SaintRobbie

Good point. What would we be saying if the comparison was Lowe or Leibherr? I think we know the answer. Onwards and upwards!

I think that's all fair comment. Beauty of NC is that he can be sacked as soon as he starts to fail. The problem with Lowe (which was partly due to the nature of the plc we'd established and the fact he was an influential shareholder) is that he kept coming back. Even when he'd failed before his ego insisted on prolonging the pain. Lowe didn't mean to relegate us two leagues but he certainly lacked the talent to prevent it.

Which relegation was that under Lowe?

Anyway, not getting into this debate anymore. It's a non-debate. NC has thus far been successful and if he fails our owner will sack him. Lowe wouldnt go until the Bank finally decided enough was enough and thankfully killed the plc that was sending us to League 2. Frankly, NC is an employee and if he's the foil for a friendly and supportive owner, I am not worried. Onwards and upwards!

So that's 3 things not one? I think he was poor at running the business too, it's not often a Bank pulls its backing for a decent chairman. We had every right to stay in the Premiership and probably would have if Lowe had been able to keep some consistency with his managers; but then he sacked a couple and the rest decided not to work for him any longer, wonder why? Concur over Wilde and Crouch's gamble, but at least we had some optimism and by goodness we came close to be fair to them. Ironically, it did put the first nail in the Lowe coffin as a result.

Success and failure is ultimately black and white SOG, and it didnt get much blacker than Lowe's effort; relegating with a youth side of League 2 standard at best, before Barclays finally had enough of the so-called financial genious. Lowe's heart was in the right place, I've no doubts about that. But, he lacked ability. Facts would seem to prove that. NC may be arrogant and driven, and I agree we need to watch him for this, but so far so good. If he sees us promote - and I believe he will based on all evidence to date (something Lowe never managed or ever looked like managing) - then frankly I don't care if he requires a red carpet from the entrance of SMS to his car parking space. I want success and have never had time for fools... NC is no fool. His arrogance is based on his drive for success and a self-confidence to achieve it. Lowe's arrogance was based on his overwhelming support from the majority shareholders... all of whom took but never gave back to the club. NC still has the fans on-side as he is delivering success. If that stops then I expect our owner will find someone else to run his club.

Almost certainly under Totally-kids Dutch football.

It would need to be size XXXXXXL to get his name on the back of it.

Why aren't goats sweb? What sweb anyway?

I find it insulting that some fans even think they can look for comparisons between Lowe and our new management set up. We have ambition, desire for success, generous owners, a first rate manager, a good executive with desire to succeed. There is simply no comparrison because at the end of the day Lowe was incompetent and our current regime are competent. I love this club under our new owners... love it. The comparison is simple: success against failure.

Sounds like a cop out as the admin costs are too high to me. When you're a successful club and going places, selling tickets and well backed, such schemes are nice to haves but probably take staff time rather than money. That said, it was a scheme that helped genuine supporters out by spreading the load over time. Maybe we need a fan's forum to represent such views to the club afterall?

You mean he isnt the football coach that SCW and Lowe thought he was? You mean Arry was right when he said he was a fraud?

'History is not a good schoolmaster, but it is the only one we have'.

I see determination and ambition coupled with ability versus ambition and arrogance coupled with ineptitude. NC for me everytime!

Confidence in the team and management from the bookies as well as the fans and players. My goodness, how times have changed fo the better!

They'll be saved I'm sure.

Agreed. It also demonstrates ambition yet again. It's a statement that basically says we are not a combination league club. I hope our reserves are playing CCC and Premier League Reserve sides for experience.

Song for Adu? ABBAs I do? 'We love you Adu Adu Adu Adu Adu ooooo !'

Slightly thinner

NC wants us to be 'the top of our game in everything we do'... including catering. Attention to detail and ambition. ...and better pies.

Dalek...over to you for your opinion...

I spent all evening singing; 'They've got Brett Ormerod!' Chuffed for Blackpool and chuffed for Brett... a fairy tale for him, he's a legend in Blackpool already and he just cemented that for life. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/may/23/blackpool-cardiff-championship-playoff-final 'Brett Ormerod – 7 The Blackpool hero. Lucky not to be booked when he needlessly caught Marshall early on, but proved a willing runner and finished the first half by stabbing home what must be one of the most important goals in Blackpool's history.' CONGRATULATIONS BRETT!

We dont need the money (clearly evidenced by the dropping of shirt sponsors). We would certainly increase the average gate, although I suspect some would take the deal and not attend every game. The owners and NC would certainly secure the loyalty and support of the fan base (not that they need to) for another season. The Echo would certainly need to change its tune as a result. Sounds a great idea!

If Pardew went for him I'd be happy. If Drew turned him down due to wages it would be understandable but damaging to his perceived image as a True Saint. To be honest, if I was Surman and Pardew came knocking, I'd jump at the chance of returning. A year in League 1 and a promotion (and who knows another JPT Trophy?) before romping through the CCC on the way to the Premiership in 2 years at his age must be attractive to anyone, especially if you are a supporter of the club.

I agree Prof. The problem is we are unable to debate this without knowing exactly who Alan Pardew may have in mind instead of Surman. So far Pards has both surprised and impressed me with the quality of players he has attracted, the evidence would suggest that Pardew could just as easily find someone as good if not better than Surman for his position as he did when he landed Connolly, Lambert etc. Added to the equation is the fact that no-one knows if Surman actually wants to return or if he'd prefer to move to a CCC club knocking on the door of the Premiership like Forest where a number of the players he grew up with here at Southampton are already playing. Would I like him in the squad? Yes I guess I would, he's a supporter, decent player who was certainly one of the few in the Wotte/Lowe team who was CCC quality rather than League 1 or 2 and had some potential. But, would I be be disappointed if Pardew threw up an alternative? No... because I trust Pardew's judgement given his track record thus far.