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8:00am Friday 13th June 2008
Comments (143) Have your say »
Saints have announced a raft of cost cutting measures that include closing three corners of their St Mary's ground, axing subsided bus transport for fans and opening the stadium later on matchdays in a bid to save £250,000 a year.
Football board chairman Michael Wilde has confirmed the plans and admits they may not prove popular but says they are necessary as the club looks to scale back costs and live within its means.
Around 700 season ticket holders will have to be moved as blocks 1-3, 12-14 and 36-39 are closed leaving the Chapel/Kinglsand which houses the JSaints and family sections as the only corner of the ground open unless there is a big demand for tickets.
The club are also set to asks the City Council for their approval to suspend the inclusion of subsidised bus travel in the club's transport plan.
Saints say this was originally included on the basis of anticipated gates of 30,000, but is no longer justified either on transport or cost grounds at the current gate levels. The dedicated shuttle bus service linking the stadium with central station and the ferry terminals will also be reduced for the same reasons.
The stadium is also set to open at 1.45pm on matchdays with a 3pm kick-off rather than 1.30pm.
Michael Wilde said: "We deeply regret having to take these measures but unfortunately they have been forced upon us by the financial situation we find ourselves in.
"That means we now have to take some unpleasant and unpalatable actions to get the finances back on track and to retain the support of our funders.
"We know this will impact on supporter amenity. There is no point trying to pretend otherwise and we do apologise to all those fans that are affected - particularly to those having to switch seats.
"Around 700 supporters have renewed in those corner sections, and they will be able to swap their seats for any other available seats in the stadium. If we have a fixture that looks to exceed the revised capacity of the ground, say a big Cup game, then we will re-open the quadrants for that fixture.
"If that happens then displaced season ticket holders will have first choice of going back to their original seat for that game.
"Everyone affected was written to yesterday to try and explain the situation and we ask for their understanding.
"Similarly we apologise to all those who might be inconvenienced by the proposal to suspend subsidised bus travel which, at present, is a large and unaffordable expense to the club."
He added: "It is not something we have done lightly but these measures will provide a significant and vital saving.
"Hopefully, supporters will understand the need for such measures at the present time and will support our endeavours to create a financially sustainable club.
"This is, without doubt, a crucial period for us, and it is important that we all do whatever we can to guide our football club through its present difficulties.
"If we deliver the quality of football that everyone wants and gates improve, then all of these changes can be reversed in the future. We will therefore be keeping these measures under constant review throughout the coming season."
Billy 2 Baps, says...
8:13am Fri 13 Jun 08
Billy 2 Baps, says...
8:18am Fri 13 Jun 08
John B, Bitterne says...
8:19am Fri 13 Jun 08
Billy 2 Baps wrote:I dont see why you would be unpopular you seem very sensible to me.
I know I will come across as unpopular by saying this, but I can see why these costs have to be made. The company is losing money and something needs to be done. We dont have big investment coming in; the most important thing is to safeguard the future of the club. However painful these hopefully short term cuts are. Id heard cuts were being discussed at the end of last season, so it comes as no real surprise to me. Billy 2 Baps Block 36
Ciaran, says...
8:23am Fri 13 Jun 08
Ed, Taunton says...
8:40am Fri 13 Jun 08
Condor Man, Southampton says...
8:41am Fri 13 Jun 08
Robbie, Fareham says...
8:44am Fri 13 Jun 08
sainthog7, here&now says...
8:49am Fri 13 Jun 08
Robbie, Fareham says...
8:49am Fri 13 Jun 08
redarmy, Southampton says...
8:53am Fri 13 Jun 08
Bill, thornhill says...
8:59am Fri 13 Jun 08
Billy 2 Baps, says...
9:00am Fri 13 Jun 08
redarmy wrote:I'd like to add the corner of Kingsland to Itchen & Northam that sing. Along with those 3 blokes in the Chapel, who sit in row L
I heard about these changes last season,so no shock to me...only one end of the stadium actually sing anyhow- Northam/Itchen Corner... imo,be better to close Chapel and ask those fans to move into Kingsland or Itchen. time to really pull together id say.
Chapel Ender, says...
9:01am Fri 13 Jun 08
redarmy wrote:Thing is, more fans probably sit in The Chapel than the Northam....
I heard about these changes last season,so no shock to me...only one end of the stadium actually sing anyhow- Northam/Itchen Corner... imo,be better to close Chapel and ask those fans to move into Kingsland or Itchen. time to really pull together id say.
James, Soton says...
9:04am Fri 13 Jun 08
BIGB, New Milton says...
9:21am Fri 13 Jun 08
dave, millbrook says...
9:21am Fri 13 Jun 08
Robbie, Fareham says...
9:23am Fri 13 Jun 08
mullingar, says...
9:37am Fri 13 Jun 08
Ed wrote:And if we get good crowds, the club will open the corners to house them!
These are sorry times. Let's just hope the new manager can inspire what is left of our playing staff. Good football = good gates.
wateratt, Redhill says...
9:41am Fri 13 Jun 08
Itchen to Reply, Southampton says...
10:00am Fri 13 Jun 08
Bitterne Park Tim, Bitterne Park says...
10:05am Fri 13 Jun 08
Costa Baz, says...
10:08am Fri 13 Jun 08
Steve, says...
10:09am Fri 13 Jun 08
Robbie wrote:And from the Chapel you can see that there are only two blocks of the Northam in use.
Thing is, more fans probably sit in The Chapel than the Northam.... Every time I go, the chapel looks deserted. I wasn\'t there for the Sheff Utd match, when the ground finally sold out, but I\'ve been to a fair few games, and from the Northam end it looks very poorly occupied. One example was a lad behind me who was on his mobile to a friend in the Chapel stand, and when his mate waved, we could all see him. he had about 30 seats to himself. On the subject of the buses, this will add over £100 this season to the days out. Those who were dithering ove whether to buy season tickets this year may be put off.
Artful Dodger, Millbrook says...
10:22am Fri 13 Jun 08
Scummer, says...
10:25am Fri 13 Jun 08
not a rocket scientist......, Southampton says...
10:27am Fri 13 Jun 08
John B, Bitterne says...
10:33am Fri 13 Jun 08
Scummer wrote:Sorry I dont understand this post
What a disgrace!! Encouraged to go for the early bird ticket, and fill their coffers! Yes re-newed mine, before the end of the Season even though we were facing Relegation!! I stand in Block 39, and have done for years, and I have never seen it empty? What an earth are they thinking about? They could close the whole of the Chapel, and no-one would notice!! You can count the people without moving them! I really thought the club was moving forward,was even willing to give Lowe another chance, his pure greed astounds me, without us committed fans he would not be in the position he has, Im gutted and considering my support in the future!
Fed Up Still, Southampton says...
10:34am Fri 13 Jun 08
Kevin, Maybush says...
10:35am Fri 13 Jun 08
not a rocket scientist...... wrote:All the speculating that has been done at SFC during the last decade has accumulated is a mountain of debt.
oi rupert....... speculate to accumulate....... get the cheque book out..... get some decent players..... get the team playing well..... team starts climbing league..... this in turn attracts decent size crowds..... meaning more fans turn up to see the team..... and therefore more revenue is generated..... blah...blah...blah.. .
rob, Itchen Block 2 says...
10:42am Fri 13 Jun 08
blue, Gosport says...
10:42am Fri 13 Jun 08
not a rocket scientist...... wrote:You are a funny man...you tried your strategy a couple of seasons ago and spent £7m trying to get promoted. That is why you are bankrupt.
oi rupert.......
speculate to accumulate.......
get the cheque book out.....
get some decent players.....
get the team playing well.....
team starts climbing league.....
this in turn attracts decent size crowds.....
meaning more fans turn up to see the team.....
and therefore more revenue is generated.....
blah...blah...blah..
.
Easy Rider, Harley says...
10:44am Fri 13 Jun 08
Wilde and Rupes, SFC says...
10:45am Fri 13 Jun 08
AFCB, says...
11:01am Fri 13 Jun 08
george, weston-super-mare says...
11:02am Fri 13 Jun 08
St Paul, Waltham Chase says...
11:03am Fri 13 Jun 08
Billy 2 Baps wrote:Well said Billy! Bring on the new season & let's all get behind the Saints in a positive way! COYR
I know I will come across as unpopular by saying this, but I can see why these costs have to be made. The company is losing money and something needs to be done. We dont have big investment coming in; the most important thing is to safeguard the future of the club. However painful these hopefully short term cuts are. Id heard cuts were being discussed at the end of last season, so it comes as no real surprise to me.
Billy 2 Baps Block 36
Lager Out, says...
11:08am Fri 13 Jun 08
rob wrote:All of you demand a refund !
There are 20 of us with season tickets in Block 2 in the itchen corner. GUESS WHAT LOWE WE AINT MOVING . The support in that part of the ground is great and full most games!
John Smith, Southampton says...
11:13am Fri 13 Jun 08
Ric, Totton says...
11:15am Fri 13 Jun 08
Rupert Lowe, St Marys says...
11:18am Fri 13 Jun 08
obvious, Southampton says...
11:19am Fri 13 Jun 08
not a rocket scientist...... wrote:
oi rupert....... speculate to accumulate....... get the cheque book out..... get some decent players..... get the team playing well..... team starts climbing league..... this in turn attracts decent size crowds..... meaning more fans turn up to see the team..... and therefore more revenue is generated..... blah...blah...blah.. .
John Smith, Southampton says...
11:25am Fri 13 Jun 08
Confused, says...
11:28am Fri 13 Jun 08
AFCB wrote:Excuse me? Bournemouth? Eh?
Shame about the Scummers, doo doo doo....
Ciaran, says...
11:34am Fri 13 Jun 08
Artful Dodger wrote:It's designed to stop people driving to the stadium as there's no parking in the immediate vicinty.
If all those \\\'dedicated Saints fans\\\' who said they were not going to renew their season tickets, did not renew, then they have helped bring about these cost cutting measures. Subsidised bus fares to go to watch your team? When some people make a round trip of more than 100 miles to watch Saints, and do so on a regular basis, I think that subsidising the locals is a luxury they can do without. Pensioners will use their bus pass anyway.
Scummer, Southampton says...
11:38am Fri 13 Jun 08
Robbie, Fareham says...
11:49am Fri 13 Jun 08
blue, Gosport says...
11:55am Fri 13 Jun 08
Robbie, Fareham says...
12:03pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Sutton Saint, Carshalton says...
12:07pm Fri 13 Jun 08
saint deej, ftown says...
12:11pm Fri 13 Jun 08
mullingar, says...
12:11pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Ric wrote:You are an ex-season ticket holder!
R.I.P Southampton FC 1885-2007,died due too a greedy tight fisted sxxt,will be missed by true Saints fans. Final nail in that coffin. Will be watching AFC Totton in the Southern Leauge this season as will many more ex season ticket holders in Totton/Waterside & the New Forest will be doing.
Lager Out, says...
12:17pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Robbie, Fareham says...
12:23pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Sniper, says...
12:35pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Matt Terrell, Hamble says...
12:46pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Rocker268, Hampshire says...
12:54pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Dutch Courage, Pub says...
12:55pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Dan Lowe, Soton says...
1:10pm Fri 13 Jun 08
blue wrote:O.K. then. let's spend no money, therefore we get no decent new players leaving us with the same squad which almost got us relegated last season (but probably minus a few players!) and once again we're in a relegation scrap.
not a rocket scientist...... wrote: oi rupert....... speculate to accumulate....... get the cheque book out..... get some decent players..... get the team playing well..... team starts climbing league..... this in turn attracts decent size crowds..... meaning more fans turn up to see the team..... and therefore more revenue is generated..... blah...blah...blah.. .You are a funny man...you tried your strategy a couple of seasons ago and spent £7m trying to get promoted. That is why you are bankrupt. You've just had to sack the kitman because you're broke, and you think the bank would authorise Woopert Von Duck writing a few multi-million quid cheques for players?
Fuming, Southampton says...
1:12pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Richie, Germany says...
1:20pm Fri 13 Jun 08
SaintTW, Southampton says...
1:21pm Fri 13 Jun 08
rob wrote:Errrr... have you read the article? You are moving.
There are 20 of us with season tickets in Block 2 in the itchen corner. GUESS WHAT LOWE WE AINT MOVING . The support in that part of the ground is great and full most games!
Saint Ken, Bristol says...
1:39pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Kendog, St. Marys says...
2:10pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Ed wrote:Also Ed, SFC - Lowe = more fans.
These are sorry times. Let's just hope the new manager can inspire what is left of our playing staff. Good football = good gates.
Robbie Robertson, Fareham says...
2:11pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Graham, Herts says...
2:19pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Ric, Totton says...
2:28pm Fri 13 Jun 08
mullingar wrote:Yes I was,15 years at the dell & up until end of last season at st Marys.Wills always be Saints,there were 18 that would meet in totton before a match,out of the 18 only 5 have renewed there season tickets.
Ric wrote: R.I.P Southampton FC 1885-2007,died due too a greedy tight fisted sxxt,will be missed by true Saints fans. Final nail in that coffin. Will be watching AFC Totton in the Southern Leauge this season as will many more ex season ticket holders in Totton/Waterside & the New Forest will be doing.You are an ex-season ticket holder! Great to hear you are not coming back, the true supporters left, don\'t want you!
Artful Dodger, Millbrook says...
2:58pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Ciaran wrote:I am well aware of why the subsidised bus fares were introduced, but also know it is a luxury, and luxuries are the things that are cut back on when you are looking to save money. It could be argued that both Saints and the City Council had a lack of foresight in not trying to find a site for a multi-story carpark in the vicinity. The stadium is not just used on match days, and adequate parking would have made St Mary's a more attractive venue.
Artful Dodger wrote: If all those \\\\\\\'dedicated Saints fans\\\\\\\' who said they were not going to renew their season tickets, did not renew, then they have helped bring about these cost cutting measures. Subsidised bus fares to go to watch your team? When some people make a round trip of more than 100 miles to watch Saints, and do so on a regular basis, I think that subsidising the locals is a luxury they can do without. Pensioners will use their bus pass anyway.It\'s designed to stop people driving to the stadium as there\'s no parking in the immediate vicinty. But I\'m sure you knew that already, Sailor Sam.
Blackfield Bob, says...
3:42pm Fri 13 Jun 08
David Brown, Lee on Solent says...
3:47pm Fri 13 Jun 08
mullingar, says...
3:49pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Robbie wrote:I do buy the season ticket, the new shirts, the pints, burger, programmes etc etc and I will do so whoever is in charge of this club and whoever manages the Saints - I have done so for many, many years and I will continue to do so - I have every right to call myself a true fan.
Great to hear you are not coming back, the true supporters left, don't want you! A simple lesson in maths. 1 annoyed fan not coming back = £ 450 season ticket, 1 x new shirt = £40, 2 pints and a burger and a programme = £10 per game = £230. Even a rough calculation says that £720 is money that SFC lose. Now imagine that 2,000 fans stay away, and don't support the club. Can you afford to be so offhand about people grumbling? Now work out 5,000 fans staying away. In today's current sticky situation, can you really afford to just fill the stadium with your so-called true fans? Maybe I should take my money elsewhere. If I want to criticise the board, my hard earned money going over your counters gives me the right.... Oh, and there'll be no shirts or merchandise bought until we see how this dutch combination works. I believe that's called caution. I'm sure all clever business men would advise me to do that.
mullingar, says...
3:51pm Fri 13 Jun 08
David Brown wrote:What and sink the club into administration?
Well said Fed up Still. The reason the club is in the current financial situation it is in,is due to the fact we were relegated during the reign of Rupert Lowe. He completely messed up then and now he has returned to the club and is blaming all and sundry for the financial collapse. I dont think it will be long before we will become the Leeds of the South Coast. Make sure all the doors are locked and the lights are turned out Rupert before you hand the keys back to the Bank.
Mmmmm, here, there, everwhere says...
3:54pm Fri 13 Jun 08
mullingar, says...
3:57pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Ric wrote:Because all we get on these forums is whingers - moaning on about this and that and complaining about everything!
mullingar wrote:Yes I was,15 years at the dell & up until end of last season at st Marys.Wills always be Saints,there were 18 that would meet in totton before a match,out of the 18 only 5 have renewed there season tickets. Why is it great to hear me not coming back ? Are going to follow AFC Totton this season .Think your find that there 35% down on last year season ticket sales.Ric wrote: R.I.P Southampton FC 1885-2007,died due too a greedy tight fisted sxxt,will be missed by true Saints fans. Final nail in that coffin. Will be watching AFC Totton in the Southern Leauge this season as will many more ex season ticket holders in Totton/Waterside & the New Forest will be doing.You are an ex-season ticket holder! Great to hear you are not coming back, the true supporters left, don\'t want you!
mullingar, says...
4:02pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Mmmmm wrote:Totally agree - well said.
This is so typical of everything at the moment. There is so much hatred for Lowe that everything the club does is criticised even if what they are doing makes a lot of sense in our current financial situation. Believe me I can't stand Lowe and I don't trust Wilde but since we A) can't fill the stadium at the moment and B) have no money and have the banks closely monitoring our finances this seems like an eminently sensible solution. There are three benefits: 1) we save quite a bit of money 2) Barclays can see we are taking the situation seriously and are taking steps to keep our finances in check - buying us a bit of breathing space 3) when you have less than capacity crowds it makes sense to keep the fans you do have grouped together to improve the atmosphere, rather than having 20,000 people spread across 32,500 seats you can have 20,000 people spread across quite a few less (I'd guess at maybe 25,000 seats for instance). I think people need to stand back, take a breath and count to 10 SLOWLY before posting on here.
saint al gosport, gosport says...
4:02pm Fri 13 Jun 08
sainthog7 wrote:i know a few cuts ...... lowe and pals of the board, why dont you on the day of the home games use one car , mr lowe pick up all ya mates in one car, and before you all say they dont live in the same area tough ..pick them up . and sell a few of ya cars ,and one other thing lets sell the car park to pikeys, he he just a joke, no lowe i mean it was a joke
so mr lowe&chums are not too contfident about there dream of total football still as long as their not out of pocket HATE the board support the SAINTS
Robhythe, says...
4:08pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Billy 2 Baps wrote:Seems that people that sing in the kingsland northam corner and itchen northam corner make quite abit of noise so is the atmosphere going to be worse? Where will these people sit now ?can they all sit together in the Chapel end to make alot of noise there???? where are you going to sit Billy 2 Baps?
redarmy wrote: I heard about these changes last season,so no shock to me...only one end of the stadium actually sing anyhow- Northam/Itchen Corner... imo,be better to close Chapel and ask those fans to move into Kingsland or Itchen. time to really pull together id say.I'd like to add the corner of Kingsland to Itchen & Northam that sing. Along with those 3 blokes in the Chapel, who sit in row L
robhythe, Hythe says...
4:15pm Fri 13 Jun 08
rob wrote:Good on yer, your support is great! what can they do if you refuse to move?
There are 20 of us with season tickets in Block 2 in the itchen corner. GUESS WHAT LOWE WE AINT MOVING . The support in that part of the ground is great and full most games!
saint al, hants says...
4:16pm Fri 13 Jun 08
rob wrote:your right mate he can not make you move seats that have already been sold, its what i have found out is ..... he has mis sold you a ticket, or put it this way its called fraud, if you go into a shop and buy a red shirt you dont, expect a blue one do .....see my point you have been mis-sold, i havent seen the letter you all got but i bet you never got the option to have your mony back ....
There are 20 of us with season tickets in Block 2 in the itchen corner. GUESS WHAT LOWE WE AINT MOVING . The support in that part of the ground is great and full most games!
robhythe, Hythe says...
4:26pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Matt Terrell wrote:Totaly agree, there are alot who make a noise in these corners , not just the Northam who i think are great also!
This is yet another nail in the coffin of our once proud club. Why close Itchen Blocks 1-3 or the Kingsland / Northam corners of the ground, when facts are, that outside of the Northam Stand faithful these fans create atmosphere & back to team. If they want to make staff cost cutting measures, close the bloody Chapel Stand, let them find a new home, after all its a graveyard down there, they might as well have their noises put out by this because they dont seem to be very passionate about much else !!. Dont get me wrong this is not really about my thoughts on supporters in other areas of the stadium I dont wish to sit in. Its about Mr Lowe & Wilde not understanding the support at this club. I quite agree with comment made on this site earlier, its time to put the away support at the other end of the ground . Then if required we can close the corners or part if the Itchen / Chapel or Kingsland / Chapel corner. This way we will fill the whole of the Northam Stand with passionate Saints supporters.
Lyn, Hythe says...
4:51pm Fri 13 Jun 08
dai, west side says...
5:42pm Fri 13 Jun 08
robhythe wrote:at last a sensible idea, make him chairman!!!
Matt Terrell wrote: This is yet another nail in the coffin of our once proud club. Why close Itchen Blocks 1-3 or the Kingsland / Northam corners of the ground, when facts are, that outside of the Northam Stand faithful these fans create atmosphere & back to team. If they want to make staff cost cutting measures, close the bloody Chapel Stand, let them find a new home, after all its a graveyard down there, they might as well have their noises put out by this because they dont seem to be very passionate about much else !!. Dont get me wrong this is not really about my thoughts on supporters in other areas of the stadium I dont wish to sit in. Its about Mr Lowe & Wilde not understanding the support at this club. I quite agree with comment made on this site earlier, its time to put the away support at the other end of the ground . Then if required we can close the corners or part if the Itchen / Chapel or Kingsland / Chapel corner. This way we will fill the whole of the Northam Stand with passionate Saints supporters.Totaly agree, there are alot who make a noise in these corners , not just the Northam who i think are great also!
were the itchen, homeless says...
6:14pm Fri 13 Jun 08
LOWE OUT, EASTLEIGH says...
6:15pm Fri 13 Jun 08
billy 2 baps, Waiting for my whistle says...
6:15pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Robhythe wrote:I'm thinking Chapel, I might be able to add to the noise. Just think "Northam, give us a song Northam, Northam give us a song sshhhhhhhh"
Billy 2 Baps wrote:Seems that people that sing in the kingsland northam corner and itchen northam corner make quite abit of noise so is the atmosphere going to be worse? Where will these people sit now ?can they all sit together in the Chapel end to make alot of noise there???? where are you going to sit Billy 2 Baps?redarmy wrote: I heard about these changes last season,so no shock to me...only one end of the stadium actually sing anyhow- Northam/Itchen Corner... imo,be better to close Chapel and ask those fans to move into Kingsland or Itchen. time to really pull together id say.I'd like to add the corner of Kingsland to Itchen & Northam that sing. Along with those 3 blokes in the Chapel, who sit in row L
Tracey, Southampton says...
7:41pm Fri 13 Jun 08
John B wrote:I agree. Cost cuts are never popular but in the clubs current situation they are necessary.
Scummer wrote: What a disgrace!! Encouraged to go for the early bird ticket, and fill their coffers! Yes re-newed mine, before the end of the Season even though we were facing Relegation!! I stand in Block 39, and have done for years, and I have never seen it empty? What an earth are they thinking about? They could close the whole of the Chapel, and no-one would notice!! You can count the people without moving them! I really thought the club was moving forward,was even willing to give Lowe another chance, his pure greed astounds me, without us committed fans he would not be in the position he has, Im gutted and considering my support in the future!Sorry I dont understand this post Why is it a disgrace to try to save money in order for us not to go into Aministration. Why is Rupert Lowe Greedy
Tracey, Southampton says...
7:46pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Lyn wrote:Lyn,
Don't you think by closing these corners Mr Lowe might be thinking that he can get rid of the mindless minority! This is just a joke. I've been a season ticket holder for 6 seasons now and have just worked out that I have given them in the region of £10,000! I know this isn't a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is to me and my family! I thought Mr Lowe was coming back in with investors! Where are they? Maybe instead of shutting down corners and taking away the free bus etc they should just get rid of the stewards! There seemed to be more of them than fans last season! For what! Most of them are rude and don't have a clue!! One last point How much did the Bon Jovi concert bring in? £3.50 a pint and £2.00 a bottle of pop! mmmmmm where's all that money? It wasn't hosted for free. Oh and £3.50 a hot dog!!! As much as I love the Saints and always will I can't help feeling embarrassed by this sorry situation. Mr Lowe - Where has all the money gone? I could understand if it was a cheap day out at St Mary's but its not, whether you have a season ticket or you buy per game, its not just the ticket there's the food & drink/programme something from the shop! An average family of 4 can kiss goodbye to at least £100. Whilst it has been successful letting local Football clubs have tickets for £2.00 each and 2 free adult tickets, and I'm not knocking it because I'm involved in grassroots football, there seems to be no limit on this, why not charge the adults £5 instead of nothing! I think the problem is that money has been spent in the wrong areas and not on whats important!
chapelbackrow, Maybush says...
7:47pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Lyn, Hythe says...
8:53pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Tracey wrote:Yes and who has been on previous boards!!!! Let me think...............
Lyn wrote: Don\'t you think by closing these corners Mr Lowe might be thinking that he can get rid of the mindless minority! This is just a joke. I\'ve been a season ticket holder for 6 seasons now and have just worked out that I have given them in the region of £10,000! I know this isn\'t a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is to me and my family! I thought Mr Lowe was coming back in with investors! Where are they? Maybe instead of shutting down corners and taking away the free bus etc they should just get rid of the stewards! There seemed to be more of them than fans last season! For what! Most of them are rude and don\'t have a clue!! One last point How much did the Bon Jovi concert bring in? £3.50 a pint and £2.00 a bottle of pop! mmmmmm where\'s all that money? It wasn\'t hosted for free. Oh and £3.50 a hot dog!!! As much as I love the Saints and always will I can\'t help feeling embarrassed by this sorry situation. Mr Lowe - Where has all the money gone? I could understand if it was a cheap day out at St Mary\'s but its not, whether you have a season ticket or you buy per game, its not just the ticket there\'s the food & drink/programme something from the shop! An average family of 4 can kiss goodbye to at least £100. Whilst it has been successful letting local Football clubs have tickets for £2.00 each and 2 free adult tickets, and I\'m not knocking it because I\'m involved in grassroots football, there seems to be no limit on this, why not charge the adults £5 instead of nothing! I think the problem is that money has been spent in the wrong areas and not on whats important!Lyn, The previous couple of boards spent all the money and lots more, losses mounted to the tune of upto £1 million per month. That is why cuts are needed now.
Richie, Germany says...
9:07pm Fri 13 Jun 08
davet, says...
9:12pm Fri 13 Jun 08
John B, Bitterne says...
9:17pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Lyn wrote:You dont seem to be a very sensible person to me whingeing on and on.
Tracey wrote:Yes and who has been on previous boards!!!! Let me think............... . Rupert Lowe & Micheal Wilde!!!!! Even when not on the board they still had shares and taking money! What I\'m saying is 6 seasons ago we were in a strong position! FA Cup run Europe and good players, if the money had been spent and invested wisely at the time we wouldn\'t be in this position. We have let players go for nothing, players go at knock down prices and players go to bigger clubs with half the money up front and the rest being payed per play and never or rarely played! That was a really good business move by Mr Lowe. At the end of the day if Mr Lowe and his pals put their hands in their pockets and paid for tickets to the game would they go!!!! Do any of them live in a 3 bed semi! No. Are any of them really in touch with the fans? No We are showing signs of being desparate by shutting down stands which quite rightly shouldn\'t be done! If I was one of those 700 supporters I would be refusing to move! The board have ducked up and its the supporters that suffer again.Lyn wrote: Don\\\'t you think by closing these corners Mr Lowe might be thinking that he can get rid of the mindless minority! This is just a joke. I\\\'ve been a season ticket holder for 6 seasons now and have just worked out that I have given them in the region of £10,000! I know this isn\\\'t a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is to me and my family! I thought Mr Lowe was coming back in with investors! Where are they? Maybe instead of shutting down corners and taking away the free bus etc they should just get rid of the stewards! There seemed to be more of them than fans last season! For what! Most of them are rude and don\\\'t have a clue!! One last point How much did the Bon Jovi concert bring in? £3.50 a pint and £2.00 a bottle of pop! mmmmmm where\\\'s all that money? It wasn\\\'t hosted for free. Oh and £3.50 a hot dog!!! As much as I love the Saints and always will I can\\\'t help feeling embarrassed by this sorry situation. Mr Lowe - Where has all the money gone? I could understand if it was a cheap day out at St Mary\\\'s but its not, whether you have a season ticket or you buy per game, its not just the ticket there\\\'s the food & drink/programme something from the shop! An average family of 4 can kiss goodbye to at least £100. Whilst it has been successful letting local Football clubs have tickets for £2.00 each and 2 free adult tickets, and I\\\'m not knocking it because I\\\'m involved in grassroots football, there seems to be no limit on this, why not charge the adults £5 instead of nothing! I think the problem is that money has been spent in the wrong areas and not on whats important!Lyn, The previous couple of boards spent all the money and lots more, losses mounted to the tune of upto £1 million per month. That is why cuts are needed now.
tom mcloughlin, london says...
10:02pm Fri 13 Jun 08
tom mcloughlin, london says...
10:03pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Snitch!, Southampton says...
10:29pm Fri 13 Jun 08
tom mcloughlin wrote:If that's true why don't you inform the police that Southampton F.C. is being embezzled?
Saints fans you must realise that Lowe Wilde and Cowan are paying themselves a cumulative total of over 750K per year whilst they make cuts. As I said before, washed up businessmen with nothing to do before this. Let's hope a cavalry come soon otherwise it is admin or worse.
Costa Baz, says...
10:30pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Lyn wrote:Lyn, we can't lose the stewards as they'll be needed to throw out any supporter who stands up, as was the threat last time Lowe was in charge.
Don\'t you think by closing these corners Mr Lowe might be thinking that he can get rid of the mindless minority! This is just a joke. I\'ve been a season ticket holder for 6 seasons now and have just worked out that I have given them in the region of £10,000! I know this isn\'t a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is to me and my family! I thought Mr Lowe was coming back in with investors! Where are they? Maybe instead of shutting down corners and taking away the free bus etc they should just get rid of the stewards! There seemed to be more of them than fans last season! For what! Most of them are rude and don\'t have a clue!! One last point How much did the Bon Jovi concert bring in? £3.50 a pint and £2.00 a bottle of pop! mmmmmm where\'s all that money? It wasn\'t hosted for free. Oh and £3.50 a hot dog!!! As much as I love the Saints and always will I can\'t help feeling embarrassed by this sorry situation. Mr Lowe - Where has all the money gone? I could understand if it was a cheap day out at St Mary\'s but its not, whether you have a season ticket or you buy per game, its not just the ticket there\'s the food & drink/programme something from the shop! An average family of 4 can kiss goodbye to at least £100. Whilst it has been successful letting local Football clubs have tickets for £2.00 each and 2 free adult tickets, and I\'m not knocking it because I\'m involved in grassroots football, there seems to be no limit on this, why not charge the adults £5 instead of nothing! I think the problem is that money has been spent in the wrong areas and not on whats important!
Tracey, Southampton says...
10:45pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Lyn wrote:Lyn,
Tracey wrote:Yes and who has been on previous boards!!!! Let me think............... . Rupert Lowe & Micheal Wilde!!!!! Even when not on the board they still had shares and taking money! What I'm saying is 6 seasons ago we were in a strong position! FA Cup run Europe and good players, if the money had been spent and invested wisely at the time we wouldn't be in this position. We have let players go for nothing, players go at knock down prices and players go to bigger clubs with half the money up front and the rest being payed per play and never or rarely played! That was a really good business move by Mr Lowe. At the end of the day if Mr Lowe and his pals put their hands in their pockets and paid for tickets to the game would they go!!!! Do any of them live in a 3 bed semi! No. Are any of them really in touch with the fans? No We are showing signs of being desparate by shutting down stands which quite rightly shouldn't be done! If I was one of those 700 supporters I would be refusing to move! The board have ducked up and its the supporters that suffer again.Lyn wrote: Don\'t you think by closing these corners Mr Lowe might be thinking that he can get rid of the mindless minority! This is just a joke. I\'ve been a season ticket holder for 6 seasons now and have just worked out that I have given them in the region of £10,000! I know this isn\'t a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is to me and my family! I thought Mr Lowe was coming back in with investors! Where are they? Maybe instead of shutting down corners and taking away the free bus etc they should just get rid of the stewards! There seemed to be more of them than fans last season! For what! Most of them are rude and don\'t have a clue!! One last point How much did the Bon Jovi concert bring in? £3.50 a pint and £2.00 a bottle of pop! mmmmmm where\'s all that money? It wasn\'t hosted for free. Oh and £3.50 a hot dog!!! As much as I love the Saints and always will I can\'t help feeling embarrassed by this sorry situation. Mr Lowe - Where has all the money gone? I could understand if it was a cheap day out at St Mary\'s but its not, whether you have a season ticket or you buy per game, its not just the ticket there\'s the food & drink/programme something from the shop! An average family of 4 can kiss goodbye to at least £100. Whilst it has been successful letting local Football clubs have tickets for £2.00 each and 2 free adult tickets, and I\'m not knocking it because I\'m involved in grassroots football, there seems to be no limit on this, why not charge the adults £5 instead of nothing! I think the problem is that money has been spent in the wrong areas and not on whats important!Lyn, The previous couple of boards spent all the money and lots more, losses mounted to the tune of upto £1 million per month. That is why cuts are needed now.
Costa Baz, says...
10:45pm Fri 13 Jun 08
John B wrote:John you (and Tracey for that matter) use the same argument all the time, ref Lowe not being able to spend money he did not have.
Lyn wrote:You dont seem to be a very sensible person to me whingeing on and on. Does it really matter where people live. SFC is in financial difficulties something has to be done that is what Mr Lowe and Mr Wilde are trying to do so we do not go into administration. It is not uncommon for a team to be relegated from the Premiership it happens every year but lots of Saints fans are too arrogant to accept the fact we are now in the Championship and need to adjust to it. Of course it is Mr Lowe's fault we were relegated as he did not invest with money he did not have.Tracey wrote:Yes and who has been on previous boards!!!! Let me think............... . Rupert Lowe & Micheal Wilde!!!!! Even when not on the board they still had shares and taking money! What I\'m saying is 6 seasons ago we were in a strong position! FA Cup run Europe and good players, if the money had been spent and invested wisely at the time we wouldn\'t be in this position. We have let players go for nothing, players go at knock down prices and players go to bigger clubs with half the money up front and the rest being payed per play and never or rarely played! That was a really good business move by Mr Lowe. At the end of the day if Mr Lowe and his pals put their hands in their pockets and paid for tickets to the game would they go!!!! Do any of them live in a 3 bed semi! No. Are any of them really in touch with the fans? No We are showing signs of being desparate by shutting down stands which quite rightly shouldn\'t be done! If I was one of those 700 supporters I would be refusing to move! The board have ducked up and its the supporters that suffer again.Lyn wrote: Don\\\'t you think by closing these corners Mr Lowe might be thinking that he can get rid of the mindless minority! This is just a joke. I\\\'ve been a season ticket holder for 6 seasons now and have just worked out that I have given them in the region of £10,000! I know this isn\\\'t a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is to me and my family! I thought Mr Lowe was coming back in with investors! Where are they? Maybe instead of shutting down corners and taking away the free bus etc they should just get rid of the stewards! There seemed to be more of them than fans last season! For what! Most of them are rude and don\\\'t have a clue!! One last point How much did the Bon Jovi concert bring in? £3.50 a pint and £2.00 a bottle of pop! mmmmmm where\\\'s all that money? It wasn\\\'t hosted for free. Oh and £3.50 a hot dog!!! As much as I love the Saints and always will I can\\\'t help feeling embarrassed by this sorry situation. Mr Lowe - Where has all the money gone? I could understand if it was a cheap day out at St Mary\\\'s but its not, whether you have a season ticket or you buy per game, its not just the ticket there\\\'s the food & drink/programme something from the shop! An average family of 4 can kiss goodbye to at least £100. Whilst it has been successful letting local Football clubs have tickets for £2.00 each and 2 free adult tickets, and I\\\'m not knocking it because I\\\'m involved in grassroots football, there seems to be no limit on this, why not charge the adults £5 instead of nothing! I think the problem is that money has been spent in the wrong areas and not on whats important!Lyn, The previous couple of boards spent all the money and lots more, losses mounted to the tune of upto £1 million per month. That is why cuts are needed now.
Costa Baz, says...
10:45pm Fri 13 Jun 08
John B wrote:John you (and Tracey for that matter) use the same argument all the time, ref Lowe not being able to spend money he did not have.
Lyn wrote:You dont seem to be a very sensible person to me whingeing on and on. Does it really matter where people live. SFC is in financial difficulties something has to be done that is what Mr Lowe and Mr Wilde are trying to do so we do not go into administration. It is not uncommon for a team to be relegated from the Premiership it happens every year but lots of Saints fans are too arrogant to accept the fact we are now in the Championship and need to adjust to it. Of course it is Mr Lowe's fault we were relegated as he did not invest with money he did not have.Tracey wrote:Yes and who has been on previous boards!!!! Let me think............... . Rupert Lowe & Micheal Wilde!!!!! Even when not on the board they still had shares and taking money! What I\'m saying is 6 seasons ago we were in a strong position! FA Cup run Europe and good players, if the money had been spent and invested wisely at the time we wouldn\'t be in this position. We have let players go for nothing, players go at knock down prices and players go to bigger clubs with half the money up front and the rest being payed per play and never or rarely played! That was a really good business move by Mr Lowe. At the end of the day if Mr Lowe and his pals put their hands in their pockets and paid for tickets to the game would they go!!!! Do any of them live in a 3 bed semi! No. Are any of them really in touch with the fans? No We are showing signs of being desparate by shutting down stands which quite rightly shouldn\'t be done! If I was one of those 700 supporters I would be refusing to move! The board have ducked up and its the supporters that suffer again.Lyn wrote: Don\\\'t you think by closing these corners Mr Lowe might be thinking that he can get rid of the mindless minority! This is just a joke. I\\\'ve been a season ticket holder for 6 seasons now and have just worked out that I have given them in the region of £10,000! I know this isn\\\'t a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is to me and my family! I thought Mr Lowe was coming back in with investors! Where are they? Maybe instead of shutting down corners and taking away the free bus etc they should just get rid of the stewards! There seemed to be more of them than fans last season! For what! Most of them are rude and don\\\'t have a clue!! One last point How much did the Bon Jovi concert bring in? £3.50 a pint and £2.00 a bottle of pop! mmmmmm where\\\'s all that money? It wasn\\\'t hosted for free. Oh and £3.50 a hot dog!!! As much as I love the Saints and always will I can\\\'t help feeling embarrassed by this sorry situation. Mr Lowe - Where has all the money gone? I could understand if it was a cheap day out at St Mary\\\'s but its not, whether you have a season ticket or you buy per game, its not just the ticket there\\\'s the food & drink/programme something from the shop! An average family of 4 can kiss goodbye to at least £100. Whilst it has been successful letting local Football clubs have tickets for £2.00 each and 2 free adult tickets, and I\\\'m not knocking it because I\\\'m involved in grassroots football, there seems to be no limit on this, why not charge the adults £5 instead of nothing! I think the problem is that money has been spent in the wrong areas and not on whats important!Lyn, The previous couple of boards spent all the money and lots more, losses mounted to the tune of upto £1 million per month. That is why cuts are needed now.
Lyn, Hythe says...
11:04pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Costa Baz wrote:I am a sensible person but i am also guilty of supporting Saints and being a season ticket holder no matter what league we're in! I just don't like the way our club has been run over the years! And as a supporter I who has seen the decline of the club I love I feel I have the right to "whinge" especially when like every other supporter its our money thats being wasted.
John B wrote:John you (and Tracey for that matter) use the same argument all the time, ref Lowe not being able to spend money he did not have. I recognise the chairman has a duty to keep the club solvent but surely he also has a duty to take \"calculated\" risks to ensure the solvency of his company? At the time you state he had no money to invest, we were a Premier League club of long standing, with a multi million pound turnover and a good credit record, so don\'t you think, as chairman, Lowe should have moved heaven and earth to \"borrow\" a few million to invest in safeguarding his company\'s future, knowing that if everything still went pear shaped and relegation ensued, he could have repaid the loan out of the parachute payments? Constantly repeating \"he had no money to invest\" when he was sat on a goldmine, is not an acceptable reason for taking no action. If he had no money to invest and made no attempt to obtain any, through a loan from the club\'s bank, it actually shows him up as an incompetent chairman. One last point. Do you think the club would be in such dire financial straits if it were still in the Premier League, and had NOT been relegated?Lyn wrote:You dont seem to be a very sensible person to me whingeing on and on. Does it really matter where people live. SFC is in financial difficulties something has to be done that is what Mr Lowe and Mr Wilde are trying to do so we do not go into administration. It is not uncommon for a team to be relegated from the Premiership it happens every year but lots of Saints fans are too arrogant to accept the fact we are now in the Championship and need to adjust to it. Of course it is Mr Lowe\'s fault we were relegated as he did not invest with money he did not have.Tracey wrote:Yes and who has been on previous boards!!!! Let me think............... . Rupert Lowe & Micheal Wilde!!!!! Even when not on the board they still had shares and taking money! What I\\\'m saying is 6 seasons ago we were in a strong position! FA Cup run Europe and good players, if the money had been spent and invested wisely at the time we wouldn\\\'t be in this position. We have let players go for nothing, players go at knock down prices and players go to bigger clubs with half the money up front and the rest being payed per play and never or rarely played! That was a really good business move by Mr Lowe. At the end of the day if Mr Lowe and his pals put their hands in their pockets and paid for tickets to the game would they go!!!! Do any of them live in a 3 bed semi! No. Are any of them really in touch with the fans? No We are showing signs of being desparate by shutting down stands which quite rightly shouldn\\\'t be done! If I was one of those 700 supporters I would be refusing to move! The board have ducked up and its the supporters that suffer again.Lyn wrote: Don\\\\\\\'t you think by closing these corners Mr Lowe might be thinking that he can get rid of the mindless minority! This is just a joke. I\\\\\\\'ve been a season ticket holder for 6 seasons now and have just worked out that I have given them in the region of £10,000! I know this isn\\\\\\\'t a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is to me and my family! I thought Mr Lowe was coming back in with investors! Where are they? Maybe instead of shutting down corners and taking away the free bus etc they should just get rid of the stewards! There seemed to be more of them than fans last season! For what! Most of them are rude and don\\\\\\\'t have a clue!! One last point How much did the Bon Jovi concert bring in? £3.50 a pint and £2.00 a bottle of pop! mmmmmm where\\\\\\\'s all that money? It wasn\\\\\\\'t hosted for free. Oh and £3.50 a hot dog!!! As much as I love the Saints and always will I can\\\\\\\'t help feeling embarrassed by this sorry situation. Mr Lowe - Where has all the money gone? I could understand if it was a cheap day out at St Mary\\\\\\\'s but its not, whether you have a season ticket or you buy per game, its not just the ticket there\\\\\\\'s the food & drink/programme something from the shop! An average family of 4 can kiss goodbye to at least £100. Whilst it has been successful letting local Football clubs have tickets for £2.00 each and 2 free adult tickets, and I\\\\\\\'m not knocking it because I\\\\\\\'m involved in grassroots football, there seems to be no limit on this, why not charge the adults £5 instead of nothing! I think the problem is that money has been spent in the wrong areas and not on whats important!Lyn, The previous couple of boards spent all the money and lots more, losses mounted to the tune of upto £1 million per month. That is why cuts are needed now.
David Crook, Yorkshire says...
11:15pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Tracey, Southampton says...
11:22pm Fri 13 Jun 08
Costa Baz wrote:Baz,
John B wrote:John you (and Tracey for that matter) use the same argument all the time, ref Lowe not being able to spend money he did not have. I recognise the chairman has a duty to keep the club solvent but surely he also has a duty to take "calculated" risks to ensure the solvency of his company? At the time you state he had no money to invest, we were a Premier League club of long standing, with a multi million pound turnover and a good credit record, so don't you think, as chairman, Lowe should have moved heaven and earth to "borrow" a few million to invest in safeguarding his company's future, knowing that if everything still went pear shaped and relegation ensued, he could have repaid the loan out of the parachute payments? Constantly repeating "he had no money to invest" when he was sat on a goldmine, is not an acceptable reason for taking no action. If he had no money to invest and made no attempt to obtain any, through a loan from the club's bank, it actually shows him up as an incompetent chairman. One last point. Do you think the club would be in such dire financial straits if it were still in the Premier League, and had NOT been relegated?Lyn wrote:You dont seem to be a very sensible person to me whingeing on and on. Does it really matter where people live. SFC is in financial difficulties something has to be done that is what Mr Lowe and Mr Wilde are trying to do so we do not go into administration. It is not uncommon for a team to be relegated from the Premiership it happens every year but lots of Saints fans are too arrogant to accept the fact we are now in the Championship and need to adjust to it. Of course it is Mr Lowe's fault we were relegated as he did not invest with money he did not have.Tracey wrote:Yes and who has been on previous boards!!!! Let me think............... . Rupert Lowe & Micheal Wilde!!!!! Even when not on the board they still had shares and taking money! What I\'m saying is 6 seasons ago we were in a strong position! FA Cup run Europe and good players, if the money had been spent and invested wisely at the time we wouldn\'t be in this position. We have let players go for nothing, players go at knock down prices and players go to bigger clubs with half the money up front and the rest being payed per play and never or rarely played! That was a really good business move by Mr Lowe. At the end of the day if Mr Lowe and his pals put their hands in their pockets and paid for tickets to the game would they go!!!! Do any of them live in a 3 bed semi! No. Are any of them really in touch with the fans? No We are showing signs of being desparate by shutting down stands which quite rightly shouldn\'t be done! If I was one of those 700 supporters I would be refusing to move! The board have ducked up and its the supporters that suffer again.Lyn wrote: Don\\\'t you think by closing these corners Mr Lowe might be thinking that he can get rid of the mindless minority! This is just a joke. I\\\'ve been a season ticket holder for 6 seasons now and have just worked out that I have given them in the region of £10,000! I know this isn\\\'t a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is to me and my family! I thought Mr Lowe was coming back in with investors! Where are they? Maybe instead of shutting down corners and taking away the free bus etc they should just get rid of the stewards! There seemed to be more of them than fans last season! For what! Most of them are rude and don\\\'t have a clue!! One last point How much did the Bon Jovi concert bring in? £3.50 a pint and £2.00 a bottle of pop! mmmmmm where\\\'s all that money? It wasn\\\'t hosted for free. Oh and £3.50 a hot dog!!! As much as I love the Saints and always will I can\\\'t help feeling embarrassed by this sorry situation. Mr Lowe - Where has all the money gone? I could understand if it was a cheap day out at St Mary\\\'s but its not, whether you have a season ticket or you buy per game, its not just the ticket there\\\'s the food & drink/programme something from the shop! An average family of 4 can kiss goodbye to at least £100. Whilst it has been successful letting local Football clubs have tickets for £2.00 each and 2 free adult tickets, and I\\\'m not knocking it because I\\\'m involved in grassroots football, there seems to be no limit on this, why not charge the adults £5 instead of nothing! I think the problem is that money has been spent in the wrong areas and not on whats important!Lyn, The previous couple of boards spent all the money and lots more, losses mounted to the tune of upto £1 million per month. That is why cuts are needed now.
Jimmy Twizzle, Gosport says...
7:18am Sat 14 Jun 08
HAPPY CHAPPY wrote:LOVINIT etc...you work at McDonalds?
I dont know about closing 3 corners, they should close the whole blouddy lotits not as if there is anything worth watching at St Fairies anyway. Come to think of it there never has been. When Stains were in the Premier league it was always a case of avoiding relegation every year. They never actually won anything. Just as well SUPER POMPEY put you out of your misery when we beat you 4-1 and subsequently relegated you :-) LOVINIT LOVINIT LOVINIT
Jimmy Twizzle, Gosport says...
8:41am Sat 14 Jun 08
Ray, Eastleigh says...
9:04am Sat 14 Jun 08
Mark, southampton says...
9:09am Sat 14 Jun 08
CitySaint, The City says...
9:24am Sat 14 Jun 08
robhythe, Hythe says...
9:55am Sat 14 Jun 08
John B, Bitterne says...
9:56am Sat 14 Jun 08
CitySaint wrote:Lowe Cowan Wilde etc will probably getting large salaries compared with you and me.
I understand from someone in a position to know the finances of the club (not a bloke down the pub)that Lowe's package is well in excess of £400k. Presumably Wilde is not involved for free either, so these cuts should be no surprise. Last year I had a chance to talk to a leading British businessman with strong links to football. He admitted that he had been approached to put money into SFC and declined. I asked him why he thought we were in such a seemingly dire financial position after years being told we were well run and of regular high value player sales. His words - clubs like So'ton can't afford to have board members taking £500k+ out of the club and that has been the case there for some time.
Saintlygirl, Shirley, Southampton says...
11:24am Sat 14 Jun 08
crew657, new forest says...
11:44am Sat 14 Jun 08
Saintlygirl wrote:I do have a concern. Saintly girl sounds nice but i feel sorry that she has to bring a child up in that other cespit known as shirley which though not as bad as millbrook and sholing is not far off. There is a pub in shirley called the park inn which is full of yellow bellies and trannys...maybe thats why a lot of scum drinkl there
I did not renew this season due having by daughter in January. That was my only reason (I will attend the odd match and be a member though). I am however quite glad in respect of the latest changes. I would not have been part of the move as I sat in Block 35 in Kingsland North, but would have missed the bus ticket though. I hate to say it but the amount of people that have not renewed this season that I know, it is a worrying situation for the club, but I do believe it is the fault of the Board. All recent decisions I have NOT agreed with - Lowe shouldn't have returned and Pearson should have stayed. Then, the seat moving and bus ticket removal may have been a softer blow to bear for those who have renewed and are being moved. I'll never stop supporting my club. I love SFC, I just don't like the Board.
Trusupporta, Southampton says...
11:52am Sat 14 Jun 08
rich, shirley says...
11:52am Sat 14 Jun 08
Graham, Herts says...
11:54am Sat 14 Jun 08
John B wrote:I have noticed that postings regarding money appear to disappear very quickly from the site. I have no idea what Lowe gets paid and it means nothing in "The Real World" as all football ££££'s seem bonkers to us ordinary mortals (Look at the latest transfer figures).
CitySaint wrote: I understand from someone in a position to know the finances of the club (not a bloke down the pub)that Lowe's package is well in excess of £400k. Presumably Wilde is not involved for free either, so these cuts should be no surprise. Last year I had a chance to talk to a leading British businessman with strong links to football. He admitted that he had been approached to put money into SFC and declined. I asked him why he thought we were in such a seemingly dire financial position after years being told we were well run and of regular high value player sales. His words - clubs like So'ton can't afford to have board members taking £500k+ out of the club and that has been the case there for some time.Lowe Cowan Wilde etc will probably getting large salaries compared with you and me. The Directors in Jim Hone era got well paid as well Lee Hoos will be getting well paid at Leicester that is what happens in business today. I dont like it but we have to live with it.
crew657, new forest says...
11:58am Sat 14 Jun 08
Graham wrote:400K is not a lot of money but to you scum it must be a lot comopared to your benefits or macdonalds pay packet
John B wrote:I have noticed that postings regarding money appear to disappear very quickly from the site. I have no idea what Lowe gets paid and it means nothing in "The Real World" as all football ££££'s seem bonkers to us ordinary mortals (Look at the latest transfer figures).
CitySaint wrote: I understand from someone in a position to know the finances of the club (not a bloke down the pub)that Lowe's package is well in excess of £400k. Presumably Wilde is not involved for free either, so these cuts should be no surprise. Last year I had a chance to talk to a leading British businessman with strong links to football. He admitted that he had been approached to put money into SFC and declined. I asked him why he thought we were in such a seemingly dire financial position after years being told we were well run and of regular high value player sales. His words - clubs like So'ton can't afford to have board members taking £500k+ out of the club and that has been the case there for some time.Lowe Cowan Wilde etc will probably getting large salaries compared with you and me. The Directors in Jim Hone era got well paid as well Lee Hoos will be getting well paid at Leicester that is what happens in business today. I dont like it but we have to live with it.
I saw someone asking what ordinary Championship players get paid and noticed that Posting disappeared within minutes. The point bI'm making iks you can't comment on Lowe's salary without looking at the broader picture in Football.
£400k may be a fortune or a pittance for tghe Championship.
Follow your own prejudice.
Mark, southampton says...
12:08pm Sat 14 Jun 08
crew657, new forest says...
12:18pm Sat 14 Jun 08
Mark wrote:ill be in the slug and lettuce 4pm but guess what..no scum would dare show...all yellow bellies
Crew657 come on your losing your touch that last bit never rhymed! I\\\\\\\'d rather have 400k clean cash than some dodgy money launderers millions! Whats with the macdonalds stuff lately? Perhaps your a bit sore as they just sacked you for being too spotty! look forward to the usual reply of ooh stains are so chicken and all ran away.
lala land, southampton says...
12:43pm Sat 14 Jun 08
Kdog, St. Marys says...
1:47pm Sat 14 Jun 08
crew657 wrote:How fitting you are going to the slug... you slimy low life. Crawl back under the fish stinking rock you came from pr1ck
Mark wrote: Crew657 come on your losing your touch that last bit never rhymed! I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'d rather have 400k clean cash than some dodgy money launderers millions! Whats with the macdonalds stuff lately? Perhaps your a bit sore as they just sacked you for being too spotty! look forward to the usual reply of ooh stains are so chicken and all ran away.ill be in the slug and lettuce 4pm but guess what..no scum would dare show...all yellow bellies
Graham, Herts says...
4:14pm Sat 14 Jun 08
crew657 wrote:nhappily for him, Crew 657 does not understand what we all know. Continuous threats of violence are almost always linked to impotence.
Mark wrote: Crew657 come on your losing your touch that last bit never rhymed! I\\\\\\\'d rather have 400k clean cash than some dodgy money launderers millions! Whats with the macdonalds stuff lately? Perhaps your a bit sore as they just sacked you for being too spotty! look forward to the usual reply of ooh stains are so chicken and all ran away.ill be in the slug and lettuce 4pm but guess what..no scum would dare show...all yellow bellies
Graham, Hants says...
4:23pm Sat 14 Jun 08
sailor sam, portsmouth says...
4:51pm Sat 14 Jun 08
lala land wrote:You really must be in lala land!
Ive got a better plan. Goodbye Wright, goodbye Euel, goodbye Wright Phillips. Save the wages re-invest it in people who can actually play football.
Mark, southampton says...
6:09pm Sat 14 Jun 08
Billy 2 Baps, says...
7:53pm Sat 14 Jun 08
Mr P, Somerset says...
11:04pm Sat 14 Jun 08
Ian Own, London says...
12:21am Sun 15 Jun 08
stripey, says...
10:26am Sun 15 Jun 08
Fed Up Still wrote:This is what I have been saying about Lowe for a long time. He is just a con-man with spin-artistry as his specialism. The stadium was all about the property deal. I remember him saying the stadium was needed so that we could compete in the top division and then when we get in the stadium he can't keep the good managers because he claims we cant afford to compete (i.e. buying the players they want) and appoints the cheap and/or C**p managers or those who just want a job and have to put up with him and his lack of ambition (some call it realism) and then these managers become the fall guys when results suffer because he can't or won't invest in the team. Now he has come up with this idea of playing youngsters and being a feeder club. He is slowly destroying us. Unfortuantely we are stuck with him until something better comes along. I just hope that either I am wrong and that he proves to be our saviour or someone with stacks of money comes along and replaces him before he really does take us into oblivion. The one thing I'll do is keep supprting the Saints but it gets harder every year with him around.
So here is more proof that Lowe got it wrong during his first stint in charge. Build a ground that holds a little over 32,000 fans. Put the club in debt for that 32,000 seat stadium but sleep easy at night knowing that premiership football will pay for the stadium. appoint 3 managers in one season (all cheap options) and get relegated. After more Cr*p decissions and making a very unpopular return to the club which is very much oppossed by real SFC fans Lowe now says that the gates dont justify keeping all of the stadium open. Where was the long term forward thinking planning and business sense you proclaim to have Lowe??? Nice touch too Lowe PR/Echo. have a dig at the fans for not coming to games to justify the closure of parts of the stadium. how about Lowe F'cks off, pearson is re-appointed and then maybe the fans will return. A note to all you other SFC fans, looks like Lowe is already Boo Hoo'ing about the lack of maoney ha can steal from our beloved club. Lowe its you or the club. Bye Bye.
saint al gosport, gosport says...
10:34am Sun 15 Jun 08
Lyn wrote:DO RUPS 2 SONS PAY FOR TICKETS I KNOW THEY GO EVERY TIME,
Tracey wrote:Yes and who has been on previous boards!!!! Let me think...............
Lyn wrote: Don\\\'t you think by closing these corners Mr Lowe might be thinking that he can get rid of the mindless minority! This is just a joke. I\\\'ve been a season ticket holder for 6 seasons now and have just worked out that I have given them in the region of £10,000! I know this isn\\\'t a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is to me and my family! I thought Mr Lowe was coming back in with investors! Where are they? Maybe instead of shutting down corners and taking away the free bus etc they should just get rid of the stewards! There seemed to be more of them than fans last season! For what! Most of them are rude and don\\\'t have a clue!! One last point How much did the Bon Jovi concert bring in? £3.50 a pint and £2.00 a bottle of pop! mmmmmm where\\\'s all that money? It wasn\\\'t hosted for free. Oh and £3.50 a hot dog!!! As much as I love the Saints and always will I can\\\'t help feeling embarrassed by this sorry situation. Mr Lowe - Where has all the money gone? I could understand if it was a cheap day out at St Mary\\\'s but its not, whether you have a season ticket or you buy per game, its not just the ticket there\\\'s the food & drink/programme something from the shop! An average family of 4 can kiss goodbye to at least £100. Whilst it has been successful letting local Football clubs have tickets for £2.00 each and 2 free adult tickets, and I\\\'m not knocking it because I\\\'m involved in grassroots football, there seems to be no limit on this, why not charge the adults £5 instead of nothing! I think the problem is that money has been spent in the wrong areas and not on whats important!Lyn, The previous couple of boards spent all the money and lots more, losses mounted to the tune of upto £1 million per month. That is why cuts are needed now.
. Rupert Lowe & Micheal Wilde!!!!! Even when not on the board they still had shares and taking money! What I\'m saying is 6 seasons ago we were in a strong position! FA Cup run Europe and good players, if the money had been spent and invested wisely at the time we wouldn\'t be in this position. We have let players go for nothing, players go at knock down prices and players go to bigger clubs with half the money up front and the rest being payed per play and never or rarely played! That was a really good business move by Mr Lowe. At the end of the day if Mr Lowe and his pals put their hands in their pockets and paid for tickets to the game would they go!!!! Do any of them live in a 3 bed semi! No. Are any of them really in touch with the fans? No We are showing signs of being desparate by shutting down stands which quite rightly shouldn\'t be done! If I was one of those 700 supporters I would be refusing to move!
The board have ducked up and its the supporters that suffer again.
mikel, cford says...
11:17am Sun 15 Jun 08
redarmy wrote:your lucky gonna cost me at least £8 a game for self and 10 year old son
I heard about these changes last season,so no shock to me...only one end of the stadium actually sing anyhow- Northam/Itchen Corner... imo,be better to close Chapel and ask those fans to move into Kingsland or Itchen. time to really pull together id say.
Robhythe, Hythe says...
1:01pm Sun 15 Jun 08
crew657 wrote:As i said i have been going to st marys for a few years now since i moved here and the reason i go there is for the good atmosphere etc! I have been to most grounds around the country and st marys can generate a really good atmosphere ! better than fratton park!!!!
robhythe wrote: So these cuts are supposed to save £250 grand! CRAP !!! If you put just 300 people off going to the home games at an average of £20 that would add up to around 138 grand a season not including programs drinks food etc that are bought in the ground, and renewed memberships ( im not renewing mine) !! And i think if saints stay in mid table then they would lose more support than that! The reason that alot of people go to St Marys is not just for the football but for the atmosphere ( making a noise etc) ! Blocks 1-3 get behind the team and also blocks 36-39 make alot of noise to add to the Northam! They must want to take the atmosphere awaqy from the stadium! I have only been going to saints for a few years and have enjoyed it because of the good banter etc!dont be pathetic..scum couldnt make a noise if they tried. Stain marys is known as a fickle stadium with no atmosphere because scum fans are plastic. please do stay away, that way you'll fold and get get kicked out of the league quicker ps...scum do shout sometimes, normally "help, run away and wheres my mummy" hahahahahah scum yellow bellies
Benny Fitt, Thornhill says...
1:04pm Sun 15 Jun 08
robhythe wrote:What a dedicated supporter you are. Only been going to Saints for a few years, so now that the going is tough and your support is needed more than ever, you decide that you are not renewing, because you miss the atmosphere and the banter.
So these cuts are supposed to save £250 grand! CRAP !!! If you put just 300 people off going to the home games at an average of £20 that would add up to around 138 grand a season not including programs drinks food etc that are bought in the ground, and renewed memberships ( im not renewing mine) !! And i think if saints stay in mid table then they would lose more support than that! The reason that alot of people go to St Marys is not just for the football but for the atmosphere ( making a noise etc) ! Blocks 1-3 get behind the team and also blocks 36-39 make alot of noise to add to the Northam! They must want to take the atmosphere awaqy from the stadium! I have only been going to saints for a few years and have enjoyed it because of the good banter etc!
robhythe, Hythe says...
8:19pm Sun 15 Jun 08
Benny Fitt wrote:Im still going but not renewing membership! OK!!! I have carried on going even though i wasnt a supporter when they were in the prem !So are you saying i should go back to supporting another team where i used to live! I believe in supporting your local team
robhythe wrote: So these cuts are supposed to save £250 grand! CRAP !!! If you put just 300 people off going to the home games at an average of £20 that would add up to around 138 grand a season not including programs drinks food etc that are bought in the ground, and renewed memberships ( im not renewing mine) !! And i think if saints stay in mid table then they would lose more support than that! The reason that alot of people go to St Marys is not just for the football but for the atmosphere ( making a noise etc) ! Blocks 1-3 get behind the team and also blocks 36-39 make alot of noise to add to the Northam! They must want to take the atmosphere awaqy from the stadium! I have only been going to saints for a few years and have enjoyed it because of the good banter etc!What a dedicated supporter you are. Only been going to Saints for a few years, so now that the going is tough and your support is needed more than ever, you decide that you are not renewing, because you miss the atmosphere and the banter. I guess that means that instead of being at St Mary on match day, you will be sat in front of your screen, having the much needed banter with the likes of Crew 657. Of course, you could always go and watch Hythe & Dibden, and enjoy the atmosphere there.
ria, southampton says...
9:08pm Sun 15 Jun 08
Jason Flynn, says...
1:14pm Mon 16 Jun 08
jason flynn, Southampton says...
2:37pm Mon 16 Jun 08
Robbie Robertson, Fareham says...
6:35pm Mon 16 Jun 08
Robbie Robertson, says...
9:04pm Mon 16 Jun 08
crew 657., new forest says...
9:02am Tue 17 Jun 08
Robbie Robertson wrote:shut it ..all gob you scummers, never back up your words. also you mention your t*ts...are you a freak hahahahahahah
Your boasts of taing onhte whole of Southampton are boring the t*ts off me pal.
Please read Your boasts of taking on the whole of Southampton are boring the t*ts off me pal.
Robbie Robertson, Fareham says...
10:17am Tue 17 Jun 08
Crew657 is a muppet, southampton says...
1:52pm Tue 17 Jun 08
crew 657., new forest says...
3:15pm Tue 17 Jun 08
Crew657 is a muppet wrote:i have if you look at the other thread you pathetic scummer
your a complete muppet Crew657. I would love a meet with you so i can smash your stupid skate face in, these forums have nothing to do with you!!!
post your email address
Rocket, Southampton says...
4:26pm Tue 17 Jun 08
crew 657. wrote:Better being Hard as Andex than being Hard for your Sister or Mother.
Crew657 is a muppet wrote: your a complete muppet Crew657. I would love a meet with you so i can smash your stupid skate face in, these forums have nothing to do with you!!! post your email addressi have if you look at the other thread you pathetic scummer and stop dreaming, scum are about as hard as andrex
crew 657., new forest says...
4:58pm Tue 17 Jun 08
Rocket wrote:you'd know all about the latter. you scum are so predictable. I would say you also get hard for your dad but you probably dont know who he is
crew 657. wrote:Better being Hard as Andex than being Hard for your Sister or Mother.
Crew657 is a muppet wrote: your a complete muppet Crew657. I would love a meet with you so i can smash your stupid skate face in, these forums have nothing to do with you!!! post your email addressi have if you look at the other thread you pathetic scummer and stop dreaming, scum are about as hard as andrex
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Martin Betts, Suffolk says...
8:08am Fri 13 Jun 08
How much is that smug **** Lowe taking out of the club each year?