SaintRobbie

I do agree that the nature of the individuals means that they should be prepared to listen to both sides of the argument and suggest a way forward. But what you seem to be suggesting is selective in order to place the right type of midle roader in, not democratic and thus representative of the fan base? Not a 'parliament' then!? The point I am making is(and for what its worth I agree with you that anyone on such a forum should ideally be balanced) that it will not be reflective of fans feelings unless elected by the fans - but I dont think it will be... for errr some strange reason. Sorry, but unless this parliament shows early that it can really achieve something rather than being a forum for rubber stamping club policy then it will just be laughed at... once more by the majority. It needs credibility or it will fail immediately. To gain credibility it would need an early win - for me that would be a club undertaking to announce that the club is for sale. A positive start. But, I really doubt we'll see anything other than some selected fans trying to explain why Lowe and Wilde are making another poor decision. There is no confidence in the leadership of this club. Thus, schemes like this unless handled properly will just be laughed at or at best ignored making those who sit on the 'parliament' unnecessarily ridiculed as Lowe-dites and Wilde supporters. Still, the SFC Chairman may at least pass afew shirt designs past the parliament.

It is representitive and you know it.... goodness sake you only have to read the Echo comments after each story to gain a feel for non-messageboard banter. Not going to argue any further on that - we'll just have to agree to disagree. Suffice to say if the parliament doesnt reflect the voters opinions then it is nothing more than a toothless puppet government. It will lose credibility faster than the Trust if not carefully and openly elected. I fully concur with your points on Lowe's return. A refreshing perspective to be honest, but one which fundamentally implies you too want rid of him. So - do you stand, are you selected or do we all vote? Without a vote how can those like Chorley get on it - If Chorley isnt permitted to be one of the members (assuming he stands and isnt still banned!) then what will that say of the credibility of this parliament? Interesting concept but I can't help but think the parliament's first act will be something like wholehearted supporting Wotte and Club policy and not a call for Lowe's resignation, a delisting of the plc and search for a new owner. But then, and I do hold on to a little optimism over Mike Wilde, perhaps Mike is actually up to something.

Sorry Steve added a bit before you posted.

Rubbish. You and I know that there are very very few fans who want Lowe to be associated with this club. If anything this messageboard is showing a more balanced view that the average 'voter' in a Southampton pub. You're saying those who vote on this forum are not representitive of those who talk about Saints in the bars in Southampton or at work? I think you may be wrong Steve. So would you be one of the 5 looking to make a change or the one who follows club policy? Or... perhaps will you be portraying yourself as a middle man for Mike's scheme? Has he asked you to stand Steve? For what its worth - I actually hope you do stand. How will the elections take place for the parliament? This will be interesting to watch... or will fans be errrr 'selected' or 'appointed'?

I suspect Bart has lost his confidence. Shame - he couldve been sold for a small fortune in time had he been managed properly. I suspect we'll see Bart as the Polish 1st team keeper in the next 3-4 years.

No of course not. I would want the parliament to reflect the views of the people - which is the job of any parliament. So, you need 5 anti policy and one pro - if your polls are generally correct. Thinking of standing Steve?

You can see the Lowe Out banners better when they're held standing

The fans. Without the little pressure we have exerted we'd still have JP and the totally crazy Dutch Fottball idea. The fans will be the only people who will have saved the club IMHO. Not Wotte - he was here from the start of the farce. Not Lowe - he created the farce. Not Wilde - he put in the farce. Not the young players - they have been exposed as a farce (not their fault). Not the experienced players - who have tried to undo the farce but may have lost the inpetus. THE FANS FOR REVERSING THE TOTAL FOOTBALL YOUTH POLICY THROUGH PROTEST.

If the club is serious about this they will ensure the 'parliament' is representative of the feelings of the fans. That would require about 5 anti-Lowe types and one pro-Club policy type. Anything else frankly would be a daft whitewash - as soon as the parliament is exposed as being toothless in RUNNING THE PLC (which is all that matters to be honest) then it will be ignored and laughed at. So, I would nominate vocal fans like Chorley and certainly someone with a good historical knowledge like Fithugh Fella. I would not support the election - as Steve puts it - of the usual suspects which would include Nick Illingworth for example. And indeed anyone else who has been exposed as being a little too 'close' to the club. This idea only works if the fans are representative of the current feeling and it results in: 1. Lowe's removal. 2. Delisting of the plc. 3. A determined attempt to find a buyer. As it is being run by the football chairman (who's responsibilities include what exactly... what colour socks we will wear next season?) I think it's a dead duck... if you'll pardon the Lowe-connection pun. THIS IS A WASTE OF TIME UNLESS IT IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE DAY TO DAY RUNNING OF THE PLC.

An appeal to the protest organisers. Please now also target Barclays Bank and Lowe's other businesses... its time to turn up the heat on Lowe to leave.

Oh god yes... whilst there's a slim chance of survival. But, I know which Club I'm backing for success in League 1 and it isnt Saints.

... as I say, I look forward to Duncan's consolidated history of 'Saints - The Low(e) Years'... its going to make very interesting reading. He who wins the war writes the history. Lowe will lose.

Cant see Lowe stocking any of your books Duncan!

I think thats just so true. The players werent tired... there we no lunges or late challenges or players with cramp... they all seem to have trotted off from SMS with a spring in their step. Mentality is wrong for a relegation fight. I would be worried if I hadnt predicted relegation back in August... its given me time to weigh up the League 1 opposition... and that's making me more concerned. Its not whether we'll stay up this season - its whether we will next... in League 1!

I was wondering that too! Its not Yeovil.... is it!?!?

also Stanley - add the very high agents fees to this list (via Kim van the man) and you have some errrr 'interesting' further aspects to Lowe's integrity. Duncan is going to have a bestselling football book on Saints to retire on methinks.

That's what worries me. I can't work out exactly how he is planning to do it but I have a strangely informed feeling that it may be part of his array of options upon relegation.

Not sure I would have wanted Jim Smith to be honest... but he does reveal here Lowe's lack of integrity. I think that's the most important part of the story... and frankly he's not the first to highlight this common theme with regards to Lowe. Lowe is a liar according to shareholders and ex managers... quite consistent theme that. How can you run a united club when your chairman is not trusted, has no integrity and is a liar? Perhaps we should be forwarding all such comments directly to Barclays Bank?

You know what? I dont see their predicament as worse. Ironic I know but, yes they will go down (as will we) but I see them bouncing back up relatively quickly. We will not - we are heading to League 2.

You mean next season's solution?

Hate to say this as Drew is a fan but... Let's big him up and sell him for an overinflated price tag in the summer. He is not Premiership standard and frankly we could find a suitable League 1 man - with an engine - as a replacement for him relatively easily IMHO.

Not sure NP would have taken us back to the Premiership, but he'd have kept us in the CCC and allowed us to find a buyer who might have allowed that. Apart from that - most astute post of the day.

I thought Sagga was one of our better players and always a threat - but like all CCC sides our initial surprise run of form has now ended as other teams have worked out where our strength is and are tightly marking our best players. Sagga's positioning was good, he chased lost causes, he showed desire, but was clearly the man being marked and the space that created for Euell was sadly squandered by Euell's poor first touches. Sagga is one of if not the best player we have. But other teams are professionals too and study the strengths and weaknesses. I was gutted when Wotte subbed him - the chances at the end seemed Sagga style poaching ones and I can't help but think that enduring with him against a tiring man to man marker may have produced more results than BWP's contribution of a poor pass and errr... an unnecessary offside due to idly walking back. Sagga is the one man who can score goals. He is the one hope we have. He is the player we need to big up, whilst sending DMG to the reserves for a while. He can make a Stern Johnesque difference if we support him. Not a change of form for me - more a case of the opposition realising where our strengths lie.

New manager? I didnt see an unfit team - I saw an uninspired one.

Uninspired too ol' friend?