MarkSFC

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......

No-one has ever come anywhere near Shilts. In 1982 when he joined I was on a summer football course and we were on the pitch during a tour of The Dell when in ran two blokes. Quickly our coach realised who one of them was and mentioned that if you want an example of a true pro then look out there at Peter Shilton. He doesnt have to report back for pre-season for a week or two yet here he is training. Made quite an impression on a 13 year old!

yeah that was glorious!!

good post.

Why worry about something toy have no influence over or can't be changed? The players and coaches will have to deal with it. I've heard many players over the years comment that playing Sat/Tues Sat/Tues is actually a benefit, especially when you are winning and in order to gain promotion , whenever the games happen to fall Saints have to win at least 11 or 12 out of 18 I imagine. We have a good squad so as long as we don't lose 2 or 3 "main" players at once for a few games we will definitely finish top 2. Chillax and enjoy it Alpine!

I think this is all about ego and political or business principles. Neither party (Illingsworth/Cortese/Club) come out of this with any credit really. Until both parties publically state their side of events we won't know, and until one or both compromises their stance/principle on this it won't get solved amicabally. If compromise was likely I think it would have occured by now so as it appears not too of, forget it. Pathetic situation. Everyone should just move on, hardly important in the whole scheme of things.

greats stuff. will the Echo carry the story....will it make local tv news?!!

Actually it is. The best winning run so far this season is 5 by Charlton (and they are currently on 4). Only 4 other teams have managed 4 wins in a row just once each, US, Brighton, Hartlepool, and Brentford. And just a point of note, Rochdale are currently on a 10 game unbeaten run....6 wins and 4 draws!!!

it doesnt say so in the article. Who was putting n the dinner then?

not saying he does not neccessarily deserve a lifetime award but WHO is this from? The Club? The FA? The LMA? I hope Im wrong and its from an official organisation rather than what seems like a bit of a PR stunt from his mates!!!

I like this post. It seems to me that Osman, LM, LeTss and co have (admirably in some senses) organised what will be for the audience/fans a fun and enjoyable event and a chance to see some of their "heroes" and for some of the younger ones, playters they would never have seen in person before. For some thats a good enough reason, and thats why the organisers would want as many former players turn-up. Thepointss that need to be answered though are: 1) Did the organisers approach the CLub BEFORE announcing this event in order to seek their agreement and/or partnership and/or assistance and/or support? I doubt it. Therefore, regardless of who is organinsing it they are not an employee or associate of Southampton Football CLub therefore it is not official and therefore the club cannot be expected to support it. Nor should they ridicule it, which they havent. They (it would appear) merely refused permission for their employees to attend it in an official capacity. Nothing intrinsically wrong with that at all because if its not official and something happens at the event Southampton FOotball Club could be open to anything. 2) Is the event a not-for-profit one and will the accounts be publically available? Without knowing the answers to these points, you cannot expect SFC to be involved. 3) The Ex-Saints organisation, however good, is not an official part of the club and for that reason alone, the use of the badge should not be permitted. We live in a very harsh corporate world and although on the face of it, not allowing a body like the Ex-Saints use of the official Club badge may seem petty there are distinct legal lines to protect companies under patent and copyright law preventing any grey areas. LEt one "unofficial body" use and set precedent and open the flood gates. I agree with the posters on here who say that our "heroes" are making themselves look stupid. The fans will never forget the contribution you made to the club and some far far more than others but that does not come with a cast iron gaurantee that you will always get free tickets, free hospitality or whatever. You should accept that and remember that the most loyal people are the fans and they get no favours whatsoever!! I disagree that the club is forgetting the past, it is merely being selective at present on which parts it is publically recalling and aknowledging. Both sides should just move on get on with their lives and do what everyone else does....support The Saints unconditionally.

I thought Ricky Lambert played well at the weekend and as for Dietmar Hammans' goal...excellently worked from Alexandria Oxlaid-Chamberpot. Shame about Danny Hardys mistake for the second though and David Butters was good. As for me Julie......

Shay Given still not gone anywhere has he...???!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and people think Seaborne is good enough for a team looking to play in the championship next season. Arguably at fault for the first three goals, definitely 1 and 3! AS I've said before, he's ok in this league against ok opposition, those without guile or pace or when he has plenty of space and time. When he's under pressure with ball at feet or has to make a quick decision he is not good enough to make the difference. He got caught out by CMS pace, amixture of not reacting quick enough to the situation and a lack of actual pace. For the 3rd goal he got done by quick movement. God help us against Bournemouth, Brighton, and Charlton if he plays! Although he made a couple of great saves and came for one or two crosses, again Kelvin was not good enough. Beaten at your near post for the first, static for the second, and well clueless for the pens!! How bad does he need to be for Bart to get a go?!! Still, overall despite the goals I think we were a litttle fortunate to come away with a point because in the second half I thought P'Boro were far better, indee for the whole game they played with a quicker tempo and had more pace and maybe energy to their play. They are a good side, despite their defensive record and will definitely be be top 6 so all in all taking 4 points off them is not too bad. It was an enjoyable game BUT, had we gone 3 up......!!!!