Pardews decision ..

[david in sweden]

the story circulating / criticising / commenting on AP's decsion to concentrate on two Cup competitions AND L1 play-off places isn't really so controversial as it sounds.

 

Because of the obvious situation with cup-tied players in the two competitions he is effectively playing with two different squads,(although of course some names appear in both). Players like; Perry, Thomas, Jaidi, Wotton, Papa Waigo, Mills and Holmes are not necessarily first choice for the L1 league games, but are vital to the remaining cup games.

 

AP won't use the same formations either. I don't think it's such a problem as for some other clubs, who might only have 16 fit players and a lot of games to play. Hopefully, we have a chance of doing well in all comps.

The only player likely to be featured all the time is KD.

 

Go for it Alan, who knows what might happen by May.

[SFC Forever]

What ever happens saturday we are only likely to have a maximum of two more cup matches. Some of our cup team(your words) I would definitely have in my league side.

[St Landrew]

Thank you for that good post David. There was a thread calling for Pardew to NOT change the line-up, after the JPT match against MKDons. While I would love to agree 100%, it simply isn't possible to have the same players perform to their upmost in 3 competitions, week-in, week-out. To suggest that there shouldn't be a problem because, after-all, they're athletes, is to misunderstand what it requires to keep in tip-top condition. The very fact that Lambert has been looking tired in matches isn't because he doesn't train hard enough. It's because he's playing too much football. This can make him more susceptible to injury, and we don't want that. After all, he is one of the key players. The fact that we have some very good, key players, waiting in the wings [barnard, Puncheon, Seabourne, etc...] means that it is possible to do well in all comps' and keep the players fresh, fit and motivated. Besides, Pardew can then tweak the team precisely to the opposition. In a few weeks, we'll be down to 2 competitions anyhow. So it'll become simpler.

 

What we all would love is, for every formation that AP puts out, he gets them playing to their best. That takes match practice, and he'll do it where and when he thinks he can.

[St_Tel49]

Thank you for that good post David. There was a thread calling for Pardew to NOT change the line-up, after the JPT match against MKDons. While I would love to agree 100%, it simply isn't possible to have the same players perform to their upmost in 3 competitions, week-in, week-out. To suggest that there shouldn't be a problem because, after-all, they're athletes, is to misunderstand what it requires to keep in tip-top condition. The very fact that Lambert has been looking tired in matches isn't because he doesn't train hard enough. It's because he's playing too much football. This can make him more susceptible to injury, and we don't want that. After all, he is one of the key players. The fact that we have some very good, key players, waiting in the wings [barnard, Puncheon, Seabourne, etc...] means that it is possible to do well in all comps' and keep the players fresh, fit and motivated. Besides, Pardew can then tweak the team precisely to the opposition. In a few weeks, we'll be down to 2 competitions anyhow. So it'll become simpler.

 

What we all would love is, for every formation that AP puts out, he gets them playing to their best. That takes match practice, and he'll do it where and when he thinks he can.

 

Good points well made. People who say that "They are paid enough they shouldn't get tired" have clearly never in their lives done heavy levels of sustained training over a period of many months". There are definitely times that, even if someone offered you a fortune to produce a top performance, your body just won't do it. And contrary to common belief, heavy training makes you more susceptible to bugs and injury and not less. That is not just my opinion. There is plenty of medical evidence to support it. Footballers - especially midfielders cover between 5 and 10 miles at what, for a distance runner, would be well above racing pace. Go out every day and run 5 miles as fast as you are able and then see what state you are in at the end of the week. Then do it week after week. Yes - Lambert is being overplayed.

[Wes Tender]

Yes, it's a sensible case that you make. Many who are used to seeing those players on Tuesday said that it was out strongest team, but part of that is because we are familiar with those players (apart from Fonte) as they have mostly been here longer. But with the schedule that we have coming up, it really does require two teams to accommodate some of the older players, or those prone to injuries. Many of the new players are cup tied, so the team for cup matches almost picks itself. In the league matches, the newer players can take some of the pressure of the squad and can play alongside those who are fit enough for two games a week, or those coming back from injury or suspension. It is still a bit early to assess whether some of the newer players are better than the existing ones in certain positions, but by the time we have got the cups out of the way, we should have some idea who would be the first choice for the league matches.

[doddisalegend]

Good points well made. People who say that "They are paid enough they shouldn't get tired" have clearly never in their lives done heavy levels of sustained training over a period of many months". There are definitely times that, even if someone offered you a fortune to produce a top performance, your body just won't do it. And contrary to common belief, heavy training makes you more susceptible to bugs and injury and not less. That is not just my opinion. There is plenty of medical evidence to support it. Footballers - especially midfielders cover between 5 and 10 miles at what, for a distance runner, would be well above racing pace. Go out every day and run 5 miles as fast as you are able and then see what state you are in at the end of the week. Then do it week after week. Yes - Lambert is being overplayed.

 

I still find it hard to believe I work 40hr weeks in a physically demanding manual Job (as gardener/groundsman) Yet I still have to put in the same work again next week. While they may put in more work over 45mins than me (I don't run with my strimmer) at the end of the day they might only do 15 hours a week (with trainning and matches) compared to my 40. If I told my boss I was to knackered to work after 4.5 hours I wouldn't be in my Job long.

[derry]

I think Pardew should heed what Cortese is saying because the people that matter see the cups as a sideshow even if there is a profit.

 

If we don't pick up the pace in the league and start making ground up whilst improving the performances, demonstrating if we don't quite make the playoffs or get promotion we have a team structure that can beat the best regularly next season. If that doesn't happen this sideshow though brilliant for us could be the end of him.

[VectisSaint]

Yes - Lambert is being overplayed.

Then he should stop taking the corners, all that running from one corner flag to the other is too much. Surely he should be in the box for corners.

[alpine_saint]

Still not buying this "tiredness" baloney.

 

Liverpool used to go through seasons back in the 80s against the best teams in England (league AND Cup) AND the best teams in Europe simultaenously using about 15 players in total.

[alpine_saint]

I think Pardew should heed what Cortese is saying because the people that matter see the cups as a sideshow even if there is a profit.

 

If we don't pick up the pace in the league and start making ground up whilst improving the performances, demonstrating if we don't quite make the playoffs or get promotion we have a team structure that can beat the best regularly next season. If that doesn't happen this sideshow though brilliant for us could be the end of him.

 

Agreed.

[St Landrew]

Then he should stop taking the corners, all that running from one corner flag to the other is too much. Surely he should be in the box for corners.

 

Yes, know what you mean. He should be in the middle. But like Matty before him, he's the best dead ball specialist/striker of the ball in the club. Hence he's taking the corners. At least they go where he puts them, and not straight to the first defender.

[doddisalegend]

I think Pardew should heed what Cortese is saying because the people that matter see the cups as a sideshow even if there is a profit.

 

If we don't pick up the pace in the league and start making ground up whilst improving the performances, demonstrating if we don't quite make the playoffs or get promotion we have a team structure that can beat the best regularly next season. If that doesn't happen this sideshow though brilliant for us could be the end of him.

 

If we win the JPT I still find it hard to believe that the club will sack AP for being the first manager to bring us silverware since 1976, regardless of the league results (baring relegation). If we do I Imagine there will be a lot of mangers who would think twice about replacing him, as getting sacked for winning a trophy would suggest poor job security.

 

Marcus and NC didn't look to ****ed off on tuesday night when we won did they? They certainly didn't look like they where lining up to get rid of AP as they stood clapping him and the team for 10 minutes.

[Jackie@home]

We'll be playing as many games this season as the teams that go to the final stages of the Champions League. All the top managers juggle their squads when they have such a packed programme, including Alex Ferguson (I think he hasn't put out an unchanged team for about 100 matches, they were mentioning on Radio Five the other week.)

 

The days of the 80s and playing the same 16 for the whole season have long gone. What Pardew is doing looks pretty rational to me - after all, he sees them every day in training so knows what kind of condition they are in.

[up and away]

I appreciate I am well in the minority here, but there is no way I give any value to the JPT. Always want Saints to do the best, but even if we won the thing I would not brag about it. I can see the good it is doing in the minds of fans and it helps the plastics / neutrals come along. As far as what Pardew does now, I really do not believe it matters, we are far too down the road for that one.

 

What Pardew has to do now is to show Cortese in these remaining league games, that he is worth keeping for next season. When you go directly against your boss on a financially based issue, you have to be very good or lucky, of which neither are evident so far.

[SFC Forever]

the main trouble at the moment is that he isn't winning matches consistantly enough. This brings increased pressure which can hinder the team.

If AP knew his best team it might have been different. but how you can put so many new faces into the side at once is beyond me. He is telling the rest that they are not good enough.

[Legod Third Coming]

Still not buying this "tiredness" baloney.

 

Liverpool used to go through seasons back in the 80s against the best teams in England (league AND Cup) AND the best teams in Europe simultaenously using about 15 players in total.

 

This is might be true but:

 

1. The pace of the game today is vastly superior to what it was then. Then the record for 100 metres was what 10.02 seconds? Today it is 9.58. In real terms that is an increase of massive proportions. Think of that in football terms and the game is probably 10% quicker now than it was then. Does that mean the athletes are more durable - who knows? But all the available evidence suggests that the most succesful clubs rotate their players through a much larger squad to cope with the demands of more matches.

 

2. We have to change formation because we have so many players cup tied in the various competions, therefore it is imperative that the WHOLE squad (or at least the first 17 or so) is comfortable playing together.

[Legod Third Coming]

the main trouble at the moment is that he isn't winning matches consistantly enough. This brings increased pressure which can hinder the team.

If AP knew his best team it might have been different. but how you can put so many new faces into the side at once is beyond me. He is telling the rest that they are not good enough.

 

This year we have played 8 games. Won 5, drawn 3.

 

I think that's a better record than Ancelotti.

[Thedelldays]

This year we have played 8 games. Won 5, drawn 3.

 

I think that's a better record than Ancelotti.

over the season..?

[Legod Third Coming]

over the season..?

 

Look, some muppets think you can walk in and win from day one in every club in every town in every land.

 

Thankfully, there are people who admire Billy Davies who had a shocking start and is now hugely admired and proving himself a top class manager.

 

A bit like Nigel Clough.

 

Or Alan Curbishley.

 

Or any of the host of managers who have done a great job after bedding in.

 

Like Pardew is.

 

There are other good managers - shock news...

[Thedelldays]

Look, some muppets think you can walk in and win from day one in every club in every town in every land.

 

Thankfully, there are people who admire Billy Davies who had a shocking start and is now hugely admired and proving himself a top class manager.

 

A bit like Nigel Clough.

 

Or Alan Curbishley.

 

Or any of the host of managers who have done a great job after bedding in.

 

Like Pardew is.

 

There are other good managers - shock news...

 

 

why are you getting all uptight...if you dont like a different opinion..dont post..

 

I just asked a question..and NO the form over the whole season is NOT THAT GREAT...

 

loads of room for improvement to which i think it will only be a matter of time before we see it

[captainchris]

the story circulating / criticising / commenting on AP's decsion to concentrate on two Cup competitions AND L1 play-off places isn't really so controversial as it sounds.

 

Because of the obvious situation with cup-tied players in the two competitions he is effectively playing with two different squads,(although of course some names appear in both). Players like; Perry, Thomas, Jaidi, Wotton, Papa Waigo, Mills and Holmes are not necessarily first choice for the L1 league games, but are vital to the remaining cup games.

 

AP won't use the same formations either. I don't think it's such a problem as for some other clubs, who might only have 16 fit players and a lot of games to play. Hopefully, we have a chance of doing well in all comps.

The only player likely to be featured all the time is KD.

 

Go for it Alan, who knows what might happen by May.

 

YES but the cup team are better than the current/recent league team so obviously the priority to AP is the cups or his league team selection is suspect?

[Legod Third Coming]

why are you getting all uptight...if you dont like a different opinion..dont post..

 

I just asked a question..and NO the form over the whole season is NOT THAT GREAT...

 

loads of room for improvement to which i think it will only be a matter of time before we see it

 

Have we finished the season?

 

The form over 27 games is three points off the play offs with no pre season.

 

If that's not perfectly acceptable I don't know what is.

 

When we've finished the season, we'll see.

 

And I agree with you. I think we will improve further.

 

But stuffing MK Dons home and away, turning over Ipswich, 6 games winning streak at home and unbeaten away from home are no grounds for doing a McQueen just yet.

[Thedelldays]

Have we finished the season?

 

The form over 27 games is three points off the play offs with no pre season.

 

If that's not perfectly acceptable I don't know what is.

 

When we've finished the season, we'll see.

 

And I agree with you. I think we will improve further.

 

But stuffing MK Dons home and away, turning over Ipswich, 6 games winning streak at home and unbeaten away from home are no grounds for doing a McQueen just yet.

 

 

you are agreeing with me and trying to prove a point at the same time..

 

why I dont know

[St Landrew]

you are agreeing with me and trying to prove a point at the same time..

 

why I dont know

 

And he's trying to keep you upto date with the latest news.

[derry]

We have taken 14 points against the sides in the top half in 15 games beating only MK Dons and Walsall, that means only 8 points in 13 games.

 

We have played 13 games against the bottom half and taken 30 points losing only one.

 

For the lovers of statistics that is a pretty damning piece of evidence indicating exactly how good we are.

 

We are nowhere near as good as some wish to believe, we need to be able to take a high proportion of our points from the top half and a lot more against the bottom.

[doddisalegend]

I appreciate I am well in the minority here, but there is no way I give any value to the JPT. Always want Saints to do the best, but even if we won the thing I would not brag about it. I can see the good it is doing in the minds of fans and it helps the plastics / neutrals come along. As far as what Pardew does now, I really do not believe it matters, we are far too down the road for that one.

 

What Pardew has to do now is to show Cortese in these remaining league games, that he is worth keeping for next season. When you go directly against your boss on a financially based issue, you have to be very good or lucky, of which neither are evident so far.

 

I really don't understand this we're to good for that trophy attitude, I think some are still suffereing from a 25+ years in the top flight hangover. We're a league one side now through merit (or lack of), it's one of only four trophies we can win this year. I shall happily brag about it if we win it.

 

How many things have we won as a club in the last 40 years? 1 FA cup..... The JPT is a cup for the lower divisions, we are a lower division club we should be proud to win it. Arguably it proves we're the best club in league one and two I feel that's something we should be proud of.

[Legod Third Coming]

We have taken 14 points against the sides in the top half in 15 games beating only MK Dons and Walsall, that means only 8 points in 13 games.

 

We have played 13 games against the bottom half and taken 40 points losing only one.

 

For the lovers of statistics that is a pretty damning piece of evidence indicating exactly how good we are.

 

We are nowhere near as good as some wish to believe, we need to be able to take a high proportion of our points from the top half and a lot more against the bottom.

 

We are three points off the play-offs, with most of the top half sides to play at home yet. We'll see where we are at the end of the season when we have all played each other. And then maybe we can reflect on what has been achieved in the manager's first season in charge.

[Thedelldays]

We are three points off the play-offs, with most of the top half sides to play at home yet. We'll see where we are at the end of the season when we have all played each other. And then maybe we can reflect on what has been achieved in the manager's first season in charge.

fair point..

 

IMO it would be a BAD season if we dont finish WITHIN 10 points of the playoffs..

[Legod Third Coming]

fair point..

 

IMO it would be a BAD season if we dont finish WITHIN 10 points of the playoffs..

 

Correct. But in my view that will be immaterial as we will finish in the play offs.

[derry]

We are three points off the play-offs, with most of the top half sides to play at home yet. We'll see where we are at the end of the season when we have all played each other. And then maybe we can reflect on what has been achieved in the manager's first season in charge.

 

It doesn't matter what you think as Cortese has already publicly announced that it isn't satisfactory. It is what he thinks and what he decides is satisfactory, on that, Pardew's job will depend.

[derry]

We are three points off the play-offs, with most of the top half sides to play at home yet. We'll see where we are at the end of the season when we have all played each other. And then maybe we can reflect on what has been achieved in the manager's first season in charge.

 

We are 15 points off the playoffs and currently going backwards from 7 points 5 matches ago.

[Legod Third Coming]

We are 15 points off the playoffs and currently going backwards from 7 points 5 matches ago.

 

We are five off them with a game in hand, but so do Huddersfield have one so assuming we both win our games in hand (which I know we can't as they are against one another but to be fair, this is the basis I'm using) we are three points off the play offs. If I assumed we beat Huddersfield we are 2 points off them.

 

Oh sorry, are you including the ten point advantage the rest of the league was given?

[Legod Third Coming]

It doesn't matter what you think as Cortese has already publicly announced that it isn't satisfactory. It is what he thinks and what he decides is satisfactory, on that, Pardew's job will depend.

 

Well let's hope he sees sense then. Or would you like to be a QPR fan this evening?

[View From The Top]

We are 15 points off the playoffs and currently going backwards from 7 points 5 matches ago.

 

Don't tell me pops, it's because we haven't got Paine and Sydnaham running down the wings?

 

In the good old days we'd have won every game 20-0 and still had change out of a groat to catch the last tram back home in time for a bath in't palour whilst listen t' wireless.

[derry]

Well let's hope he sees sense then. Or would you like to be a QPR fan this evening?

 

No, but I would have no problem being a Southampton fan if Cortese decides to get rid of Pardew if he thinks he isn't the man to take us forward and the next 18 games back that up.

[derry]

We are five off them with a game in hand, but so do Huddersfield have one so assuming we both win our games in hand (which I know we can't as they are against one another but to be fair, this is the basis I'm using) we are three points off the play offs. If I assumed we beat Huddersfield we are 2 points off them.

 

Oh sorry, are you including the ten point advantage the rest of the league was given?

 

If we don't end up in 6th place we won't be in the playoffs no matter what pie in the sky calculations you use and after Saturday we could well be 18 points off 6th place.

[Legod Third Coming]

No, but I would have no problem being a Southampton fan if Cortese decides to get rid of Pardew if he thinks he isn't the man to take us forward and the next 18 games back that up.

 

Then wait 18 games before passing judgement.

 

Or just enjoy the ride.

 

It's not like we've had anything to smile about for six years.

 

One of life's great joys is that when success comes it has been worth the wait. Anything that comes easy is not worth having.

[John B]

We are five off them with a game in hand, but so do Huddersfield have one so assuming we both win our games in hand (which I know we can't as they are against one another but to be fair, this is the basis I'm using) we are three points off the play offs. If I assumed we beat Huddersfield we are 2 points off them.

 

Oh sorry, are you including the ten point advantage the rest of the league was given?

 

 

It is of course because of the minus ten points and poor start to the season after going into Administration that we were unlikely to get to the playoffs

 

However in both the FA Cup and JPT where we started on a level playing field with other clubs we have excelled as the only League 1 Club in Round 5 and getting to the final of the JPT.

 

It seems a pretty good season to me and I think the thousands who saw the game on Tuesday most will agree.

[derry]

Then wait 18 games before passing judgement.

 

Or just enjoy the ride.

 

It's not like we've had anything to smile about for six years.

 

One of life's great joys is that when success comes it has been worth the wait. Anything that comes easy is not worth having.

 

I haven't, but Cortese seems to have come to at least an interim conclusion that the owners don't find the league results satisfactory. He is the one who has a lot of money on the line when it comes to achieving the owner's target. If that looks as though it will be jeopardized there will be changes.

[Legod Third Coming]

I haven't, but Cortese seems to have come to at least an interim conclusion that the owners don't find the league results satisfactory. He is the one who has a lot of money on the line when it comes to achieving the owner's target. If that looks as though it will be jeopardized there will be changes.

 

That's his perogative, it's his money. Just like Briattori. Thankfully, he said nothing other than what every fan, player and the manager agrees with. We would all like to win more games. Who wouldn't. He only writes the lines, not what internet jockeys read between them.

[John B]

That's his perogative, it's his money. Just like Briattori. Thankfully, he said nothing other than what every fan, player and the manager agrees with. We would all like to win more games. Who wouldn't. He only writes the lines, not what internet jockeys read between them.

 

Perhaps Cortese needs a reality check football is not like other businesses there are so many influences like injuries suspensions referee decisions and player errors to contend with.

 

 

Probably if Connolly had been fully fit and scored a goal at Millwall Brentford and Exeter things may have been different but he was injured and did not play that is the reality of Football.

 

 

Leon Best missed a penalty at Derby and Killer got injured when we were in the Premier League these things happened if they had not perhaps Cortese would not be here today.

 

 

Similar things will happen when he is in charge but I am certain results will start to improve very shortly

[Legod Third Coming]

Perhaps Cortese needs a reality check football is not like other businesses there are so many influences like injuries suspensions referee decisions and player errors to contend with.

 

 

Probably if Connolly had been fully fit and scored a goal at Millwall Brentford and Exeter things may have been different but he was injured and did not play that is the reality of Football.

 

 

Leon Best missed a penalty at Derby and Killer got injured when we were in the Premier League these things happened if they had not perhaps Cortese would not be here today.

 

 

Similar things will happen when he is in charge but I am certain results will start to improve very shortly

 

Good points. Look at Derby. I bet they now get into the play-offs after a shocking start. Nothing to do with money. Nothing to do with 'business' and everything to do with having a little patience and letting the manager do the job for which he is paid.

 

I'm sure Cortese understands these things very well. He has history in banking and if they have taught us anything, it's that quick results are normally built on sand...

[david in sweden]

I really don't understand this we're to good for that trophy attitude, I think some are still suffereing from a 25+ years in the top flight hangover. We're a league one side now through merit (or lack of), it's one of only four trophies we can win this year. I shall happily brag about it if we win it.

 

How many things have we won as a club in the last 40 years? 1 FA cup..... The JPT is a cup for the lower divisions, we are a lower division club we should be proud to win it. Arguably it proves we're the best club in league one and two I feel that's something we should be proud of.

 

Like others here I understand your previous point about YOUR work compared to the footballers training / match games. However, THEIR twice a week 45 mins - can't really be compared with yours ..unless you have to run between all the jobs you do, or your colleagues (unless you work alone) are thumping you all the time, or trying to break your leg every few mins.

You are, doubtless, fit for the job you do, but unless you have a good long-throw, take corners well or have scored more than 23 goals this season don't bother to tell AP.. as he has a striker (Lambert) who's already played over 40 games this season.

 

AGREED we haven't WON any silverware in the last 3 decades, But (as someone said) football is about more than winning trophies. There are lots of teams in the League; who've never been to Wembley (win or lose), never won ANY trophy, never played in Europe..or in Div.1 / the Premier League and play in 80 year old stadiums that accomodate less than 15,000 people.

 

The definition of "success" (as most of the Prem.team managers will tell you) is ..SURVIVAL. We managed it for 28 seasons (till '05) and were one of only 8 sides ever to have do so for that length of time. Anyone in the bottom 8 of the Prem. could go down with Pom*ey this season. I guarantee every one of them will consider it some sort of success to still be in the Prem. after May.

 

Winning the JP Trophy Final give us a " tin-pot " or should I say " paint tin" sort of a trophy, but that's what cup. comps are about, and I certainly don't think NC will sack AP- unless we are in the bottom 4 in May. Thay talked about a 5 year plan, and aren't likely to kick him out after so short a time. The team WILL come good, and I beleive AP will get us promoted

even if it's not this year. We maybe the " Man.City of L1," but even ML / NC are not as impatient as that club's owner was.

Edited 12 February, 2010 by david in sweden

[david in sweden]

Perhaps Cortese needs a reality check football is not like other businesses there are so many influences like injuries suspensions referee decisions and player errors to contend with.

 

 

Probably if Connolly had been fully fit and scored a goal at Millwall Brentford and Exeter things may have been different but he was injured and did not play that is the reality of Football.

 

 

Leon Best missed a penalty at Derby and Killer got injured when we were in the Premier League these things happened if they had not perhaps Cortese would not be here today.

 

 

Similar things will happen when he is in charge but I am certain results will start to improve very shortly

 

Good observation. Too many people judge our performances by a quick glance at the League table and condemn someone. Take 10 points away from EVERY OTHER CLUB too, and see where we'd be then.

 

We are effectively "good enough" to get in the play-offs but have to get 10 points more than everyone else - in order to achieve it.

[St_Tel49]

Then he should stop taking the corners, all that running from one corner flag to the other is too much. Surely he should be in the box for corners.

 

I agree with that.

[doddisalegend]

AGREED we haven't WON any silverware in the last 3 decades, But (as someone said) football is about more than winning trophies. There are lots of teams in the League; who've never been to Wembley (win or lose), never won ANY trophy, never played in Europe..or in Div.1 / the Premier League and play in 80 year old stadiums that accomodate less than 15,000 people.

 

The definition of "success" (as most of the Prem.team managers will tell you) is ..SURVIVAL. We managed it for 28 seasons (till '05) and were one of only 8 sides ever to have do so for that length of time. Anyone in the bottom 8 of the Prem. could go down with Pom*ey this season. I guarantee every one of them will consider it some sort of success to still be in the Prem. after May.

 

Winning the JP Trophy Final give us a " tin-pot " or should I say " paint tin" sort of a trophy, but that's what cup. comps are about, and I certainly don't think NC will sack AP- unless we are in the bottom 4 in May. Thay talked about a 5 year plan, and aren't likely to kick him out after so short a time. The team WILL come good, and I beleive AP will get us promoted

even if it's not this year. We maybe the " Man.City of L1," but even ML / NC are not as impatient as that club's owner was.

 

The supporters of every single one of those clubs would give their right testicle to win a trophy and be in our postion. Which is why I can't understand the attidue of some fans we are not man utd chances to win trophies are far and few between for clubs like us. To be embarressed to win a trophy (any trophy) doesn't make any sense to me.

 

Really well we should be very happy this season then shouldn't we? I agree staying in the top flight all those years was an achievement but I think we look back with rose tinted glasses sometimes years of struggle and last day miracles with the odd good win against a big club. Without MLT those days would have been far less fun

Edited 12 February, 2010 by doddisalegend

[John B]

The supporters of every single one of those clubs would give their right testicle to win a trophy and be in our postion. Which is why I can't understand the attidue of some fans weare not man utd chances to win trophies are far and few between for clubs like us. To be embarressed to win a trophy (any trophy) doesn't make any sense to me.

 

Really well we should be very happy this season then shouldn't we? I agree staying in the top flight all those years was an achievement but I think we look back with rose tinted glasses sometimes years of struggle and last day miracles with the odd good win against a big club. Without MLT those days would have been far less fun

 

Very true

 

Received this Email from A Luton Fan last night

 

Were you one of the 30,000 at St Mary's on Tuesday ? As Luton won the

Johnson's Paint Trophy last year I know how thrilling a semi-final win and a

visit to Wembley can be

[david in sweden]

[

 

 

Really well we should be very happy this season then shouldn't we? I agree staying in the top flight all those years was an achievement but I think we look back with rose tinted glasses sometimes years of struggle and last day miracles with the odd good win against a big club. Without MLT those days would have been far less fun

 

RE: SURVIVAL

 

I was referring to Prem. clubs who struggle at the lower end of the league.

For much of the later period of our 28 years, we did finish in the bottom half and didn't win any trophies but compared with the resources that those in the Prem's top 6 have, I think we did quite well. WE did play some good football (not always for long periods,) and had some great players along the way.

 

Most Prem.clubs are totally dependent on the Media / TV income to sustain themselves, when they go down (as we know) the parachute payments scarcely cover the contracts of the high-earners they've signed. For all those Prem.clubs in the bottom half, surviving another year will be their greatest reward.

 

RELEGATION / ADMINISTRATION is their greatest enemy, as Pom*'y will find out in the near future.

 

" GO down to CCC... take a ten point reduction..throw the dice..and hope for the best"

[doddisalegend]

[

 

 

 

I was referring to Prem. clubs who struggle at the lower end of the league.

For much of the later period of our 28 years, we did finish in the bottom half and didn't win any trophies but compared with the resources that those in the Prem's top 6 have, I think we did quite well. WE did play some good football (not always for long periods,) and had some great players along the way.

 

Most Prem.clubs are totally dependent on the Media / TV income to sustain themselves, when they go down (as we know) the parachute payments scarcely cover the contracts of the high-earners they've signed. For all those Prem.clubs in the bottom half, surviving another year will be their greatest reward.

 

RELEGATION / ADMINISTRATION is their greatest enemy, as Pom*'y will find out in the near future.

 

" GO down to CCC... take a ten point reduction..throw the dice..and hope for the best"

 

It looks like they might be getting their parachute payments early so they don't go bust until they reach the CC next year then EPL won't care and the football league will hit them with penalites. In the mean time they will have already spent the parachute money staying a float this year dark days ahead for pompey (shame )

 

Makes me wish the EPL had never come along it's so sad that clubs think finishing fourth from bottom is better than winning an actual trophy