Fitzhugh Fella Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 From this morning's Observer, Roy Hodgson's thoughts on Lambert's move - " I congratulate Liverpool on signing a good player, I am sure when you see him against Ecuador he will be running around with all the joy his heart can muster, because he is very happy the deal has gone through. It's a pity for Southampton because they have been terrific this year, but the fact is that the good players in England are always going to gravitate towards the top clubs. That's where the money is, and the Champions League football. UNFORTUNATELY, FOR A CLUB LIKE SOUTHAMPTON, THERE ARE ALWAYS BIGGER FISH IN THE SEA". So is there a chance we will ever become one of the biggest fish or as Hodgson has hinted should we just accept out fate amid the smaller bait fish? Me..... I am going fishing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 (edited) Me..... I am going fishing. A bigger stadium and surrounding development of the site would help change perceptions of the club nationally and internationally. Unlikely to happen or not, it is something along these lines Saints will need to move up a level in the eyes of the football world. Something like this perhaps... Edited 1 June, 2014 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Wolf Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Some may not like it on here but sadly, he's spot on. But no I don't think that's what he's saying. I just think he's saying at this current time there are a lot of bigger clubs than Southampton to play for and that's why we're struggling to hold on to our best players. Like I said, he's spot on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Ask Tottenham or Everton just how easy it is to break into that top 4, Champions League elite. Spurs and Everton are historically big clubs, but are still on the outside looking in compared to the big fish of the division. The Premier League is over hyped, and only serves as a money making exercise for all but 3 or 4 clubs who can actually compete for the title. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelman Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 The powers that be have made it so, so I guess they're happy with a few clubs per league dominating year in year out. it will end up with the creation of a European super league. The money men will be happy. No doubt some supporters will too. The plastics will be happy. And **** everyone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 The Premier League is over hyped, and only serves as a money making exercise for all but 3 or 4 clubs who can actually compete for the title. Strangely this is what a lot of people are still struggling to understand. There may be the odd team who has a freak season and a decent run at finishing 4th like Newcastle did, but this is becoming more and more unlikely as the top clubs hoover up the best players at will. It's a sad state of affairs and can't be rectified until the FA and Premier League grow a set of balls which they won't because it's not in their interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scudamore Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 A bigger stadium and surrounding development of the site would help change perceptions of the club nationally and internationally. Unlikely to happen or not, it is something along these lines Saints will need to move up a level in the eyes of the football world. Something like this perhaps... Yeah that, or winning some trophies perhaps... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snopper Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 The powers that be have made it so, so I guess they're happy with a few clubs per league dominating year in year out. it will end up with the creation of a European super league. The money men will be happy. No doubt some supporters will too. The plastics will be happy. And **** everyone else. This. And the quicker we get a European Super League the quicker we`ll get a more competitive domestic competition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Neel Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 We would need to increase the fan base - a club like spurs has a restricted capacity but season tickets are vastly oversubscribed. They have a huge income from sponsorship due to the number of supporters they have. If we can remain a successful, mid table premiership side (+ winning a cup or two) over the next 5 - 10 years we might be able to grow the fan base a bit - encouraging more local youngsters to support Saints and not top 6 clubs...but to be honest I cant really see that happening to an extent that we will become a top 6 club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 1 June, 2014 Author Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Strangely this is what a lot of people are still struggling to understand. There may be the odd team who has a freak season and a decent run at finishing 4th like Newcastle did, but this is becoming more and more unlikely as the top clubs hoover up the best players at will. It's a sad state of affairs and can't be rectified until the FA and Premier League grow a set of balls which they won't because it's not in their interest. I agree but surely Newcastle have the potential capacity to be that "big fish"? Or does it also come down to how many billions your owner is prepared to invest/lose? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 We would need to increase the fan base - a club like spurs has a restricted capacity but season tickets are vastly oversubscribed. They have a huge income from sponsorship due to the number of supporters they have. If we can remain a successful, mid table premiership side (+ winning a cup or two) over the next 5 - 10 years we might be able to grow the fan base a bit - encouraging more local youngsters to support Saints and not top 6 clubs...but to be honest I cant really see that happening to an extent that we will become a top 6 club. Yep, agree with that. It's all very well saying "build a bigger stadium and redevelop the surrounding area"; but last year, despite having the most successful season ever in the Premier League with a brilliant brand of attacking football, our average attendance fell by 600 from the previous year, and was around 1,500 down per game on our all time Premier League high. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cellone Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 This. And the quicker we get a European Super League the quicker we`ll get a more competitive domestic competition. Wouldn't all the decent players from the prem do one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WealdSaint Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 To grow we need more fans esp outside the UK. To do this we need to start marketing ourselves more overseas. If Veho continue to grow then this may prove very useful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gorgiesaint Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 No, we won't. The big clubs have too much to lose and anyone who looks likely to build something and threaten the cosy cartel at the top will have all its players linked with moves away and destabilised in the way that has happened with us this summer. (Plus some weak leadership isn't helping matters). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corky morris Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 He's right. Man City have spent £1bn to win the PL. The only way we become a big fish is by doing something similar & even then I can see it. We cant even fill the stadium we have every week! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Being a small fish in the sea never hurt Hodgson's career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintRobbie Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 (edited) From this morning's Observer, Roy Hodgson's thoughts on Lambert's move - " I congratulate Liverpool on signing a good player, I am sure when you see him against Ecuador he will be running around with all the joy his heart can muster, because he is very happy the deal has gone through. It's a pity for Southampton because they have been terrific this year, but the fact is that the good players in England are always going to gravitate towards the top clubs. That's where the money is, and the Champions League football. UNFORTUNATELY, FOR A CLUB LIKE SOUTHAMPTON, THERE ARE ALWAYS BIGGER FISH IN THE SEA". So is there a chance we will ever become one of the biggest fish or as Hodgson has hinted should we just accept out fate amid the smaller bait fish? Me..... I am going fishing. Whether his statement is true or not, if that is what Woy said I expect the club to launch a major complaint against him. This encourages the likes of Shaw and Lallana to leave. Roy Hodgson needs to shut up and honour his word from a couple of days ago that there would be no transfer talk in the camp. The Club MUST complain to the FA - not overtly - but should send a very strong message. Even if Shaw and Lallana leave this sort of statement implies that the grass is greener elsewhere (there is more to life than money) and that helps make players minds up, arguably costing us money in the transfer fee. Edited 1 June, 2014 by SaintRobbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eurosaint Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Whether his statement is true or not, if that is what Woy said I expect the club to launch a major complaint against him. This encourages the likes of Shaw and Lallana to leave. Roy Hodgson needs to shut up and honour his word from a couple of days ago that there would be no transfer talk in the camp. The Club MUST complain to the FA - not overtly - but should send a very strong message. Even if Shaw and Lallana leave this sort of statement implies that the grass is greener elsewhere (there is more to life than money) and that helps make players minds up, arguably costing us money in the transfer fee. Fair comment (from you not WOY!) I never thought of it that way but you're right, he has contradicted his earlier statement about transfer talk and done us a disservice at the same time !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonjoe Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Why don't you ask Ralph the next time you're cutting a book deal? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintRobbie Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Yep, agree with that. It's all very well saying "build a bigger stadium and redevelop the surrounding area"; but last year, despite having the most successful season ever in the Premier League with a brilliant brand of attacking football, our average attendance fell by 600 from the previous year, and was around 1,500 down per game on our all time Premier League high. Thats interesting. Could be something to do with the state of the economy and reduction in disposable income and standard of living? But I take your point. I wonder if that was the case elsewhere? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BARCELONASAINT Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 sadly Roy is correct, there are an elite few any they go to any lengths to protect that gravy train they are on. Think about it, how many players have Chelsea bought that would be first teamers in any tean outside the top four but have never or nearly never played for Chelsea first team. They buy these players to stop the other sides getting them and these players are happy to sit on their bums getting fat cheques each month for nothing. You may think i'm being cynical here but its true. We will never ever be a big team.....but hey ho i accepted that years ago and i don't want to support a team that buys itself Championships and Cups....that is empty victories as far as i'm concerned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huffton Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Unfortunately I think we've peaked for the size of the club at the moment. THe owners don't want to/can't fund a further push as we just don't yet have the infrastructure to support it, and if it goes wrong, well, have a look at the other end of the M27. To compete at that level we need a bigger ground, a bigger squad, more global exposure, better sponsors, the list goes on. I think we have to accept this is going to be Southampton for the next few years at least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintRobbie Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Unfortunately I think we've peaked for the size of the club at the moment. THe owners don't want to/can't fund a further push as we just don't yet have the infrastructure to support it, and if it goes wrong, well, have a look at the other end of the M27. To compete at that level we need a bigger ground, a bigger squad, more global exposure, better sponsors, the list goes on. I think we have to accept this is going to be Southampton for the next few years at least. It only takes a few players and a cracking manager. But I take your point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huffton Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 It only takes a few players and a cracking manager. But I take your point. But the problem as we are seeing now, is while we can get these players, we can't keep hold of them as we can't offer what the big boys can. We're in a massive catch 22, and without spunking a few hundred million we will be every year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelman Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 There was a recent article in the Fail that caused me to think about the future. It was saying the top 6 or 7 were subsidising the rest by missing out on TV revenue. Can't be bothered to remember all the details, but yes, Liverpool were at the top having missed out on £70m odd. If, or maybe that is when, clubs negotiate their own TV deals, that really will be that. As others have said, there are far too many who see PL as being the be all and end all. From a competition POV that is far from true. I always ask what the point is of joining a competition to just make up numbers? I also question the chief aim of PL is qualifying for CL. I would love to see the whole rotten thing collapse but there has been so much money thrown at it that I can't see that happening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintRobbie Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 From this morning's Observer, Roy Hodgson's thoughts on Lambert's move - " I congratulate Liverpool on signing a good player, I am sure when you see him against Ecuador he will be running around with all the joy his heart can muster, because he is very happy the deal has gone through. It's a pity for Southampton because they have been terrific this year, but the fact is that the good players in England are always going to gravitate towards the top clubs. That's where the money is, and the Champions League football. UNFORTUNATELY, FOR A CLUB LIKE SOUTHAMPTON, THERE ARE ALWAYS BIGGER FISH IN THE SEA". So is there a chance we will ever become one of the biggest fish or as Hodgson has hinted should we just accept out fate amid the smaller bait fish? Me..... I am going fishing. There is something else that really annoys be about Woys statement - truism it may be - but why would the England manager being encouraging his players to go where the money is? Surely he should be encouraging Lallana to carry on as a Captain in a good premier league team so that England will benefit from the possibility of a great captain too? There are more skills needed in low level leadership than in kicking a ball. That is why Lallana is so important to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo71 Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Why does everyone assume there is a going to be a European Super league?? I thought there already was.....it's called the Champions league Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 We would have a chance if say, Qatar decided to leave football after being outed as dirty bribers to get the World Cup, and Abramovich got a pull from Putin because Russia were outed as dirty bribers to get the World Cup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 1. We will never be one of the bigger fish 2. Hodgson is right, but he is part of the problem, imo. His training camps were supposed to be transfer-free, but it seems to me he has actively encouraged this situation and I dont care for the accusations that England training camps are being used as cover for tapping-up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baird of the land Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Yes there are always going to be bigger fish in the sea, even for the likes of Liverpool(if Madrid come calling). However we don't need to be small fry and right now i'm extremely annoyed at the condescending pity being wafted Saints way as people try and justify why we aren't allowed to try to keep any good players. Whenever Baines was being linked with Man U there wasn't any of that imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilko Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 One word answer: no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graffito Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Whether his statement is true or not, if that is what Woy said I expect the club to launch a major complaint against him. This encourages the likes of Shaw and Lallana to leave. Roy Hodgson needs to shut up and honour his word from a couple of days ago that there would be no transfer talk in the camp. The Club MUST complain to the FA - not overtly - but should send a very strong message. Even if Shaw and Lallana leave this sort of statement implies that the grass is greener elsewhere (there is more to life than money) and that helps make players minds up, arguably costing us money in the transfer fee. I agree though we all know that the FA will do nothing about it, especially pre World Cup. Presumably Hodgeson will be equally delighted when our other England players join top 6 sides. He may be less pleased when they don't play so regularly or are less available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamsaint Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Things are getting more and more predictable, sadly. An american football style franchise model , with their recruitment systems might see smaller regional cities with clubs at. The top for a while, but who wants that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baird of the land Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Personally i'd like squad wage caps to be introduced into european football. If set properly they could help address to a degree the hoarding of players by certain clubs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint George Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Strip everything else away and it's still 11 men kicking a ball about on a field for 38 games. With good tactics, preparation and belief, anything is possible.....The regularity that well organized smaller Clubs give the big boys a bloody nose in European competitions proves it. Something Saints under Cortese's watch was well in tune with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie@home Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 It's not going to benefit Roy if Ricky spends most of his time bench-warming. If anything, he should encourage players to stay where they are so they get more game time. They moan about the small number of English players in the PL and do nothing to encourage the smaller clubs to bring players through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 'Twas always the way. We are just a large provincial club and will always be so. Yes we had our attendance fall but £40 a ticket (to have 40 you have to earn 50) is a lot of money to find. Add to that travel food etc and football is now becoming a luxury. Every top club now needs wealthy benefactors or a superb business model with a massive attendance and marketing. It will be a long time until we can fall into that, if ever Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpturner Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Man City have spent £1bn to win the PL. A real £1bn or an American £1bn? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pastor Patrón Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 There are bigger fish in the sea than any club in England. Barcelona and Real Madrid will always attract players over any of them. There's absolutely no need for Hodgson to comment on any of this and it just makes him come across as unprofessional. He should show a little bit more respect to a club that are making his job a hell of a lot easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 A real £1bn or an American £1bn? Errr, what now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 There are bigger fish in the sea than any club in England. Barcelona and Real Madrid will always attract players over any of them. There's absolutely no need for Hodgson to comment on any of this and it just makes him come across as unprofessional. He should show a little bit more respect to a club that are making his job a hell of a lot easier. Welcome back. What's the plan this time around? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Strip everything else away and it's still 11 men kicking a ball about on a field for 38 games. With good tactics, preparation and belief, anything is possible.....The regularity that well organized smaller Clubs give the big boys a bloody nose in European competitions proves it. Something Saints under Cortese's watch was well in tune with. Helluva lot of good its done us......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonist Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Errr, what now? The british billion used to be 1,000,000,000,000 it's not 1,000,000,000 as in USA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pastor Patrón Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Welcome back. What's the plan this time around? Thanks babe. The plan with what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 A bigger stadium and surrounding development of the site would help change perceptions of the club nationally and internationally. Unlikely to happen or not, it is something along these lines Saints will need to move up a level in the eyes of the football world. Something like this perhaps... Great to have a much bigger stadium but where will everyone park? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Thanks babe. The plan with what? Your next banning. How are you going to bow out -with fireworks or with a whimper? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pastor Patrón Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 Your next banning. How are you going to bow out -with fireworks or with a whimper? Judging on recent trends I imagine it'll be for something like incorrect use of an apostrophe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 We were a big fish in league 1, that's why he left Rovers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 1 June, 2014 Author Share Posted 1 June, 2014 We were a big fish in league 1, that's why he left Rovers. Good point Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 1 June, 2014 Share Posted 1 June, 2014 The british billion used to be 1,000,000,000,000 it's not 1,000,000,000 as in USA. They've both been the same for a long while now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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