ladysaint Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Though I am more than appreciative of ML taking over our club and getting rid of all the deadwood and hangers on, I still think that we need some sort of President/Ambassador for the club, someone who is held in high esteem by all in the footballing world, fans and players alike and would be a good representative of Southampton Football Club. I was talking to some older fans last night who were upset to hear that the club has lost a figurehead in John Mortimer who is no longer Club President we then went on to debate who would be suitable to fill this role if the club were to rethink the role of Club President. Nominations and ideas ranged and were dismissed for the following reasons, Terry Paine (South Africa), John Sydenham (Australia), Ron Davies (USA), Channon (busy with the gee gees), Matty (Golf/TV commitments) or to re-instate John Mortimer. Would be pleased to hear what other fans think of this. No doubt this will receive a lot of negative responses and as stated previously I am more than appreciative of ML saving our club from non existence, but would still like to see some old values restored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Though I am more than appreciative of ML taking over our club and getting rid of all the deadwood and hangers on, I still think that we need some sort of President/Ambassador for the club, someone who is held in high esteem by all in the footballing world, fans and players alike and would be a good representative of Southampton Football Club. I was talking to some older fans last night who were upset to hear that the club has lost a figurehead in John Mortimer who is no longer Club President we then went on to debate who would be suitable to fill this role if the club were to rethink the role of Club President. Nominations and ideas ranged and were dismissed for the following reasons, Terry Paine (South Africa), John Sydenham (Australia), Ron Davies (USA), Channon (busy with the gee gees), Matty (Golf/TV commitments) or to re-instate John Mortimer. Would be pleased to hear what other fans think of this. No doubt this will receive a lot of negative responses and as stated previously I am more than appreciative of ML saving our club from non existence, but would still like to see some old values restored. At the moment, I don't think it is seen as a priority. I'm sure that something will be sorted out in the close season (may be Patron of 125 years celebration) but at present Cortese is a one-man-band running the business and until he get his executive team finalised, I can't see him awarding figure-head posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rational Rich Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 I know it would be controversial with some posters on here (whose objections seem small in comparison with what he achieved with the club), but surely Lawrie would be the obvious person and, but for his fall out with Rupert, would probably have been in the role ahead of John Mortimer when Ted passed away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jam Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 I know it would be controversial with some posters on here (whose objections seem small in comparison with what he achieved with the club), but surely Lawrie would be the obvious person and, but for his fall out with Rupert, would probably have been in the role ahead of John Mortimer when Ted passed away. I think you've answered your own suggestion there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintsmike25 Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 The obvious candidate for the job has to be Rupert Lowe and I think we should give some honours to that amazing Tottenham manager who guided us in our time of need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scummer Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Wasn't this discussed in some depth a few weeks back? http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=17637 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 I agree it would be good to have a respected figure in this role,which is an honorary and ambassadorial position. Obvious questions though would be criterea for the post,and who is available.If we are seeking someone with a longstanding and distinguished Saints connection,then really there are in my view only two realistic outstanding candidates,John Mortimore and,I know this will reopen heated debate, Lawrie Mac.As stated the other candidates are overseas or otherwise occupied. It is disappointing if they have been lost to Saints,but if their abscence is due to sulks etc then that is their choice and I see no reason for the new regime to chase after them. As krissyboy says though,this is probably a long way down the current list of priorities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladysaint Posted 4 December, 2009 Author Share Posted 4 December, 2009 What about someone like Herbie Taylor a well respected fan and knows everything about the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
South Londoner Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 What about someone like Herbie Taylor a well respected fan and knows everything about the club. Would that be Herbie off of the old Saintslist ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 (edited) Though I am more than appreciative of ML taking over our club and getting rid of all the deadwood and hangers on, I still think that we need some sort of President/Ambassador for the club, someone who is held in high esteem by all in the footballing world, fans and players alike and would be a good representative of Southampton Football Club. I was talking to some older fans last night who were upset to hear that the club has lost a figurehead in John Mortimer who is no longer Club President we then went on to debate who would be suitable to fill this role if the club were to rethink the role of Club President. Nominations and ideas ranged and were dismissed for the following reasons, Terry Paine (South Africa), John Sydenham (Australia), Ron Davies (USA), Channon (busy with the gee gees), Matty (Golf/TV commitments) or to re-instate John Mortimer. Would be pleased to hear what other fans think of this. No doubt this will receive a lot of negative responses and as stated previously I am more than appreciative of ML saving our club from non existence, but would still like to see some old values restored. Some others have commented here butIMHO it isn't as if the Chairmanship is an important post;(like team manager or a no.9).... I have a feeling that NC / ML may have an ace or two up their sleeve..we'll have to wait and see. By tradition the President was a local dignitary who gave the club some respectability in the public arena. (wasn't Earl Mountbatten club president at one stage ?) and then only to make a few public/ social jippos each year. However, reading the rest of your mail, it occured to me that the famous names you listed (all belong to -what I call the 400 club - exc. Ron Davies who was a legend in his own right) - are all good candidates, but the fact that they all live on other continents may be a blessing in disguise. None of them is likely to move back to the UK - except to get a knighthood - but why can't they be "ambassadors" for the club in on their own continents? The original idea of the diplomatic role is someone representing our country in ANOTHER country and the people you mentioned are the best we could ever find to represent SFC abroad...and if we are looking forward to a higher league of football in the coming years we need to build up an overseas fan-base on other continents (as Man.U / Chelsea have done.) So -YES ! a new club President (in time), but let our great heroes of the past be good ambassadors in their (present) countries. It must be worth paying a few K per year to them,as we likely pay far more to our scouts out in the sticks, and the goodwill factor would be enormous as there are some active fans bases in these (English speaking) lands already. Edited 4 December, 2009 by david in sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draino76 Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Though I am more than appreciative of ML taking over our club and getting rid of all the deadwood and hangers on, I still think that we need some sort of President/Ambassador for the club, someone who is held in high esteem by all in the footballing world, fans and players alike and would be a good representative of Southampton Football Club. I was talking to some older fans last night who were upset to hear that the club has lost a figurehead in John Mortimer who is no longer Club President we then went on to debate who would be suitable to fill this role if the club were to rethink the role of Club President. Nominations and ideas ranged and were dismissed for the following reasons, Terry Paine (South Africa), John Sydenham (Australia), Ron Davies (USA), Channon (busy with the gee gees), Matty (Golf/TV commitments) or to re-instate John Mortimer. Would be pleased to hear what other fans think of this. No doubt this will receive a lot of negative responses and as stated previously I am more than appreciative of ML saving our club from non existence, but would still like to see some old values restored. Nice font. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bearsy Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 As far as the rest of the world is concerned, LeTissier represents Saints. I'm not sure it matters that he isn't doing it 'officially'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Sensible question - What does a club president do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Sensible question - What does a club president do? Non sensible answer - presides? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Thanks for that FF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 What about someone like Herbie Taylor a well respected fan and knows everything about the club. I think you should really be looking at someone who has actually represented the club at some level, wether it be player, coach, manager etc rather than a fan of many years standing, no offence whatsoever to Herbie of course. As it is really just a title and ambassador role I dont see that someone like Mike Channon could be ruled out because of his race horse training or MLT cos of TV work. I would look to give the role/title to a one club man or someone who has given outstanding service to the club over a long period of time. For that reason a shortlist of Le Tiss, McMenemy, Channon, Paine, Sydenham, Nick Holmes, Ron Davies etc could be drawn up and supporters could be invited to vote IF the club do just view the position as a figurehead in the football world. Do most clubs still have a President out of interest ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Nice font. Is that a euphamism? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ART Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 What about someone like Herbie Taylor a well respected fan and knows everything about the club. Jan, I've got a nasty feeling where this is all leading. As the secretary of his fan club I see your next suggestion being Leon Crouch. Lord forbid, I hope that he and all the past renegrades stay well away despite having a good heart, money but a wonky way of doing things.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nineteen Canteen Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Sensible question - What does a club president do? Non sensible answer - presides? Thanks for that FF Therefore, a president is not required because he will have nothing to preside over and /or exercise his control and authority. We could have an honorary president given as recognition of a persons unstintingly loyal and passionate contribution to the club and to be quite frank I suspect there are some very long serving season ticket holders out there who would be more deserving than some of the names mentioned. Furthermore, honorary infers it is an unpaid position and no doubt that would discount a few more, unlike the loyal fan of say 50 years standing who would be genuinely grateful and proud of such an honour bestowed upon them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WokingSaint Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 This doesn't need discussion - there is only one real candidate. He is the reason I started supporting this club and he provided, through his teams and personality, the most enjoyable time I have ever had watching football. Those miserable detractors who have accused him of all sorts of things of which he is not guilty were probably not there at the time. He is as much 'Mr. Southampton' as Ted Bates was (due respect) and there is no one that can be invited into this honoury position above him. And if I have to name him you are on a different planet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 I like the way it's being run now. No freeloaders. We've got a President/owner, he saved the club as far as I am concerned everything else is meaningless. Time to move on. (55 years watching Saints.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 I admire teh sentiments Ladysaint, but I dont think its necessary at the moment. Especially as the priority is to stabalise and grow in an environment that needs progressive thinkers without distractions given the competitive nature of the league. There are very few such as Ted who woudl have inspired aand united all.. there are eitehr candidates that are divisive, or really have nothing to offer apart form smiley face. I think at the moment we dont need to have another opinion or voice eminating from the coridors. The culture and atmosphere around the club is 99% generated by results in the modern age Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nineteen Canteen Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 I like the way it's being run now. No freeloaders. We've got a President/owner, he saved the club as far as I am concerned everything else is meaningless. Time to move on. (55 years watching Saints.) Here Here! Failing that I nominate Derry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Here Here! Failing that I nominate Derry. Ladysaint did title this thread "Sensible debate" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ART Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 I like the way it's being run now. No freeloaders. We've got a President/owner, he saved the club as far as I am concerned everything else is meaningless. Time to move on. (55 years watching Saints.) I have to agree 100% with your thoughts derry. We now live under a completely new framework and as such Marcus Liebherr is rightly President/Owner of Southampton Football Club. I see no one better placed to represent our club, or it's hopes, it's future and supporters.. At the same time Marcus has shown his respect for the clubs history and all what it has stood for all these years prior to the Apocalypse and it's eventual rebirth under his generous and life saving gesture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nineteen Canteen Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 Ladysaint did title this thread "Sensible debate" You don't agree the title should go to a life long supporter who would undoubtedly appreciate the honour far more than those who can seemingly give up on the club so easily from plastic fans to those expecting a free ticket? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 You don't agree the title should go to a life long supporter who would undoubtedly appreciate the honour far more than those who can seemingly give up on the club so easily from plastic fans to those expecting a free ticket? As you are perfectly aware I was referring to your flippant "i nominate Derry" remark. Perhaps, as font of all knowledge you could answer the question I asked earlier - is the role of President applicable at most clubs these days or is it an out of date title ? If it is from a by-gone day then I agree that things are best left as they are, if we are in the minority and just about the only club that hasn't got a President then I again refer to my opinion which is that a list of names is compiled and supporters/club staff etc vote on it. There would be no reason this could not extend to a supporter of many years standing such as Herbie Taylor, but I do think if its an ambassador type role it should be someone well known in football who people would instantly associate with Southampton. Remember they would have no power or say in the running of the club after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Munster Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 As far as the rest of the world is concerned, LeTissier represents Saints. I'm not sure it matters that he isn't doing it 'officially'. But the advantage is, if he had the role officially, 19C would spontaneously combust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nineteen Canteen Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 As you are perfectly aware I was referring to your flippant "i nominate Derry" remark. Perhaps, as font of all knowledge you could answer the question I asked earlier - is the role of President applicable at most clubs these days or is it an out of date title ? If it is from a by-gone day then I agree that things are best left as they are, if we are in the minority and just about the only club that hasn't got a President then I again refer to my opinion which is that a list of names is compiled and supporters/club staff etc vote on it. There would be no reason this could not extend to a supporter of many years standing such as Herbie Taylor, but I do think if its an ambassador type role it should be someone well known in football who people would instantly associate with Southampton. Remember they would have no power or say in the running of the club after all. I would agree with this but disagree it has to be someone well known outside the club's environs. I actually think it would be a nice gesture to give it to a fan and my remarks towards Derry were not flippant if he has indeed supported the club for 55 years. If it was seen as an ambassadorial role it would need to be given to someone who has conducted themselves without controversy during the past and present regardless of their status at the club. What we don't want is a honorary president that courts the limelight and is open to the odd controversial comment. They IMO have to be in the mould of Ted Bates and IMO that salt of the earth type of character will be found on the terraces and what an honour to bestow an individual in the latter years of their support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nineteen Canteen Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 But the advantage is, if he had the role officially, 19C would spontaneously combust. LOL - I think it's fair to say I would be somewhat unhappy but sadly if you had asked me the question this time last year i would have agreed there would be few better candidates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ottery st mary Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 My vote goes to Mary Corbett. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 4 December, 2009 Share Posted 4 December, 2009 My vote goes to Steve Godwin's nephew. (Regular readers will get it) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutch Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 Dave Merrington. Look no further! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 My vote goes to Mary Corbett. Thats a good call......fits 19C's qualification of a non free loader too since she and her family have always paid for their season tickets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_saints Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 scott_saints Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 Dave Merrington. Look no further! If it means getting him off the Radio Rodent commentary team then I would support that, I might even then re-subscribe to Sainst Player. Serious question, do we know for sure that the post of Club President no longer exists? I was quite surprised to find that the OS seems to be missing any details of who is who at the Club (except for players and coaching staff of course). There is no mention of ML or NC or anyone of that ilk. Unless I am missing something (quite possible, lots of people think I am missing something). As I haven't been to a home game yet this season I have not see a programme - this information used to be listed on the 3rd page of programmes. Club's should have a Club President, if only as an Honorary position, no reason really why John Mortimore should not still hold that position. Lawrie is the other blindingly obvious candidate (awaits incoming from Mr 19C), but I'm sure that there are others who would be willing to fulfil the role. This is nothing to do with the running of the business, it is not a directorship, so should not be controversial for ML/NC to appoint. Its really about meeting and greeting on home match days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 Serious question, do we know for sure that the post of Club President no longer exists? I was quite surprised to find that the OS seems to be missing any details of who is who at the Club (except for players and coaching staff of course). There is no mention of ML or NC or anyone of that ilk. Unless I am missing something (quite possible, lots of people think I am missing something). As I haven't been to a home game yet this season I have not see a programme - this information used to be listed on the 3rd page of programmes. For the first time I can ever recall there are no details of that ilk in the matchday programme this season. It does not even list Pardew and his coaching staff/Assistant Manager. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 Ladysaint, I have never in the 40+years of watching saints seen any of these values that are a dream IMO. As a fan I have only ever been seen as a cash cow. Under every regime I have been expected to be grateful for small mercies and only under the LM pereiod have I seen a team to be really proud of. Even then the board did not support him to go and get the final bit of the jigsaw to win us the league. ML is the father figurehead IMO and he I suggest does not wish to be usurped by any of the old guard. Anyway i dont believe there is 1 who has not got criticism or been devisive. (not H.Taylor as he s to my limited knowledge a fan) Lets just have success and move up and not worry about the frills until we are back to where we belong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 Though I am more than appreciative of ML taking over our club and getting rid of all the deadwood and hangers on, I still think that we need some sort of President/Ambassador for the club, someone who is held in high esteem by all in the footballing world, fans and players alike and would be a good representative of Southampton Football Club. I was talking to some older fans last night who were upset to hear that the club has lost a figurehead in John Mortimer who is no longer Club President we then went on to debate who would be suitable to fill this role if the club were to rethink the role of Club President. Nominations and ideas ranged and were dismissed for the following reasons, Terry Paine (South Africa), John Sydenham (Australia), Ron Davies (USA), Channon (busy with the gee gees), Matty (Golf/TV commitments) or to re-instate John Mortimer. Would be pleased to hear what other fans think of this. No doubt this will receive a lot of negative responses and as stated previously I am more than appreciative of ML saving our club from non existence, but would still like to see some old values restored. One persons deadwood and hangers on are other persons club president. Just why exactly do you feel the need to have one? They are all welcome to come along and watch Saints, no restrictions, no agenda and no politics. This is one of the best things Liebherr has done, no divisions any more, just fans who want to be at the game. This is the last thing I want to see happen and what we have now are fans at the games who just support Saints and want to see them play. Some of the things I used to witness with complementaries brought me closest to wondering why I bother to pay. It is far better now that we only have people who come along because they just want to watch the team. This is one subject where I would write to Cortese and ask why I should bother to continue to pay. I have absolutely nothing against John Mortimer and happy to see him at Saints, but no way do I want to see him back in any role along with what ever else trails behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leslie Charteris Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 How about Frannie Benali - he is a lifelong Saint and he did a pretty good job as a Sky Sports summariser recently, and I bet he could get us a discount at a well known local curry house! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 Not sure we need someone TBH. Markus does the job for me - he saved the club and continues to support Nicola and AP who is doing a fantastic job. Couldn't be happier with our thinned out management structure with more emphasis on good coaches to assist AP. The balance is right - leave well alone until we're back fighting our way back into the Prem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 I am willing to do it, as long as I get free beer on matchdays... and students women and children are barred from St Marys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4737_carlin Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 Any explanation as to why John Mortimore is not longer the President ? Imagine if goold old ted was still in that role Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 I nominate Markus Leibherr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trader Posted 5 December, 2009 Share Posted 5 December, 2009 This doesn't need discussion - there is only one real candidate. He is the reason I started supporting this club and he provided, through his teams and personality, the most enjoyable time I have ever had watching football. Those miserable detractors who have accused him of all sorts of things of which he is not guilty were probably not there at the time. He is as much 'Mr. Southampton' as Ted Bates was (due respect) and there is no one that can be invited into this honoury position above him. And if I have to name him you are on a different planet! If it's who I think you mean I cannot forgive his first season in charge. Relegation from a good position and Lew Chatterley. You cannot manage like he did now - fading superstars still want superstar money these days, and that was his only trick, he could talk Keegan, Ball et al into playing for Saints then, he couldn't get their modern equivalents to sign now. Ted Bates on the other hand, signed players with potential who carried us into the old First Division, and consolidated our position there, only for it to be thrown away in 6 months by your hero. I actually felt so strongly I stopped going for years, even after we won 7 matches in 1976. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrMojoRisin Posted 6 December, 2009 Share Posted 6 December, 2009 What about that fella everyone loved and REALLY respected........Rupert Lowe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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