Crouch Piece in The Echo

[um pahars]

As with the Wilde one, although this looks as though it was answers to questions from The Echo as opposed to a prepared statement:

 

 

"It's sad for the shareholders and I'm one of them, but I'm not worried about the money I've lost - it's the other fans, what about them?

 

I didn't buy my shares to make money. When I bought my shares it was a long term invesment and I never expected to get my money back, so i'm not worried about my shares.

 

We don't need the history of why we're here at the present time, because I believe that will filter through to the manager and the players.

 

There will be an inquest, but that's got to be when we are safe.

 

I would ask everyone who loves this club to forget about personalities and get back in that stadium and get behind the lads. We have got every chance if we do that.

 

We've played some good football under Mark Wotte and we can do it. We have got every chance to avoid relegation, so let's get behind them.

 

Come on you reds - that's got to be the message. We've got to pack the stadium out for these last three games. If we can do that then we have got every chance of staying up."

 

Crouch is hopeful there is someone out there who will take on the club...........

 

"We have all these great facilites. We wouldn't be a PLC any more, it will be a private company and it will be clean and easy, and I believe someone will come in and do a deal with the banks.

 

Hopefully we will have a buyer out there that sees the tremendous potential of the club - it's a fantastic opportunity for someone"

 

But Crouch refused to be drawn on whether he would consider buying the club.

 

"I think at the present time I wouldn't want to make any comment. It really needs to unravel, what's actually happening"

[Daren W]

As with the Wilde one, although this looks as though it was answers to questions from The Echo as opposed to a prepared statement:

 

 

"It's sad for the shareholders and I'm one of them, but I'm not worried about the money I've lost - it's the other fans, what about them?

 

I didn't buy my shares to make money. When I bought my shares it was a long term invesment and I never expected to get my money back, so i'm not worried about my shares.

 

We don't need the history of why we're here at the present time, because I believe that will filter through to the manager and the players.

 

There will be an inquest, but that's got to be when we are safe.

 

I would ask everyone who loves this club to forget about personalities and get back in that stadium and get behind the lads. We have got every chance if we do that.

 

We've played some good football under Mark Wotte and we can do it. We have got every chance to avoid relegation, so let's get behind them.

 

Come on you reds - that's got to be the message. We've got to pack the stadium out for these last three games. If we can do that then we have got every chance of staying up."

 

Crouch is hopeful there is someone out there who will take on the club...........

 

"We have all these great facilites. We wouldn't be a PLC any more, it will be a private company and it will be clean and easy, and I believe someone will come in and do a deal with the banks.

 

Hopefully we will have a buyer out there that sees the tremendous potential of the club - it's a fantastic opportunity for someone"

 

But Crouch refused to be drawn on whether he would consider buying the club.

 

"I think at the present time I wouldn't want to make any comment. It really needs to unravel, what's actually happening"

 

I think he came out of the interview really well.

Passionate, reasoned and above all fair. No gloating, no baiting, just the reasoned thoughts of a fan...

[Morph]

As with the Wilde one, although this looks as though it was answers to questions from The Echo as opposed to a prepared statement:

 

 

"It's sad for the shareholders and I'm one of them, but I'm not worried about the money I've lost - it's the other fans, what about them?

 

I didn't buy my shares to make money. When I bought my shares it was a long term invesment and I never expected to get my money back, so i'm not worried about my shares.

 

We don't need the history of why we're here at the present time, because I believe that will filter through to the manager and the players.

 

There will be an inquest, but that's got to be when we are safe.

 

I would ask everyone who loves this club to forget about personalities and get back in that stadium and get behind the lads. We have got every chance if we do that.

 

We've played some good football under Mark Wotte and we can do it. We have got every chance to avoid relegation, so let's get behind them.

 

Come on you reds - that's got to be the message. We've got to pack the stadium out for these last three games. If we can do that then we have got every chance of staying up."

 

Crouch is hopeful there is someone out there who will take on the club...........

 

"We have all these great facilites. We wouldn't be a PLC any more, it will be a private company and it will be clean and easy, and I believe someone will come in and do a deal with the banks.

 

Hopefully we will have a buyer out there that sees the tremendous potential of the club - it's a fantastic opportunity for someone"

 

But Crouch refused to be drawn on whether he would consider buying the club.

 

"I think at the present time I wouldn't want to make any comment. It really needs to unravel, what's actually happening"

 

Leon is a very decent guy who loves this club as a true supporter. Those that have met him will recognise that. I for one would be delighted if he were involved in the future of the Club in some capacity. I'm also aware that people who can be of great influence in these critical days ahead like him alot, but they have no time for Lowe and Wilde.

 

Regards

 

 

Morph

[Fan The Flames]

Well said LC.

[Badger]

Leon is a very decent guy who loves this club as a true supporter. Those that have met him will recognise that. I for one would be delighted if he were involved in the future of the Club in some capacity. I'm also aware that people who can be of great influence in these critical days ahead like him alot, but they have no time for Lowe and Wilde.

 

Regards

 

 

Morph

 

Who ? Do you mean the Administrators?

 

I have read previously that Barclays had a better working relationship with LC than Lowe.

[Under Weststand]

Excellent articulate article shows he is a true Saints Fan.

[Viking Warrior]

LC comes across well in the article and I congratulate him for that and I know he is a true saints fans but I really think we need a total clean sweep in the boardroom.

 

Onwards and upwards

[rocknrollman no2]

I think LC has come across as a decent person and a true supporter of SFC.

The man has lost over a million pounds,yet still has time to mention other fans who have lost much smaller amounts.

Im not particulary a fan of LC,but do you think Lowe gives a damm about Saints fans,or anyone else except himself?

[Under Weststand]

LC comes across well in the article and I congratulate him for that and I know he is a true saints fans but I really think we need a total clean sweep in the boardroom.

 

Onwards and upwards

Don't disagree with that, I personally don't have a problem with Leon but I know some do, and for that reason it probably would be better for the healing process if as you say its a clean sweep.

[Rational Rich]

LC comes across well in the article and I congratulate him for that and I know he is a true saints fans but I really think we need a total clean sweep in the boardroom.

 

Onwards and upwards

 

I'm not sure we've got that luxury. Any port in a storm.

[docker-p]

I for one would welcome a bid from Leon Crouch. Yes his appointment of Dodd was a mistake but he sorted it out and got the right man. He is a real fan. I remember being in a pub with him in Hull at 10.30 in the morning before our game up there two seasons ago. He sorted out the statue debacle with his own money. We could do a lot worse.

[John B]

I'm not sure we've got that luxury. Any port in a storm.

 

Yes beggars cant be chosers.

 

 

 

We just need SFC to continue

[krissyboy31]

Leon spoke very well on TV and this is pretty much the transcript from that.

 

I too would prefer a complete clean sweep but I have no problem with LC coming back and if he wants to put more of his money into the club, we're hardly going to turn it down. If he did, I would prefer that it was at Director level, rather than Chairman or CEO with a Saltz like figure above him.

[saintsdan]

Also a piece on the BBC website, accepting some responsibility for the current situation; for what its worth.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/7979976.stm

[PAULACZT]

I think LC has come across as a decent person and a true supporter of SFC.

The man has lost over a million pounds,yet still has time to mention other fans who have lost much smaller amounts.

Im not particulary a fan of LC,but do you think Lowe gives a damm about Saints fans,or anyone else except himself?

 

I agree and the silence is deafening from Stupert....at least Wilde has made a statement (however useless that was). Sky said it all when the reporter at SMS said Stupert was seen leaving from a back door very quickly...probably collected by Guy the gutless or one of the other lowe lifes.

THE LOWE LEGACY:

10 years = relegation from Premier league...10 months = administration/possible relegation/laughing stock

 

Stupert now retreats from public life (who actually knew anything of him before he was introduced to football by Guy Gutless?) and goes back to what he is good at....erm.....answers on a postage stamp to that one please.

 

Or has he put himself on gardening leave?

 

Stupert R.I.P

[Alain Perrin]

I agree and the silence is deafening from Stupert....at least Wilde has made a statement (however useless that was). Sky said it all when the reporter at SMS said Stupert was seen leaving from a back door very quickly...probably collected by Guy the gutless or one of the other lowe lifes.

THE LOWE LEGACY:

10 years = relegation from Premier league...10 months = administration/possible relegation/laughing stock

 

Stupert now retreats from public life (who actually knew anything of him before he was introduced to football by Guy Gutless?) and goes back to what he is good at....erm.....answers on a postage stamp to that one please.

 

Or has he put himself on gardening leave?

 

Stupert R.I.P

 

With respect PaulaCZT, there is no point him saying anything. If he came out and said "Save starving african children", people would criticise him for forgetting those with malaria.

 

Saints are better off without RL and, honestly, he's probably better off without all the abuse.

[saints_is_the_south]

Fair play Leon, always liked the guy & as others have said although i would prefer a clean sweep of the boardroom i would have no problems with LC heading up or being involved in some form of consortium.

[PAULACZT]

With respect PaulaCZT, there is no point him saying anything. If he came out and said "Save starving african children", people would criticise him for forgetting those with malaria.

 

Saints are better off without RL and, honestly, he's probably better off without all the abuse.

 

With respect AP...he has taken millions out of this club and now should have the decency to say a simple 'sorry' to the supporters and shareholders...along the lines of...I tried my best but I have failed and I apologise for stearing the club into this situation, and as Chairman/CEO/Director of football/Chief Scout (delete as needed) I apologise un-reservedly to the shareholders and magnificent supporters of this great football club. Now thats not much to ask for dont you think AP?

[carljack]

I think he came out of the interview really well.

Passionate, reasoned and above all fair. No gloating, no baiting, just the reasoned thoughts of a fan...

 

You only need to look at the Statue of Ted Bates to realise that LC is a TRUE SAINT, I have never met the man, but compare what he paid for and the Jimmy Kranky lookalike that was put up previously,just hope the statue will be there for my Granchildren to see.

 

SAINT TILL I DIE!

[St Landrew]

And he's honest enough to admit his mistakes too: More respect to the bloke:

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/7979976.stm

[pilsburydoughboy]

I for one would welcome a bid from Leon Crouch. Yes his appointment of Dodd was a mistake but he sorted it out and got the right man. He is a real fan. I remember being in a pub with him in Hull at 10.30 in the morning before our game up there two seasons ago. He sorted out the statue debacle with his own money. We could do a lot worse.

 

 

I remember the look on someones face on the plane to Hull on that weekend.

[Block 5]

Sat behind LC at Loftus Road this season. He was in with the fans, not off lording it.

Lowe & Wilde would never do that!

[Saint Fan CaM]

LC has put so much more into this club than his shares, the statue and his personal attendance! What about all the ball, player and match sponsorships, the two boxes he hires and his time which he gave up free? There's probably more. I know Leon and he is a true passionate Saints supporter who succeeds in his various ventures because he puts his all into whatever he is involved in. In terms of a fan with executive level presence at the club, we could do a lot worse I promise you.

 

And incidentally, anyone who thinks LC did a bad job appointing Dodd best remember that this was only a temporary placement until a suitable candidate was found. It's called not taking a knee-jerk action and getting a decision right first time. Leon did that fully when he finally found and then appointed Pearson.

[Saint in Paradise]

No-one can convince me that Saints would be in their present situation IF Mr Crouch had remained in charge.

 

Whilst I hate to see anyone loose their money I sincerely hope Mr Lowe and Mr Wilde learn from all this and

become better business men in the future, they must never ever be involved with Saints again though IMHO.

[EFM]

There, it seems, speaks the heart of a true Saints fan. I'm sure many on here can point to mistakes on his part but not only does he go some way to admitting them (what a refreshing change) he also shows a concern for the club and its many fans which has long been absent from the latest incumbents in any rare public utterings.

 

I don't claim to know enough as to whether he should continue to be involved in some capacity but I do appreciate someone involved at his level coming out and showing some heartfelt feeling, remorse and regret at the position we find ourselves in. FEELING being quite an important word in my view when it comes to our football club. I suspect 2 or 3 prominent others won't utter anything remotely similar.

[70's Mike]

people may not like some of his decisions but NO ONE can question the mans loyalty to SFC.

[a1ex2001]

No-one can convince me that Saints would be in their present situation IF Mr Crouch had remained in charge.

 

 

I like him but thats certainly stretching the truth, the wage bill condemed us to this fate and I can't see how he would have reduced it enough.

[OldNick]

I saw a snippet on the local news last night and was impressed by his manner. Great respect of him was earned last night.

[GreenTreeFrog]

LC has put so much more into this club than his shares, the statue and his personal attendance! What about all the ball, player and match sponsorships, the two boxes he hires and his time which he gave up free? There's probably more. I know Leon and he is a true passionate Saints supporter who succeeds in his various ventures because he puts his all into whatever he is involved in. In terms of a fan with executive level presence at the club, we could do a lot worse I promise you.

 

And incidentally, anyone who thinks LC did a bad job appointing Dodd best remember that this was only a temporary placement until a suitable candidate was found. It's called not taking a knee-jerk action and getting a decision right first time. Leon did that fully when he finally found and then appointed Pearson.

 

 

 

No doubt Leon Crouch has put a lot into the club and is as genuine and passionate as you say. But as for ‘getting it right first time’ you need to read the comments made by him about the D&G appointment. It’s true they were initially temporary appointments but that changed after 3 games in charge when Crouch made them permanent for the season. Here is what he said at the time (this was after the home loss to QPR, the third of D&Gs 4 league games in charge).

 

"We are delighted John and Jason have agreed to stay in charge of the team. They have done a terrific job so far and I know this will be a popular move with the whole squad.

 

"There has been a marked change in determination which is now the best it has been since the surge to the play-offs at the end of last season while performances have been far more positive."

 

"They are experienced, they know the game inside out and they are positive and enthusiastic - and that has clearly rubbed off on the players who are showing more passion".

 

Those are ringing endorsements justifying his decision to appoint them for the rest of the season.

 

He did not ‘find and appoint’ Pearson either, at least not in the sense of a reasoned and careful search; the 'sacking' of D&G was a knee jerk reaction to the cup loss on a Saturday and they were gone by the Sunday. Pearson said he was amazed at the speed of his appointment, first contact Sunday night and appointed virtually on the spot. As far as we know it was Lawrie McMenemy’s agent son that organised it.

 

When he appointed Pearson, Crouch now had this to say about D&G (a week after the praise above).

 

"It was clear that the uncertainty of the management situation was having a detrimental effect on the players and so we have decided to bring in a new man," I believe [Pearson] is the right man to steady the ship and get us moving up the table once more".

 

So he completely changed his mind in a week and what 'uncertainty' was causing the problem? If there was any uncertainty it can only have been over his comment that D&G would be in charge 'for the rest of the season.' It was his decision either way.

 

I think it’s also important to realise he believed Pearson was the right appointment TO MOVE US UP THE TABLE. Judged on those words he [Crouch] failed. I wonder if that was behind the strong rumour that Crouch was set to replace Pearson at the end of the season.

 

I want to make it clear I have nothing at all against Crouch; I just don’t agree he is blameless or infallible. He did make some poor decisions during his time in charge.

[SaintRobbie]

LC was just as much a part of the problem as Lowe - BUT, he has always had my preference for being a fan and caring. He may be clumsy and passionate but he has ambition - he nearly pulled off our return to the Premiership. A gamble we may now need to repeat.

 

LC is a fan. Ted Bates statue is down to him remember.

 

I like him.

[Nineteen Canteen]

I for one would welcome a bid from Leon Crouch. Yes his appointment of Dodd was a mistake but he sorted it out and got the right man. He is a real fan. I remember being in a pub with him in Hull at 10.30 in the morning before our game up there two seasons ago. He sorted out the statue debacle with his own money. We could do a lot worse.

 

And my god we could do a lot better. If anything is good to come out of the ashes of this debacle then the last thing we need is to revert to one of the protaganists in the events leading up to the current position.

 

This club has to move forward and the last thing we need is Crouch spouting his fan friendly rhetoric without any real bassis so that we all walk around talking about the promise of investment in 3 months, 6 , 9 its coming soon, false dawns. He would no doubt be dusting of McMenemy who's attitude to expenses would embarrass an MP when you compare his role to that of a member of the house.

 

I said in another post we need a mug with deep pockets and IMO I don't think Crouch as enough money. Promised much and token gestures in the past don't actually amount to much more than a small mound of beans.

 

Crouch in all his media comments has always promised lots and talked about how much the club means to him, the ultimate rich 'uber' fan, but in reality he has delivered very little. I suspect Barclays liked him because he was easier to deal with. IMO easier to say no to. Was it the shrewdest thing to buy shares into this club regardless he could afford to 'lose it'. Not the smartest business decision even without the benefit of hindsight.

 

If the only way for this club to avoid distinction is some Crouch led consortium then so be it something is better than nothing. However, if that does happen IMO we would be back with the accountants once again and this time it would be terminal. Crouch may actually be our only hope given the gravity of the situation and limited time frame and we would be IMO on another road to disaster even with perhaps a greater albeit temporary revenue stream.

 

Return of Crouch would be truly awful? Would I carry on supporting the club? Yes. Boycott? Most defintely not, I support the Saints, pity half the crowd this Saturday didn't follow that logic.

 

Crouch has one saving grace like the rest of us loyal fans he never deserted the club and for that I genuinely applaud him. Surprising he wasn't dubbed a Lowe-luvvie.

[Torres]

He may be clumsy and passionate but he has ambition - he nearly pulled off our return to the Premiership. A gamble we may now need to repeat.

 

Errr, he did?

[Nineteen Canteen]

I for one would welcome a bid from Leon Crouch. Yes his appointment of Dodd was a mistake but he sorted it out and got the right man. He is a real fan. I remember being in a pub with him in Hull at 10.30 in the morning before our game up there two seasons ago. He sorted out the statue debacle with his own money. We could do a lot worse.

 

And my god we could do a lot better. If anything is good to come out of the ashes of this debacle then the last thing we need is to revert to one of the protaganists in the events leading up to the current position.

 

This club has to move forward and the last thing we need is Crouch spouting his fan friendly rhetoric without any real bassis so that we all walk around talking about the promise of investment in 3 months, 6 , 9 its coming soon, false dawns. He would no doubt be dusting of McMenemy who's attitude to expenses would embarrass an MP when you compare his role to that of a member of the house.

 

I said in another post we need a mug with deep pockets and IMO I don't think Crouch as enough money. Promised much and token gestures in the past don't actually amount to much more than a small mound of beans.

 

Crouch in all his media comments has always promised lots and talked about how much the club means to him, the ultimate rich 'uber' fan, but in reality he has delivered very little. I suspect Barclays liked him because he was easier to deal with. IMO easier to say no to. Was it the shrewdest thing to buy shares into this club regardless he could afford to 'lose it'. Not the smartest business decision even without the benefit of hindsight.

 

If the only way for this club to avoid distinction is some Crouch led consortium then so be it something is better than nothing. However, if that does happen IMO we would be back with the accountants once again and this time it would be terminal. Crouch may actually be our only hope given the gravity of the situation and limited time frame and we would be IMO on another road to disaster even with perhaps a greater albeit temporary revenue stream.

 

Return of Crouch would be truly awful? Would I carry on supporting the club? Yes. Boycott? Most defintely not, I support the Saints, pity half the crowd this Saturday didn't follow that logic.

 

Crouch has one saving grace like the rest of us loyal fans he never deserted the club and for that I genuinely applaud him. Surprising he wasn't dubbed a Lowe-luvvie.

[Channon's Sideburns]

And my god we could do a lot better. If anything is good to come out of the ashes of this debacle then the last thing we need is to revert to one of the protaganists in the events leading up to the current position.

 

This club has to move forward and the last thing we need is Crouch spouting his fan friendly rhetoric without any real bassis so that we all walk around talking about the promise of investment in 3 months, 6 , 9 its coming soon, false dawns. He would no doubt be dusting of McMenemy who's attitude to expenses would embarrass an MP when you compare his role to that of a member of the house.

 

I said in another post we need a mug with deep pockets and IMO I don't think Crouch as enough money. Promised much and token gestures in the past don't actually amount to much more than a small mound of beans.

 

Crouch in all his media comments has always promised lots and talked about how much the club means to him, the ultimate rich 'uber' fan, but in reality he has delivered very little. I suspect Barclays liked him because he was easier to deal with. IMO easier to say no to. Was it the shrewdest thing to buy shares into this club regardless he could afford to 'lose it'. Not the smartest business decision even without the benefit of hindsight.

 

If the only way for this club to avoid distinction is some Crouch led consortium then so be it something is better than nothing. However, if that does happen IMO we would be back with the accountants once again and this time it would be terminal. Crouch may actually be our only hope given the gravity of the situation and limited time frame and we would be IMO on another road to disaster even with perhaps a greater albeit temporary revenue stream.

 

Return of Crouch would be truly awful? Would I carry on supporting the club? Yes. Boycott? Most defintely not, I support the Saints, pity half the crowd this Saturday didn't follow that logic.

 

Crouch has one saving grace like the rest of us loyal fans he never deserted the club and for that I genuinely applaud him. Surprising he wasn't dubbed a Lowe-luvvie.

 

 

You liked what you wrote so much that you posted it twice??

 

Spent the evening with Messrs McMenemy and Crouch in Lymington last night, very entertaining speech by Lawrie. Gave his time for free for the fundraiser....

 

Asked him his thoughts ... 'It's worse than we thought'

 

Says it all - can of worms has been opened.

[sidthesquid]

LC has put so much more into this club than his shares, the statue and his personal attendance! What about all the ball, player and match sponsorships, the two boxes he hires and his time which he gave up free? There's probably more. I know Leon and he is a true passionate Saints supporter who succeeds in his various ventures because he puts his all into whatever he is involved in. In terms of a fan with executive level presence at the club, we could do a lot worse I promise you.

 

And incidentally, anyone who thinks LC did a bad job appointing Dodd best remember that this was only a temporary placement until a suitable candidate was found. It's called not taking a knee-jerk action and getting a decision right first time. Leon did that fully when he finally found and then appointed Pearson.

 

A total re-wriote of history - D&G were appointed till the end of the season, then, when it unravelled he did act, to appoint Pearson. But he was a central part of the bonkers plan to fill our squad with ageing mediocrities on unsustainable salaries.

I am sure he is a decent bloke & a true fan - but so am I, & I know I couldn't run a football club. He had a go & messed up & he and we all need to move on

[offix]

respect Mr. Crouch!

[um pahars]

A total re-wriote of history - D&G were appointed till the end of the season,

 

Would be only too happy to see any announcement or statement saying they were appointed until the end of the season.

 

We have gone over this numerous times before and the best that was out there was along the lines of "forseeable future", "there is no time limit", "we will not be rushed into an appointment", "It allows the Club more time over the hunt for a replacement", "We always said we would atke our time to make sure we appoint the right person".

 

No one has ever been able to find anything to show the appointment was permanent, or even until the end of the season. Indeed, Exit2 who knows Dodd very well has said it was only ever on a short term basis.

[ribbo]

Leon spoke very well on TV and this is pretty much the transcript from that.

 

I too would prefer a complete clean sweep but I have no problem with LC coming back and if he wants to put more of his money into the club, we're hardly going to turn it down. If he did, I would prefer that it was at Director level, rather than Chairman or CEO with a Saltz like figure above him.

 

I'll echo what you said, as long as he's calling the shots and doestn rely on future incarnations of hoo's + delieu, have a split boardroom and the agenda that go with that, i believe the guys decent enough to get a good sound business foundation going and the values to bring the club back to the community.

[fareham saint phil]

Said on another thread but when i was waiting to get my tickets this morning he walked past and shouted to us all "keep believing" Fair play to the guy he hasn't crawled under the nearest rock like the others have

[GreenTreeFrog]

Would be only too happy to see any announcement or statement saying they were appointed until the end of the season.

 

We have gone over this numerous times before and the best that was out there was along the lines of "forseeable future", "there is no time limit", "we will not be rushed into an appointment", "It allows the Club more time over the hunt for a replacement", "We always said we would atke our time to make sure we appoint the right person".

 

No one has ever been able to find anything to show the appointment was permanent, or even until the end of the season. Indeed, Exit2 who knows Dodd very well has said it was only ever on a short term basis.

 

Technically you are correct; I don’t believe they were ever actually told their positions were secured to end of season. However, surely you will agree that after heaping such praise on them, and claiming specific improvements were immediately apparent, the comment they would be here ‘for the foreseeable future’ was likely to mean more than a week?

 

Crouch said he was delighted D&G had ‘agreed to stay in charge of the team’ and they had ‘earned that right.’ That does not sound like they were actively looking elsewhere at that moment.

 

Lee Hoos made this comment at the same time:

 

"Hopefully this will now end the speculation and uncertainly and enable is to focus fully in reaching at least the last eight of the FA Cup and mounting a strong challenge for the play-offs."

 

“We still have serious ambitions to make the play-offs and we believe John and Jason can provide the spark to get us there with the kind of run we had at the tail-end of last season."

 

Those are pretty unambiguous statements (how could D&G get us to the play offs if it was never intended they would stay the rest of the season?) and even if it was not specifically stated, it is clear both Crouch and Hoos envisaged D&G would be there for the rest of the season. If not then how can their words ever be taken seriously, brilliant one week, dismissed the next.

 

I would think, even if we agree appointing D&G was a mistake in the first place, the handling of events at that time was not Crouch’s finest hour.

 

http://devel.dailyecho.co.uk/display.var.2027239.0.0.php?act=complaint&cid=1121679

[um pahars]

the comment they would be here ‘for the foreseeable future’ was likely to mean more than a week?

 

I agree it sounds more than aweek, but it certainly does not sound permanent and it wasn't even said it was until the end of the season.

 

Crouch said he was delighted D&G had ‘agreed to stay in charge of the team’ and they had ‘earned that right.’ That does not sound like they were actively looking elsewhere at that moment.

 

Then you missed out the quotes from the Lawrie, Crouch and others around 6/7 February regarding

 

"we will not be rushed into an appointment",

 

"It allows the Club more time over the hunt for a replacement",

 

"We always said we would take our time to make sure we appoint the right person".

 

which demonstrates they were out there on the hunt, something confirmed by Dodd himself in a conversation with a friend when he said he knew all along he was only a stopgap.

 

This wasn't the same as a Stuart Gray/Stuart Gray appointment when he really had the job in the bag, despite a half hearted attempt at finding an alternative manager.

 

Instead it was the same as the Wigley/Sturrock time when despite saying Wigley had the job until the end of the season, lowe quickly moved to bring Sturrock in.

[GreenTreeFrog]

I agree it sounds more than aweek, but it certainly does not sound permanent and it wasn't even said it was until the end of the season.

 

 

 

Then you missed out the quotes from the Lawrie, Crouch and others around 6/7 February regarding

 

"we will not be rushed into an appointment",

 

"It allows the Club more time over the hunt for a replacement",

 

"We always said we would take our time to make sure we appoint the right person".

 

which demonstrates they were out there on the hunt, something confirmed by Dodd himself in a conversation with a friend when he said he knew all along he was only a stopgap.

 

This wasn't the same as a Stuart Gray/Stuart Gray appointment when he really had the job in the bag, despite a half hearted attempt at finding an alternative manager.

 

Instead it was the same as the Wigley/Sturrock time when despite saying Wigley had the job until the end of the season, lowe quickly moved to bring Sturrock in.

 

With respect I am well aware of those earlier quotes (6/7th Feb) but they don’t actually change anything I have said. To be absolutely clear I don't dispute that D&G were only employed as caretaker managers initially or that we were supposed to be taking our time to make the right appointment. But the announcement Crouch/Hoos made on the 11th Feb was supposed to end all the ‘uncertainty and speculation’ and allow the team to focus on the surge for the play offs.

 

So there is no debate to be had on that issue – I fully agree with you.

 

However, those earlier quotes cannot cancel out the later ones where Crouch and Hoos claimed D&G had been very impressive and had ‘earned the right’ to continue ‘for the foreseeable future.’

 

Under Crouch we went from 'not rushing an appointment' one week, to announcing D&G had been very impressive and earned the right to stay (for foreseeable future), to dismissing them a week later only to appoint a full time manager the following day. That is the significant point here.

 

I would imagine even the many people that ultimately believe D&G were a disaster and Pearson a hero would see that is very poor leadership.

[Channon's Sideburns]

Ffs does it matter any more when crouch appointed/removed dodd & gorman?

 

Move on.

[Daren W]

With respect I am well aware of those earlier quotes (6/7th Feb) but they don’t actually change anything I have said. To be absolutely clear I don't dispute that D&G were only employed as caretaker managers initially or that we were supposed to be taking our time to make the right appointment. But the announcement Crouch/Hoos made on the 11th Feb was supposed to end all the ‘uncertainty and speculation’ and allow the team to focus on the surge for the play offs.

 

So there is no debate to be had on that issue – I fully agree with you.

 

However, those earlier quotes cannot cancel out the later ones where Crouch and Hoos claimed D&G had been very impressive and had ‘earned the right’ to continue ‘for the foreseeable future.’

 

Under Crouch we went from 'not rushing an appointment' one week, to announcing D&G had been very impressive and earned the right to stay (for foreseeable future), to dismissing them a week later only to appoint a full time manager the following day. That is the significant point here.

 

I would imagine even the many people that ultimately believe D&G were a disaster and Pearson a hero would see that is very poor leadership.

Phew! Thank god he didn't get rid of a good manager, appoint a dutch manager with no experience of English football who lasts barely half a season and generally screw up the whole season, ultimately ending up with the club going to administration...

God knows what we'd do if he'd done that...

[ponto1963]

Phew! Thank god he didn't get rid of a good manager, appoint a dutch manager with no experience of English football who lasts barely half a season and generally screw up the whole season, ultimately ending up with the club going to administration...

God knows what we'd do if he'd done that...

 

[up and away]

Phew! Thank god he didn't get rid of a good manager, appoint a dutch manager with no experience of English football who lasts barely half a season and generally screw up the whole season, ultimately ending up with the club going to administration...

God knows what we'd do if he'd done that...

 

Phew! Thank god we can blame administration on Lowe. He singulary failed in finding fees for all those star players and never had the nous to find loans for the remainder in the treatment room or others he could not shift. He should have listened to the fans and limited bonuses being paud to these over hyped piles of crap.

 

I knew Lowe would come in handy for something once he went!

[Daren W]

Phew! Thank god we can blame administration on Lowe. He singulary failed in finding fees for all those star players and never had the nous to find loans for the remainder in the treatment room or others he could not shift. He should have listened to the fans and limited bonuses being paud to these over hyped piles of crap.

 

I knew Lowe would come in handy for something once he went!

 

Phew, thank goodness we never had an average of a manager a year under Lowe eh? With each new manager bringing in new players and a ever growing squad of middle order bench warming stodge eh? Thank the lord that we never frittered away millions on compensation, payoffs, free transfers for players we paid millions for, unwanted egms..

As long as we can blame Crouch's three month reign for all our ills and back Lowe and Wilde up, I'll sleep safer at night...

[um pahars]

With respect I am well aware of those earlier quotes (6/7th Feb) but they don’t actually change anything I have said. To be absolutely clear I don't dispute that D&G were only employed as caretaker managers initially or that we were supposed to be taking our time to make the right appointment. But the announcement Crouch/Hoos made on the 11th Feb was supposed to end all the ‘uncertainty and speculation’ and allow the team to focus on the surge for the play offs.

 

So there is no debate to be had on that issue – I fully agree with you.

 

However, those earlier quotes cannot cancel out the later ones where Crouch and Hoos claimed D&G had been very impressive and had ‘earned the right’ to continue ‘for the foreseeable future.’

 

Under Crouch we went from 'not rushing an appointment' one week, to announcing D&G had been very impressive and earned the right to stay (for foreseeable future), to dismissing them a week later only to appoint a full time manager the following day. That is the significant point here.

 

I would imagine even the many people that ultimately believe D&G were a disaster and Pearson a hero would see that is very poor leadership.

 

I have always maintained that we dillied and dallied too much when it was likely that Burley would up and leave, but in the grand scheme of things, D & G overstaying their tenure by 3 or 4 games is hardly the most henious crime of the century (even if the decision swung one way and then another over 10 days).

 

After all, it was announced that Wigley was in charge until the end of the season when Strachan left, only to be replaced a fortnight later by Sturrock. I don't remember Lowe getting stick for changing his mind so quickly (and rightly so).

[Colinjb]

It's still worrying that so many people try to simplify our current situation and try to blame one person. We are in administration due to a combination of factors.... not due to a dictator. I do feel though that Leon was at worst the best of a bad bunch. He always seemed to be trying to do his best for the club as a whole, not just himself, even if he wasn't totally infallable in his decisions...

 

A total cleanse is required, and administration gives us the potential for that. Whatever happens Saints will survive, we are too many in number for the club to simply vanish, there will always be a Southampton fc.

[Daren W]

I have always maintained that we dillied and dallied too much when it was likely that Burley would up and leave, but in the grand scheme of things, D & G overstaying their tenure by 3 or 4 games is hardly the most henious crime of the century (even if the decision swung one way and then another over 10 days).

 

After all, it was announced that Wigley was in charge until the end of the season when Strachan left, only to be replaced a fortnight later by Sturrock. I don't remember Lowe getting stick for changing his mind so quickly (and rightly so).

 

I beg to differ young Steven...

I think those 3 months in which he was in charge are singularly responsible for our fate today and that divvering over Dodd and Gorman has set in effect a series of disasters that has ripped this club apart....

 

And the statue isn't that good either!