Nicola Cortese

[Crab Lungs]

Just wrote a huuuuuge post on Nicola Cortese and for some reason lost it, though I feel inclined to share with you all what I wrote if I can remember it all.

 

Anyway, I work with someone who knew I supported Saints and just today he found out the man behind our takeover was Nicola Cortese. He used to move in the same esteemed circles as Mr Cortese and I couldn't get in a word edgeways as he waxed lyrical about Cortese' brilliance.

 

He explained how respected and how highly thought of Cortese was in the banking world (not just the banking world RL comes from and what we imagine.) He said Nicola specialises in sports management and sports investments and is the guy who points investors in the right direction to attractive and potential investments - hence how we ended up with Mr Liebherr - Nicola really bent his ear about the opportunity to be had at SFC.

 

My mind was already made up about Nicola post-forum after hearing him speak so convincingly however my colleague reiterated that Nicola was articulate, well-connected (he will open and use alot of his renowned contacts for the benefit of Saints etc), engaging and how genuinely brilliant he is at what he does. As I said, alot of our initial impressions of Cortese are correct - he spoke with admiration about his personable skills and how quickly he is to 'tap in' to the local communities of clubs and listen, understand and deliver upon any queries/concerns they have (my friend didn't know anything about how quick NC was to reply to the fans forums comments and when I told him he wasn't surprised - commenting that is what NC is like, he's exceptionally good and receptive.)

 

He said that the club will be run with a professionalism not seen for circa 10 years and will be viewed as a project and we need to recognise that. Saints will invest prudently and in relation to our status and turnover and will never be run aground again like with what happened before.

 

He is the ultimate problem-solver and has been amazingly successful in practically all of his ventures and could see Nicola, with Markus' investment, guiding us back to the elite once more given the time and opportunity. He mentioned that to have NC meant that we have 'possibly the best person in the world for the job right now' also, which brought another little astounded smile.

 

 

Anyway, I did write more and if I remember it i will post it but I just wanted to share with you all what i heard - and, essentially, what we already know. That said, it was a great way to start a weekend and I hope this gives you all a good feeling too. Now, another 3 points tomorrow and a seventh consecutive skate capitulation later and I'll be on the cola shots in Linekers to the early morning - happy days

 

Have a good weekend all.

[Northernsaint]

Make that two

[St_Tel49]

Just wrote a huuuuuge post on Nicola Cortese and for some reason lost it, though I feel inclined to share with you all what I wrote if I can remember it all.

 

Anyway, I work with someone who knew I supported Saints and just today he found out the man behind our takeover was Nicola Cortese. He used to move in the same esteemed circles as Mr Cortese and I couldn't get in a word edgeways as he waxed lyrical about Cortese' brilliance.

 

He explained how respected and how highly thought of Cortese was in the banking world (not just the banking world RL comes from and what we imagine.) He said Nicola specialises in sports management and sports investments and is the guy who points investors in the right direction to attractive and potential investments - hence how we ended up with Mr Liebherr - Nicola really bent his ear about the opportunity to be had at SFC.

 

My mind was already made up about Nicola post-forum after hearing him speak so convincingly however my colleague reiterated that Nicola was articulate, well-connected (he will open and use alot of his renowned contacts for the benefit of Saints etc), engaging and how genuinely brilliant he is at what he does. As I said, alot of our initial impressions of Cortese are correct - he spoke with admiration about his personable skills and how quickly he is to 'tap in' to the local communities of clubs and listen, understand and deliver upon any queries/concerns they have (my friend didn't know anything about how quick NC was to reply to the fans forums comments and when I told him he wasn't surprised - commenting that is what NC is like, he's exceptionally good and receptive.)

 

He said that the club will be run with a professionalism not seen for circa 10 years and will be viewed as a project and we need to recognise that. Saints will invest prudently and in relation to our status and turnover and will never be run aground again like with what happened before.

 

He is the ultimate problem-solver and has been amazingly successful in practically all of his ventures and could see Nicola, with Markus' investment, guiding us back to the elite once more given the time and opportunity. He mentioned that to have NC meant that we have 'possibly the best person in the world for the job right now' also, which brought another little astounded smile.

 

 

Anyway, I did write more and if I remember it i will post it but I just wanted to share with you all what i heard - and, essentially, what we already know. That said, it was a great way to start a weekend and I hope this gives you all a good feeling too. Now, another 3 points tomorrow and a seventh consecutive skate capitulation later and I'll be on the cola shots in Linekers to the early morning - happy days

 

Have a good weekend all.

I already thought that NC seemed just right for us. The Solent forum reinforced it but it is nice to have it confirmed from yet another source.

[Pilchards]

It was great reading that as I'm sat in my works canteen scoffing my sarnie, So far Cortese is ticking all the right boxes and with it he has the best manager in Pardew who will enjoy working with him too.

These two things and a wealthy owner can only point you in the right direction to the premiership.

 

 

 

Hey Crabby, I have your pm and I will text you later once I'm out there, Cant wait to meet you and Cabbage.

[Master Bates]

Hey Crabby, I have your pm and I will text you later once I'm out there, Cant wait to meet you and Cabbage.

 

A fish going to meet a crustacean and a vegetable, mmm, seems normal I guess.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

......

 

These two things and a wealthy owner can only point you in the right direction to the premiership.

 

 

 

Hey Crabby, I have your pm and I will text you later once I'm out there, Cant wait to meet you and Cabbage.

 

A fish going to meet a crustacean and a vegetable, mmm, seems normal I guess.

 

Thanks Mr Crabby, kind of reinforces our new found, but careful, optimism.

 

Will you and Pilchards be meeting Squidward for a crabby patty later?

 

(Just realised I watch waaay tooo much kids TV!)

[John B]

Just wrote a huuuuuge post on Nicola Cortese and for some reason lost it, though I feel inclined to share with you all what I wrote if I can remember it all.

 

Anyway, I work with someone who knew I supported Saints and just today he found out the man behind our takeover was Nicola Cortese. He used to move in the same esteemed circles as Mr Cortese and I couldn't get in a word edgeways as he waxed lyrical about Cortese' brilliance.

 

He explained how respected and how highly thought of Cortese was in the banking world (not just the banking world RL comes from and what we imagine.) He said Nicola specialises in sports management and sports investments and is the guy who points investors in the right direction to attractive and potential investments - hence how we ended up with Mr Liebherr - Nicola really bent his ear about the opportunity to be had at SFC.

 

My mind was already made up about Nicola post-forum after hearing him speak so convincingly however my colleague reiterated that Nicola was articulate, well-connected (he will open and use alot of his renowned contacts for the benefit of Saints etc), engaging and how genuinely brilliant he is at what he does. As I said, alot of our initial impressions of Cortese are correct - he spoke with admiration about his personable skills and how quickly he is to 'tap in' to the local communities of clubs and listen, understand and deliver upon any queries/concerns they have (my friend didn't know anything about how quick NC was to reply to the fans forums comments and when I told him he wasn't surprised - commenting that is what NC is like, he's exceptionally good and receptive.)

 

He said that the club will be run with a professionalism not seen for circa 10 years and will be viewed as a project and we need to recognise that. Saints will invest prudently and in relation to our status and turnover and will never be run aground again like with what happened before.

 

He is the ultimate problem-solver and has been amazingly successful in practically all of his ventures and could see Nicola, with Markus' investment, guiding us back to the elite once more given the time and opportunity. He mentioned that to have NC meant that we have 'possibly the best person in the world for the job right now' also, which brought another little astounded smile.

 

 

Anyway, I did write more and if I remember it i will post it but I just wanted to share with you all what i heard - and, essentially, what we already know. That said, it was a great way to start a weekend and I hope this gives you all a good feeling too. Now, another 3 points tomorrow and a seventh consecutive skate capitulation later and I'll be on the cola shots in Linekers to the early morning - happy days

 

Have a good weekend all.

 

Unfortunately everyone who comes in says virtually the same although I expect what you say is true and the club will be well run but that is not of course guaranteed.

 

 

Having no debt and financial concerns is going to make running the club a lot easier than in the past.

 

 

Success on the field is important to me and a few away wins starting today will be great.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

Unfortunately everyone who comes in says virtually the same although I expect what you say is true and the club will be well run but that is not of course guaranteed.

 

 

Having no debt and financial concerns is going to make running the club a lot easier than in the past.

 

 

Success on the field is important to me and a few away wins starting today will be great.

 

3 points today will be well worth drinking to!

[Pilchards]

A fish going to meet a crustacean and a vegetable, mmm, seems normal I guess.

 

Haha it does seem silly looking back at my message, as for you Eastleigh.....

 

Tooooo much telly

 

;-)

[Wes Tender]

Thanks for that, CL. Always encouraging to know from anecdotal evidence that somebody is respected in the professional circles they move in. Like most others, I had formed my own opinion of him from listening to what he had to say on the forum, but it is good to have it reinforced.

 

So far, the board has not put a foot wrong and we are making solid progress at a steady pace. For me, the most pertinent quote from him was the recognition that although ML was the de facto owner of the club, they saw themselves as the custodians for future generations. That is very comforting and refreshing in this day and age in the modern game. I suspect that the same could be said about the early boards, who comprised the great and the good in the local community who owned those token £1 shares, but we all know that eventually they became greedy and motivated by personal gain. At least we know that somebody as wealthy as ML is more likely to be motivated by other aspects, as personal greed is unlikely to be a motive for him.

 

It seems that both ML and Cortese both understand that a successful business is not only one that has the financial input necessary, but also one which understands the needs and desires of its paying customers. As debated many times before, this business is different from many others as a large proportion of its customers are fans, fanatics who will continue to support it regardless of price and league position within reason. Although this aspect of the business allows the owners a degree of latitude when it comes to the pricing and service offered, I feel confident that the new people will understand something that their predecessors did not; for a business to succeed and prosper, the customers need to feel valued and content.

 

There is already some evidence following on from the forum that Cortese not only listens to the fans, but also acts promptly to address their concerns.

 

The best businesses have some facility whereby they can meet their customers regularly and listen to what they want. I believe that should we put together some group representative of the fans, that they will be receptive to meeting us periodically and would welcome the opportunity for dialogue.

 

Having said that, I for one believe that so far everything they have done in the way of managerial appointment and background staff, purchase of players, pricing of tickets, etc, seems to be spot on.

 

I'm certainly both a very happy customer and fan.

[beatlesaint]

After the doom, gloom and depression of the previous regime at Southampton FC its good to read, and see for ones self, how much more professional this club is now running.

 

I guess the deeper the low you encounter (no pun intended) the higher the highs will be but as with most things patience will be required. There is no overnight fix to the years of decay that we were subjected to unfortunately.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Thanks for that, CL. Always encouraging to know from anecdotal evidence that somebody is respected in the professional circles they move in. Like most others, I had formed my own opinion of him from listening to what he had to say on the forum, but it is good to have it reinforced.

 

So far, the board has not put a foot wrong and we are making solid progress at a steady pace. For me, the most pertinent quote from him was the recognition that although ML was the de facto owner of the club, they saw themselves as the custodians for future generations. That is very comforting and refreshing in this day and age in the modern game. I suspect that the same could be said about the early boards, who comprised the great and the good in the local community who owned those token £1 shares, but we all know that eventually they became greedy and motivated by personal gain. At least we know that somebody as wealthy as ML is more likely to be motivated by other aspects, as personal greed is unlikely to be a motive for him.

 

It seems that both ML and Cortese both understand that a successful business is not only one that has the financial input necessary, but also one which understands the needs and desires of its paying customers. As debated many times before, this business is different from many others as a large proportion of its customers are fans, fanatics who will continue to support it regardless of price and league position within reason. Although this aspect of the business allows the owners a degree of latitude when it comes to the pricing and service offered, I feel confident that the new people will understand something that their predecessors did not; for a business to succeed and prosper, the customers need to feel valued and content.

 

There is already some evidence following on from the forum that Cortese not only listens to the fans, but also acts promptly to address their concerns.

 

The best businesses have some facility whereby they can meet their customers regularly and listen to what they want. I believe that should we put together some group representative of the fans, that they will be receptive to meeting us periodically and would welcome the opportunity for dialogue.

 

Having said that, I for one believe that so far everything they have done in the way of managerial appointment and background staff, purchase of players, pricing of tickets, etc, seems to be spot on.

 

I'm certainly both a very happy customer and fan.

 

Here here, I couldn't be more impressed. Now to move the off field results onto the pitch. COYR!

[Wildgoose]

That is sooo good to read. Thanks CL. Adds to the pride in supporting Saints even further and gave me a really good feeling!

 

It seems like we really couldn't have ended up with a better outcome!

 

Fantastic!

[doggface]

I was massively impressed with nc from the very start & i was delighted when it was agreed to stay here as an exec. The new regime have not put a foot wrong since they walked in and I for one am feeling very positive about the future - but it will take time.

What happened at notts county felt wrong from the start, these guys are the real deal.

They are not going to spunk stupid money at this level, the higher we go though the bigger the budget we will get.

Nicola's ethos is promise less deliver more which I wholeheartedly agree with.

[musesaint]

NC is undoubtedly one of the best things to come out of the takeover.

 

Anyone who needs to know why should listen to the Fans Forum at SMS on Monday.

 

He's probably the single best thing to happen in the Boardroom for two decades.

 

If he was a striker he'd have cost us £20m+ IMHO

[ottery st mary]

Many thanks CL for your time and effort....Soooooo good to read and sets me up for the day and 2-0 win COYRS....Thank you NC.

[oxfordshire_saint]

Nice to know we're now ran by someone who is in the elite of their field and highly respected.

 

Makes a change from egotistical *****s on a power trip all trying to outdo eachother at boardroom level, this club had become a very petty place, it's nice now to have the main debates about the action on the pitch.

[Gis]

Good thread Mr Lungs.

 

What amazes me is just how NC persuaded Marcus to invest; let alone, allegedly, over just a single day meeting at the start of the year.

 

He must be massively trusted and respected for Marcus, to come up with £13 million for risky investment in a venture that is hardly a Liebherr speciality? If he sticks around I hope NC will finally deliver the plan to truly make us a big club.

 

I guess the dream ticket would be the 'conspiracy theory' that Liebherr and Cortese also see Southampton, the City, as an opportunity for investment far beyond just the football club.

[Thedelldays]

Good thread Mr Lungs.

 

What amazes me is just how NC persuaded Marcus to invest; let alone, allegedly, over just a single day meeting at the start of the year.

 

He must be massively trusted and respected for Marcus, to come up with £13 million for risky investment in a venture that is hardly a Liebherr speciality? If he sticks around I hope NC will finally deliver the plan to truly make us a big club.

 

I guess the dream ticket would be the 'conspiracy theory' that Liebherr and Cortese also see Southampton, the City, as an opportunity for investment far beyond just the football club.

 

 

maybe...we do have big cranes..lol

 

seriously, if they could tap into the docks that would be a great bit of business for them...what better PR than rescuing the local team and make them good again..

[saint_stevo]

Hey Crabby, I have your pm and I will text you later once I'm out there, Cant wait to meet you and Cabbage.

 

Face is out with Mr Lungs?

 

Good luck Pilchards....

[spyinthesky]

Messrs Cortese and Oldknow are hosting a meet with local business interests at the Bristol Rovs game on Tuesday.

 

Good initiative to forge closer links between businesses (and casczading down to their employees) and SFC

 

I doubt the Dark Lord could ever arrange this (in fact I heard about a top man at a major local company introducing himself to Mr Lowe at an away game 2 yrs ago and got blanked!!)

 

Unfortunately the business man would have nothing to do with SFC after that

[Crab Lungs]

Thanks everyone and fingers crossed for today, eh?

 

Anyway, I know I was pretty much raking over familiar ground and as mentioned above, many people have already fashioned a positive opinion of NC however it's always nice to hear someone reaffirm those beliefs.

[Gingeletiss]

Unfortunately everyone who comes in says virtually the same although I expect what you say is true and the club will be well run but that is not of course guaranteed.

 

 

Having no debt and financial concerns is going to make running the club a lot easier than in the past.

 

 

Success on the field is important to me and a few away wins starting today will be great.

 

John B.............just a question, as you remind me of another poster who could never see anything good in Saints...........are you or were you SOG??..you have the same manner of posting.

[John B]

John B.............just a question, as you remind me of another poster who could never see anything good in Saints...........are you or were you SOG??..you have the same manner of posting.

 

No just getting used to not winning very often after five years of abject failure.

 

 

I am getting fed up being told that things will improve but they never seem to we are still ten points away from safety after nearly two months

 

I was convinced we were going to win today but at half time still 0 0 but of course there is still time to win and if not today there is always Tuesday next week next month next year next season etc

Edited 26 September, 2009 by John B

[Kadeem Hardison]

I also heard the following good things about Nicola Cortese:

 

There is no 'ctrl' button on Nicola Cortese's keyboard. Nicola Cortese is always in control.

 

Nicola Cortese can sneeze with his eyes open.

 

Nicola Cortese can kill two stones with one bird.

[Rebel]

I heard he eats Skates for breakfast....

 

....and then has 3 weetabix!!!

[Dark Munster]

Nicola Cortese = Saints legend.

[Draino76]

Chuck Norris may have finally met his match.

[ericofarabia]

I was initially disappointed that "Nicola"wasn't the mystery leggy blonde supposedly seen getting out of the Red Rolls Royce (colour/type maybe wrong!!) at SMS around the start of the takeover

 

Everything I've heard from him since though has been spot on. So refreshing from the previous regime.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

I was initially disappointed that "Nicola"wasn't the mystery leggy blonde supposedly seen getting out of the Red Rolls Royce (colour/type maybe wrong!!) at SMS around the start of the takeover

 

Everything I've heard from him since though has been spot on. So refreshing from the previous regime.

 

Are you sure that the 'leggy blonde' wasn't just Peter Crouch dropping in to see his old mates?

[Toadhall Saint]

His whole demeanour just tells you how good he is. People like ML "employ" these people because they know if they want to remain successful they must surround themselves with the best. Not too much different than successful football managers - just a different product. IMHO the club we support is set for good things if for no other reason than the fact that NC & ML do not fail.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

His whole demeanour just tells you how good he is. People like ML "employ" these people because they know if they want to remain successful they must surround themselves with the best. Not too much different than successful football managers - just a different product. IMHO the club we support is set for good things if for no other reason than the fact that NC & ML do not fail.

 

Indeed, just leaves me wondering what players will be brought in as we improve and climb the divisions.

[dune]

I can't start threads, so have bumped this one up.

 

Has anyone else noticed how Saints is all about the football now? All about the players and the manager?

 

For the whole 10 years Lowe was at the club he couldn't bare not to be the centre of attention. Towards the end Lowe had split the fanbase in the same way the English Civil war split families. I think Lowe actually enjoyed doing it too.

 

Thankyou Nicola for giving us a football club back.

[trousers]

We, arguably, need to thank Tom McLaughlin for putting the club on Cortese's subconcious radar in 2007

[alehouseboys]

We, arguably, need to thank Tom McLaughlin for putting the club on Cortese's subconcious radar in 2007

 

...and maybe Mr Askham for bringing in Wupert & Co who went on to bring the club to it's knees which in turn lead to the likes of Mr McLaughlin and......

 

We thank you all.

[Toadhall Saint]

I can't start threads, so have bumped this one up.

 

Has anyone else noticed how Saints is all about the football now? All about the players and the manager?

 

For the whole 10 years Lowe was at the club he couldn't bare not to be the centre of attention. Towards the end Lowe had split the fanbase in the same way the English Civil war split families. I think Lowe actually enjoyed doing it too.

 

Thankyou Nicola for giving us a football club back.

 

 

Its called divide and rule and has been going on for centuries - the English middle to upper classes are very successful at it to.

[Badger]

I also heard the following good things about Nicola Cortese:

 

There is no 'ctrl' button on Nicola Cortese's keyboard. Nicola Cortese is always in control.

 

Nicola Cortese can sneeze with his eyes open.

 

Nicola Cortese can kill two stones with one bird.

 

Didn't we once have such a thread about Nigel Pearson ?

 

On the subject of Cortese he certainly does seem capable.I've only heard one interview with him, this was plain speaking and honest.He promised an "exciting" signing and within 48hours Lambert was a Saint.

[beatlesaint]

...and maybe Mr Askham for bringing in Wupert & Co who went on to bring the club to it's knees which in turn lead to the likes of Mr McLaughlin and......

 

We thank you all.

 

your irony is terrific but lets not go too far - heh heh

[Foxstone]

I can't start threads, so have bumped this one up.

 

Has anyone else noticed how Saints is all about the football now? All about the players and the manager?

 

For the whole 10 years Lowe was at the club he couldn't bare not to be the centre of attention. Towards the end Lowe had split the fanbase in the same way the English Civil war split families. I think Lowe actually enjoyed doing it too.

 

Thankyou Nicola for giving us a football club back.

 

I have always hated that phrase since that blithering idiot from Jersey used it !

 

But on this occasion I think it is very appropriate..

 

Top man Nic !