain a conversation?!

Certainly better than the similar midfield role we utilise with Hammond. Seems Reading beat us to it unless we are ambitious and are aiming higher. Bloody hope we are and it's not another window filled with countless speculation & allusions greater than the club know is reality as missed a trick if not. We will struggle without a central playmaker. Chaplow has good games but I'd like to see someone of higher calibre or better if we're serious about bolstering for future success & not becoming a yo yo PL team.

My mistake & apologies for misunderstanding. I'd have reacted the same, ever the optimist. Does bug me a bit the club do seem quite deft at playing up transfer windows now (& I'm pleased we are active before rabid fans hyperventilate & not selling our best talent *touch wood*) without tons of movement. Or making out more is in the pipeline than actuality. That's not to say I don't expect signings. Just have a very slight feeling from past few windows that we like to alude to more. Same business principle as the new kit a year after the other. If it keeps us sustainable, it's good but do prefer transparency as the misleading & capitalist mentality of businesses & people in this country grows more than tiresome.