hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 I have a source at SFC (have posted about him before) and had some lunch with him yesterday where he filled me in on some positive stuff. Cortese has ****ed off a few this year but the players love him because he is a big believer in player power. He is very into sports science and that sort of thing and will be employing a number of staff to analyse things like training and individual performance in games. It is why Adkins and him gets on so well apparently. In the words of my source we 'have too much money' (lol) but haven't spent too much on players because Cortese prepares to focus on the infrastructure because in the long term this is more beneficial. He apparently encouraged his staff to 'come to him with projects' and that if he liked them he would approve it regardless of cost (an example given was 20 million.) Cortese has a new five year plan which involves us being top five in the premiership. Now as you all know I have my reservations about Cortese, but I thought most of that was pretty positive and put me in a good mood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 jesus fecking christ... is that really you hypo ;-) sooner or later, you will join us on the Cortese and Nigel bus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 To get to top 5 in the Premiership will require us to sign top 5 players and pay them top 5 wages. I'll believe all the hype when I see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 May, 2011 jesus fecking christ... is that really you hypo ;-) sooner or later, you will join us on the Cortese and Nigel bus I have my doubts about Cortese but equally I think he has some good points. Bet you rushed onto this thread poised to begin the slagging... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 I have a source at SFC (have posted about him before) and had some lunch with him yesterday where he filled me in on some positive stuff. Cortese has ****ed off a few this year but the players love him because he is a big believer in player power. He is very into sports science and that sort of thing and will be employing a number of staff to analyse things like training and individual performance in games. It is why Adkins and him gets on so well apparently. In the words of my source we 'have too much money' (lol) but haven't spent too much on players because Cortese prepares to focus on the infrastructure because in the long term this is more beneficial. He apparently encouraged his staff to 'come to him with projects' and that if he liked them he would approve it regardless of cost (an example given was 20 million.) Cortese has a new five year plan which involves us being top five in the premiership. Now as you all know I have my reservations about Cortese, but I thought most of that was pretty positive and put me in a good mood. Woodward back then? I honestly feel that Cortese is Lowe, but with money. I don't think that's a bad thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 May, 2011 To get to top 5 in the Premiership will require us to sign top 5 players and pay them top 5 wages. I'll believe all the hype when I see it. It isn't hype, just what Cortese himself is working towards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capitalsaint Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Incredible news. I love this club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 incredible news. I love this club. +1 :thumbup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 It isn't hype, just what Cortese himself is working towards. indeed..if it does not happen.........at least we are going to try Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 May, 2011 jesus fecking christ... is that really you hypo ;-) sooner or later, you will join us on the Cortese and Nigel bus And also I presume you won't be deriding my info as b*llocks because it's something you actually want to hear... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 And also I presume you won't be deriding my info as b*llocks because it's something you actually want to hear... no...not saying I believe you...just saying its not like you to be positive.... what will be will be...but sniping from the sidelines serves no purpose at the mo whilst we are on the up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Positivity, love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 May, 2011 no...not saying I believe you...just saying its not like you to be positive.... what will be will be...but sniping from the sidelines serves no purpose at the mo whilst we are on the up It's from a source who has given me negative info in the past, which I have passed on and been laughed at on here by you. Neither this info or that has been made up. Anyway, it's decent news and I found it interesting. Nothing earth shattering but I hope others find it good too. It's always nice to get a pointer about what sort of thing we are working towards. The other bit of info is that he wants the best of everything facilities wise, thus not surprised he has considered moving the ground. If we don't have the history and status of Barcelona and united, what we will have are the best facilities to attract the best young players and hopefully keep hold of them for longer. At least that is the plan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfc4prem Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Love it! Cheers for the update hypo, shows how Cortese picked a manager that was not only talented, but could get on with him and had the same viewpoint and vision, too. Good stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Love it! Cheers for the update hypo, shows how Cortese picked a manager that was not only talented, but could get on with him and had the same viewpoint and vision, too. Good stuff. You get the impression that Adkins is really into that whole geeky side, and especially being a physio. Seems Cortese is too and I think he wants Adkins to be part of a whole team, with a big behind the scenes setup. In my mind I had a team of scientists in the bowels of SMS crunching all the numbers whilst the game was in play. Made me smile! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 You get the impression that Adkins is really into that whole geeky side, and especially being a physio. Seems Cortese is too and I think he wants Adkins to be part of a whole team, with a big behind the scenes setup. In my mind I had a team of scientists in the bowels of SMS crunching all the numbers whilst the game was in play. Made me smile! As the others who went to the 'Saints Legends' game would testify, there is already a huge case for human cloning at the academy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfc4prem Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Haha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Woodward back then? I honestly feel that Cortese is Lowe, but with money. I don't think that's a bad thing. Going way way back to the original SCW job spec (before the wants to be a manager & Redkrapp shenanigans) he was brought in to develop specialist coaching skills (a shooting coach would be good after we had so many shots off target last year!) but also his real brief was to put a mechanism in place to take the kids from the Academy level to bring them into the first team. At that age, some are ready at 16/17 (AOC Theo Bale) but some need a bit more time (Brian Howard for example) and we let them go too early. IF he really is into all that type of back-up structure then things really could get interesting. We have the funds for the team AND the support. Hmm I could almost get excited by THAT prospect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 indeed..if it does not happen.........at least we are going to try Words is all it is at this stage, and to deliver on this we will have to pay top wages and transfer fee's. You can't break into the top 5 (with the intention of establishing yourself there) without breaking the bank, and for a club like Saints that cannot be achieved without the Liebherrs bankrolling us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Cheers for the info Hypo. I think people believe the positives over the negatives because they seem to be backed up by the performances on the pitch and the team spirit within the camp. It's no surprise that Cortese upset some people when he came in. Whenever there is change at the top of most organisations, some people get their noses put out. But often the changes which cause the upset are for the long term benefit of everyone. Anyway, good to hear some positives! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 I have a source at SFC (have posted about him before) and had some lunch with him yesterday where he filled me in on some positive stuff. Cortese has ****ed off a few this year but the players love him because he is a big believer in player power. He is very into sports science and that sort of thing and will be employing a number of staff to analyse things like training and individual performance in games. It is why Adkins and him gets on so well apparently. In the words of my source we 'have too much money' (lol) but haven't spent too much on players because Cortese prepares to focus on the infrastructure because in the long term this is more beneficial. He apparently encouraged his staff to 'come to him with projects' and that if he liked them he would approve it regardless of cost (an example given was 20 million.) Cortese has a new five year plan which involves us being top five in the premiership. Now as you all know I have my reservations about Cortese, but I thought most of that was pretty positive and put me in a good mood. Cheers for this and being an honest broker of info rather than a salesman with an agenda. Whether that info is true or partly true or not at all, I guess you take the rough with the smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 I the irony stakes, just thinking through what Hypo posted, it could really hack off our fishy friends if we demolish a smart new 32,000 seat stadium to move out of town into a mega stadium... We've got two stadiums, you've got fook all again... Sorry just having a daft dream there. Voice of reason says, "beware foreign man offering sparkling beads " - Some Indian's family after he sold Manhatten to whoever.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Woodward back then? I honestly feel that Cortese is Lowe, but with money. I don't think that's a bad thing. They're not altogether dissimilar. The difference is that Cortese seems to recognise that investment is needed both on and off the pitch. Lowe's biggest gamble was investing in the infrastructure (Woodward etc) whilst neglecting the necessary investment in the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 You get the impression that Adkins is really into that whole geeky side, and especially being a physio. Seems Cortese is too and I think he wants Adkins to be part of a whole team, with a big behind the scenes setup. In my mind I had a team of scientists in the bowels of SMS crunching all the numbers whilst the game was in play. Made me smile! Read Michael Lewis' Moneyball - about baseball but tells how Oakland Athletic, an unfancied team with one of the tiniest budgets in the league became a powerhouse through its ability to interpret and find counterintuitive patterns iin the data. A v.good book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 May, 2011 It isn't just words, it's new training facilities, new coaches, more money for the academy, promotion, new contract for lallana. All very real and part of the long term plan. I think he means in terms of the huge investment needed for top five and he is right. It's pretty difficult for Cortese to make it more than just words though until we actually get into the prem. If we invest hugely into the infrastructure instead of paying say thirty million for a player, then possibly we could attract the thirty million players as youngsters and keep hold of them as long as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deppo Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 I have a source at SFC No you don't. Stop lying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gammon cheeks Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Woodward back then? I honestly feel that Cortese is Lowe, but with money. I don't think that's a bad thing. cortese will never be like lowe .......as lowe was a c unt x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 But....I thought we had no money? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 May, 2011 But....I thought we had no money? I guess we will see and at the back of my mind I'm still unnerved by what MLT says and what that ITK poster said on here (my memory is going.) I suppose when some of this infrastructure stuff is put into place, I will feel more at ease that this project is long term. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjay77 Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Words is all it is at this stage, and to deliver on this we will have to pay top wages and transfer fee's. You can't break into the top 5 (with the intention of establishing yourself there) without breaking the bank, and for a club like Saints that cannot be achieved without the Liebherrs bankrolling us. To be fair though, Ajax a few years back made a name for themselves by being at the top of the game without spending a fortune on external players, Barcalona have a team full of players that they have brought through the ranks from kids. So it is possible to build a world class team without just going out and buying the best players that everyone else has found like Chelsea and man city. Not saying I believe that will be us but then I am not saying we will break the bank to bring in top talent either. It does sound like NC wants to get the basics right so we can attract the best young talent and turn them into decent 1st team players. If we step things up a level each year then why can't we be supplying our 1st team players from our own academy in 5 years? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Saint Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 In the words of my source we 'have too much money' (lol) but haven't spent too much on players because Cortese prepares to focus on the infrastructure because in the long term this is more beneficial. He apparently encouraged his staff to 'come to him with projects' and that if he liked them he would approve it regardless of cost (an example given was 20 million.) Run it up the flag pole why don't you. We bought hardly anyone in the last window because teams who had players we wanted saw the chance to up the price because the perception is we are loaded and will pay a bit more. We are Swiss owned, which is a business culture where there are no competitions in how high you can piddle up the wall...........you just can, but won't until you have to! If Cortese gets wind of this thread and tracks down your source, then the sentence "don't let the door bang on your ar$e on the way out" or words to that effect might well be said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Run it up the flag pole why don't you. We bought hardly anyone in the last window because teams who had players we wanted saw the chance to up the price because the perception is we are loaded and will pay a bit more. We are Swiss owned, which is a business culture where there are no competitions in how high you can piddle up the wall...........you just can, but won't until you have to! If Cortese gets wind of this thread and tracks down your source, then the sentence "don't let the door bang on your ar$e on the way out" or words to that effect might well be said. How could he possibly find out who it is? Cortese doesn't know me and I didn't name them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjay77 Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 They're not altogether dissimilar. The difference is that Cortese seems to recognise that investment is needed both on and off the pitch. Lowe's biggest gamble was investing in the infrastructure (Woodward etc) whilst neglecting the necessary investment in the team. I find it hard to believe that lowe didn't feel the team needed investment as he (the board) did back each of the managers that were put in place and we did sign (crap) players each year. The pot of money we had then was limited and was supplemented by selling off some of our better players. The pot of money we have now is very different and if it's true that there is bags of it then the investment behind the scene's could match the investment in players and aiming for top 5 prem is a fair enough target no matter who is in charge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alain Perrin Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 How could he possibly find out who it is? Cortese doesn't know me and I didn't name them! That maybe, but Cortese will quickly work out it's Steve from accounts..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alain Perrin Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 That maybe, but Cortese will quickly work out it's Steve from accounts..... (note: if there is a Steve in accounts at SFC, then please don't fire him, I am only joking.) .... or am I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 (edited) He is very into sports science and that sort of thing and will be employing a number of staff to analyse things like training and individual performance in games. Had them for a while... Analyst - Stephen Corns Analyst - Andrew Stone All this is good to hear, especially when it comes from a normally pessimistic forum member like hypochondriac! Edited 25 May, 2011 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 I find it hard to believe that lowe didn't feel the team needed investment as he (the board) did back each of the managers that were put in place and we did sign (crap) players each year. The pot of money we had then was limited and was supplemented by selling off some of our better players. The pot of money we have now is very different and if it's true that there is bags of it then the investment behind the scene's could match the investment in players and aiming for top 5 prem is a fair enough target no matter who is in charge. I was particularly referring to the season following relegation; we spent just £90K on Fuller in the close season, but still saw fit to take on Woodward, Clifford and all the expense of the refurbishment of the training facilities. The balance between funding of the playing side and the backroom side just seemed very wrong, and IMO we wasted one year of parachute payments with the ill-fated Woodward scheme. In any case, its water under the bridge. Top 5 here we come..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 He apparently encouraged his staff to 'come to him with projects' and that if he liked them he would approve it regardless of cost (an example given was 20 million). What was the £20m example? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larrylove Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 As someone who does'nt come on here that often,what is the ITK and MLT info that's mentioned above?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Isn't Andrew Stone a dancer? Still not convinced we have the financial clout we once did, a couple of £m'ish signings would b a decent sign there is money in the pot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 (edited) Still not convinced we have the financial clout we once did, a couple of £m'ish signings would b a decent sign there is money in the pot Is a training ground that wouldn't look out of place at a top 4 club not the evidence you need? Edited 25 May, 2011 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispypie Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 You get the impression that Adkins is really into that whole geeky side, and especially being a physio. Seems Cortese is too and I think he wants Adkins to be part of a whole team, with a big behind the scenes setup. In my mind I had a team of scientists in the bowels of SMS crunching all the numbers whilst the game was in play. Made me smile! The new stadium will have a pit lane and half a dozen flat screens hanging from a gantry, Thanks for the update, i also am a bit wary of NC but to be fair to him he is delivering. Cant wait for the new season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Saint Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 How could he possibly find out who it is? Cortese doesn't know me and I didn't name them! Hmmmmm are you quite sure about that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 In the words of my source we 'have too much money' (lol) but haven't spent too much on players because Cortese prepares to focus on the infrastructure because in the long term this is more beneficial. He apparently encouraged his staff to 'come to him with projects' and that if he liked them he would approve it regardless of cost (an example given was 20 million.) £20m -an example of what? Cortese willingness to back and fund ideas coming from staff? Hard to think of anything other that than the new training ground that would cost such money - and it was Cortese's idea of sorts. Or are there any other surprises on the horizon. £20m -if the figure is correct- is not loose change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericb Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 i've been a saints fan for too long not to be cynical, and heard too many bad things about the inner workings of the club recently, but there's nothing more that i'd love than to have these words stuffed down my throat. I truly hope you're right hypo', not for you, for Southampton; Southampton football club; those of us who've been here through dark days. In the meantime i'll take pride in my city and club whatever and if it does come true i'll be the first in the fountain outside the guildhall! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 I can imagine him being like that. He's massively driven and if he's been entrusted with a pretty hefty budget (which i'm pretty sure he has) then he's sensible enough to use this properly and not throw it at players left right and centre. He's building up this club in the right way and I'm pretty excited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 To paraphrase Keegan, I would love it, just love it if Cortese brought Woodward (or a Woodward clone) back to the club. It would be interesting to see the take on all those who slagged him off before! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 May, 2011 He didn't say what the 20 million project was. I presume he meant the training ground but some sort of global scouting network would cost a bit I guess, not that he said anything like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 25 May, 2011 Author Share Posted 25 May, 2011 As someone who does'nt come on here that often,what is the ITK and MLT info that's mentioned above?? In The Know Matt Le Tiss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint J 77 Posted 25 May, 2011 Share Posted 25 May, 2011 Woodward back then? I honestly feel that Cortese is Lowe, but with money. I don't think that's a bad thing. Lowe only cared about making money for the shareholders and being in the limelight. Cortese cares about the club and has been very low key regarding public appearances. How are they anything alike? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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