MarkSFC

Oh look, that mature debating tact of reverting to personal comments when you actually run out of anthing intelligent to say. Well done,

If leading Div 1 is a 'rise' for BHA that sums it all up that the 'normal' order of things is completely out of sync right now.

Just my instinct Turkish based on various things but also from things I hear from my brothe who works with a load of Brighton fans. Don't really care either way though, they're not important!

Actually depends what you regard as regularly. In the Prem and indeed div 1 pre Prem era we sold out virtually every game for decades. In League 1 we have regularly sold out once or twice a season! However you try to put it we average ove 21k which is the best in the league and higher than some Prem teams and most NPC teams. If we were both in the Prem I'm sure we wotld sell out but you won't and anyway we wotld have 8-10k more every game. Get real.

Our only Football rivals are The Skates. Bournemouth, Brighton and anyone else you care to mention only become rivals when we happen to be in the same division which over the last 125 years has been very few seasons because they have been lower down the pyramid. Simples!

Size of club is essentially based on capacity and attendance so by a long way we are the biggest on the South coast, indeed we are the biggest outside London and south of Birmingham. But of course in any given season a smaller club can be higher ranked. Generalle attendance levels and size of customer base determines income and loosely potential to succeed. For these reasons I have no doubt that we will always be bigger than Pompey, Brighton Bournemouth, Reading etc etc. Small clubs will have their days and Brighton and Bournemouth are having theirs right now. Bournemouth are just about at their limit whereas Brighton will potentially be conpetitive in the NPC. Potentially a yo-yo club between Prem and NPC IF they can fill their ground regularly. But I doubt they will.

At this moment in time Bournemouth do "deserve" to be 2nd because they have more points, its very simple. Once everyone has played 46 games it will all brcome much clearer who deserved what. I think its quite clear that the majority our players are amongst the best in the league. What's more apparent is that as a team and as individuals they have been less consistant than the leaders. Consistancy of performance is almost always a mental thing especially when comparing like for like. Poyet seems to have got both the physical and mental right within his squad who on thenwhole haven't been in their position before. Bournemouth though have already been there and done that last season so the "pressure" is easier for m to handle due to both lower expectations from fans and by the knowledge within themselves that they can do it. Within our squad I don't think the cast majority have ever been promoted, and so couple thatnwith the expectation factor and you get the "inconsistency" like Tuesday. This is not an excuse though, merely a potential reason as I see it. Having ability and also the drive and capacity to be successful do not go hand in hand automatically. I hope I'm wrong but I wonder whether some of our players have whatnut takes to be success in our environment. But its after 46 games that counts.

come back in 3 years...5 years.....10 years.......c***

Very good post! Sums up my ramblings very well, thanks!

I think you maybe the one who does not have a clue. Man U is completely run the way it is because it is the biggest brand in football based on its history. If Saints are run based on its history then there is a very small potential for development.

you misunderstand. c'est la vie.

It was ainforever who used the word......

Without the stats this is mere supposition but under PArdew I laways got the impression that we started very well in the first half and tailed off. Almost like we would use too much energy and sometimes run out. Under Adkins it feels like he has the team pacing themselves better, and saving energy for the latter part of games. I also heard that Adkins has a very set routine at half-time (dont know if PArdew implemented it, doubt it though!!) whereby the first 5 minutes are a quiet time...allowing everyone to reflect and clam down....then Adkins spends 5 minutes de-briefing the first half and then the last 5 minutes are setting expectations and plans for the 2nd half.

You make my point for me.....by emphasising the past of Saints and or Liverpool only really happens when the current version/brand is not doing too well. Those around the country - probably 30 or under will only have seen us generally struggle, get relegated twice, go into admin. Getting to the FA Cup final was great as a fan but as we lost itmeans nothing to non saints fans who are the important ones when it comes to the Brand. Its not so much about Cortese but he is driving a new era and has the vision to see other possibilites than those that we have had "forever". By distancing himself from those "of and in our past" he will be able to make very smart decisions. I doubt very much that he is ignoring the past or more importantly the people involved, but he has his vision let him get on with it. LM has been a big hero of mine - I grew up in the late seventies and eighties - but by continually harking back to the "good 'ol days" says everything about where the club is now. How often do you hear articles from ex Barcelona, or Manure, or Arsenal going on about "in their day"..."back then..."? Very rarely because their BRAND is current relevant and exciting. Thats what Cortese is aiming for...........

I didnt say I didnt enjoy the anecdotes, but heard them before. Without doubt the history of a football club should play a part in its "brand". However it should not define it otherwise you will be stuck with whatever impression others have of it. The media as it is nowadays rarely emphasises the past of a club when talking about current performances. Commentators and the like always seem to base thier opinion of a club on the last two or three years. E.G. "Its always a hard place to go to...Stoke".......was it when it was being relegated or playin gin the lower leagues...obviously not. etc,etc. Living in the past does no one any favours but it should never be forgotten. And how things happened before does not mean its the right way now. Decent and successful BRANDS as you put it learn from the past, evolve because of it and react to current market conditions. Dare I say it but Lawrie McMenemy (the brand) has not....Southampton Football Club is.........

and your point is.............

only if you want the brand to be viewed as living on past glories. not exactly an interview either, just one or two set up questions and let him tell some stories. Suspect Gray and Keys thought "who's good at telling anecdotes and filling out our programme..........". 3 rather sad characters.

exactly....even chuckled as he spoke about having to pay.

He really does not know when to let it go does he. Very sad.

I think both quotes are quite arrogant and egotistical when "read". East to interpret either way. If it was a video interview it would be far easier to determine intent. Overall though I think the "great Saints Manager" should just keep quiet for a while, at least on all things Saints, well at least anything that can be taken out of context. Hard though I suppose when hes paid (I assume) for his piece in The Echo.

correct but it does say "if ever he wants a conversation I will be available" (in regard to NC) and in regard to new managers he says "if ever they want a cup of tea and a chat they know where I am".

who really gives a **** about the post match chat. The only important thing really is the NA Interview which will either be on Saints Player or BBC website. Turn it off after the game and get down the pub to celebrate another Saints win......

I have just read the article in the echo written by Lawrie and to quote him "it has to be said" that I find his article very disappointing. The underlying tone is one of defence, making his points very clear, and passing the buck on occassion. He likes to boost his ego doesnt he "if ever he wants a conversation I will be available" aimed towards NC, and in regard to new managers "...if they ever want a chat they know where I am". He goes on to say "I keep away from the training ground and wish them well from a distance". Well I should hope he does.....Regardless of all the great things you did for Southampton FC you're not part of the club any more Lawrie, just be a fan. He also speaks about "us" in his article - which seems to be on the behalf of "the players". MLT,KK and FB are mentioned. I find it interesting that he speaks so obviously for a collective group. It is clear to me that the man has a huge ego and misses the limelight. I dont doubt his affection for the club nor do I forget the great times he brought us in the late 70's/early 80's. I wont forget the players he brought in and the style he encouraged. I will never forget the moment I heard that Kevin Keegan (European Player of the Year!!) had signed. Nor will I forget when he left for Sunderland. No one is squeeky clean in this world, no one never makes a mistake or three but its how you act generally and how you move on that matters. Unfortunately some people cant or wont move on. When something has been such a big part of your life and you of it, it is very hard to let go. However you have to in order to let it thrive and move on, and for yourself as well. Some are much better at that than others...

not exactly sure what your point is particularly in regard to the Prutton Theory but basically neither of them are good enough imo to be first choice every game.

Martin must be fairlt highly thought of otherwise why did we turn down West Hams offer when he can go for free in May. Keeping him means another good option of course! Will be interesting who on that list stays. I would not be fussed (as long as we are up) if none of them were here cme August. None of those will be first team regulars in a team that will/should be challenging for promotion again. Its a whole new ebate on who to sign and what positions but I can see lots of changes in the back 5 especially as our management team is a former GK and CB. On topic thogh, herein lies the problem. Apart from Fonte, none of them are definite first choice. Jaidi would be if younger, Seaborne is not good enough in high tempo, fast paced, quick decision situations. And Martin is still developing......