sydney_saint Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 As a lifetime fan, for the first time in my life after the defeat today I feel....nothing.... Not anger, or upset or that it was a missed opportunity. Yes like everyone else I felt pride during the game watching the players exceed expectations, push Liverpool close and ultimately we deserved the three points. But after the game that quickly evaporated, much to the point that I am now here typing, perplexed at the lack of emotion. The dog, which would normally be cowering, has ventured out and looks as confused as me. I feel this is very much linked to the feeling I've had all pre season that many others have commented on, which is the 'what's the point' feeling. Even if we had won today, we would still end up mid table. If Liverpool had dropped points, they would still be near the top come the end of the season. The game today, no matter the result, is just a footnote in the predictable story that is the premier league and hence why I no longer really care. But football has been one of the biggest, or at least most consistent, thing in my life. And I very much want to regain that emotional aspect, however I don't think I can while the game is built on its current foundations. Some form or radical change is needed for this. I don't know how many others feel this, but from those that I have spoken, particularly fans from other similar sized clubs who don't believe the ridiculous hype, we want the game to change. I understand many of the reasons why we go to games, many relating to identity, belonging and sense of place, and while I have been priced out (the cups will probably be my only games this season) most of us still continue to go to games. Despite this, it is important that eventually the fans organise themselves to change the game we used to love. However we still turn up every other week. So my question is, what would it take for you to stop going to St Marys? Where is that tipping point? Is it simply a financial one, or is there an emotional one as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sydney_saint Posted 17 August, 2014 Author Share Posted 17 August, 2014 As a lifetime fan, for the first time in my life after the defeat today I feel....nothing.... Not anger, or upset or that it was a missed opportunity. Yes like everyone else I felt pride during the game watching the players exceed expectations, push Liverpool close and ultimately we deserved the three points. But after the game that quickly evaporated, much to the point that I am now here typing, perplexed at the lack of emotion. The dog, which would normally be cowering, has ventured out and looks as confused as me. I feel this is very much linked to the feeling I've had all pre season that many others have commented on, which is the 'what's the point' feeling. Even if we had won today, we would still end up mid table. If Liverpool had dropped points, they would still be near the top come the end of the season. The game today, no matter the result, is just a footnote in the predictable story that is the premier league and hence why I no longer really care. But football has been one of the biggest, or at least most consistent, thing in my life. And I very much want to regain that emotional aspect, however I don't think I can while the game is built on its current foundations. Some form or radical change is needed for this. I don't know how many others feel this, but from those that I have spoken, particularly fans from other similar sized clubs who don't believe the ridiculous hype, we want the game to change. I understand many of the reasons why we go to games, many relating to identity, belonging and sense of place, and while I have been priced out (the cups will probably be my only games this season) most of us still continue to go to games. Despite this, it is important that eventually the fans organise themselves to change the game we used to love. However we still turn up every other week. So my question is, what would it take for you to stop going to St Marys? Where is that tipping point? Is it simply a financial one, or is there an emotional one as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintmatt Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 Football is about moments, not the big picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintmatt Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 Football is about moments, not the big picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 Even if we end up mid table every single season, there will always be those few times where we beat United away or pick up a result against arsenal that make football worthwhile. Still hoping that our latest adventure in the top flight will get us a trophy at some point. Maybe in a season or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 Even if we end up mid table every single season, there will always be those few times where we beat United away or pick up a result against arsenal that make football worthwhile. Still hoping that our latest adventure in the top flight will get us a trophy at some point. Maybe in a season or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 Chin up mate, could be worse, you could have been born a skate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 Chin up mate, could be worse, you could have been born a skate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thorpie the sinner Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 Football is about moments, not the big picture. Spot on! That one moment becomes a memory for a lifetime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thorpie the sinner Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 Football is about moments, not the big picture. Spot on! That one moment becomes a memory for a lifetime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red&white56 Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 Been a Saints fan for over 50 years, this is just part of the ups and downs of a long relationship, a relationship I'll never break. Southampton till I die! ps - it still feels like an "up moment" to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red&white56 Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 Been a Saints fan for over 50 years, this is just part of the ups and downs of a long relationship, a relationship I'll never break. Southampton till I die! ps - it still feels like an "up moment" to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Block34 Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 To stop going to St Mary's - only if the next posting is 'out of the area'. To stop supporting SFC - nothing, certainly not this summers travails (nor the bed-wetting wrist-slitters here either - you know who you are!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Block34 Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 To stop going to St Mary's - only if the next posting is 'out of the area'. To stop supporting SFC - nothing, certainly not this summers travails (nor the bed-wetting wrist-slitters here either - you know who you are!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 once it enters your dna there is no point fighting it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 17 August, 2014 Share Posted 17 August, 2014 once it enters your dna there is no point fighting it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AussieDog Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 My enthusiasm ebbs and flows, especially being so far away now, but get me anywhere near Southampton and it all comes flooding back. It's been a bit of a struggle to stay positive this summer, with not knowing what's going on and the fact that most of the players coming in I had never even heard of ( I love it when we get academy players bursting through the ranks as that epitomizes Saints to me). The Liverpool game was encouraging, but I will be getting my infusion of Saints in September when I come back so all will be well in my world after that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AussieDog Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 My enthusiasm ebbs and flows, especially being so far away now, but get me anywhere near Southampton and it all comes flooding back. It's been a bit of a struggle to stay positive this summer, with not knowing what's going on and the fact that most of the players coming in I had never even heard of ( I love it when we get academy players bursting through the ranks as that epitomizes Saints to me). The Liverpool game was encouraging, but I will be getting my infusion of Saints in September when I come back so all will be well in my world after that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brave Sir Robin Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 The premier league is a farce. If you want to know where everyone will finish, with only 1 or 2 exceptions, just look at each clubs wage bill (we'll finish mid table btw). However, fans organising themselves to boycott matches or even merchandise wouldn't make a huge difference. If everyone stopped paying for televised football, it might impact it a bit, but it'd need to be a global effort - aint gonna happen. Personally, I was sort of hoping the one good thing to come out of the economic downturn was that the money might go out of football, but the opposite happened (and historically, entertainment industries boom during such times - hence the golden age of Hollywood in the 1930's) Despite all this, as soon as I see a Saints team playing another team, my pulse quickens, I raise my voice, every completed pass fills me with pride and every goal is ecstasy! So what if the bigger picture is uninspiring, it's all about those little moments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brave Sir Robin Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 The premier league is a farce. If you want to know where everyone will finish, with only 1 or 2 exceptions, just look at each clubs wage bill (we'll finish mid table btw). However, fans organising themselves to boycott matches or even merchandise wouldn't make a huge difference. If everyone stopped paying for televised football, it might impact it a bit, but it'd need to be a global effort - aint gonna happen. Personally, I was sort of hoping the one good thing to come out of the economic downturn was that the money might go out of football, but the opposite happened (and historically, entertainment industries boom during such times - hence the golden age of Hollywood in the 1930's) Despite all this, as soon as I see a Saints team playing another team, my pulse quickens, I raise my voice, every completed pass fills me with pride and every goal is ecstasy! So what if the bigger picture is uninspiring, it's all about those little moments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redslo Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 The point of life, I would like to believe, is to live it well--not to win it. Translating that to BPL terms, the club needs to do its best both on a game to game basis and beyond that. Although it might have felt like there was a chance to break through after last year, that chance was illusory given the Salary Cap rules. (Man City and Chelsea are likely the last teams that can fully buy success.) However, progress is not impossible. It has to be done intelligently and steadily--not all at once. And it still will require a rich and supportive owner which it is quite possible we now have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redslo Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 The point of life, I would like to believe, is to live it well--not to win it. Translating that to BPL terms, the club needs to do its best both on a game to game basis and beyond that. Although it might have felt like there was a chance to break through after last year, that chance was illusory given the Salary Cap rules. (Man City and Chelsea are likely the last teams that can fully buy success.) However, progress is not impossible. It has to be done intelligently and steadily--not all at once. And it still will require a rich and supportive owner which it is quite possible we now have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 We're in the Premier League due in no small amount to the benevolence of a billionaire owner, good fortune not afforded to clubs of equal size to us who could only dream of our circumstances. So I don't quite understand why certain Saints fans now think they have the monopoly on hand-wringing maudlin gripes about how jolly awful the money - obsessed Premier League is, when that same money has allowed us access to it. Clubs are above other clubs because of their bank balances, which is as true of us as it is Manchester City. I intend to enjoy this season, and on yesterday's evidence it looks like being a blast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 We're in the Premier League due in no small amount to the benevolence of a billionaire owner, good fortune not afforded to clubs of equal size to us who could only dream of our circumstances. So I don't quite understand why certain Saints fans now think they have the monopoly on hand-wringing maudlin gripes about how jolly awful the money - obsessed Premier League is, when that same money has allowed us access to it. Clubs are above other clubs because of their bank balances, which is as true of us as it is Manchester City. I intend to enjoy this season, and on yesterday's evidence it looks like being a blast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 (edited) We're in the Premier League due in no small amount to the benevolence of a billionaire owner, good fortune not afforded to clubs of equal size to us who could only dream of our circumstances. So I don't quite understand why certain Saints fans now think they have the monopoly on hand-wringing maudlin gripes about how jolly awful the money - obsessed Premier League is, when that same money has allowed us access to it. Clubs are above other clubs because of their bank balances, which is as true of us as it is Manchester City. I intend to enjoy this season, and on yesterday's evidence it looks like being a blast. these grips about money ruining the game did not exists in league 1 when we threw money at everything and everyone for their best players like we hate liverpool/arsenal for 'taking' our young players. Much like plymouth dislike us for taking their better young players. plymouth fans at work used to tell me that if our academy was soooo amazing (like we tell everyone) why dont we produce our own youth players instead of buying theirs no one cares about them, though I like the prem, nearly every fixture is exciting and entertaining with some bloody good players no league is like this. Edited 18 August, 2014 by Batman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 (edited) We're in the Premier League due in no small amount to the benevolence of a billionaire owner, good fortune not afforded to clubs of equal size to us who could only dream of our circumstances. So I don't quite understand why certain Saints fans now think they have the monopoly on hand-wringing maudlin gripes about how jolly awful the money - obsessed Premier League is, when that same money has allowed us access to it. Clubs are above other clubs because of their bank balances, which is as true of us as it is Manchester City. I intend to enjoy this season, and on yesterday's evidence it looks like being a blast. these grips about money ruining the game did not exists in league 1 when we threw money at everything and everyone for their best players like we hate liverpool/arsenal for 'taking' our young players. Much like plymouth dislike us for taking their better young players. plymouth fans at work used to tell me that if our academy was soooo amazing (like we tell everyone) why dont we produce our own youth players instead of buying theirs no one cares about them, though I like the prem, nearly every fixture is exciting and entertaining with some bloody good players no league is like this. Edited 18 August, 2014 by Batman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulSaint Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 Do you feel any different about the League Cup and FA Cup? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulSaint Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 Do you feel any different about the League Cup and FA Cup? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony F Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 The premier league is a farce. If you want to know where everyone will finish, with only 1 or 2 exceptions, just look at each clubs wage bill (we'll finish mid table btw).. Wasn't there some data posted on this forum that we had the second lowest wage bill last season...... or maybe the season before? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony F Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 The premier league is a farce. If you want to know where everyone will finish, with only 1 or 2 exceptions, just look at each clubs wage bill (we'll finish mid table btw).. Wasn't there some data posted on this forum that we had the second lowest wage bill last season...... or maybe the season before? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redslo Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 Wasn't there some data posted on this forum that we had the second lowest wage bill last season...... or maybe the season before? This will have the information you are talking about. We were 18th in our first season back. Last year's aren't published yet. http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/01/premier-league-accounts-club-by-club-david-conn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redslo Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 Wasn't there some data posted on this forum that we had the second lowest wage bill last season...... or maybe the season before? This will have the information you are talking about. We were 18th in our first season back. Last year's aren't published yet. http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/01/premier-league-accounts-club-by-club-david-conn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 What would it take for me to stop going to St Mary's? Probably the team ceasing to exist. As frustrating as the summer was we are still fans of a Premier League team that play good football, specialise in bringing through very talented young players and have progressed astonishingly over the last half a decade from our lowest ebb. Fans of many clubs would kill to be in our position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 What would it take for me to stop going to St Mary's? Probably the team ceasing to exist. As frustrating as the summer was we are still fans of a Premier League team that play good football, specialise in bringing through very talented young players and have progressed astonishingly over the last half a decade from our lowest ebb. Fans of many clubs would kill to be in our position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingdomCome Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 I know how you feel, I don't have the same "down" after the loss. I'm not sure if it's that we played well or that I don't care as much. I would say it's the former. No matter how broken the game gets, it's like an addiction, you know it's bad, but it doesn't stop you going back for more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingdomCome Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 I know how you feel, I don't have the same "down" after the loss. I'm not sure if it's that we played well or that I don't care as much. I would say it's the former. No matter how broken the game gets, it's like an addiction, you know it's bad, but it doesn't stop you going back for more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingdomCome Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 Wasn't there some data posted on this forum that we had the second lowest wage bill last season...... or maybe the season before? That would explain the reformation then (not the religious one). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingdomCome Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 Wasn't there some data posted on this forum that we had the second lowest wage bill last season...... or maybe the season before? That would explain the reformation then (not the religious one). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halo Stickman Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 Careful, we don’t want to spend too long analysing why all of us on here invest so much of our time, money, effort, energy and passion on following the fortunes of a bunch of highly-paid blokes chasing a ball around for 90 minutes – the madhouse isn’t big enough for all of us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halo Stickman Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 Careful, we don’t want to spend too long analysing why all of us on here invest so much of our time, money, effort, energy and passion on following the fortunes of a bunch of highly-paid blokes chasing a ball around for 90 minutes – the madhouse isn’t big enough for all of us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 Even if we end up mid table every single season, there will always be those few times where we beat United away or pick up a result against Arsenal that make football worthwhile. Still hoping that our latest adventure in the top flight will get us a trophy at some point. Maybe in a season or two. ....a good summary. I'd go with that. The " BIG money " clubs with monopoly money have the Euro-scene sewn up, and without a regular gate of 45,000, we wouldn't be able to increase our income by selling £100m players every season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 18 August, 2014 Share Posted 18 August, 2014 Even if we end up mid table every single season, there will always be those few times where we beat United away or pick up a result against Arsenal that make football worthwhile. Still hoping that our latest adventure in the top flight will get us a trophy at some point. Maybe in a season or two. ....a good summary. I'd go with that. The " BIG money " clubs with monopoly money have the Euro-scene sewn up, and without a regular gate of 45,000, we wouldn't be able to increase our income by selling £100m players every season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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