Another Lowe apology from the press

[Weston Saint]

Rupert Lowe: Our report, Southampton down to their nails as more anguish looms (27 April, page 9, Sport) wrongly suggested that the Football Association was conducting an investigation into where a reported £40m had gone missing when Mr Lowe was chairman of Southampton FC. In fact there was no missing money nor any FA investigation. We apologise unreservedly to Mr Lowe for this error.

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2009/jul/18/rupert-lowe-corrections-clarifications

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/apr/27/southampton-burnley-championship-relegation

[sotonjoe]

Someone been flexing some legal muscle?

[greg_hill]

What an absolutely shocking piece of sensationalist journalism. This just goes to remind me why I don't read TG.

[Verbal]

Never did understand the suggestion that something underhand had happened with the 'missing millions'. The money was squandered in plain sight in serial acts of utter uselessness and unbridled hubris.

 

Now that he has his apology from the Guardian, Lowe could conceivably be writing his own mea culpa to the club and its fans for his considerable part in its near destruction.

 

If he is (which admittedly is a bit of a long shot), someone really should tell him not to bother. No one gives a damn. Today felt like the day we finally left the pygmies behind.

[TopGun]

What an absolutely shocking piece of sensationalist journalism. This just goes to remind me why I don't read TG.

 

Right. Stick with the Sun if you want to find the truth.

[Nineteen Canteen]

Never did understand the suggestion that something underhand had happened with the 'missing millions'. The money was squandered in plain sight in serial acts of utter uselessness and unbridled hubris.

 

Now that he has his apology from the Guardian, Lowe could conceivably be writing his own mea culpa to the club and its fans for his considerable part in its near destruction.

 

If he is (which admittedly is a bit of a long shot), someone really should tell him not to bother. No one gives a damn. Today felt like the day we finally left the pygmies behind.

 

I don't know I see McMenemy was in the Directors box. Do they sell tickets for that area?

[david in sweden]

I don't know I see McMenemy was in the Directors box. Do they sell tickets for that area?

 

Plainly the clubs history over the last 35 years has passed you by.. somehow.

 

Aside from his first season which resulted in relegation, Lawrie McMenemy re-built Saints sides and introduced big names which hitherto had only been names on an international team sheet (to Saints fans).

The clubs only FA Cup win was in 1976, and followed by a promotion to the old Div.1 (now Prem.) The list of sensational signings continued with England internationals like Alan Ball, Peter Osgood - until what is still regarded by many as the transfer coup of the decade when England captain Kevin Keegan was signed in 1980. More impressive signings followed to the point where on a number of occasions Saints fielded teams with FIVE former England captains, and included the (then) England goalie Peter Shilton (who incidentally is THE most capped (Saints) English player). The period upto 1985 is without doubt the finest period of top level football that Saints fans have ever known. Season 1983-84, Saints finished 2nd in Div.1 only 3 points behind Liverpool (who had won the title the two previous seasons).

 

With all respect to Ted Bates who took the club from Div 3 to Div.1, no other manager has come near this level of success and many older fans still recall the McMenemy sides even today.

 

If this man isn't worthy of some respect - and a seat in the Directors box for life - then I don't know who is (?). The furore over stories of his directors fees when he sat on the board until recently were a disgrace, as the sum involved was no more than was paid to reserve team players at the time.

 

end of rant.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

Rupert Lowe: Our report, Southampton down to their nails as more anguish looms (27 April, page 9, Sport) wrongly suggested that the Football Association was conducting an investigation into where a reported £40m had gone missing when Mr Lowe was chairman of Southampton FC. In fact there was no missing money nor any FA investigation. We apologise unreservedly to Mr Lowe for this error.

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2009/jul/18/rupert-lowe-corrections-clarifications

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/apr/27/southampton-burnley-championship-relegation

 

That second article held this paragraph

 

Quote "The League's *ruling was that the holding company, *stadium *company and club were "inextricably linked", just as Rupert Lowe, twice chairman, is inextricably linked with the club's collapse from top-tier consistency over the past five seasons. "The situation remains treacherous," said Mark Fry, the joint administrator." End quote.

 

I note, so far, that the person mentioned in the paragraph has not been given an apology for it. Will that person have sought one? Or felt better not to pursue it? Given that there is a large element of truth in it?

 

Sanctified in one, then hung, drawn and quartered in the other!

Edited 19 July, 2009 by EastleighSoulBoy

[JohnnyFartPants]

Plainly the clubs history over the last 35 years has passed you by.. somehow.

 

Aside from his first season which resulted in relegation, Lawrie McMenemy re-built Saints sides and introduced big names which hitherto had only been names on an international team sheet (to Saints fans).

The clubs only FA Cup win was in 1976, and followed by a promotion to the old Div.1 (now Prem.) The list of sensational signings continued with England internationals like Alan Ball, Peter Osgood - until what is still regarded by many as the transfer coup of the decade when England captain Kevin Keegan was signed in 1980. More impressive signings followed to the point where on a number of occasions Saints fielded teams with FIVE former England captains, and included the (then) England goalie Peter Shilton (who incidentally is THE most capped (Saints) English player). The period upto 1985 is without doubt the finest period of top level football that Saints fans have ever known. Season 1983-84, Saints finished 2nd in Div.1 only 3 points behind Liverpool (who had won the title the two previous seasons).

 

With all respect to Ted Bates who took the club from Div 3 to Div.1, no other manager has come near this level of success and many older fans still recall the McMenemy sides even today.

 

If this man isn't worthy of some respect - and a seat in the Directors box for life - then I don't know who is (?). The furore over stories of his directors fees when he sat on the board until recently were a disgrace, as the sum involved was no more than was paid to reserve team players at the time.

 

end of rant.

 

 

=D>

[Wopper]

I don't know I see McMenemy was in the Directors box. Do they sell tickets for that area?

 

Feel better now.

[miserableoldgit]

Plainly the clubs history over the last 35 years has passed you by.. somehow.

 

Aside from his first season which resulted in relegation, Lawrie McMenemy re-built Saints sides and introduced big names which hitherto had only been names on an international team sheet (to Saints fans).

The clubs only FA Cup win was in 1976, and followed by a promotion to the old Div.1 (now Prem.) The list of sensational signings continued with England internationals like Alan Ball, Peter Osgood - until what is still regarded by many as the transfer coup of the decade when England captain Kevin Keegan was signed in 1980. More impressive signings followed to the point where on a number of occasions Saints fielded teams with FIVE former England captains, and included the (then) England goalie Peter Shilton (who incidentally is THE most capped (Saints) English player). The period upto 1985 is without doubt the finest period of top level football that Saints fans have ever known. Season 1983-84, Saints finished 2nd in Div.1 only 3 points behind Liverpool (who had won the title the two previous seasons).

 

With all respect to Ted Bates who took the club from Div 3 to Div.1, no other manager has come near this level of success and many older fans still recall the McMenemy sides even today.

 

If this man isn't worthy of some respect - and a seat in the Directors box for life - then I don't know who is (?). The furore over stories of his directors fees when he sat on the board until recently were a disgrace, as the sum involved was no more than was paid to reserve team players at the time.

 

end of rant.

I completely agree. I don`t know why certain people ignore these fact and want to demonize McMenemy for their own agendas.

[John B]

I completely agree. I don`t know why certain people ignore these fact and want to demonize McMenemy for their own agendas.

 

Or Canonise him.

 

The problem is as we had so little success as a club we go back to something nearly 35 years ago when lots of fans were not even born

[miserableoldgit]

Or Canonise him.

 

The problem is as we had so little success as a club we go back to something nearly 35 years ago when lots of fans were not even born

I don`t think that anyone is trying to canonise him, least of all me, but there has to be balance. Certain individuals on here are waging a hate campaign against him and that is not acceptable for a man that gave this club the greatest days that it has ever had. Whether you were around then or not doesn`t alter the facts. Lawrie deserves RESPECT.

[John B]

I don`t think that anyone is trying to canonise him, least of all me, but there has to be balance. Certain individuals on here are waging a hate campaign against him and that is not acceptable for a man that gave this club the greatest days that it has ever had. Whether you were around then or not doesn`t alter the facts. Lawrie deserves RESPECT.

 

Just because we won the cup does not mean he deserves anything he has dined out on our limited success for sometime

 

On the other hand I also dont think he deserves abuse either

[Wes Tender]

For all those who are somehow upset that McMenemy gets to sit in the directors' box, then I say tough titties.

 

Perhaps it has passed them by, but we have a new owner. Who gets to sit in the box is entirely up to him. It is his train set, he can do what he wants with it within reason.

[ottery st mary]

Plainly the clubs history over the last 35 years has passed you by.. somehow.

 

Aside from his first season which resulted in relegation, Lawrie McMenemy re-built Saints sides and introduced big names which hitherto had only been names on an international team sheet (to Saints fans).

The clubs only FA Cup win was in 1976, and followed by a promotion to the old Div.1 (now Prem.) The list of sensational signings continued with England internationals like Alan Ball, Peter Osgood - until what is still regarded by many as the transfer coup of the decade when England captain Kevin Keegan was signed in 1980. More impressive signings followed to the point where on a number of occasions Saints fielded teams with FIVE former England captains, and included the (then) England goalie Peter Shilton (who incidentally is THE most capped (Saints) English player). The period upto 1985 is without doubt the finest period of top level football that Saints fans have ever known. Season 1983-84, Saints finished 2nd in Div.1 only 3 points behind Liverpool (who had won the title the two previous seasons).

 

With all respect to Ted Bates who took the club from Div 3 to Div.1, no other manager has come near this level of success and many older fans still recall the McMenemy sides even today.

 

If this man isn't worthy of some respect - and a seat in the Directors box for life - then I don't know who is (?). The furore over stories of his directors fees when he sat on the board until recently were a disgrace, as the sum involved was no more than was paid to reserve team players at the time.

 

end of rant.

 

Very true......The anti LMhave their opinion but sooo stooopid peeps.:tfrag:

[John B]

For all those who are somehow upset that McMenemy gets to sit in the directors' box, then I say tough titties.

 

Perhaps it has passed them by, but we have a new owner. Who gets to sit in the box is entirely up to him. It is his train set, he can do what he wants with it within reason.

 

I dont see why Lawrie should not be in the Directors Box with Crouch as they both helped in securing Saints future

[EastleighSoulBoy]

I dont see why Lawrie should not be in the Directors Box with Crouch as they both helped in securing Saints future

 

Agreed, at least LC put his money where his, sometime excitable, mouth is!

 

Thanks Leon because you gave us that little bit longer for ML to come in.

[Fan The Flames]

Just because we won the cup does not mean he deserves anything he has dined out on our limited success for sometime

 

On the other hand I also dont think he deserves abuse either

 

It not just about winning the Cup it is because of his whole tenure at SFC, what he achieved for our medium sized club. It is because he drew out and developed the characteristics of the club that define SFC in the hearts and minds of a generation of supporters. To me LM is intrinsically linked to SFC and his football is one of the reasons why I feel in love with the club.

 

So whilst his generation of fans are alive his achievments should be remember and lauded. Because afterall if it was that easy why hasn't some one else done it. GS was the closest but still miles away.

 

So personnally I think your attitude sucks and the least said about the **** 19 the better.

 

What over clubs ****s on one of its greatest sons as much as some do on here to LM

[Alain Perrin]

For all those who are somehow upset that McMenemy gets to sit in the directors' box, then I say tough titties.

 

Perhaps it has passed them by, but we have a new owner. Who gets to sit in the box is entirely up to him. It is his train set, he can do what he wants with it within reason.

 

I agree completely. However, I suspect you'd be eating your words if a certain Rupert Lowe was sitting in there.....

 

Not calling you a hypocrite, just saying that that statement is very open to double standards.

 

I favour all out, clean start personally.

[thegaffer]

I don't know I see McMenemy was in the Directors box. Do they sell tickets for that area?

 

And you'll see Bobby Charlton in the directors box at Old Trafford.How bitter and twisted can someone be about the greatest day this club has seen.

[um pahars]

Never did understand the suggestion that something underhand had happened with the 'missing millions'. The money was squandered in plain sight in serial acts of utter uselessness and unbridled hubris.

 

Totally agree and if Lowe or members of his cabal have put a shot across the Guardian's bows then fair play to them. It was a ridiculous and unsubstantiated claim which almost implied that something fraudulent had gone on, so he had every right to ask for an apology and a retraction.

 

There was never anything underhand with regards the missing millions and the PLC's accounts will show you where it all went (with the vast majority going to players).

 

As for the McMenemy angle from some, well same old, same old.

[Wes Tender]

I agree completely. However, I suspect you'd be eating your words if a certain Rupert Lowe was sitting in there.....

 

Not calling you a hypocrite, just saying that that statement is very open to double standards.

 

I favour all out, clean start personally.

 

No. If Markus Leibherr wanted to invite Lowe or any of the other charlatans into his owner's box, then it is up to him. I would just have to satisfy myself that if they were only watching the match, firstly they had had to pay for the privilege and secondly that they could do no harm to the club just watching, apart that is from causing some fan resentment on seeing him there.

 

But thankfully, Markus is obviously far more astute than to parade such hate figures in front of the fans.

[John B]

It not just about winning the Cup it is because of his whole tenure at SFC, what he achieved for our medium sized club. It is because he drew out and developed the characteristics of the club that define SFC in the hearts and minds of a generation of supporters. To me LM is intrinsically linked to SFC and his football is one of the reasons why I feel in love with the club.

 

So whilst his generation of fans are alive his achievments should be remember and lauded. Because afterall if it was that easy why hasn't some one else done it. GS was the closest but still miles away.

 

So personnally I think your attitude sucks and the least said about the **** 19 the better.

 

What over clubs ****s on one of its greatest sons as much as some do on here to LM

 

Well there you go but were you there when out of the blue he walked off and left us in the lurch which still leaves a bitter taste to some after all these years.

 

 

 

I have no problem with Lawrie but like anybody in public life is open to Criticism same as with MLT and Ted Bates.

 

 

Although I have never heard any Criticism regarding Ted and with MLT there is Criticism regarding his involvement with Pinnacle which I feel is unfounded but others dont

[Fan The Flames]

So everything he achieved counts for nothing because he left. **** me manager leaves club for another shocker. We had an able replacement in CN, so hardly in the lurch.

[miserableoldgit]

Just because we won the cup does not mean he deserves anything he has dined out on our limited success for sometime

 

On the other hand I also dont think he deserves abuse either

LM was manager here for 12years. He didn`t "just win the Cup". He attracted the top player in England and Europe to this club (KK was European Footballer of the Year when we signed him). We made 3 appearances at Wembley. We finished Runners-Up in the old First Division. He gave this club times that we can only dream of. It`s a bit like trying to tell people born in the 80`s how big The Beatles were. If you were not there, then you probably don`t understand, but this doesn`t change the facts.

[stthrobber]

As for the McMenemy angle from some, well same old, same old.

 

But equally you could argue that the angle from ALL is same old same old.

 

For his achievements as a club manager at Southampton he should be rightly revered.

 

His actions as Director of Football during the 90's, didn't exactly bathe him glory unfortunately.

 

There are then the largely unsubstantiated rumours of interference during the Wilde/Hone years, the demand for the club car, office at the training ground and 75k salary. I say unsubstantiated because I genuinely don't know the truth, and they do say there is no smoke without fire (unless you're at M. Jackson's cremation)

 

Therefore people's opinions won't change because it is unlikely that we will ever find out the truth.

 

If he was in the directors box yesterday then I do hope it was as a guest of Markus Liebherr. I think he should be a guest at every home match for life

[Graffito]

He lingers like a fart in a lift. Great day yesterday.

[miserableoldgit]

He lingers like a fart in a lift. Great day yesterday.

Sounds like something that you would be an expert on.

[Wopper]

I agree completely. However, I suspect you'd be eating your words if a certain Rupert Lowe was sitting in there.....

 

Not calling you a hypocrite, just saying that that statement is very open to double standards.

 

I favour all out, clean start personally.

 

Tough titties

[eelpie]

I agree completely. However, I suspect you'd be eating your words if a certain Rupert Lowe was sitting in there.....

 

Not calling you a hypocrite, just saying that that statement is very open to double standards.

 

I favour all out, clean start personally.

 

Lowe would more likely to be sitting in the Directors box at Nottingham Forest.

[A Nut Can Cut You]

That second article held this paragraph

Quote "The League's *ruling was that the holding company, *stadium *company and club were "inextricably linked", just as Rupert Lowe, twice chairman, is inextricably linked with the club's collapse from top-tier consistency over the past five seasons. "The situation remains treacherous," said Mark Fry, the joint administrator." End quote.

 

I note, so far, that the person mentioned in the paragraph has not been given an apology for it. Will that person have sought one? Or felt better not to pursue it? Given that there is a large element of truth in it?

 

There are no legal grounds to pursue an apology over an opinion or notion that can be proven to a reasonable degree. Lowe has been linked with the club both as an executive director and as the leader of a major shareholding block while on the outside looking in. Therefore it is fair to say he has been inextricably linked with the club, and as the club has indeed collapsed from top-tier consistency, he has also been inextricably linked with the club's collapse from top-tier consistency over the past five seasons. As far as I know, Lowe has only ever pursued apologies/corrections for libellous statements, which are obviously different from mere opining he mignt not like.

[VectisSaint]

And you'll see Bobby Charlton in the directors box at Old Trafford.How bitter and twisted can someone be about the greatest day this club has seen.

But it is so much more than our greatest day, isn't it? Thats what gets my back up about people like 19C and SotonJoe (or are they the same person). If the only thing Lawrie had done was to win the FA Cup then he would deserve some respect, but he did so much more. He took on a club from the great Ted Bates and built several teams using very little money with blends of homegrown youngsters and experienced pros, including some of the greatest names in the English game, and regularly provided Southampton with exciting attacking football. His whole philosophy of how football should be played earned him the respect of his peers and players, and made Southampton so many peoples "second club" because of the way we played and the regular bloody noses we handed out to the top teams. FA Cup win, promotion with an almost completely changed team a year later, runners up in the League, beaten League Cup finalists, top half finishes, there was so much more than that glorious day at Wembley. Even when he left I still felt the philosphy continued under the underrrated Chris Nichol. Only when Nichol was replaced did the Mac era really end. Then his return after the terrible Branfoot era and his collaboration with Bally who got the very best out of Tiss. Finally the arrival of Lowe spelled the end for a true football man, who could not stomach the likes of Lowe. Of course thats the real reason 19C cannot tolerate Lawrie, because he is one of those who saw through Lowe from the start and did not keep his mouth shut but as a typical northerner, bluntly called it as he saw it. OK he made some money from the share deal, well good luck to him, he deserved it, because he never really got well rewarded for what he did for us, financially.

 

We don't need to idolise Lawrie (and I don't like the reference to the Patron Saint in the Guardian article), clearly he has done some things that did not help. But I will always hold him in high esteem for what he has done for us over many years, right up until now. The vast majority feel the same way, as was clearly demonstrated before the Charlton match. He is hugely respected in the game, and still has many many contacts. Agreed he is probably a bit long in the tooth for day to day involvement, but I will bet anything that Alan Pardew will make very sure that in the next few days he goes out of his way to spend time talking to the only real football man at SMS these days (other than the backroom staff) and picks his brains and taps into his networking to help rebuild this great club into something approaching what Lawrie and Ted originally achieved.

 

Small minded people will continue to have a pop at Lawrie, fortunately they are very few and we will continue to see the huge majority agree that Lawrie represents all that is great about our Club and will at least respect him, even if they don't admire or worship him.

Edited 19 July, 2009 by VectisSaint

[Wopper]

And you'll see Bobby Charlton in the directors box at Old Trafford.How bitter and twisted can someone be about the greatest day this club has seen.

The bloke admits to having a screw loose. Sounds like hes been eating red meat again

[John B]

LM was manager here for 12years. He didn`t "just win the Cup". He attracted the top player in England and Europe to this club (KK was European Footballer of the Year when we signed him). We made 3 appearances at Wembley. We finished Runners-Up in the old First Division. He gave this club times that we can only dream of. It`s a bit like trying to tell people born in the 80`s how big The Beatles were. If you were not there, then you probably don`t understand, but this doesn`t change the facts.

 

He also took us down in 1974 with a pretty good team as well as what you are saying.

 

He does have some baggage which people do mention but as I said I have no trouble with him but Ted Bates is somebody who in my opinion should be revered above Lawrie in the years to come and I fully agree with Vectis above

[Graffito]

Sounds like something that you would be an expert on.

 

Eh?

[Weston Saint]

I had problems with McMememy's interference in club affairs when Crouch was "in charge". However I have no problem with him attending matches in the Directors box as a guest of the club, recognising his massive positive contribution to our history.

 

I put up the original post as I saw it as unfinished business that has now been cleared up by the link. We are now in a new era. The positives and negatives of the past have happened. Let's hope the clubs new era contains more positives than negatives.

 

I watched yesterdays's game. I was disappointed at our overall tactics and lack of quality but with Pardew taking over now, with a little strengthening and an inprovement in our fitness levels I see this as the bottom of the curve. The only way is up in my opinion.

[beatlesaint]

He lingers like a fart in a lift.

 

Nineteen Canteen you mean ?

 

Couldn't agree more

[Norm]

LM was manager here for 12years. He didn`t "just win the Cup". He attracted the top player in England and Europe to this club (KK was European Footballer of the Year when we signed him). We made 3 appearances at Wembley. We finished Runners-Up in the old First Division. He gave this club times that we can only dream of. It`s a bit like trying to tell people born in the 80`s how big The Beatles were. If you were not there, then you probably don`t understand, but this doesn`t change the facts.

 

 

I loved that bit! Sadly, there will always be people that walk through life with a bitter taste in the mouth.

 

LM? No, he ain't perfect but I'm happy to be in his corner.

 

PS, good rant, David!

[docker-p]

Just because we won the cup does not mean he deserves anything he has dined out on our limited success for sometime

 

On the other hand I also dont think he deserves abuse either

I think you need a history lesson friend.

We didn't 'just win the cup' under LM. For the first time in our history we became an establish top flight club, qualifying for europe, finnishing runners up in '84 league cup final appearance in '79 and attracted the european footballer of the year to play in our colours.

Just won the cup? FFS](*,)

[John B]

I think you need a history lesson friend.

We didn't 'just win the cup' under LM. For the first time in our history we became an establish top flight club, qualifying for europe, finnishing runners up in '84 league cup final appearance in '79 and attracted the european footballer of the year to play in our colours.

Just won the cup? FFS](*,)

 

As you do appear to require a history lesson We were in Europe before Lawrie Mac took us down to Div 2

 

 

But winning the cup will what he will be known for I would have thought

 

 

Not many people outside Southampton know that we finished second in Div 1 when Man Utd gave up the chase

[SaintRichmond]

Rupert Lowe: Our report, Southampton down to their nails as more anguish looms (27 April, page 9, Sport) wrongly suggested that the Football Association was conducting an investigation into where a reported £40m had gone missing when Mr Lowe was chairman of Southampton FC. In fact there was no missing money nor any FA investigation. We apologise unreservedly to Mr Lowe for this error.

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2009/jul/18/rupert-lowe-corrections-clarifications

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/apr/27/southampton-burnley-championship-relegation

 

 

 

Well done Mr Lowe .........

 

........ ( just wait for the dust to settle ..... then withdraw it from the Swiss Bank Account .... and give it to Mr Fry at, er ??? .... where is he employed now ??? )

[um pahars]

For his achievements as a club manager at Southampton he should be rightly revered.

 

And I think that apart from a small minority who for their own disparate reasoins hate Lawrie, the vast majority of the Saints family hold him in very high regard.

 

His actions as Director of Football during the 90's, didn't exactly bathe him glory unfortunately.

 

I don't really remember anything sensationally bad about that period.

 

His return heralded Branfoot's departure, so it certainly started brightly!!!

 

I don't remember Bally and Lawrie having major problems, nor do I think Lawrie was overly involved in Bally leaving. He recently recounted how he was on holiday when it all blew up and if Askham & co. had spoken to him earlier then he would have said we should have put the metaphorical arm around Bally and make him feel wanted.

 

I don't think Merrington was treated fairly at all.

 

The Souness scenario is up for debate, but with Souness walking out, Lawrie would argue he did the honourable thing and followed him.

 

But as I said at the start, have I missed something over this period?

 

There are then the largely unsubstantiated rumours of interference during the Wilde/Hone years,

 

These are the same rumours that originated on the Saints List, where let's say the sentiment on there by a few is not that warm to Lawrie.

 

I spoke to three of the top four men at the time when these rumours surfaced and even though they weren't Lawrie's biggest fans (as subsequent fall outs showed), they dismissed this alleged interference out of hand.

 

the demand for the club car, office at the training ground

 

And at the same time they also dismissed these rumours that started on the Saints List. And as I said above, the dismissals came from those who I would say were not on Lawrie's Xmas card list.

 

What might be interesting is to ask who first started those rumours where they got their information from and what their motivations were, as IMHO at this time there were some outside forces out and about looking to smear people.

 

and 75k salary.

 

Two sides to this one.

 

The first was that he was performing his duties and actually increased sales way above the cost, and that anyone doing something should not be scared of being rewarded for their efforts.

 

The second was that this is the type of thing he should have been doing for nothing to show his love and support for the Club.

 

Personally, I would plump for somewhere in the middle.

 

If he was in the directors box yesterday then I do hope it was as a guest of Markus Liebherr. I think he should be a guest at every home match for life

 

Indeed he should be a guest at every match and he should also have no direct running in the day to day affairs of the Club.

 

However, I would also have no objection with the people running the Club or even running the team asking for advice, support or help on any matter. After all, Ted Bates contributed in the background for many years.

 

Of course Lawrie has made mistakes and anyone as successful as he was is always going to have an ego and not be a shrinking violet (particularly with the players he had), it's just I find the villification of him by a minority on here to be rather misplaced. I can almost ignore the youngsters on here who can't comprehend what he did for the Club, as I think that's just a part of the modern day society where IMHO people aren't as backward looking as some of us oldies appear to be.

[VectisSaint]

As you do appear to require a history lesson We were in Europe before Lawrie Mac took us down to Div 2

I suspect what Docker meant was qualifying for Europe regularly Ted of course did get us into Europe twice.

 

I even forgot to mention the Europe bits in my post above, they really were great times, it is very sad that we are now a 3rd level team thanks to those who Lawrie did not like... The youngsters of today will probably never understand these past glories, and hence the lack of respect from certain people who are not bright enough to understand the true worth of certain people. They probably even criticise Mick and Ron for playing for Pompey

[ottery st mary]

I suspect what Docker meant was qualifying for Europe regularly Ted of course did get us into Europe twice.

 

I even forgot to mention the Europe bits in my post above, they really were great times, it is very sad that we are now a 3rd level team thanks to those who Lawrie did not like... The youngsters of today will probably never understand these past glories, and hence the lack of respect from certain people who are not bright enough to understand the true worth of certain people. They probably even criticise Mick and Ron for playing for Pompey

 

Good reading your thoughts/posts and Weston too...

My only observation.. being..For the Mighty Saints...Both Ron and Mick played..

For Pompey they appeared....Their heart was never in it for some reason:-#

[suewhistle]

I read The Guardian, and they do have a legitimate question - where _did_ the money go? If they had suggested waste and incompetence would Lowe have challenged it?

[david in sweden]

Good reading your thoughts/posts and Weston too...

My only observation.. being..For the Mighty Saints...Both Ron and Mick played..

For Pompey they appeared....Their heart was never in it for some reason:-#

 

 

One might add that both players were nearing the end of their top flight careers before descending into the world of lower league / U.S. football and all things non-league. Playing for Pompey was just another pay-day.

 

The glory remains from their Dell days and nothing can remove that from the memories of those who witnessed it.

[so22saint]

Not many people outside Southampton know that we finished second in Div 1 when Man Utd gave up the chase

 

Who give us toss what other people think. Man Utd gave up the chase? Right.... Sounds like a closet Manc to me

[EastleighSoulBoy]

There are no legal grounds to pursue an apology over an opinion or notion that can be proven to a reasonable degree. Lowe has been linked with the club both as an executive director and as the leader of a major shareholding block while on the outside looking in. Therefore it is fair to say he has been inextricably linked with the club, and as the club has indeed collapsed from top-tier consistency, he has also been inextricably linked with the club's collapse from top-tier consistency over the past five seasons. As far as I know, Lowe has only ever pursued apologies/corrections for libellous statements, which are obviously different from mere opining he mignt not like.

 

A point made much better than I did. Well said.

[ottery st mary]

One might add that both players were nearing the end of their top flight careers before descending into the world of lower league / U.S. football and all things non-league. Playing for Pompey was just another pay-day.

 

The glory remains from their Dell days and nothing can remove that from the memories of those who witnessed it.

 

True Saints and idolised by many of us.....Especially the really old Saints :Dforum posters.... who I also idolise and look up to.:-#

 

Like who ottery.:smt032.....Vectis, Weston, Ron the Manager, phil the boss, nick the wannnabee Manager, um, lordwood, thorpie the real sinner and my old aussie mate Bones and John Sydenham...if he were to post...God bless you all and the others I forgot to mention....All wise heads one and all...

 

To Saints and the rise from the Ashes...