Has anyone noticed a change...

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

...in their own lives this season?

 

Over the last few years nearly every weekend has been spoilt by the fact that we were so rubbish. We'd lose, I'd be in a mood, and it would be another poor weekend. I was slightly ashamed to be a Saints fan, especially after the incidents against Charlton and Burnley last year.

 

But since the Summer, the appointment of Pardew, the investment in players, and most of all the recent run of 13 games, I am happy and proud to be a Saints fan again. I am enjoying my weekend, and am looking forward to every game with growing anticipation.

 

It's just a shame that I got a new job in London and as such can't make as many home games as I'd wish to.

 

Anyway, has anyone else felt their personal circumstances and lives change since the Summer? Is it bad that my life has been affected so much?

[St Landrew]

No I don't think so. I can clearly remember that dull feeling of Saints losing yet again, or not holding onto a lead again. I'd come away from a match and wonder if I had just seen players with any skill what so ever. The missed passes, the missed chances, the defence with holes in it big enough to drive the proverbial bus through. The times when they'ed string a few sensational passes together and the movement suddenly clicked into place. But at the end of 90 minutes they would have lost or more usually drawn. And as for coming back after being a goal or two down, forget it.

 

Now it is entirely different. Yes they make mistakes, but they seem to learn from them very quickly indeed. My mood during a match used to be one of despairing hope, and now it is one of confidence that the Lads will either win or do their bloody utmost to find a way to get a result. The game against Leyton Orient epitomised that attitude. Brighton was a shock, but that just shows how far Saints have come.

[fanimal]

Since I moved back to the UK in August, seeing a win for first time in 2 years, Saturday nights and Sundays not spoilt, family happy, less **** take at work, (even better when we won on a Friday night!) plus enjoying the games, being entertained, seeing goals, value for money, so much more positive all round!

[david in sweden]

...in their own lives this season?

 

Over the last few years nearly every weekend has been spoilt by the fact that we were so rubbish. We'd lose, I'd be in a mood, and it would be another poor weekend. I was slightly ashamed to be a Saints fan, especially after the incidents against Charlton and Burnley last year.

 

But since the Summer, the appointment of Pardew, the investment in players, and most of all the recent run of 13 games, I am happy and proud to be a Saints fan again. I am enjoying my weekend, and am looking forward to every game with growing anticipation.

 

It's just a shame that I got a new job in London and as such can't make as many home games as I'd wish to.

 

Anyway, has anyone else felt their personal circumstances and lives change since the Summer? Is it bad that my life has been affected so much?

 

 

In short, YES it feels better now. Living abroad and having your team relegated is rather like not being able to attend the funeral of a good friend - (if you were there you could all commiserate with each other) - but it did feel a bit empty . My overall Saturday mood has changed from : " Oh God, I hope we don't lose AGAIN !" ... to one of... " How many will we score today... and how can we possibly get up the league even faster ? "

 

Looking back on a season is far easier then having to take the present one one game at a time

...but anyway I'm waiting for the promotion back up to CCC this season ...or next ...

 

COYR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[macthesaint]

Not getting so stressed about football,only the things I should get stressed about.

It does make for happy home life too.

Funny seeing the sad blue faces at work as well!

My kids aren't getting stick at school either from skates or glory grabbers.

The pride has come back and I'm loving watching and talking Saints again.

The walk back over the bridge seems shorter too!

[70's Mike]

Not getting so stressed about football,only the things I should get stressed about.

It does make for happy home life too.

Funny seeing the sad blue faces at work as well!

My kids aren't getting stick at school either from skates or glory grabbers.

The pride has come back and I'm loving watching and talking Saints again.

The walk back over the bridge seems shorter too!

 

Slowly but surely the status quo of 5 years ago is being resored here in border country.

best thing is most threads on here are now about football not finance

[sadoldgit]

Whilst it is good to be winning football matches and having a potentially bright future again, I think it is pretty sad if the affairs of 11 blokes running around trying to put a ball in a net rule your life or affect your behaviour to any great affect.

 

I think some people actually use SFC as some kind of therapy and transfer their issues onto players and management in some kind of attempt to deal with the frustrations in their lives. I can think of one or two regular posters who take things way too far on here and would be ripe for therapy.

 

I will go to my grave failing to understand how some can "hate" another person for doing a job badly in their view. Do people hate the CEO of London Underground if the tubes don't run on time?

 

There are some on here would would be glued to the Scottish team's result just so they could come on here and gloat about a poor performance by their manager. In what universe is that in any way a sane way to behave?

 

Yes, when the team is doing well I feel better. If they have a run of bad results I feel deflated. But I don't take it to work, take it out on my cat, my partner, my liver. All you can do is hope that they put things right and turn things round, which is happening this season. Isn't it the ups and downs that make football so interesting? I would hate to support a team who won everything every year. It is the hope that keeps us coming back. But at the end of the day it is only a sport, no matter what Bill Shankley said. If it becomes anything more than that to people they need to look at the balance in their lives.

 

A colleague of mine has just found out that her uncle has terminal cancer and doesn't have long to live. That is a "disaster" and a "tradegy" - losing some football matches does not come close.

[astrasri]

Whilst I whole-heartedly agree with SOG that losing a football match does not compare with dealing with terminal illness in the family ( I have experience of this at the moment) I don't think it is reasonable to expect people to grasp the difficulties and emotions that these conditions bring UNTIL they have first hand experience. In our daily lives we have many things that influence our feelings and moods - very important at the time because there are no other greater issues to influence them, but in "the greater scheme of things" really inconsequential.

This doesn't stop my heart palpatations (despite the medication) soaring when we are hanging on desparately to a 1-0 lead, believing vehemently that Bill Shankly was right all along!

Returning to the OP, yes my life has changed this season, having bought my first S/T I'm out for every home game (can't always make the cup games tho') so "her indoors" has to do the shopping on her own. Oh and don't forget the away trip to Hartlepool...magic!!

[sadoldgit]

A football match is a mini drama played out over 90 mins (96 if you are losing against Man Utd) and provokes (hopefully) a range of emotions akin to a rollercoaster ride. If you are still having effects several days later though then I suspect that is not healthy!

 

Anything that becomes obsessive is not good for you.

 

My partner doesn't get it at all. After all "it is only a silly game, what's the big deal?" A few years back I would have argued with her. Now I just think you are right. I get my weekly dose of euphoria/pain/disappointment then I get on with the reatl stuff.... life.

[Glasgow_Saint]

Its only a game

[Thedelldays]

Im getting angry that we are winning...pardew out

[sadoldgit]

Im getting angry that we are winning...pardew out

 

I know what you mean...just not used to it!!!!

[The boy done well]

I was fortunate enough to be able to retire in 2003 aged 55. I had Saints mapped out as one of my interests/hobbies as they had been for the previous 40 years but with more time, in particular, to enjoy the away games and the various parts of England they'd take me too.

 

What went wrong? By last season I was thinking that I could take no more. While i went to most home games I often left after 75 minutes or so. I just couldn't buy into the "Dutch Revolution" which was appallingly naive putting it mildly and which was to me the final straw of a pretty appalling 5 years. I even planned to give up my season ticket as had those i go with too and was wondering what on earth to do next on a Saturday afternoon.

 

What a miraculous change this summer. It's as if all one's prayers were answered. The old regime swept away completely, a great owner (who sent him?) with an ambitious and switched on right-hand man plus an excellent manager topped off by real investment in the squad, coaching staff etc.

 

Not only has it given me a lift, it's given me back that part of my retirement which I thought I'd lost. Like a kid, I can't wait for the games to come round. My 7 year old nephew's now proud to wear his Saints kit and his friends are coming to games with us and becoming fans too, even when their dads are TV supporters of the "big 4" in the premiership.

 

If this is a dream after the horrors of the last few years please don't wake me up!

[Frank's cousin]

I have noticed the change...but then again I was 40 a coupel of weeks ago....

[SNSUN]

Big yes.

 

Where I work, football rivalry is strong, and while there aren't any Skates, I was getting a hell of a lot of stick in the past. They're not all big team supporters as well, it's a healthy mixture of clubs, Brentford, QPR, Palace etc.

 

This season I've had the luxury of not getting the taunts, and instead getting a few "good win for you the other day" comments. It's superb. Even in my personal life I feel lifted, and I genuinely look forward to every game with eager anticipation. For the first time in ages I'm rummaging through my work diary to find the games I can attend, something I've not done in the past. (Norwich in the JPT is the next one!)

 

Fortunately my other half is a Norwich fan, and they've followed us down through the leagues, so I've not had the ribbing that one could expect from a girlfriend with a successful team... :-D

[Lazlo78]

...in their own lives this season?

 

Over the last few years nearly every weekend has been spoilt by the fact that we were so rubbish. We'd lose, I'd be in a mood, and it would be another poor weekend. I was slightly ashamed to be a Saints fan, especially after the incidents against Charlton and Burnley last year.

 

But since the Summer, the appointment of Pardew, the investment in players, and most of all the recent run of 13 games, I am happy and proud to be a Saints fan again. I am enjoying my weekend, and am looking forward to every game with growing anticipation.

 

It's just a shame that I got a new job in London and as such can't make as many home games as I'd wish to.

 

Anyway, has anyone else felt their personal circumstances and lives change since the Summer? Is it bad that my life has been affected so much?

 

Blimey that was a lot of words to basically tell us that you getting laid on a regular basis this season!

 

 

 

 

Edit: on a more serious note I actually regained interest last season with the appointment of Poortvliet. It was destined to go wrong but playing a team of youngsters was like watching me playing FM - only this was real life. As results let us down and Poortvliet was replaced with the bland Wotte, I felt back to square one (or make that square minus ten)... This season the buzz was back with Liebherr, Cortese and Pardew in the frame, and this time the results are there to keep it going

Edited 4 December, 2009 by Lazlo78

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

The thing is , I am only 25 so don't remember the 80's etc, and when I properly got into Saints we had a good few years (97 onwards). It's just been very difficult for me.

 

I do get SOG's point, and it is nothing like a terminak illness, and I would not ever compare it to one, but jesus it still hurt!

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Blimey that was a lot of words to basically tell us that you getting laid on a regular basis this season!

 

 

 

 

I was getting laid before, it's just better now

[Frank's cousin]

The thing is , I am only 25 so don't remember the 80's etc, and when I properly got into Saints we had a good few years (97 onwards). It's just been very difficult for me.

 

I do get SOG's point, and it is nothing like a terminak illness, and I would not ever compare it to one, but jesus it still hurt!

 

Dont worry..the 80s was a bit like today - stupid tight jeans being in fashion, MIcheal fecking Jackson always in the news, the Government taking us to war in far flung corners of the globe, rich feckin bankers who dont give a flying feck who they feck in teh interests of greed.... only difference is when it conmes to Saints we seem to have regressed to the 1880s rather than the 1980s... ;-)

[Lazlo78]

I was getting laid before, it's just better now

 

LOL - then you really need to re-read SOG's posting. If sex couldn't even cheer you up during the Lowe years, then I hope you had some other great hobby to keep your spirits up

 

I used to read this forum (and its predecessors) for news, but I never posted as the general mood somehow seemed a bit depressed and confrontational. This season I'm slowly crawling out from under my rock and I'm even a paid member. Something has happened to me but something has certainly also happened to the general mood of this place.

[Right sider]

I found that to get a fix for football I would go and see Ebbsfleet as I was boycotting RL. Also wasn't fun being a saints fan, so was good to have a distraction. Now haven't been to a BSP game since march and seen 7 saints games home and away this season. So I feel like I can be a part of the Saints family again (now the wicked step mother has been banished and replaced by the fairy god mother).

[Thedelldays]

LOL - then you really need to re-read SOG's posting. If sex couldn't even cheer you up during the Lowe years, then I hope you had some other great hobby to keep your spirits up

 

I used to read this forum (and its predecessors) for news, but I never posted as the general mood somehow seemed a bit depressed and confrontational. This season I'm slowly crawling out from under my rock and I'm even a paid member. Something has happened to me but something has certainly also happened to the general mood of this place.

basically..you only "sing" when we are winning..?

 

[Lazlo78]

basically..you only "sing" when we are winning..?

 

 

I'll readily admit that I'm an ultimate happy clappy fan as it's the only thing that makes sense to me as a far flung fan. Following Saints is about being entertained and positively interested. When things go bad I can just stop reading fora and mailing lists and be an isolated supporter (meaning that I don't discuss Saints with anyone though my interest is still as keen and I still sit and follow the games online or watch them at the pub). I'll still be as downbeat about defeats and relegations as anyone but my life goes on.

 

So during the last five seasons or so I've been a little less social about following Saints. Now I feel that the "temperature" is right for me to join in a little more on the social side

 

So I only "sing" when people have their hatchets well buried (not in each others skulls that is)

[Andy_Porter]

I actually really look forward to watching Saints play now. The last couple of years where just about drinking and socialising, now I'm really enjoying the football we play.

 

Can't say bad results really ruin my weekend or put me in a bad mood. Far too laid back to ever really worry about Southampton.

[SO16_Saint]

it appears that the fortunes of SFC and my work life are a complete opposite ends of the scale. In the years we were sh1te and getting relegated, i was doing well and earning a fair wage.

 

Now were doing well, im staring redundancy square in the face!

[Legod Third Coming]

Anyone who doesn't get affected by the performance of their football team should give up supporting in my view.

[Legod Third Coming]

it appears that the fortunes of SFC and my work life are a complete opposite ends of the scale. In the years we were sh1te and getting relegated, i was doing well and earning a fair wage.

 

Now were doing well, im staring redundancy square in the face!

 

That's God's way of telling you that there is only so much good luck in the world so enjoy it while you can!

[SO16_Saint]

That's God's way of telling you that there is only so much good luck in the world so enjoy it while you can!

 

i could, hand on heart, say i enjoyed it 3 yrs ago....

[Legod Third Coming]

i could, hand on heart, say i enjoyed it 3 yrs ago....

 

The wheel will turn mate, don't give up.

[Ponty]

It only bothers me for about 10 minutes, if we lose, then I get back to worrying about the important stuff. It's better winning, if only because it's a nicer experience to talk about afterwards, but I don't live or die by football, or any other sport for that matter, It's a distraction from real life and, yes, it's a more enjoyable one when we're performing but that's all it is, a distraction.

[sadoldgit]

Anyone who doesn't get affected by the performance of their football team should give up supporting in my view.

 

I don't think it is a question of not being affected, it is how you let that affection affect your whole life that is the issue.

 

Back in the 70's for many it was an excuse to go and beat some poor innocent individuals to a pulp. Now it seems that it is okay to vent your spleen on members of your own club on the internet.

 

I would suggest that if football moves you to violence to others or hatred to people you haven't even met, then there is something seriously wrong with you.

[NN2 Saint]

I find it rather funny that since splitting with my missus back in October Saints have only lost once whereas it appears Everton haven't seemed to of won a game. (She's an Everton season ticket holder) Saturdays are much more enjoyable now as are Fridays looking forward to the game especially so with tomorrows game being a new ground

[sadoldgit]

I wonder if there would have been a marriage in the first place if you had been a Liverpool supporter?

 

[RedAndWhite91]

My life now revolves around Saints, so yes, I've noticed a change in my life this year.

[Arizona]

Well I've moved from Scotland to Bristol, so I'm getting to a lot more games than I used to. Been to 11 already this season, which is already more than last year. Nothing to do with Saints performances, but it is nice that the two have coincided. Infact I moved here the day before we beat Gillingham 4-1 and have been winning ever since.

[NN2 Saint]

I wonder if there would have been a marriage in the first place if you had been a Liverpool supporter?

 

 

Well there wouldn't of been had she of been a Pompey fan that's for certain there was no marriage anyway. She took me away from Southampton and I only get to go to Huddersfield and Stockport since returning home I haven't missed a game since Oldham

[sadoldgit]

Well there wouldn't of been had she of been a Pompey fan that's for certain there was no marriage anyway. She took me away from Southampton and I only get to go to Huddersfield and Stockport since returning home I haven't missed a game since Oldham

 

Shamefully I have to admit that I did date a Pompey fan once. But then I am a South Londoner by birth so I suppose I don't feel the rivalry so much. Had she been a Palace fan however, nooooo way!

[toofarnorth]

Well I've moved from Scotland to Bristol, so I'm getting to a lot more games than I used to. Been to 11 already this season, which is already more than last year. Nothing to do with Saints performances, but it is nice that the two have coincided. Infact I moved here the day before we beat Gillingham 4-1 and have been winning ever since.

 

I went one better and came from Scotland to Southampton all completely by fluke really. Was a bit detached when living up there so wasn't so affected by the last few years as only made a few northern away games. Having been down here i'm loving all this winning and the positivity. I know it's not the be all and end all but it does genuinely make me feel better throughout the week and helps to keep my spirits up whilst looking for a job. Probably not just the winning, i'm sure its the going to games and being involved as much as anything.

[Legod Third Coming]

I don't think it is a question of not being affected, it is how you let that affection affect your whole life that is the issue.

 

Back in the 70's for many it was an excuse to go and beat some poor innocent individuals to a pulp. Now it seems that it is okay to vent your spleen on members of your own club on the internet.

 

I would suggest that if football moves you to violence to others or hatred to people you haven't even met, then there is something seriously wrong with you.

 

People who are capable of such things are capable of them with or without football SoG.

 

There is also something of the mob mentality that occurs at football matches. Normally sensible people might be tempted to 'sing let him die' to an injured opponent when they would ordinarily cross a road to help a stricken member of the public. Think of the Roman Colliseum - how many Romans would have run a Gladiator through with a sword, but were happy to express support for another to do it...

 

However, in a world of disconnection in which there a few people, organisations or bodies in which we can genuinely believe and have faith, it is no surprise that our football team should take on added significance.

 

I don't know about you, but I often make ridiculous trades in my head - I'll settle for a draw if my horse wins the 3:00 at Ascot... or I'd rather have rain and a win this weekend...

 

Football can affect your mood because it allows you to feel pride, to see others with whom you associate perform well or badly can and maybe even should affect your emotion if you feel a 'part' of the club.

 

If we were promoted, I have no doubt I will have a better summer than if we are not. Will it make my year? Probably not, but it wouldn't hurt!!!!

[thefuriousb]

I am seriously considering stopping going because of the melodramatics of many that sit around me everytime we are not 3 up in the first 5 minutes!

 

The new found fortune (luck, not money) in having a team to support this season seems to have brought with it ridiculously high expectations.

 

I seem to have mistaken Saints for some other club that had previously displayed a long history of carrying all before them.

 

This season could be my last unless they build individual sound-proof booths

[Legod Third Coming]

I am seriously considering stopping going because of the melodramatics of many that sit around me everytime we are not 3 up in the first 5 minutes!

 

The new found fortune (luck, not money) in having a team to support this season seems to have brought with it ridiculously high expectations.

 

I seem to have mistaken Saints for some other club that had previously displayed a long history of carrying all before them.

 

This season could be my last unless they build individual sound-proof booths

 

Such a great point, well made.

 

We have too many idiots in the stands who cannot comprehend that we are in the third tier of English football.

 

The ridiciulous moaning when the opposition have the ball, or a player misplaces a pass or misses a shot does my head in.

 

It is not possible for any team, in any league, anywhere to have 100% posession and to complete every pass, every shot and every tackle.

 

Some people need to just learn patience and tolerance.

[Frank's cousin]

I went one better and came from Scotland to Southampton all completely by fluke really. Was a bit detached when living up there so wasn't so affected by the last few years as only made a few northern away games. Having been down here i'm loving all this winning and the positivity. I know it's not the be all and end all but it does genuinely make me feel better throughout the week and helps to keep my spirits up whilst looking for a job. Probably not just the winning, i'm sure its the going to games and being involved as much as anything.

 

 

Sadly gone teh other way from being 40 mins away in West Sussex to Fife in Scotland... which meant giving up the ST after 10 years+ What it means is that I had to invest in a new mini radio so I can plug myself in when the games are on to get score updates... but its not the same... however, as others have said, life iS more important and yes its great and you feel much better when we are winning, but there are so many more important things in life...

 

PS. I was also thinking I was a bad omen... I only saw ius win once last season and as soon as I stopped going we started winning...

[Thedelldays]

Such a great point, well made.

 

We have too many idiots in the stands who cannot comprehend that we are in the third tier of English football.

 

The ridiciulous moaning when the opposition have the ball, or a player misplaces a pass or misses a shot does my head in.

 

It is not possible for any team, in any league, anywhere to have 100% posession and to complete every pass, every shot and every tackle.

 

Some people need to just learn patience and tolerance.

it is called being a football fan...every club has them

 

if they stop you going then you (not you personally) are not a worthy supporter really

[Amesbury Saint]

I wonder if there would have been a marriage in the first place if you had been a Liverpool supporter?

 

 

my Mrs is a ST holder at FP.

 

Saturdays are so much better!

[Saint Fan CaM]

Yep - there's a better feeling to life when your footie club is doing well f'sure. However, it's a good idea to have something else going on in your life too that gives you pleasure - whether it be the kids, family, friends, a hobby or just plain looking around at the incredible world we live in with a great deal of wonder.

[saintkiptanui]

It only bothers me for about 10 minutes, if we lose, then I get back to worrying about the important stuff. It's better winning, if only because it's a nicer experience to talk about afterwards, but I don't live or die by football, or any other sport for that matter, It's a distraction from real life and, yes, it's a more enjoyable one when we're performing but that's all it is, a distraction.

Plastic fan, I wake up in a cold sweat if we lose.

[kpturner]

My cat is much less nervous these days.

[Ponty]

Plastic fan, I wake up in a cold sweat if we lose.

 

I am fairly plastic, 'tis true.

[Thedelldays]

Plastic fan, I wake up in a cold sweat if we lose.

geek

[Professor]

I do remember some miserable times in the 90s, even when Le Tiss was in the side, firstly because every season I thought we had a great squad with some world class players but there were just too many years when we struggled to avoid relegation. But it was only football, and although I love the Saints dearly, there are other things in life as well!!!!