Son of Bob

Hello guys A brief message by request to clarify something which some people may be misunderstanding. There is an outstanding matter with the Football League regarding a clause we are being asked to sign which affects our membership status to the league itself. Given the difference of opinion, no agreement was reach by the close of play yesterday, and consequently the exclusivity agreement expired (by date). That will be taken up again on Monday with the lawyers as the terms of the agreement to my mind have not been fulfilled - by the other side, so whether the agreement expired or not may make no difference. We have met our conditions, and will continue to do so. The membership to the Football League is clearly a requirement to participate in the game. As I explained to a colleague yesterday, you would not buy a Pub without a liquor license, so in the same way, you would not buy a football stadium if you couldn't play a game in it. Its as simple as that. I understand that the Football League will be reviewing the position on Monday in light of what we have discussed in private, so whilst it is perhaps easier to say, be patient, and don't "blame" the Football League nor Administrators, we all need to work together to achieve a successful outcome for all concerned. I clearly only care about one thing, putting the right people in charge of the Club. But we are all professionals and need to maintain our professionalism in order that this matter is resolved in a timely fashion - and it will be. There are a couple of legal issues which came to light over the last couple of days - information which we were previously not aware of. I don't believe that these will be difficult to resolve, rather just a couple of issues that need to be put to bed the by lawyers. Have a nice weekend - and don't worry, we'll have these issues out of the way very shortly. Kind regards Tony

Sounds far too good to be true to me. We are Saints after all...

Any news of the club being brought, and therefore saved from extinction, will be far from underwhelming!

First Echo story of the day at 8.50am. MLT expected to be named as Chairman today. Keegan not no.1 choice for Managers role. http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/4447319.Le_Tissier_set_to_be_made_Saints_chairman_today/

Yes I know. I closed it so only the admin team can update the thread. That was kind of the point!

I couldn't agree more!

The other thread is there so people can log in and get a quick update without trawling through pages of 'speculative pearls of wisdom' and general gossip!

This thread is for official updates or genuine news releases relating to the takeover proceedings.

I have it on good authority that the secret 'money man' behind the Pinnacle bid is in fact the British Government. They will buy the club with a long term view to us becoming the 'showcase team' for British football around the world. Income tax will rise by 7p in the pound freeing up almost £1 billion to fund a 'ground up' rebuild of the club. The best 25 players in the world will be purchased creating a team of 'Hampshire Gallacticos' and such will be our popularity, we will be fighting off the very best managers in the world. We will be able to pick and chose our management team with gay abandon. The whole of the Above Bar area will be flattened with plans for a 120,000 seater ground in the town centre with an integrated shopping centre, airport, casino and 5 star hotel. St Marys will become our training ground as our increased popularity would lead to 10's of thousands turning up for the training sessions alone. Due to the massive annual funding by the government there will be little need for self generated income so season tickets will be £20 each and entrance to the games just £1. Half time beer and food will be free with a bar stretching round the entire concourse meaning waiting times will be down to under 30 seconds. Honest...

I think Tisdale is definately our best option. In fact, I think we'll be bloody lucky if he even considers coming to us. There will be clubs in a much loftier position than ourselves who will have an eye on him. Why would anyone think Ince is any better? His achievements pretty much mirror Tisdales except Ince has already had a crack at a higher level, and in some peoples eyes, failed. Boothroyd wouldn't be a disappointment if he came, I could live with that but Keegan is laughable (in every possible way) and Coppell will have far bigger fish to fry I suspect.

Buy new ones?

I reckon the quarters would be great for this season. 'A Fresh Start' and all that...

If, for arguments sake, the Pinnacle bid goes through as expected and MLT comes in at some sort of board level capacity, how do you think attendances will go next season? I genuinely believe they will increase over this seasons average.

My thoughts exactly! Why are people saying it wouldn't be a step up just because they're in the same division as us. If you were managing Burnley and Liverpool called you up offering the managers job who would you go for?

Tisdale in the dug-out, Le Tissier in the directors box, me back in Block 2. The perfect recipe for next season!

An engineering masterpiece but ulimately lacking in passion and soul, One if these for me please....

If Strachan had been given the financial backing to take the club forward following the 2002/03 season he would have stayed. We would also still be a Premiership club. OK, maybe his focus was on getting the squad fit but how many games did we lose in the last 10 minutes when he was in charge? Fitness should be the primary focus of any player, the classic example being that of our own legend Mr Le Tissier. He was undoubtedly one of the most gifted players ever to play in English football but his fitness always held him back. Who-ever comes in to manage us next season must put priority on fitness. It will be imperative in the 3rd division that we have the physical strength to defend to the best of our ability beyond the 80th minute.

Leeds at home will be nice. Also looking forward to lots of away grounds this year that I haven't been to yet. I'm hoping this season will be my only opportunity to visit them before we start our climb back to glory (you can't blame a man for dreaming!)

Oh dear. Only just got up from the floor after reading this! Very funny.

Entertaining all in all I thought. Another thoroughly deserved win for JB and Brawn. Not sure if RB was deliberately hard done by with the strategy switch but do I hope not.

That was a cracking day out! Every pub was asking for ID to see if we were from Southampton!

No! Mr Boothroyd please.

Next season we need a good solid manager with experience of digging out results in the lower leagues. Boothroyd would be my choice all day long. Matt is a true legend but there's no way in a million years he should become our manager. This is a a proposition ruled by the heart and not the head!

I'm not sure Lowe would be stupid enough to come back. Not even he could be that uber-arrogant... surely? I feel certain there is no substance to these rumours. I never thought I'd ever say this as it's not an option I've ever considered but if Lowe does come back to St Marys, I won't be going there again.