hate to say I told you so but this club has been a shambles since the night of the long knives saw off Lowe. No angel he but at lease Rupert had a clue about finance- usually not spending it.

Will someone please tell me when Saints have a great ground, good facilities and a strong fanbase that so many other clubs with less than us (QPR, Leicester, even Derby) are able to acquire investment and we are not? I'm genuinely non plussed.

Disappointed saint wrote:
Will someone please tell me when Saints have a great ground, good facilities and a strong fanbase that so many other clubs with less than us (QPR, Leicester, even Derby) are able to acquire investment and we are not? I\'m genuinely non plussed.

I suggest that you direct that question to Seymour Pierce, the investment bankers who were brought in by Michael Wilde to sell the club. Contact: suerutherford@seymou
rpierce.com

Can't think why the Echo hasn't got round to doing so yet. Maybe they are just to stupid to pick up on these things?

Interestingly enough, the CEO is the amusingly named Keith Harris, former chairman of the Football League and Manchester United fan.

Disappointed saint wrote:
Will someone please tell me when Saints have a great ground, good facilities and a strong fanbase that so many other clubs with less than us (QPR, Leicester, even Derby) are able to acquire investment and we are not? I'm genuinely non plussed.

Because those clubs were owned by only a handful of people, instead of the thousands who own Saints. Yes, we only have 10 or so big shareholders, but many of them hate each others guts and the Lowe camp will only sell for a big profit and enjoy being the "dogs in the manger". Its the only power over the club they have remaining, so they love being able to scupper potential takeovers. Other big shareholders are ego-driven, so basically the club is "owned" by a bunch of idiots and why it makes it so difficult for someone to buy it.

Imagine trying to sell a car which had 10 owners all wanting a different price and half of them would prefer to see the car rot than give up their power over it.

Hold your horses Daily Echo!

You guys are trying to put a spin to everything, and always picking up the wrong end of the stick!!

Firstly who put us in that position in the first place, they did!

Plus Hone and his bickering board menbers are first class idiots! It all about how you manage the club that matters. That means what you say and how you try to manipulate things to suit your own gains, which they clearly did, and you forget how their bickering could of cost us other possible takeovers on the cards!

Do not try and paint this guy and his ruling as justified, because they rip this club apart on all levels and did not give a s**t at what cost, apart from their own pockets! GOOD RIDDANCE!!

Daily Echo get behind your club for crying out loud!! COYR!!!!

I agree that the situation at Southampton is dire. I am also glad we didn't accept the SISU deal, as Coventry didn't exactly set the world alight in the Transfer Window. Lets hope that the right bid is just round the corner!

Red and White forever!

I am a little confused, have we actually sold anyone, or have we just loaned out a couple of players who were desparate to leave to give them a chance of playing in euro 2008 this summer. These players needed to start games, something that wasn't happening at St Marys
We have bought one player (davis) for around £1m. so i see that as a £1m out, £0 in.
The mass exodus didn't happen, as predicted by Hone.

Hank wrote:
I am a little confused, have we actually sold anyone, or have we just loaned out a couple of players who were desparate to leave to give them a chance of playing in euro 2008 this summer. These players needed to start games, something that wasn't happening at St Marys We have bought one player (davis) for around £1m. so i see that as a £1m out, £0 in. The mass exodus didn't happen, as predicted by Hone.

I think you are completely right Hank

If we were in real trouble we would be selling

John B wrote:

Hank wrote: I am a little confused, have we actually sold anyone, or have we just loaned out a couple of players who were desparate to leave to give them a chance of playing in euro 2008 this summer. These players needed to start games, something that wasn't happening at St Marys We have bought one player (davis) for around £1m. so i see that as a £1m out, £0 in. The mass exodus didn't happen, as predicted by Hone.

I think you are completely right Hank If we were in real trouble we would be selling

The reason we did'nt sell anyone in January was because there were not any clubs interested in our players. We have a bunch who are overrated and probably vastly over priced.
In the summer DYER will go for a compensation fee only because he will be out of contract and will not sign a new one.
I agree with lowlife the club is being torn apart by a bunch of men who are on ego trips and until they let go this club will continue to plummet into oblivion.
We will need a miracle to get back into the premier league because without any money to buy players we have no chance with the squad we have.
I'm sorry to be the gloom and doom merchant but we are in a dire position with no light at the end of the tunnel. Our only hope is that certain shareholders sell up or regain control ?

Hank wrote:
I am a little confused, have we actually sold anyone, or have we just loaned out a couple of players who were desparate to leave to give them a chance of playing in euro 2008 this summer. These players needed to start games, something that wasn't happening at St Marys We have bought one player (davis) for around £1m. so i see that as a £1m out, £0 in. The mass exodus didn't happen, as predicted by Hone.

Again, spot on Hank. It wasn't as if these mercenaries wanted to stay and nowadays it's the players that have all the power. we didn't HAVE to sell/loan these players, they wanted out. Another example of the Echo deliberatly stirring the fan base.

roberto carlos is after a new club

My concerns is that we will get a manager in on the cheap, with no long term view as it seems the club has no long term direction whatsoever.

As a fan on 30 years I cannot recall many darker days than these, thanks for nothing Michael Wilde

play up bury !
bury play up!

Portswood Pete wrote:

Hank wrote: I am a little confused, have we actually sold anyone, or have we just loaned out a couple of players who were desparate to leave to give them a chance of playing in euro 2008 this summer. These players needed to start games, something that wasn't happening at St Marys We have bought one player (davis) for around £1m. so i see that as a £1m out, £0 in. The mass exodus didn't happen, as predicted by Hone.

Again, spot on Hank. It wasn't as if these mercenaries wanted to stay and nowadays it's the players that have all the power. we didn't HAVE to sell/loan these players, they wanted out. Another example of the Echo deliberatly stirring the fan base.

Hank's not quite spot on when he says £0 in. We got money for Rasiak. A loan deal doesn't necessarily just mean some other club picks up the player's wages etc. In Bolton's case they have paid us an as yet undisclosed amount to tempt us into loaning them the Pole. No idea whether Hertha Berlin have too.

Automan wrote:
hate to say I told you so but this club has been a shambles since the night of the long knives saw off Lowe. No angel he but at lease Rupert had a clue about finance- usually not spending it.

Yes and be assured that at the rate that Lowe was selling,we would not have the stadium, the training complex and a team by now.

He was booted out just in time, thank god!

Saint wrote:
Hold your horses Daily Echo! You guys are trying to put a spin to everything, and always picking up the wrong end of the stick!! Firstly who put us in that position in the first place, they did! Plus Hone and his bickering board menbers are first class idiots! It all about how you manage the club that matters. That means what you say and how you try to manipulate things to suit your own gains, which they clearly did, and you forget how their bickering could of cost us other possible takeovers on the cards! Do not try and paint this guy and his ruling as justified, because they rip this club apart on all levels and did not give a s**t at what cost, apart from their own pockets! GOOD RIDDANCE!! Daily Echo get behind your club for crying out loud!! COYR!!!!

The Daily Echo are on Rupert Lowes payroll,this has been evident for a long time now.

Wake up people, when was the last time this paper reported anything positive about SFC.

Remember how this paper wanted to sell out to SISU,all those threatsabout having to sell players, total bollix.

HONE IS A **** AND A **** CLOWN!

princey boy wrote:

Saint wrote: Hold your horses Daily Echo! You guys are trying to put a spin to everything, and always picking up the wrong end of the stick!! Firstly who put us in that position in the first place, they did! Plus Hone and his bickering board menbers are first class idiots! It all about how you manage the club that matters. That means what you say and how you try to manipulate things to suit your own gains, which they clearly did, and you forget how their bickering could of cost us other possible takeovers on the cards! Do not try and paint this guy and his ruling as justified, because they rip this club apart on all levels and did not give a s**t at what cost, apart from their own pockets! GOOD RIDDANCE!! Daily Echo get behind your club for crying out loud!! COYR!!!!

The Daily Echo are on Rupert Lowes payroll,this has been evident for a long time now. Wake up people, when was the last time this paper reported anything positive about SFC. Remember how this paper wanted to sell out to SISU,all those threatsabout having to sell players, total bollix.

Princey you are joking right? The Echo hated Lowe and vice versa, no matter what you think of Lowe or the Echo, you're comment about them being in the pocket of Lowe is ludicrous in the extreme.

Nobody ever questioned Hone was wrong but the scaremongering PR at the time which the Daily Echo signed up too was well over the top.

So the Daily Echo scores another huge own goal with desperate journalism.

The Echo had every right and the duty to publish a statement issued by Hone who after all was the CEO of the City's football club.
He was making the news after all.
That it turned out to be wholly innacurate is thanks to Leon Crouch who stuck to his guns and got the chairmanship back otherise saints would have been in very real trouble with the likes of Surman and Dyer being sold off.
Dont write off Dyer just yet, the lad is injured and he is consequently not marketable at the moment. He may yet sign a new contract.

OK, times are bad.

Thats what makes being a supporter worthwhile! We won't get relegated this year, and no matter what sailor sam, and bejanis (is that how you spell it? I thought looser was right, I spelt it w*nker or t*sser or whatever, but there you go.

In summary, Saints fans have to accept this is a regroup year. Next year, it will all happen.

All the best to the honest Saints fans out there. Keep the faith

BTW I'm sorry but why are we still putting Jason Euell on the pitch? I know he was played out of position by GB but... I'm sorry Jason, your performance is not up to what is required, thanks for all the fish, and goodbye.

Did you see my goal on MOTD ladies?!
You must have hated me signing for Pompey, shows just how far apart the two clubs are!

How come we have to get rid of two players? Let's just get rid of a two board members instead. I'm not sure how many members there are on the Saints gravy train but I bet they don't work for nothing, maybe they cost more than Rasiak's wages?
Went to Bristol Rovers-Port Vale today, and if we can't beat them it's time to hang up the red and white shirt, they're useless..

quote

Did you see my goal on MOTD ladies?!
You must have hated me signing for Pompey, shows just how far apart the two clubs are!

Erm no thanks Saints don't need another overated player that worries too much about what bird he's with as to playing for his club. I'm just surprised Arry bung redcrapp has spent money on someone under thirty!

Mark wrote:

quote

Did you see my goal on MOTD ladies?!
You must have hated me signing for Pompey, shows just how far apart the
two clubs are!
Erm no thanks Saints don't need another overated player that worries
too much about what bird he's with as to playing for his club. I'm just
surprised Arry bung redcrapp has spent money on someone under thirty!

What like Sterne John?! Real class act he is!!

Don't know why the Echo are typing articles about that Bully-Boy W*nker!! Glad he's finally gone after seizing power at our club & f*ckin up the best takeover interest we initially had. Only ever interested in his own pocket, along with Dulieu and that f*ckwit Oldknow!! Still, they soon spat the dummy & ran when they couldn't secure their 300k pay offs for themselves, even if SISU was a p*ss take offer, not in the best interests of the club! Good riddance.

lowelife wrote:

Disappointed saint wrote: Will someone please tell me when Saints have a great ground, good facilities and a strong fanbase that so many other clubs with less than us (QPR, Leicester, even Derby) are able to acquire investment and we are not? I'm genuinely non plussed.

Because those clubs were owned by only a handful of people, instead of the thousands who own Saints. Yes, we only have 10 or so big shareholders, but many of them hate each others guts and the Lowe camp will only sell for a big profit and enjoy being the "dogs in the manger". Its the only power over the club they have remaining, so they love being able to scupper potential takeovers. Other big shareholders are ego-driven, so basically the club is "owned" by a bunch of idiots and why it makes it so difficult for someone to buy it. Imagine trying to sell a car which had 10 owners all wanting a different price and half of them would prefer to see the car rot than give up their power over it.

I'm not sure how you can accuse Lowe of scuppering any deals. His egotistical attitude and slippery nature didn't enamour many and I do blame him for our relegation and fall from grace but you cannot seriously assume Lowe, esq. enjoy having power over the club & scuppering any deals purely as a whimsical pleasure.

I can only assume you are referring to the SISU takeover approach which was CLEARLY a p*ss take of an offer and insulting. The major shareholders have a duty to act in the best interests of the club and I 100% believe they did so in this case. The offer from SISU was not even above the average share price & hedge fund companies hardly comprise of the nicest individuals, especially from a financial sense.

We had problems in the past with in fighting but the bad element has gone, Hone, Dulieu and Oldknow. Lowe sat down with Crouch and Wulde and they, we were led to believe, worked out their differences. I, along with many more, am sick of nothing but bad news from St Mary's and asset stripping in this bleak time for Saints. We need a miracle! However, I do believe the board have also had enough of this demise & if a good offer did come in, they would seriously consider it. The problem is, despite a great youth academy, stadium, excellent fan base, amenable shopping & good location (port, waterside proximity of the ground for possible infraestructure for wealthier financiers) and history of producing (& promptly selling! LOL) great talent, no-one seems to want to take the club over which begs the question, is there another reason the board have not been honest about? It does seem strange when lesser clubs (with half as much potential) acquire funding but maybe that's just one of those things. All I would like is an honest and transparent board as the fans have been great but treated sooooo poorly in the past 5 years or so.

What an excellent post Gordon Mockles! Written in Queen's English, no abuse or swear words, and well argued. I totally support your viewpoint.

We are at least two years on from Rupert Lowe, and yet the ostriches are still sticking their heads in the sands and blaming him for everything.

Wilde, Crouch et al came to power on false promises and have failed to deliver those pledges. Mr Crouch should now have the grace to resign on the basis of his failure to take our club forward.

What so many of the dinosaurs forget is that Lowe maintained a healthy financial control. He was able to see that SFC were in no position to challenge the the top of the Premiership, but could nevertheless maintain our Premiership status at the lower half of the table. SFC simply did not have the vast sums of money available to buy in players. So Strachan left. We could have had Hoddle in to steady the ship, but no, 'popular' opinion could not see further than it's nose of resentment and hate of Hoddle, and so the decline began.

Thanks to the current regime, we are broke, selling off or loaning out the better players to balance the books, no investment on the horizon, managerless and rudderless. There is no leadership or at all. Sorry, but the blame lays fair and square at Wilde and Crouch's doors. You cannot blame Rupert Lowe for the current state of a shambles.

Jermaine Defoe wrote:
Did you see my goal on MOTD ladies?! You must have hated me signing for Pompey, shows just how far apart the two clubs are!

Well actually the skate hav'nt signed him,he's there on loan, and now they're are worried about the financial "problems" with the Benjani deal to Man city. Prehaps they've not got the money!

Saint Ash:

I understood that Pompey was relying on the Benjani deal with Man City to finance the transfer of Defoe to Fratton Park. If that's the case they could be cash strapped if the FA refuse to allow the deal to go through.

I sincerely hope the authorities do refuse permission as the paperwork was not in order by the deadline. If they allow it, what does it say for their authority?

Also, if the deal is allowed, then there is effectively no deadline for the transfer window. What a shambles!

Egomaniac wrote:
Saint Ash: I understood that Pompey was relying on the Benjani deal with Man City to finance the transfer of Defoe to Fratton Park. If that's the case they could be cash strapped if the FA refuse to allow the deal to go through. I sincerely hope the authorities do refuse permission as the paperwork was not in order by the deadline. If they allow it, what does it say for their authority? Also, if the deal is allowed, then there is effectively no deadline for the transfer window. What a shambles!

Cash strapped? Just because we are 'down wind' from you, financial melt-down is not a wind-borne disease!

For information, the Benjani deal was to finance the Defoe deal. As stated by Lord Harry, 'to balance the books'.

If the authorities refuse permission, because the paperwork was not in order, then I assume that, as Manchester City informed The Only Premier League Club On The South Coast, that their paper-work was in order, when it was not, the aforemention Only Premier League Club On The South Coast would take legal action to recover cost, or part cost.

This could mean that the South Coast's Only Premier League Club could find that they have cash, Benjani, Defoe, Kanu, Baros and Nugent on their books.

I understand that, althought the transfer window is closed, loan deals are still allowed.

IF (R) IF they could afford it, maybe the club in financial melt-down, without a manager and with unafordable players out on loan as an economy measure, perhaps Pompey would be charitable, and help their neighbours out of the hole they have dug for themselves!

Personally, I wouldn't bank on it!

Whatever the authorities decide, I bet that Lord Harry comes out of it smelling of roses!

It's great to have a manager who is a winner!

You want to try it some time!

Egomaniac wrote:
What an excellent post Gordon Mockles! Written in Queen's English, no abuse or swear words, and well argued. I totally support your viewpoint. We are at least two years on from Rupert Lowe, and yet the ostriches are still sticking their heads in the sands and blaming him for everything. Wilde, Crouch et al came to power on false promises and have failed to deliver those pledges. Mr Crouch should now have the grace to resign on the basis of his failure to take our club forward. What so many of the dinosaurs forget is that Lowe maintained a healthy financial control. He was able to see that SFC were in no position to challenge the the top of the Premiership, but could nevertheless maintain our Premiership status at the lower half of the table. SFC simply did not have the vast sums of money available to buy in players. So Strachan left. We could have had Hoddle in to steady the ship, but no, 'popular' opinion could not see further than it's nose of resentment and hate of Hoddle, and so the decline began. Thanks to the current regime, we are broke, selling off or loaning out the better players to balance the books, no investment on the horizon, managerless and rudderless. There is no leadership or at all. Sorry, but the blame lays fair and square at Wilde and Crouch's doors. You cannot blame Rupert Lowe for the current state of a shambles.

You don't know what you are talking about!! You say of Lowe " He was able to see that SFC were in no position to challenge the the top of the Premiership, but could nevertheless maintain our Premiership status at the lower half of the table." We were relegated under his stewardship, you plum!
You also say " Thanks to the current regime, we are broke, selling off or loaning out the better players to balance the books" We are broke because we were relegated during Lowe's reign, and lost a healthy income from Sky tv as a direct result of the relagation. With a posting name of "Egomaniac" I guess it is fair to assume you are Rupert Lowe!!

Did Jim Hone Lie to the stock exchange?

The statement said we would "be required to TRADE players during the transfer window in order to generate funds to use as working capital"

It seems we have paid for Davies out of the salaries we will save over the next six months on the players we have loaned. Not bad business as you have to wonder if these two highly paid players would have made any difference to what we achieve this season.

So if 'TRADE' meant 'SELL' and 'WORKING CAPITAL' certainly does not mean 'PLAYER PURCHASES' then Jim Hone LIED, but I think he has been let of the hook as a result of what I think will turn out to be good business in the long term for the club.

Had we been with a better chance of promotion this season then I doubt if these players would have been loaned out.


Sadly there is only a slim chance of promotion this season and the club must now look to the future. We have a £13.5m wages bill against an average of about £6 for this division but we do have one of the larger home gates and the best acadamy in England.

The future is with young fit players who are not prone to injury and who are committed to the club, not just there to pick up the wages, not bothered if they play in the first team or not. We will need a mixture of senior players who will play every week and young acadamy players who will be worth thir place but keep the wage bill down. Lawrie knows all about this.

Finally my thanks and respect to SAFRI who showed loality to his employer by getting back for Satursday game.

Dodgy deal with the Cuffers again is he on loan or is Pjammie away up North!How bent is the Prem now?

Jermaine Defoe wrote:
Did you see my goal on MOTD ladies?! You must have hated me signing for Pompey, shows just how far apart the two clubs are!

He's an imposter, I am the real Defoe, as usual the inbred skates cannot spell or use correct grammer - this shows how far apart the two cities are. ;)

Jermain Defoe wrote:

Jermaine Defoe wrote: Did you see my goal on MOTD ladies?! You must have hated me signing for Pompey, shows just how far apart the two clubs are!

He's an imposter, I am the real Defoe, as usual the inbred skates cannot spell or use correct grammer - this shows how far apart the two cities are. ;)

Yes you may have better grammer, but we have much better football. Still at least you have some crumb of success to hang onto, i just dont think your going to get promoted on the back of being able to spell longer words than us though.

Costa Baz:

When you can manage to post without the use of name calling and abuse, I will be pleased to debate the issue with you.

However, with such an ignorant response and total inability to put your case with reason, I doubt that opportunity will rise.

Some interesting points, other than the Skate comments. Just totally ignore the chav element - It's just childish taunts trying to get a rise, don't even take the bait and keep on topic. Best way to p*ss off a stirrer is to not even acknowledge their meaningless drivel.

Thanks Egomaniac - However, it's not often I hold back on the swearing when Saints are involved though! LOL

I blame Wilde for most of what has happened in the last few years, of course Lowe is to blame for our fall from the top flight but this is old history now. Wilde does nothing, lied, has received huge criticism yet hasn't even the backbone to stand and take responsibility. Least Crouch has had some decency and is trying to work behind the scenes to repair the damage or, at least, attempt to fix the many leaks to our failing ship. Trant had very little involvement. Wilde appointed Hone and co, then cowered when he appointments formed a mutiny! We, as you say, need leadership - ON and OFF the pitch. This is something which has been inherently WRONG with Saints for over a decade, or more. NO LEADERSHIP, No-one having the balls to take charge (hence why good managers for SFC, like Strachs & Souness) had left. NO AMBITION. Echoed words, I know but so very true. The problem is, will someone EVER step in? We need a harmonious club and agreement, and a positive attitude. Otherwise, if any potential investors re-emerge, disagreement may, yet again, scupper any prosperity Saints are rightly owed.

Thanks Egomaniac - However, it's not often I hold back on the swearing when Saints are involved though! LOL

I'd ignore the Skate comments. Only juvenile idiots with nothing better to do. Don't take the bait, they're used to fishing in murky waters. Ignore and keep on topic, best way to p*ss of a stirrer - not even acknowledge their futile drivel.

I blame Wilde for much of what happened. Lowe got us relegated but the continued mess is down to Wilde. He appointed those self-centred bully-boy imbeciles, Hone, esq. Least Crouch is man enough to try and repair some of the damage. Wilde has been a disgrace. Silent, cowering when a voice for leadership has been screaming to be heard, not even man enough to face his responsibilities, put the funding in, as reported in the Echo (for which I'm sure Crouch would have matched!) or help a club he is supposed to support and care about (is he actually a Liverpool fan?)

Egomaniac wrote:
What an excellent post Gordon Mockles! Written in Queen\'s English, no abuse or swear words, and well argued. I totally support your viewpoint. We are at least two years on from Rupert Lowe, and yet the ostriches are still sticking their heads in the sands and blaming him for everything. Wilde, Crouch et al came to power on false promises and have failed to deliver those pledges. Mr Crouch should now have the grace to resign on the basis of his failure to take our club forward. What so many of the dinosaurs forget is that Lowe maintained a healthy financial control. He was able to see that SFC were in no position to challenge the the top of the Premiership, but could nevertheless maintain our Premiership status at the lower half of the table. SFC simply did not have the vast sums of money available to buy in players. So Strachan left. We could have had Hoddle in to steady the ship, but no, \'popular\' opinion could not see further than it\'s nose of resentment and hate of Hoddle, and so the decline began. Thanks to the current regime, we are broke, selling off or loaning out the better players to balance the books, no investment on the horizon, managerless and rudderless. There is no leadership or at all. Sorry, but the blame lays fair and square at Wilde and Crouch\'s doors. You cannot blame Rupert Lowe for the current state of a shambles.

WHAT AN EXCELLENT STATEMENT,COULD NOT AGREE MORE.YOU'RE SPOT ON.WILDE AND CROUCH SEEM LIKE AMATEURS COMPARED WITH LOWES PROFESSIONAL APPROACH,AND LIKE YOU , I AGREE THAT THINGS STARTED GOING WRONG WHEN LOWE WAS PREVENTED FROM BRINGING HODDLE BACK BY CERTAIN 'FANS' AND SOME WEAK BOARDROOM MEMBERS.