Mole Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Given the divisions in the fanbase for a good many years the new owners number 1 priority should be to make the right judgements to create and maintain unity. They will need fans through the turnstiles and everyone pulling in the same direction. To this end what mistakes should be learnt from and not repeated? I would advise the new owners to distance themselves from the Saints Trust. Look at how many members the Saints Trust has and don't think they are an organisation that represents Saints fans. The Trust has a pathetic membership level and the new owners need to realise this is because it's an unpopular organisation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 I think they should avoid cosying up to any small (self-)interest group. They should set the ticket prices sensibly, and they will be able to since all our big wage-earners will be out of the door in the summer, and should have a rigid wage structure for a couple of years. But, the biggest and most important issue, is the appointment of a DECENT MANAGER. One who can motivate and has tactical nous to compensate for player quality, and one who has good contacts in the domestic game to bring in loans and signings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red and White Army Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 I think they should avoid doing anything that either Alpine or Stanley think is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Not be called rupert or guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHAPEL END CHARLIE Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 My 6 point plan : 1- Run the club as a proper business - it should be profitable in the medium term . 2- A professional CEO should be hired with a small management team under him/her . 3- The appointment of an able 1st team manager experienced in British football is key . 4- Treat all fans as a valued part of this enterprise - STH's in particular to be rewarded for their commitment . 5- Limits on signing players on expensive long term contracts - most players on no more than £3k p/w . 6- Flexible ticket pricing - aim to fill SMS if possible . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DT Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Have we missed something? What new owners? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 I think they should avoid doing anything that either Alpine or Stanley think is good. Yeah, after all, who needs a decent experienced manager with contacts, eh ?? :rolleyes::rolleyes: Idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Bones Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Has the fan base been historically divided though. Surely this division only related with the recent years change in control ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Bones Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Careful some of you playing in the charity match - Might be scouted for the first team 11 for next eason ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eurosaint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Given the divisions in the fanbase for a good many years the new owners number 1 priority should be to make the right judgements to create and maintain unity. They will need fans through the turnstiles and everyone pulling in the same direction. To this end what mistakes should be learnt from and not repeated? I would advise the new owners to distance themselves from the Saints Trust. Look at how many members the Saints Trust has and don't think they are an organisation that represents Saints fans. The Trust has a pathetic membership level and the new owners need to realise this is because it's an unpopular organisation. Stanley, I am not sure that you realise it but you have already contradicted yourself by calling for 'unity' and then immediately suggesting 'division' ! Whatever your personal views are on the Saints Trust, they remain a body of Saints fans who have as much right to express an opinion as anyone else and the new owners (???) would be well advised to be even handed and NOT alienate any sector of the fanbase ! All IMHO of course ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorpe-le-Saint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Are we even sure we will find a buyer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 I think they should avoid doing anything that either Alpine or Stanley think is good. +1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solentstars Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 +1. +2 lets hope we get a owner rather then listen to these pratts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Orford Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 No tippy-tappy passing football please. It's rubbish, and all the other teams laugh at it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Buy a football club - guarranteed to get you hours of grief from fans who demand excessive spending on players to show 'ambition', will forget very quickly that its wise to live within your means and then start demanding we show more ambition, get on your back the moment the manager seems clueless, complain about the ticket price, the beer, lack of free BJs at halftime...and demand you sell the club if we dont winj teh Champions league within 5 years... oh and guarranteed to turn every pound you spend into 10p ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 I wonder if Frank's cousin had started this thread and its perfectly reasonable question with regards to rebuilding the club, the team and the fan base support, if it would have attracted so many moronic, brain-dead and petty points-scoring answers ???? Just goes to show it really has been both sides all along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 I wonder if Frank's cousin had started this thread and its perfectly reasonable question with regards to rebuilding the club, the team and the fan base support, if it would have attracted so many moronic, brain-dead and petty points-scoring answers ???? Just goes to show it really has been both sides all along. JUst a bit of gallows humour really Alpine, Its a very valid point Stanley makes - but on a more serious note, I would argue that many of teh mistakes made histoprically are similar to those made at many clubs, but teh consequences have hit us harder than most as we have no underlying financial support - they are easy mistakes to make when you get sucked into this game, and I doubt very much, that a new owner will be mistake free after 12 months - the question is how these impact on the pitch and thus how supportive the fans remain of both the team and the board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintRobbie Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Err... study the last boards minutes and decisions made over the last 14 years. That should suffice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted 22 April, 2009 Author Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Whatever your personal views are on the Saints Trust, they remain a body of Saints fans who have as much right to express an opinion as anyone else I don't agree with this. Since Nick Illingsworth has been in charge the Trust hasn't been a body of Saints fans, It's been a vehicle for Nick to present his personal opinions as the opinions of the masses. The new owners need to realise that when the Trust makes a statement it's not it's miniscule membership speaking, it's Nick speaking for Nick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 I don't agree with this. Since Nick Illingsworth has been in charge the Trust hasn't been a body of Saints fans, It's been a vehicle for Nick to present his personal opinions as the opinions of the masses. The new owners need to realise that when the Trust makes a statement it's not it's miniscule membership speaking, it's Nick speaking for Nick. I dont agree with what NIck says all the time, far from it, but if you have met him you will knowhe is sincere and would be happy to represent the majority view even if against his own as required by theleadership of such an organisation - seriously whatever you might have heard or speculated he does have that integrity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 I don't agree with this. Since Nick Illingsworth has been in charge the Trust hasn't been a body of Saints fans, It's been a vehicle for Nick to present his personal opinions as the opinions of the masses. The new owners need to realise that when the Trust makes a statement it's not it's miniscule membership speaking, it's Nick speaking for Nick. Yes but if this means a revamp of the Trust, allowing all fans to become members, all get a vote or indeed the chance to stand for office, then if the majority don't like his policies etc. they can vote him out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Simple really I would make anyone who has held a ST or membership in teh last 5 years an automatic member with one vote - then a Tenner a year gets you full membership wwhich is sy worth 2 votes - tis group would then in effect have 60,000 voting members electing the leaders - but this should be for two years and for a MAX of two sittings... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Not be called rupert or guy For Shame! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eurosaint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 I don't agree with this. Since Nick Illingsworth has been in charge the Trust hasn't been a body of Saints fans, It's been a vehicle for Nick to present his personal opinions as the opinions of the masses. The new owners need to realise that when the Trust makes a statement it's not it's miniscule membership speaking, it's Nick speaking for Nick. Stanley, The main thrust of my point was not to defend the Saints Trust. It was merely to state that the 'unity' which you called for should be 'all inclusive' (pretty logical really). To call for unity and at the same time suggest the exclusion of a bona fide supporters group strikes me as a bit of a nonsense, no ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted 22 April, 2009 Author Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Stanley, The main thrust of my point was not to defend the Saints Trust. It was merely to state that the 'unity' which you called for should be 'all inclusive' (pretty logical really). To call for unity and at the same time suggest the exclusion of a bona fide supporters group strikes me as a bit of a nonsense, no ?? Let's zoom back a few years and look at "Mike" COYR's Wilde. He is albout spin and trying to take advantage of situations - but his strategy is all about the "now" and he couldn't forsee how his actions would affect the "future". I'm simply saying that the new owners should look at the Saints Trusts membership level (providing they can get a real figure!) and weigh this against the real number of supporters. It's completely fair to state that the Trust is a fringe group and to this end the new management should respect them, but not show them respect to the extent of thinking they represent Saints fans. "Mike" used both the Saints Trust and Keith (S4E) and this damaged all concerned. The new board must recognise the division "Mike" managed to create and learn from his mistakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 I think they should avoid doing anything that either Alpine or Stanley think is good. Bad call, they probably should do just the opposite. Alpine especially has been proved right time and time again. Its just that you don't like the way he says it. I have disagreed with Alpine many times but he usually hasn't been far wide of the mark in the final analysis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eurosaint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Let's zoom back a few years and look at "Mike" COYR's Wilde. He is albout spin and trying to take advantage of situations - but his strategy is all about the "now" and he couldn't forsee how his actions would affect the "future". I'm simply saying that the new owners should look at the Saints Trusts membership level (providing they can get a real figure!) and weigh this against the real number of supporters. It's completely fair to state that the Trust is a fringe group and to this end the new management should respect them, but not show them respect to the extent of thinking they represent Saints fans. "Mike" used both the Saints Trust and Keith (S4E) and this damaged all concerned. The new board must recognise the division "Mike" managed to create and learn from his mistakes. I would accept that 'undue influence' from disparate groups could be unhealthy but would certainly hope that whoever takes us over is independent enough to make their own decisions ! Right now though I am more concerned about receiving an offer than the actual 'terms and conditions' attached (perhaps naively) ! One step at a time is the order of the day although I guess your point is that you do not want a takeover which ends up a bit like the Wilde fiasco and in that case we are in agreement !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 LTC's three point plan for football success: 1. Find and employ the best manager available. 2. Back him. Oh, so simple we didn't need a third point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted 22 April, 2009 Author Share Posted 22 April, 2009 LTC's three point plan for football success: 1. Find and employ the best manager available. 2. Back him. Oh, so simple we didn't need a third point. Are you not forgetting. 3. Take a mod on holiday to Sweden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 LTC's three point plan for football success: 1. Find and employ the best manager available. 2. Back him. Oh, so simple we didn't need a third point. Thats not very good if the best available is crap that was the problem when Strachan went But whover we get needs to be given as much times as possible so I fully agree with your second point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steeleye Saint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 LTC's three point plan for football success: 1. Find and employ the best manager available. 2. Back him. Oh, so simple we didn't need a third point. 3. Sack him... Isn't that the way it's done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Thats not very good if the best available is crap that was the problem when Strachan went But whover we get needs to be given as much times as possible so I fully agree with your second point. Wigley wasn't the best manager available was he? We could have employed the best manager available - we didn't!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintDonkey Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Yeah, after all, who needs a decent experienced manager with contacts, eh ?? :rolleyes::rolleyes: Idiot. A decent experienced manager with contacts? You mean someone like George Burley? Alps you really do take the ****ing biscuit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rover Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Ignore The Saints (Fantasy) Trust would be a good start. This is part of their proposed business plan: The draft business plan is designed to bring supporters, players, employees, managers and the City of Southampton together to progress the critical social and business role the club plays in the community - with a suggested new name “Southampton Football Club United”. It is a supporter & shareholder bid targeted at former shareholders - the majority of whom invested in the club because of their commitment as supporters rather than for sole financial gain - and extending the shareholder supporter base to existing season ticket holders. The key objective is to acquire the shareholding of Southampton Football Club from the administrator of Southampton Leisure Holdings as a supporter shareholder buyout undertaken by Supporters Direct. Alongside this is the proposal for the acquisition of the St Mary’s Stadium by Southampton City Council, which can lease it back to the club on match days at a peppercorn rent. 1. Southampton United? There's a lot of tradition in that name. 2. Majority of former shareholders invested as supporters rather than for financial gain. I don't think so. 3. Council buy stadium and lease it back to club at peppercorn rent. I can just see the local electorate going for that. It gets worse if you read the whole plan: http://www.saintstrust.co.uk/news.php?id=287 As well as running a club they feel the need to reduce the monopoly power of the Football Association as well as In the interests of progressing the Stern Report’s call for long term corporate governance policies to reduce carbon emissions, it will seek to incorporate in its long term business plan to develop new mainland and possibly water borne links to the stadium in consultation with transport operators and local authority bodies I would have though running a successful football club would have been enough of a plan to start with but hey no, we're going into politics too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verbal Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 It depends what kind of owners they are. If they're stupidly rich, they can make as many mistakes as they like. If it's the kind of owner that can just about afford to buy themselves in, don't make the mistake of keeping the academy going. It costs close to or slightly more than a million a year to run. That money could buy us an entire first team. The trick at this level (assuming we're in League One, and maybe even if we're not) is not spotting the next 11-year-old would-be footballing genius. It's working out who in the lower leagues have reached the early twenties and have shown they're good enough to make the next step up. The Championship-leading teams are full of players like this. The new owner has to focus on the first team before anything else - and not repeat the absurd idea that you can rely on the academy throwing up the odd £5 million 'profit centre' player to justify the ludicrous expense of running the rest of the academy. Completely forgetting there's the small matter of creating and developing a team that can win divisions is not a mistake we can afford to repeat for a third time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 A decent experienced manager with contacts? You mean someone like George Burley? Alps you really do take the ****ing biscuit. OK, Mr. Smart-Arse, I meant a decent experienced manager with contacts, with an interest in doing the job and without personal issues, FFS. Besides, as has been proven since, Burley's best days were clearly behind him when he came here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 OK, Mr. Smart-Arse, I meant a decent experienced manager with contacts, with an interest in doing the job and without personal issues, FFS. Besides, as has been proven since, Burley's best days were clearly behind him when he came here. Being that you consider a fortnight a perfectly reasonable period of time to completely reverse your opinion about something then whoever is our new manager won't stand a chance. You'll be *****ing and moaning before the month is out regardless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted 22 April, 2009 Author Share Posted 22 April, 2009 In the interests of progressing the Stern Report’s call for long term corporate governance policies to reduce carbon emissions, it will seek to incorporate in its long term business plan to develop new mainland and possibly water borne links to the stadium in consultation with transport operators and local authority bodies. OMG, this is comedy gold. So they've gone from quiz nights to saving the planet in 12 months. You couldn't make it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Being that you consider a fortnight a perfectly reasonable period of time to completely reverse your opinion about something then whoever is our new manager won't stand a chance. You'll be *****ing and moaning before the month is out regardless. Really ? What have I reversed my opinion about in a fortnight ? Tell me, do you have an opinion about anything or just come on here to find a vicitm to ridicule to make youself feel better ? Try finding a woman who will have you, its a much better way to improve your flagging self-esteem... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nineteen Canteen Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 Involve Crouch or McMenemy in any capacity in addition to any other ex-director past or present. Lowe stirred up hate whilst Crouch and McMenemy IMO seem to stir up apathy. Why the Echo is given them a voice when they are no longer involved in the club is a mystery to me. Surely, a spokeperson from the club telling it how it is will generate a better reaction not a couple of yesterday's men. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Rover Posted 22 April, 2009 Share Posted 22 April, 2009 OMG, this is comedy gold. So they've gone from quiz nights to saving the planet in 12 months. You couldn't make it up. And I used to think you were harsh on The Trust! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solentstars Posted 23 April, 2009 Share Posted 23 April, 2009 Given the divisions in the fanbase for a good many years the new owners number 1 priority should be to make the right judgements to create and maintain unity. so much for unity you atack the saints trust ,who,s next on your list . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted 23 April, 2009 Author Share Posted 23 April, 2009 so much for unity you atack the saints trust ,who,s next on your list . The Trust have been on the list for some time. I was right about Rupert Lowe and i'm right about them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solentstars Posted 23 April, 2009 Share Posted 23 April, 2009 The Trust have been on the list for some time. I was right about Rupert Lowe and i'm right about them. so your call for unity was not real then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos Fandango Posted 23 April, 2009 Share Posted 23 April, 2009 The biggest mistake any new owners could make would be to take any notice of numpties on message boards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted 23 April, 2009 Author Share Posted 23 April, 2009 so your call for unity was not real then. Of course it was real. You only have to read the comments on here about the Trust to see that if it is heavily involved with the new regime it will stir up a hornets nest. Therefore our new owners shouldn't make the mistake of thinking the Trust is either representative or supported. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miserableoldgit Posted 23 April, 2009 Share Posted 23 April, 2009 Involve Crouch or McMenemy in any capacity in addition to any other ex-director past or present. Lowe stirred up hate whilst Crouch and McMenemy IMO seem to stir up apathy. Why the Echo is given them a voice when they are no longer involved in the club is a mystery to me. Surely, a spokeperson from the club telling it how it is will generate a better reaction not a couple of yesterday's men. Who do you suggest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nineteen Canteen Posted 23 April, 2009 Share Posted 23 April, 2009 Who do you suggest? There are far more unifying figures within the club to deliver the message of the accountants, the club captain or Michael Svennson for starters and IMO their agendas would be less questionable. In trying to keep this to the thread topic the worst mistake the new owners could make would be reversion and to perpetuate divisive attitudes. IMO the latter is universally liked and respected by all and someone who can bridge the gap between the success of 2003 and to date without accusation or ill-feeling. It is people like him that we need to help revolutionise the club not those who may still be bitter or harbour grudges that could damage our future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulSaint Posted 23 April, 2009 Share Posted 23 April, 2009 Never, never employ an assistant manager as a manager! Dont experiment, if others arent doing it its for a reason! Give each manager at least 2 years in the job. Ferguson, Moyes, etc all had shaky starts but they learnt from it & improved! Oh & good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legod Third Coming Posted 23 April, 2009 Share Posted 23 April, 2009 The biggest mistake any new owners could make would be to take any notice of numpties on message boards. But the rest of us is fine... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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