The beauty of unity

[Crab Lungs]

I can't deny this is inspired by Guided Missle's sentiments, it is. However, I'm afraid though this isn't another 'call to arms' to support our friends down the road.

 

This is a small reflection on the past twelve months.

 

Well, I have to say it has been thoroughly enjoyable to have a fanbase almost entirely pulling in the right direction. Of course, having a multi-billionaire owner and shrewd chairman helps, as does as an astute and competent manager.

 

We've been blessed on all accounts.

 

Though this is my tribute to the fans. The 50,000 fans who mobilized themselves for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, the fans who continued to attend in their droves despite our rather depressive league status. The ones who have dedicated their time, money and support to follow Southampton around England's backwaters.

 

We don't and have never claimed to be the best fans in the world but credit where it is undoubtedly due - and it is. Despite my personal conflicts and differences with some on this board over the previous regime I am immensely proud to be a Saints fan.

 

It's a refreshing change to talk about the squad, tactics and transfers as opposed to directors, finance and the red-cheeked one. It's nice to scroll the board and read of hope and anticipation instead of discontent and despair.

 

It's so nice to have more than a semblance of unity, finally.

 

We've all played our part (me not so much, I've been out of the country so consider me an ex-ex-pat!) but I'm back now and I cannot wait for the new season already. The most exciting thing is I believe our journey and ascent is only just beginning!

 

I don't even know why I wrote this; I just felt an overbearing sense of contentment and happiness with what we've achieved and how good our fans have been this season, even though I could only participate and view from sunnier climbs abroad.

 

So, I doff my hat to all Saints fans - who in essence, have acted with integrity and respectability during difficult times. You didn't p1ss and moan about punishments and if you did, you got over it pretty quick and set about concentrating your efforts positively.

 

The blue few have a lot to learn from us.

 

We're now getting our just desserts, so to speak. Like I said... I think good times are only just beginning

Edited 26 April, 2010 by Crab Lungs

[LA77]

Great times ahead indeed. Our support has been fantastic. Onwards and upwards

[dronskisaint]

Agree 100%

 

I looked over the precipice last year & it wasn't nice...life without Saints didn't bear contemplating.

 

I've enjoyed this season in a way I didn't think I ever could - I realise how I was stuck in a Premier League mindset that didn't give a lot of credibility to the leagues below.

 

For me this has been the most enjoyable season since the early '80s & I'm massively looking forward to next season...we have a lot to be grateful for.

 

Good post! :-)

[70's Mike]

Totally agree with the op.

shame the media do not care about football outside the greed is good premiership

[John B]

Agree 100%

 

I looked over the precipice last year & it wasn't nice...life without Saints didn't bear contemplating.

 

I've enjoyed this season in a way I didn't think I ever could - I realise how I was stuck in a Premier League mindset that didn't give a lot of credibility to the leagues below.

 

For me this has been the most enjoyable season since the early '80s & I'm massively looking forward to next season...we have a lot to be grateful for.

 

Good post! :-)

 

I have enjoyed this season as well seeing teams that I could only dream about:D

 

 

Not sure I want return to the Premiership and struggle again to get into the top ten as I cannot really see us competing with the large City Clubs currently in the top eight

 

 

1 Chelsea 36 61 80

2 Man Utd 36 53 79

3 Arsenal 36 39 72

4 Tottenham 35 26 64

5 Aston Villa 36 16 64

6 Man City 35 27 63

7 Liverpool 36 28 62

8 Everton 36 10 57

9 Birmingham 36 -9 47

10 Sunderland 36 -6 44

11 Blackburn 36 -16 44

12 Fulham 35 -3 43

13 Stoke 35 -11 43

14 Bolton 36 -25 36

15 Wolves 36 -23 35

16 Wigan 36 -34 35

17 West Ham 36 -18 34

18 Hull 36 -41 28

19 Burnley 36 -41 27

20 Portsmouth 36 -33 16

[John B]

Totally agree with the op.

shame the media do not care about football outside the greed is good premiership

 

Yes I know what you mean - I have spoken to a couple of football fans from other clubs recently and neither knew anything about Markus

[rocknrollman no2]

Goodpost Crab Lungs.

Totally agree with every word and hopefully we will get our rewards next season with Saints going up as champions.

More exciting times ahead.

[LVSaint]

Not sure I want return to the Premiership and struggle again to get into the top ten as I cannot really see us competing with the large City Clubs currently in the top eight

 

We are possibly richer than some of the teams in the top eight....

[IamLeGod]

Good post. Have to say I agree almost wholeheartedly!

 

What is great for me is that now when I talk about Saints with my friends they no longer see us as a laughing stock. My housemate is an Everton fan, and is genuinely jealous (though slightly excited on account of the fact I have made Saints his second team) of the position we find ourselves in.

 

Obviously by this I do not mean league position. But what I do mean is the set up we have got here now. In terms of structure it is very possible to argue we are amongst the best in the country (oh how far we have come in that respect in just over 12 months!).

 

Financially we are on a level of stability most clubs would happily take. Debt free and a wealthy owner not afraid to pump in the pennies.

 

The redevelopment going into training and academy facilities.

 

A manager who is clearly a cut above the level we find ourselves in (I must admit most of my mates I spoke to at the time of AP's appointment were impressed at our capture of him).

 

And our ability to attract players who are clearly of a level above where we are.

 

All in all, the immediate future looks very bright for Saints, and the next 2-3 season could potentially be some of the most memorable and enjoyable in this clubs history. Unlike clubs like Everton who, unless major investment can be found sharpish, seem to have little to play for and our likely to be squeezed by some of the bigger spending clubs around them.

 

Mark my words, this is a club going places - and I for one cannot wait for the journey!

 

COYS!

[Saint Fan CaM]

Yes, I too completely agree with the sentiment and words of the OP. This summer is I think going to be extremely interesting in terms of club and squad development. In fact I'm finding I have to check myself back a little, as I'm looking forward to the summer developments more than the last two games of the season!

 

It is a great time to be a Saints fan now the club is in the ascendency and it feels so good to see the faith of all fans (but particularly ST holders) being repaid by Markus and Nicola. I truly believe that we will hardly recognise our club in 8-10 years time such will be the level of success - on a par with the likes of Spurs and Aston Villa at the moment and pushing for European action once again. And this time, it will be for real and not on a 'PLC style shoestring budget' where we need to sell our best players to stay afloat.

[Dellman]

Yes, great post, I have enjoyed the season like nothing for tweny years or more I can't wait for each match and now for next season, I love the players again - and believe in them. The unity from top to bottom (that's us) has been such a relief but why oh why did Lawrie Mac opt out and miss it all? shame really.

[for_heaven's_Saint]

I have loved this season more than any I can remember, and although I'm obviously disappointed that we didn't make the play-offs, I'm sort of pleased we're going to be here next season too.

[John B]

We are possibly richer than some of the teams in the top eight....

 

We are no where near as rich as most of the clubs in the top eight Markus maybe rich but the club certainly is not

 

With a small stadium and no world wide brand it is going to take 100s of Millions of pounds to compete with some of thses teams as Pompey found out

[madruss]

Brilliant post. Totally agree with the sentiments there. It's great being able to look forward to the summer transfer window for once!

[doddisalegend]

A very good season loved every minute off it (well maybe a small wobble watching Swindon at home). The best thing for me now though is my eight year old is a dyed in the wool saints fan. This is my first season taking him on a regular basis and he has loved it, our trips to st Mary's are some of the best things in my life right now. Silverware, a good run in the FA cup and so close to a play off place (which I feel is a great achivement given the start of the season) a really good season can't wait for the next one.

[CWD]

I can't really add anything to what has already been said. What pleases me most is that everyone is still positive despite us missing out on promotion! Im very proud to be a saints fan

[dune]

Brilliant post. Totally agree with the sentiments there. It's great being able to look forward to the summer transfer window for once!

 

This may sound weird, and it's totally different to before, but now i'm worried about bringing in new players that might upset what is already a good team. We don't need many new players, but those we do sign have got to be bloody good at this level to warrant playing for SFC.

[krissyboy31]

This may sound weird, and it's totally different to before, but now i'm worried about bringing in new players that might upset what is already a good team. We don't need many new players, but those we do sign have got to be bloody good at this level to warrant playing for SFC.

 

Nice position to be in though!

[ottery st mary]

Are we to be called Southampton United from now on?

 

Sorry forgot to add...I am luvving it all..

 

Thanks to one and all...

COYRS

Edited 26 April, 2010 by ottery st mary

[madruss]

This may sound weird, and it's totally different to before, but now i'm worried about bringing in new players that might upset what is already a good team. We don't need many new players, but those we do sign have got to be bloody good at this level to warrant playing for SFC.

 

Absolutely. Whereas last season we needed quantity because we were lacking in most areas of the team, next season we need quality. Thankfully this summer we have the infrastructure, scouting network and contacts to bring that quality in to the club.

[IamLeGod]

Absolutely. Whereas last season we needed quantity because we were lacking in most areas of the team, next season we need quality. Thankfully this summer we have the infrastructure, scouting network and contacts to bring that quality in to the club.

 

How great does it feel to be able to say that though?

[david in sweden]

I can't deny this is inspired by Guided Missle's sentiments, it is. However, I'm afraid though this isn't another 'call to arms' to support our friends down the road. This is a small reflection on the past twelve months.

Well, I have to say it has been thoroughly enjoyable to have a fanbase almost entirely pulling in the right direction. Of course, having a multi-billionaire owner and shrewd chairman helps, as does as an astute and competent manager. We've been blessed on all accounts.

 

Though this is my tribute to the fans. The 50,000 fans who mobilized themselves for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, the fans who continued to attend in their droves despite our rather depressive league status. The ones who have dedicated their time, money and support to follow Southampton around England's backwaters.

 

We don't and have never claimed to be the best fans in the world but credit where it is undoubtedly due - and it is. Despite my personal conflicts and differences with some on this board over the previous regime I am immensely proud to be a Saints fan.

 

It's a refreshing change to talk about the squad, tactics and transfers as opposed to directors, finance and the red-cheeked one. It's nice to scroll the board and read of hope and anticipation instead of discontent and despair.

It's so nice to have more than a semblance of unity, finally.

 

We've all played our part (me not so much, I've been out of the country so consider me an ex-ex-pat!) but I'm back now and I cannot wait for the new season already. The most exciting thing is I believe our journey and ascent is only just beginning!

 

I don't even know why I wrote this; I just felt an overbearing sense of contentment and happiness with what we've achieved and how good our fans have been this season, even though I could only participate and view from sunnier climbs abroad.

 

So, I doff my hat to all Saints fans - who in essence, have acted with integrity and respectability during difficult times. You didn't p1ss and moan about punishments and if you did, you got over it pretty quick and set about concentrating your efforts positively. The blue few have a lot to learn from us.

 

We're now getting our just desserts, so to speak. Like I said... I think good times are only just beginning

 

 

Crab Lungs ! ..having read some of your controversial and even vitriolic contributions in seasons past, I am really moved by this wonderful testimony to peace and harmony. Well Done.=D>

[scott_saints]

Will this feeling of unity still exist if we aren't in the top 6 after a couple of months next season?

[West End Saint]

Good post can't believe the season is nearly over it has flashed by and I have loved every minute of it, what a refreshing change to the season before with relegation & admin.

 

Been to a lot of new grounds this season and had a ball Southend 3.1 in the p1ssing rain Bristol twice and Orient stand out, also been impressed with the numbers that have been away this season.

 

At home we have been quality scoring 5 twice playing good football and winning how good did that feel loved it.

 

The JPT did every game in the JPT to come from 2 down 1st round V Torquay to a fantastic day out with 50,000 Saints was ace and the trophy get in.

 

All in all very happy and content to be a Saint bring on next season can't wait COYS

[paris]

In all honestly proberbly not .....i've enjoyed this season and the next will be even more exciting ,SFC is on the up and it's nice to be part of it....

 

 

 

Will this feeling of unity still exist if we aren't in the top 6 after a couple of months next season?

[mancsaint]

I have loved this season more than any I can remember' date=' and although I'm obviously disappointed that we didn't make the play-offs, I'm sort of pleased we're going to be here next season too.[/quote']

 

My sentiments exactly. Couldn't have put it better. Plus I'd like to add - SOD THE EPL & can't wait for the off season goings on.

[martel]

I have enjoyed this season as well seeing teams that I could only dream about:D

 

 

Not sure I want return to the Premiership and struggle again to get into the top ten as I cannot really see us competing with the large City Clubs currently in the top eight

 

 

1 Chelsea 36 61 80

2 Man Utd 36 53 79

3 Arsenal 36 39 72

4 Tottenham 35 26 64

5 Aston Villa 36 16 64

6 Man City 35 27 63

7 Liverpool 36 28 62

8 Everton 36 10 57

9 Birmingham 36 -9 47

10 Sunderland 36 -6 44

11 Blackburn 36 -16 44

12 Fulham 35 -3 43

13 Stoke 35 -11 43

14 Bolton 36 -25 36

15 Wolves 36 -23 35

16 Wigan 36 -34 35

17 West Ham 36 -18 34

18 Hull 36 -41 28

19 Burnley 36 -41 27

20 Portsmouth 36 -33 16

 

I do have to agree with you regarding the premiership, I have a friend who is an avid West Brom fan; he was telling me that he and a good number of other West Brom fans feel quite torn, yes delighted to gain promotion but are not looking forward to the pain of are we staying up or going straight back down again next season; the time has come to some how level the playing field in the premiership, just look at the clubs that have thrown money at a dream and have been financially ruined; and for what to basically stay in the top flight! the old division one day were a lot better in many ways, now we have cheque book football which as I have said many times on this forum is in many ways killing the game; and frankly the increased parachute payments is only going to make a bad situation worse.

[Wes Tender]

Quote John B:

We are no where near as rich as most of the clubs in the top eight Markus maybe rich but the club certainly is not

 

With a small stadium and no world wide brand it is going to take 100s of Millions of pounds to compete with some of thses teams as Pompey found out

 

Making comparisons between our wealth and that of the top eight clubs in the Premiership is a difficult exercise. In terms of wealth of owner, then we are right up there, with a wealthier owner than several of that top eight. But beyond that, we have no debt, whereas some of that top eight have massive debts of hundreds of millions of pounds. Wouldn't you agree that those debts should appear in the debit column when you consider their nett worth, just like Pompey's?

 

Once we have returned to the Premiership and established ourselves there, I don't agree that it is necessarily the case that we could not gain a top eight place. Sometimes massive amounts of money thrown at a team gains a disjointed collection of individuals and it has always been the case that on occasion the less fancied teams beat the top teams. Why, Burnley beat Man Ure early in the season and the bankrupt and bereft Skates beat Tottenham only recently.

 

By the time we're back up there, it could be that our investment in our academy and hopefully our ability to attract some of the brightest young prospects to it, could be paying dividends. One of Man Ure's best teams, full of their young players developed through their academy, was not an expensive team to build, with few recognised imported stars. And yet that team containing Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, Butt and the Neville Brothers, was the equal or better than most others at the time. Had we been able to have kept some of our recent starlets brought up through our own academy, together with some other quality players we had, without the need to sell them to balance the books, we might still have been in the Premiership today.

 

As to becoming a World brand, there are a couple of ways that could be achieved. The well trodden path is via success in the Premiership and Europe. The other is by clever marketing. The global audience required to be a Worldwide brand, currently largely ignores the potential audience in the Far East, avid followers of English Premiership football. One or two imports from those countries playing in the Premiership, must do wonders for their clubs' following abroad. Some clever scouting over there might unearth more nuggets from Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. Undoubtedly our stock rose as a World brand when we went to play Arsenal in the FA Cup, but of course it fell when we disappeared off the TV screens when we were relegated. The Skates will have increased their profile for winning the FA Cup a couple of years ago and being in the final again this year. They also will fall from notice on the World stage once the publicity surrounding their ignominious fall from grace had faded from memory.

 

So although there is much in what you say, there have already been changes to the top hierarchy these past recent few years. Who is to say that further changes might not follow, that favour our rising star in the firmament?

[Wes Tender]

Will this feeling of unity still exist if we aren't in the top 6 after a couple of months next season?

 

What? You mean like Sunderland weren't, before they hardly lost a single match from then onwards and went up as Champions?

[John B]

Quote John B:

 

Making comparisons between our wealth and that of the top eight clubs in the Premiership is a difficult exercise. In terms of wealth of owner, then we are right up there, with a wealthier owner than several of that top eight. But beyond that, we have no debt, whereas some of that top eight have massive debts of hundreds of millions of pounds. Wouldn't you agree that those debts should appear in the debit column when you consider their nett worth, just like Pompey's?

 

Once we have returned to the Premiership and established ourselves there, I don't agree that it is necessarily the case that we could not gain a top eight place. Sometimes massive amounts of money thrown at a team gains a disjointed collection of individuals and it has always been the case that on occasion the less fancied teams beat the top teams. Why, Burnley beat Man Ure early in the season and the bankrupt and bereft Skates beat Tottenham only recently.

 

By the time we're back up there, it could be that our investment in our academy and hopefully our ability to attract some of the brightest young prospects to it, could be paying dividends. One of Man Ure's best teams, full of their young players developed through their academy, was not an expensive team to build, with few recognised imported stars. And yet that team containing Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, Butt and the Neville Brothers, was the equal or better than most others at the time. Had we been able to have kept some of our recent starlets brought up through our own academy, together with some other quality players we had, without the need to sell them to balance the books, we might still have been in the Premiership today.

 

As to becoming a World brand, there are a couple of ways that could be achieved. The well trodden path is via success in the Premiership and Europe. The other is by clever marketing. The global audience required to be a Worldwide brand, currently largely ignores the potential audience in the Far East, avid followers of English Premiership football. One or two imports from those countries playing in the Premiership, must do wonders for their clubs' following abroad. Some clever scouting over there might unearth more nuggets from Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. Undoubtedly our stock rose as a World brand when we went to play Arsenal in the FA Cup, but of course it fell when we disappeared off the TV screens when we were relegated. The Skates will have increased their profile for winning the FA Cup a couple of years ago and being in the final again this year. They also will fall from notice on the World stage once the publicity surrounding their ignominious fall from grace had faded from memory.

 

So although there is much in what you say, there have already been changes to the top hierarchy these past recent few years. Who is to say that further changes might not follow, that favour our rising star in the firmament?

 

You seem to live Cloud Cuckoo Land not West End but your look at life through rose tinted spectacles always amuses me

[ulstersaint]

We have had a great season and we have a great future. Now to strengthen in the summer and go up as League 1 Champs.

[Wes Tender]

You seem to live Cloud Cuckoo Land not West End but your look at life through rose tinted spectacles always amuses me

 

Tottenham were once a top club, but had a spell in the wilderness for several years. Now they are headed back up. The same with Manchester City. OK, they both have wealthy owners and big catchment areas. But Fulham? They are doing quite well in Europe, I understand. The thing is, you cannot really say with absolute certainty that we could not possibly reach the dizzy heights. No doubt you could not have predicted a couple of years ago that Liverpool's star would be waning and that without the Skates not being allowed to play in Europe, Liverpool wouldn't be there next time around.

 

I seem to recall that you were always a bit of a Lowe Luvvie, so your default mindset three years ago would likewise have accused those optimists of looking at life through rose tinted glasses if they predicted that we would rid ourselves of those charlatans of the old board and replace them with a billionaire.

 

I think that perhaps you have suffered too long from the Saints syndrome of living like paupers, never being able to keep the players we developed into stars, never being able to attract the better players if a rival was bidding for them too, never really able to attract the best managers and keep them when other clubs came sniffing around after them. It is early days yet. But already we have been able to keep those bright young players, bring in new ones beating off rivals, attracted a manager arguably better than usual for this level. You're obviously not used to these things, so find it difficult to translate it onwards to the Premiership.

[ericb]

am i the only one that sees the words World Wide Brand attached to Saints and cringes? I don't want us to be a world wide brand, i want us to be southampton football club. A club representing the city i'm from, and giving me pride in my city.

 

I don't want to see kids round the world in Saints tops at the expense of their local teams, and i hope Marcus doesn't too. He talks about doing it properly and giving pride back to the city. I for one hope that means not whoring ourselves to the world brand market and doing it in the old fashioned (unfashionable) way.

 

Anyway that aside COYR i've been loving it down here and enjoying my football for the first time since the play off season in the championship

[oxfordshire_saint]

Yes I know what you mean - I have spoken to a couple of football fans from other clubs recently and neither knew anything about Markus

 

That's a good thing!

 

When the whole country knows exactly who your chairman is and every detail of their private life and dealings, I think you have the wrong type of chairman on your hands.

 

Markus is perfect, he shuns the media spotlight, puts his money in and comes along on matchdays to support his team/investment.

[John B]

That's a good thing!

 

When the whole country knows exactly who your chairman is and every detail of their private life and dealings, I think you have the wrong type of chairman on your hands.

 

Markus is perfect, he shuns the media spotlight, puts his money in and comes along on matchdays to support his team/investment.

 

Yes I agree with you I only meant lots of Fans from other teams do not realise we have a wealthy backer thats all

[John B]

Tottenham were once a top club, but had a spell in the wilderness for several years. Now they are headed back up. The same with Manchester City. OK, they both have wealthy owners and big catchment areas. But Fulham? They are doing quite well in Europe, I understand. The thing is, you cannot really say with absolute certainty that we could not possibly reach the dizzy heights. No doubt you could not have predicted a couple of years ago that Liverpool's star would be waning and that without the Skates not being allowed to play in Europe, Liverpool wouldn't be there next time around.

 

I seem to recall that you were always a bit of a Lowe Luvvie, so your default mindset three years ago would likewise have accused those optimists of looking at life through rose tinted glasses if they predicted that we would rid ourselves of those charlatans of the old board and replace them with a billionaire.

 

I think that perhaps you have suffered too long from the Saints syndrome of living like paupers, never being able to keep the players we developed into stars, never being able to attract the better players if a rival was bidding for them too, never really able to attract the best managers and keep them when other clubs came sniffing around after them. It is early days yet. But already we have been able to keep those bright young players, bring in new ones beating off rivals, attracted a manager arguably better than usual for this level. You're obviously not used to these things, so find it difficult to translate it onwards to the Premiership.

 

Sorry just think you are wrong

 

 

Posting on emotion not realism and not seeing the wider a picture based on a belief that Markus will be here forever and willing to spend most of his fortune.

[Wes Tender]

Sorry just think you are wrong

 

 

Posting on emotion not realism and not seeing the wider a picture based on a belief that Markus will be here forever and willing to spend most of his fortune.

 

As we have both posted our opinions and we are talking about possible events in the future, then your opinion that I am wrong is not proven, nor can it be for a few more years yet. You have not made any effort to even point out where you think I am wrong, or to justify your position particularly.

 

Who knows how long ML will continue to own us? But we could be back in the Premiership within a couple of years, so that would be the real starting point for our upward climb. Can you predict with any certainty what the position will be of the top eight by then? Given his continued good health, there is no reason why ML shouldn't carry on for some years yet, provided that he still derives pleasure from his hobby. As for him being willing to spend most of his fortune, if he did that, then undoubtedly we would be in the top eight, probably the top four, as he could afford to extend the stadium and buy some top international stars if he so desired.

 

But I am perfectly content that he carries on with his far more sensible and cautious approach, spending what he can afford to justify by the income returned to balance the books. But that doesn't mean that we can't grow steadily and improve our position in the hierarchy at the same time if we do it the right way by astute investment in the right manager and the right players. Other clubs have achieved it over the years without bankrupting themselves.

 

I reiterate, that your position has probably been dulled by years of punching above our weight at this club, followed by dismal failure and our position amongst the poor relations of British football historically, so your pessimistic viewpoint is excusable.

[dubai_phil]

Great OP, and I totally agree. I've said before that this season I've been bouncing up to my home office late at night all through the winter and sitting up to listen in to the wobbly internet stream until 2am and loving it. In some ways it reminds me of "The very old days" of getting EXCITED by football.

 

To me the PL this season especially has lost that excitement. Many PL teams start with the hope and aspiration of avoiding a relegation dogfight. Fear seems to be more the emotion for much of the winter rather than anticipation. Of course, that is what you get from supporting a Winning Team, but damn it feels GOOD.

 

The talk of Global Brands IS important. IF we make it to the PL and IF we really want to compete for year on year, then we MUST match our income to the money Markus needs to spend. It's all very well him investing say 20 mil a year, but for 10 years? 20? 30??

 

There is no reason at all why we cannot be "Southampton FC" and why that spirit that we love cannot be the differentiating factor that MAKES us a global brand.

 

One thing is for sure, Football itself MUST change. It is crooked, corrupt and buried under ludicrous wages for poor foreign imported "Squad Players". (Some story about Villas' 3rd choice left back getting 40k a week or something)

 

Who knows? Maybe by the time we get back to the PL some things will have changed. The debacle of PCFC and Hull may well drive change to happen from the top down. (Cloud Cuckoo or not it NEEDS to happen), but what I do know is that while I still worry about how we are financed, I am sure as heck enjoying the ride

[Capel Saint]

 

One thing is for sure, Football itself MUST change. It is crooked, corrupt and buried under ludicrous wages for poor foreign imported "Squad Players". (Some story about Villas' 3rd choice left back getting 40k a week or something)

 

Who knows? Maybe by the time we get back to the PL some things will have changed. The debacle of PCFC and Hull may well drive change to happen from the top down. (Cloud Cuckoo or not it NEEDS to happen), but what I do know is that while I still worry about how we are financed, I am sure as heck enjoying the ride

 

Quite agree and a very valid point. I think this stems from weak leadership by the FA not setting a few ground rules where clubs should not spend more than say 60% of their income on players wages. The Prem is littered with what I consider to be average at best foreign players who have been bigged up by their agents and quite frankly are not worth a tenth of the price paid for them or their massive wages.

 

Fortunately I think clubs themselves will slowly get wise to this situation, especially as more and more clubs are going into administration or are on the brink of it (Poopey, Crystal Palace, Hull, Southend etc).

 

That's why I like Cortese. He is a man who will pay a player what he thinks he is worth, but no more. It was rumoured back in January that Elliott Ward at Coventry tried to increase his wage demands at the final hour of negotiation and Cortese said 'no' so we didn't sign him. A good message that will get round other palyers and their agents that Cortese will not be taken for a ride regarding wage negotiations.

 

Going back to the OP. It is great being a Saints fan and seeing a club with strong leadership going forward. Hurrah!