Saints chairman Leon Crouch hopes Nigel Pearson get the chance to continue as manager if he is forced out of St Mary's this month.
Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde are expected to return to St Mary's within the next 11 days as PLC chairman and football board chairman respectively as they are backed by 46 per cent of the club's shareholding.
Lowe and Wilde's unlikely alliance looks set to end Crouch's time at St Mary's, but the Lymington-based businessman is hoping that it does not cost Pearson his job.
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He said: "I hope Nigel Pearson is given a chance to get his own team around him so he can really show what he's capable of as a manager.
"He's the sort of manager we need to get out of the Champinship next year. He's passionate and experienced and he passes that right through the team and the club.
"I've only been chairman for the last five months and I've done my best. What you see is what you get with me and I think the fans have seen that.
"I brought Nigel Pearson to the club and if I'm still the chairman he will still be the manager next year. You have to bear in mind it was not Nigel's team and he deserves the chance to build on what he has done so far.
"If soemone else takes over it will be up to them but hopefully they will have seen what he has done for us."
Crouch admitted to being a bag of nerves during the win against Sheffield United.
He said: "The Sheffield United game was massive for Nigel and the players and they did the club credit. It was a difficult game and very nerve wracking but the fans got behind them.
"The result gives us a chance of being back we belong in the Premiership next year."
Meanwhile, Crouch remains hopeful that new investment will be forthcoming before May 16 when, as things stand, there will be an EGM if an orderly handover of power does not take place in time.
Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens.
He said: "We're talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde's shares out before the EGM.
"We want someone fresh to take Southampton FC forward because this is such a fantastic club. But if it does not happen I will still come back to support."
Posted by: ANDY P, Bitterne on 3:26pm Mon 5 May 08
More importantly,Does Pearson back Dumb and Dumber.
Pearson is a proper football man,these two are the complete opposite,will never work.
Move on NP, you deserve a lot more than these two clowns, and THANKS!
More importantly,Does Pearson back Dumb and Dumber.
Pearson is a proper football man,these two are the complete opposite,will never work.
Move on NP, you deserve a lot more than these two clowns, and THANKS!
Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens.
He said: "We're talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde's shares out before the EGM. QUOTE.
Why are you spouting this rubbish again, we've heard it all before, many times. Do you believe that the other 54% of shareholders will accept this drivel and vote for you next week, I think not!!
Go with some dignity Leon.
When Lowe and Wilde take control, their first task should be to give N.P. a contract or release him immediately, with his replacement arriving the day after.
Lets not have the sorry managerial sagas that have embarrassed us in the past.
United and foward. COYR
Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens.
He said: "We're talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde's shares out before the EGM. QUOTE.
Why are you spouting this rubbish again, we've heard it all before, many times. Do you believe that the other 54% of shareholders will accept this drivel and vote for you next week, I think not!!
Go with some dignity Leon.
When Lowe and Wilde take control, their first task should be to give N.P. a contract or release him immediately, with his replacement arriving the day after.
Lets not have the sorry managerial sagas that have embarrassed us in the past.
United and foward. COYR
Posted by: Andy P, Bitterne on 4:23pm Mon 5 May 08
[quote][bold]Hank[/bold] wrote:
Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens. He said: "We're talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde's shares out before the EGM. QUOTE. Why are you spouting this rubbish again, we've heard it all before, many times. Do you believe that the other 54% of shareholders will accept this drivel and vote for you next week, I think not!! Go with some dignity Leon. When Lowe and Wilde take control, their first task should be to give N.P. a contract or release him immediately, with his replacement arriving the day after. Lets not have the sorry managerial sagas that have embarrassed us in the past. United and foward. COYR[/quote] "Go with some dignity Leon",what planet are you on.
This man will go with more than his dignity sunshine,he has SAVED SFC.
Rupert little ploy in the hope of seeing Saints relegated by the negative and quite disgraceful spin in this paper and the Mail will come back to haunt him,just watch.
Hank wrote:
Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens. He said: "We're talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde's shares out before the EGM. QUOTE. Why are you spouting this rubbish again, we've heard it all before, many times. Do you believe that the other 54% of shareholders will accept this drivel and vote for you next week, I think not!! Go with some dignity Leon. When Lowe and Wilde take control, their first task should be to give N.P. a contract or release him immediately, with his replacement arriving the day after. Lets not have the sorry managerial sagas that have embarrassed us in the past. United and foward. COYR
"Go with some dignity Leon",what planet are you on.
This man will go with more than his dignity sunshine,he has SAVED SFC.
Rupert little ploy in the hope of seeing Saints relegated by the negative and quite disgraceful spin in this paper and the Mail will come back to haunt him,just watch.
Posted by: dainowel, Bristol on 4:24pm Mon 5 May 08
[quote][bold]Hank[/bold] wrote:
Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens. He said: \"We\'re talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde\'s shares out before the EGM. QUOTE. Why are you spouting this rubbish again, we\'ve heard it all before, many times. Do you believe that the other 54% of shareholders will accept this drivel and vote for you next week, I think not!! Go with some dignity Leon. When Lowe and Wilde take control, their first task should be to give N.P. a contract or release him immediately, with his replacement arriving the day after. Lets not have the sorry managerial sagas that have embarrassed us in the past. United and foward. COYR[/quote] so you reccomend another managerial change do you.
I am so sick of these Lowe apologists who do not have the faintest idea how to run a business but think they suddenly have all the answers.
Leon Crouch has dona a marvellous job in the circumstances and all credit to him. He has allowed Pearson to manage bring in players on loan without prevarication of the sort that Lowe was so fond of.
If the shareholders have any sense they will back leon as I will he more than deserves it.
I hope for his sake that new in vestors do come in and recognize the contribution Leon has made to Southampton Football Club and retain him on the board.
Hank wrote:
Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens. He said: \"We\'re talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde\'s shares out before the EGM. QUOTE. Why are you spouting this rubbish again, we\'ve heard it all before, many times. Do you believe that the other 54% of shareholders will accept this drivel and vote for you next week, I think not!! Go with some dignity Leon. When Lowe and Wilde take control, their first task should be to give N.P. a contract or release him immediately, with his replacement arriving the day after. Lets not have the sorry managerial sagas that have embarrassed us in the past. United and foward. COYR
so you reccomend another managerial change do you.
I am so sick of these Lowe apologists who do not have the faintest idea how to run a business but think they suddenly have all the answers.
Leon Crouch has dona a marvellous job in the circumstances and all credit to him. He has allowed Pearson to manage bring in players on loan without prevarication of the sort that Lowe was so fond of.
If the shareholders have any sense they will back leon as I will he more than deserves it.
I hope for his sake that new in vestors do come in and recognize the contribution Leon has made to Southampton Football Club and retain him on the board.
Posted by: Sunny Saint, Colchester, Essex on 4:46pm Mon 5 May 08
[quote][bold]ANDY P[/bold] wrote:
More importantly,Does Pearson back Dumb and Dumber. Pearson is a proper football man,these two are the complete opposite,will never work. Move on NP, you deserve a lot more than these two clowns, and THANKS![/quote] Hank R U sure you didnt spell your name wrong? I am sure that with comments like that your name should begin with a "W"
Read the qoute from Crouch mate: "I've only been chairman for the last five months"
5 Friggin Months and you think that bringing back those other two muppets, one of which had 12 years to get it right is gonna do any more!! Sir you are a Prize Coc<.
COYR
ANDY P wrote:
More importantly,Does Pearson back Dumb and Dumber. Pearson is a proper football man,these two are the complete opposite,will never work. Move on NP, you deserve a lot more than these two clowns, and THANKS!
Hank R U sure you didnt spell your name wrong? I am sure that with comments like that your name should begin with a "W"
Read the qoute from Crouch mate: "I've only been chairman for the last five months"
5 Friggin Months and you think that bringing back those other two muppets, one of which had 12 years to get it right is gonna do any more!! Sir you are a Prize Coc<.
COYR
Pearson might get a better offer and good luck to him if he does. Billy Davies on Sky recently commented that this was a difficult place to work because of the board here. This is the perception of managers out there - don't come to Saints unless you're desperate for work. I hope he stays but I can't see it with Lowe coming back who will conduct a blood bath and Pearson will go through association with Crouch et al. Question is who would be mad enough to work for Lowe except Twaddle.
Pearson might get a better offer and good luck to him if he does. Billy Davies on Sky recently commented that this was a difficult place to work because of the board here. This is the perception of managers out there - don't come to Saints unless you're desperate for work. I hope he stays but I can't see it with Lowe coming back who will conduct a blood bath and Pearson will go through association with Crouch et al. Question is who would be mad enough to work for Lowe except Twaddle.
i'm thinking judging by pearson's comments and the way in which he has made them he knows he's on borrowed time here, he knows as soon as lowe comes back he will be gone and i really really feel for the guy, its obvious to all how much of a contribution he's made to this club and how much us fans have taken to him, i don't want him to go at all but sadly were talking about a past chairman who doesnt listen to the fans, whose own ego is put before the clubs needs and whose poularity is up there with ian branfoot. if all those things do happen we could become one of the most hated teams in the media and all because of two men so step forward mr.lowe and your little pet poodle wilde and enjoy your time in the limelight, i only hope you realise just how hated you are come the first home game next season. you guys have brought this club to the level we reached yesterday.......figh
ting for our CHAMPIONSHIP lives on the last day of the season. you are both beneath contempt.
i'm thinking judging by pearson's comments and the way in which he has made them he knows he's on borrowed time here, he knows as soon as lowe comes back he will be gone and i really really feel for the guy, its obvious to all how much of a contribution he's made to this club and how much us fans have taken to him, i don't want him to go at all but sadly were talking about a past chairman who doesnt listen to the fans, whose own ego is put before the clubs needs and whose poularity is up there with ian branfoot. if all those things do happen we could become one of the most hated teams in the media and all because of two men so step forward mr.lowe and your little pet poodle wilde and enjoy your time in the limelight, i only hope you realise just how hated you are come the first home game next season. you guys have brought this club to the level we reached yesterday.......figh
ting for our CHAMPIONSHIP lives on the last day of the season. you are both beneath contempt.
Posted by: Paddy B The Exiled Saint, Shropshire, England on 5:57pm Mon 5 May 08
Three teams in red & white did it right.
First, Sheffield United (yes, I know they were in “marker-pen” outfits), but they played their game determined to reach the play-offs and were worthy opponents on the day.
Second, Stoke City, who surely must run us a close second in the number of mangers and board changes they’ve had in recent years. They've reorganised organised themselves well and deserve their long awaited return to England’s top footballing echelon. The stability achieved by the return of their former chairman (sic) and the no-nonsense and unsentimental financial approach of his new board was not first fully appreciated, but brought a much needed reality check to the Potters fans and supporters.
Lastly, ourselves, once again our stalwarts provided the necessary background noise and support both at the Hawthorns, on Monday evening last, and at SMS yesterday afternoon, to encourage the manager and his team in their successful escape bid from the misery of relegation.
I cannot honestly say I "enjoyed" yesterday afternoon. Like most the thousands there I was too sick with worry! But the outcome, and the manner in which Nigel Pearson, his staff and players achieved it, was more than ample reward for all the hundreds of miles I’ve driven down from the Midlands to watch some pretty dreadful and dreary football throughout this depressing of seasons.
Let’s now hope, Southampton FC, will get rid of the artificial and disingenuous, (if not the sheer class-based bigotry), masquerading as “down-to-earth” support, which has been displayed amongst some at the clubs elders of late.
The club should now adopt some of the methods employed by other two Red & White clubs.
I have only two regrets, such was the demand last Monday and yesterday, I was unable to get programmes for either of these pivotal games; and why were we forced to enduer more moronic nonsense from Mike Osman?
Three teams in red & white did it right.
First, Sheffield United (yes, I know they were in “marker-pen” outfits), but they played their game determined to reach the play-offs and were worthy opponents on the day.
Second, Stoke City, who surely must run us a close second in the number of mangers and board changes they’ve had in recent years. They've reorganised organised themselves well and deserve their long awaited return to England’s top footballing echelon. The stability achieved by the return of their former chairman (sic) and the no-nonsense and unsentimental financial approach of his new board was not first fully appreciated, but brought a much needed reality check to the Potters fans and supporters.
Lastly, ourselves, once again our stalwarts provided the necessary background noise and support both at the Hawthorns, on Monday evening last, and at SMS yesterday afternoon, to encourage the manager and his team in their successful escape bid from the misery of relegation.
I cannot honestly say I "enjoyed" yesterday afternoon. Like most the thousands there I was too sick with worry! But the outcome, and the manner in which Nigel Pearson, his staff and players achieved it, was more than ample reward for all the hundreds of miles I’ve driven down from the Midlands to watch some pretty dreadful and dreary football throughout this depressing of seasons.
Let’s now hope, Southampton FC, will get rid of the artificial and disingenuous, (if not the sheer class-based bigotry), masquerading as “down-to-earth” support, which has been displayed amongst some at the clubs elders of late.
The club should now adopt some of the methods employed by other two Red & White clubs.
I have only two regrets, such was the demand last Monday and yesterday, I was unable to get programmes for either of these pivotal games; and why were we forced to enduer more moronic nonsense from Mike Osman?
I never advocated managerial change, what I meant was if there was to be a change, then it should be done without any delays.
So silly saint, you actually believe that Crouch is "talking to some very serious investors" just 11 days before the proposed egm do you? dream on sunshine.
In the history books Crouch's reign at Saints will be ; nearly got relegated, escaped by the skin of our teeth and paid for the new statue of Ted Bates.
Personally I do not want Lowe and Wilde any where near my club, but as with the rest of you I am powerless to do anything about it.
P.s. Sunny saint, petty name calling because someones opinion is not the same as yours is not big nor clever. Football is all about opinions.
I never advocated managerial change, what I meant was if there was to be a change, then it should be done without any delays.
So silly saint, you actually believe that Crouch is "talking to some very serious investors" just 11 days before the proposed egm do you? dream on sunshine.
In the history books Crouch's reign at Saints will be ; nearly got relegated, escaped by the skin of our teeth and paid for the new statue of Ted Bates.
Personally I do not want Lowe and Wilde any where near my club, but as with the rest of you I am powerless to do anything about it.
P.s. Sunny saint, petty name calling because someones opinion is not the same as yours is not big nor clever. Football is all about opinions.
Posted by: On reflection, regarding the return of the culprit on 6:46pm Mon 5 May 08
If he has any sense Lowe should appoint Ian Branfoot as Director of Football. That way he will have someone around who is loathed, hated and despised marginally more than he is. No that is rubbish start again. [bold]By comparison with how I feel about Lowe I positively worship Ian Branfoot.[/bold] If there is a scale for loathing then Lowe is right off the highest end of it.
If he has any sense Lowe should appoint Ian Branfoot as Director of Football. That way he will have someone around who is loathed, hated and despised marginally more than he is. No that is rubbish start again. By comparison with how I feel about Lowe I positively worship Ian Branfoot. If there is a scale for loathing then Lowe is right off the highest end of it.
Posted by: Former Northam Ranter, Ringwood on 7:01pm Mon 5 May 08
Crouch's comments are frankly unbelievable.
Saints were nearly relegated and the Club is in serious financial difficulty thanks to his and his colleagues gross mismanagement.
Lowe and Co left £7M, a restructuring plan and a stable affordable budget.
Since Lowe left Crouch and Co have increased annual spending by £2M, have blown the £7M, cashed in Walcott's stage payments from Arsenal (at a cost of at least £2M), and achieved nothing more than a statue of Ted Bates and had to appoint a new Manager as Burley no longer wished to stay under his Chairmanship.
In nine years Lowe built a world class stadium,one of the best academies in the UK, built a range of revenue earning ancillary businesses to support the club,put in place affordable player and managerial contracts, and ensured sensible and prudent budgeting.
Had that expertise been allowed to continue instead of being levered out by Crouch and his opportunists there is every chance Saints could be back in the premiership by now.
By any performance measures Crouch and cohorts have not earned the right to continue; Lowe's performance most certainly has.
However simple facts and logical reasoning will undoubtedly still not satisfy the Lowe hate brigade!!
Crouch's comments are frankly unbelievable.
Saints were nearly relegated and the Club is in serious financial difficulty thanks to his and his colleagues gross mismanagement.
Lowe and Co left £7M, a restructuring plan and a stable affordable budget.
Since Lowe left Crouch and Co have increased annual spending by £2M, have blown the £7M, cashed in Walcott's stage payments from Arsenal (at a cost of at least £2M), and achieved nothing more than a statue of Ted Bates and had to appoint a new Manager as Burley no longer wished to stay under his Chairmanship.
In nine years Lowe built a world class stadium,one of the best academies in the UK, built a range of revenue earning ancillary businesses to support the club,put in place affordable player and managerial contracts, and ensured sensible and prudent budgeting.
Had that expertise been allowed to continue instead of being levered out by Crouch and his opportunists there is every chance Saints could be back in the premiership by now.
By any performance measures Crouch and cohorts have not earned the right to continue; Lowe's performance most certainly has.
However simple facts and logical reasoning will undoubtedly still not satisfy the Lowe hate brigade!!
I still don't get it. Why are so many people still advocating Lowe as a good businessman? He was in control of the club at a time when it was at it's wealthiest, courtesy of the Sky tv deals, yet even with all that money at his disposal, plus the countless millions he made from selling off the family jewels, he still could not find a manager that he would trust to buy wisely. There are too many tales of the player that got away, simply because Rupert wouldn't back his manager's judgement and pay the going rate for a top quality player, preferring to bring in sub standard, inferior players. Ok so this helped him to balance the books and ensure he had a shares issue at the end of each season, but at what overall cost? Anyone with an ounce of credibility could see how the skills in the squad was being depleted by the introduction of so many players that were not of the required standard. Lowe luvvies will blame the manager for poor choice but if he wasn't allowed to buy the player he wanted he had to settle for someone of lesser quality or go without. I am not saying that Lowe should have just thrown money around, as they did at Leeds, but any business man will tell you that lack of proper investment in your business will see it go down hill and be over taken by others. What is worse is the fact that Rupert the ace businessman under funded the club at a time when Sky were preparing to increase the money they were giving to the Premiership clubs. Great business acumen that was. So what happened when we were relegated? No real funding was given to the manager until the new board came in, who gave the manager extra money to push for promotion, which they just failed to get, owing to a penalty shoot out. The new board at the time were damned if they did put money in and damned if they didn't. The bottom line is that they were trying to repair, in short time, the damage done by the serious underfunding by Lowe, before and after relegation. Now we will see if Lowe can manage a business that is not being heavily subsidised by Sky. It is not enough for him to sell off more players just to reduce the wage bill. To show he is as good a businessman as many claim he will need to show he can run the club on the reduced budget but also support the manager by allowing him to make good signings and not just cheap ones. I for one will be looking closely at the Saints accounts to see if he is drawing a salary and will also be keen to see if further under investment in players leads to the shareholders getting a premium at the end of next season, which will prove yet again that he is putting personal gain before the football club. If Lowe wants to start winning over people like me, he can talk to all shareholders and ask them to allow any profits gained to be given to the manager for team improvements. As most, if not all shareholders claim to be Saints fans, I think this is one thing he should be able to deliver.
I still don't get it. Why are so many people still advocating Lowe as a good businessman? He was in control of the club at a time when it was at it's wealthiest, courtesy of the Sky tv deals, yet even with all that money at his disposal, plus the countless millions he made from selling off the family jewels, he still could not find a manager that he would trust to buy wisely. There are too many tales of the player that got away, simply because Rupert wouldn't back his manager's judgement and pay the going rate for a top quality player, preferring to bring in sub standard, inferior players. Ok so this helped him to balance the books and ensure he had a shares issue at the end of each season, but at what overall cost? Anyone with an ounce of credibility could see how the skills in the squad was being depleted by the introduction of so many players that were not of the required standard. Lowe luvvies will blame the manager for poor choice but if he wasn't allowed to buy the player he wanted he had to settle for someone of lesser quality or go without. I am not saying that Lowe should have just thrown money around, as they did at Leeds, but any business man will tell you that lack of proper investment in your business will see it go down hill and be over taken by others. What is worse is the fact that Rupert the ace businessman under funded the club at a time when Sky were preparing to increase the money they were giving to the Premiership clubs. Great business acumen that was. So what happened when we were relegated? No real funding was given to the manager until the new board came in, who gave the manager extra money to push for promotion, which they just failed to get, owing to a penalty shoot out. The new board at the time were damned if they did put money in and damned if they didn't. The bottom line is that they were trying to repair, in short time, the damage done by the serious underfunding by Lowe, before and after relegation. Now we will see if Lowe can manage a business that is not being heavily subsidised by Sky. It is not enough for him to sell off more players just to reduce the wage bill. To show he is as good a businessman as many claim he will need to show he can run the club on the reduced budget but also support the manager by allowing him to make good signings and not just cheap ones. I for one will be looking closely at the Saints accounts to see if he is drawing a salary and will also be keen to see if further under investment in players leads to the shareholders getting a premium at the end of next season, which will prove yet again that he is putting personal gain before the football club. If Lowe wants to start winning over people like me, he can talk to all shareholders and ask them to allow any profits gained to be given to the manager for team improvements. As most, if not all shareholders claim to be Saints fans, I think this is one thing he should be able to deliver.
We might not have to endure Lowe for long!!
"Crouch admits to investor talks
Southampton chairman Leon Crouch has admitted he is in talks with potential investors in the hope of resolving the club's ownership dispute.
An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) has been called for 16 May by former chairmen Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde.
The pair, who control 46% of shares in Saints' parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings (SLH) plc, want Crouch to stand down and could take over.
But Crouch told BBC Radio Solent: "We are talking to some serious investors."
Crouch hopes the club's off-the-field disputes could now be resolved in time to make the EGM irrelevant.
"I hope for the sake of the club that they do buy Rupert Lowe's and Michael Wilde's shares out before the EGM so the club can start afresh and get all the politics out, plus get behind the team," added Crouch."
Go on Leon! Pull it off this time! Just make sure Pearson is safe!
Pray, lets pray!
We might not have to endure Lowe for long!!
"Crouch admits to investor talks
Southampton chairman Leon Crouch has admitted he is in talks with potential investors in the hope of resolving the club's ownership dispute.
An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) has been called for 16 May by former chairmen Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde.
The pair, who control 46% of shares in Saints' parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings (SLH) plc, want Crouch to stand down and could take over.
But Crouch told BBC Radio Solent: "We are talking to some serious investors."
Crouch hopes the club's off-the-field disputes could now be resolved in time to make the EGM irrelevant.
"I hope for the sake of the club that they do buy Rupert Lowe's and Michael Wilde's shares out before the EGM so the club can start afresh and get all the politics out, plus get behind the team," added Crouch."
Go on Leon! Pull it off this time! Just make sure Pearson is safe!
Next season - I don't want to hear anything about chairmen, directors, PLC, boards, Clive Woodwood, Glenn Hoddle, Eileen Drurie, potential investors, stock exchange statements, EGMs or private equity investors.
I want to hear about football, football and football. And I reckon if we don't hear about anything other than football, we'll do OK !
Next season - I don't want to hear anything about chairmen, directors, PLC, boards, Clive Woodwood, Glenn Hoddle, Eileen Drurie, potential investors, stock exchange statements, EGMs or private equity investors.
I want to hear about football, football and football. And I reckon if we don't hear about anything other than football, we'll do OK !
Posted by: Redbeard, Time-warp on 9:43pm Mon 5 May 08
[quote][bold]Costa Baz[/bold] wrote:
I still don't get it. Why are so many people still advocating Lowe as a good businessman? He was in control of the club at a time when it was at it's wealthiest, courtesy of the Sky tv deals, yet even with all that money at his disposal, plus the countless millions he made from selling off the family jewels, he still could not find a manager that he would trust to buy wisely. There are too many tales of the player that got away, simply because Rupert wouldn't back his manager's judgement and pay the going rate for a top quality player, preferring to bring in sub standard, inferior players. Ok so this helped him to balance the books and ensure he had a shares issue at the end of each season, but at what overall cost? Anyone with an ounce of credibility could see how the skills in the squad was being depleted by the introduction of so many players that were not of the required standard. Lowe luvvies will blame the manager for poor choice but if he wasn't allowed to buy the player he wanted he had to settle for someone of lesser quality or go without. I am not saying that Lowe should have just thrown money around, as they did at Leeds, but any business man will tell you that lack of proper investment in your business will see it go down hill and be over taken by others. What is worse is the fact that Rupert the ace businessman under funded the club at a time when Sky were preparing to increase the money they were giving to the Premiership clubs. Great business acumen that was. So what happened when we were relegated? No real funding was given to the manager until the new board came in, who gave the manager extra money to push for promotion, which they just failed to get, owing to a penalty shoot out. The new board at the time were damned if they did put money in and damned if they didn't. The bottom line is that they were trying to repair, in short time, the damage done by the serious underfunding by Lowe, before and after relegation. Now we will see if Lowe can manage a business that is not being heavily subsidised by Sky. It is not enough for him to sell off more players just to reduce the wage bill. To show he is as good a businessman as many claim he will need to show he can run the club on the reduced budget but also support the manager by allowing him to make good signings and not just cheap ones. I for one will be looking closely at the Saints accounts to see if he is drawing a salary and will also be keen to see if further under investment in players leads to the shareholders getting a premium at the end of next season, which will prove yet again that he is putting personal gain before the football club. If Lowe wants to start winning over people like me, he can talk to all shareholders and ask them to allow any profits gained to be given to the manager for team improvements. As most, if not all shareholders claim to be Saints fans, I think this is one thing he should be able to deliver.[/quote] This epistle should be on the Echo's front page tomorrow.
Well said Costa Baz.
Costa Baz wrote:
I still don't get it. Why are so many people still advocating Lowe as a good businessman? He was in control of the club at a time when it was at it's wealthiest, courtesy of the Sky tv deals, yet even with all that money at his disposal, plus the countless millions he made from selling off the family jewels, he still could not find a manager that he would trust to buy wisely. There are too many tales of the player that got away, simply because Rupert wouldn't back his manager's judgement and pay the going rate for a top quality player, preferring to bring in sub standard, inferior players. Ok so this helped him to balance the books and ensure he had a shares issue at the end of each season, but at what overall cost? Anyone with an ounce of credibility could see how the skills in the squad was being depleted by the introduction of so many players that were not of the required standard. Lowe luvvies will blame the manager for poor choice but if he wasn't allowed to buy the player he wanted he had to settle for someone of lesser quality or go without. I am not saying that Lowe should have just thrown money around, as they did at Leeds, but any business man will tell you that lack of proper investment in your business will see it go down hill and be over taken by others. What is worse is the fact that Rupert the ace businessman under funded the club at a time when Sky were preparing to increase the money they were giving to the Premiership clubs. Great business acumen that was. So what happened when we were relegated? No real funding was given to the manager until the new board came in, who gave the manager extra money to push for promotion, which they just failed to get, owing to a penalty shoot out. The new board at the time were damned if they did put money in and damned if they didn't. The bottom line is that they were trying to repair, in short time, the damage done by the serious underfunding by Lowe, before and after relegation. Now we will see if Lowe can manage a business that is not being heavily subsidised by Sky. It is not enough for him to sell off more players just to reduce the wage bill. To show he is as good a businessman as many claim he will need to show he can run the club on the reduced budget but also support the manager by allowing him to make good signings and not just cheap ones. I for one will be looking closely at the Saints accounts to see if he is drawing a salary and will also be keen to see if further under investment in players leads to the shareholders getting a premium at the end of next season, which will prove yet again that he is putting personal gain before the football club. If Lowe wants to start winning over people like me, he can talk to all shareholders and ask them to allow any profits gained to be given to the manager for team improvements. As most, if not all shareholders claim to be Saints fans, I think this is one thing he should be able to deliver.
This epistle should be on the Echo's front page tomorrow.
Well said Costa Baz.
Posted by: Fletcher Christian, chief mutineer on 9:48pm Mon 5 May 08
[bold]Have you noticed that all these people saying what a great businessman Lowe is all come from hick towns like Ringwood where the biggest local business is a teashop. The truth is that Lowe was a disaster for this club and he will be so again. A proper football club deserves proper leadership and that will not come form Lowe. Lowe will divide and destroy this club.[/bold]
Have you noticed that all these people saying what a great businessman Lowe is all come from hick towns like Ringwood where the biggest local business is a teashop. The truth is that Lowe was a disaster for this club and he will be so again. A proper football club deserves proper leadership and that will not come form Lowe. Lowe will divide and destroy this club.
Posted by: Rupert Lowe, the cause of this great clubs decline on 10:01pm Mon 5 May 08
[bold]I just thought it was about time I said sorry to you all for the many errors of judgement I have made in the past. Rest assured I will be an even bigger disaster second time around but I will be able to blame it on my old mate Wilde. To all those snivelling @rsehole creepers who support my return I can only say get a life you mistaken bunch of losers.[/bold]
I just thought it was about time I said sorry to you all for the many errors of judgement I have made in the past. Rest assured I will be an even bigger disaster second time around but I will be able to blame it on my old mate Wilde. To all those snivelling @rsehole creepers who support my return I can only say get a life you mistaken bunch of losers.
Blow the fukcing stadium up and build IKEA on the land. SFC is a waste of good fukcing building space. Instaed of wasting millions each year on this [bold]HAS BEEN[/bold]football club spend the money on a worthwhile cause !
Blow the fukcing stadium up and build IKEA on the land. SFC is a waste of good fukcing building space. Instaed of wasting millions each year on this HAS BEENfootball club spend the money on a worthwhile cause !
Posted by: Guy Askham, culprit in chief on 10:34pm Mon 5 May 08
The rot started with me. I don't want anyone else to get the credit. Remember I appointed Branfoot and opened the door to Lowe. It is all my fault. You must all surely remember that I sanctioned the sale of Shearer, I couldn't see he had much of a future, and replaced him with Dixon. That is where my mate Rupert got the inspiration for replacing great players with the mediocre. There will be no stopping him now. Don't you all wish you supported another club. Suckers.
The rot started with me. I don't want anyone else to get the credit. Remember I appointed Branfoot and opened the door to Lowe. It is all my fault. You must all surely remember that I sanctioned the sale of Shearer, I couldn't see he had much of a future, and replaced him with Dixon. That is where my mate Rupert got the inspiration for replacing great players with the mediocre. There will be no stopping him now. Don't you all wish you supported another club. Suckers.
Posted by: Robbo, Winchester on 10:49pm Mon 5 May 08
Nigel Pearson must stay, as he is a better Manager than George Burley ever was. We need Mr Lowe & Mr Wilde back like a hole in the head. I suspect that neither have the clubs best interests at heart, but are looking to make money for themselves. Lets be honest, whilst Lowe was Chairman he was behind the sale of all of Saints best players, and his record of being in command when Saints were relegated to the Championship saw the start of the demise of a Premiership club. At that point Mr Lowe should have accepted responsibility and resigned with honour. Instead he had to be forced out. The prospect of his imminent return to the Chairmanship of Saints should be very worrying for all supporters.
Nigel Pearson must stay, as he is a better Manager than George Burley ever was. We need Mr Lowe & Mr Wilde back like a hole in the head. I suspect that neither have the clubs best interests at heart, but are looking to make money for themselves. Lets be honest, whilst Lowe was Chairman he was behind the sale of all of Saints best players, and his record of being in command when Saints were relegated to the Championship saw the start of the demise of a Premiership club. At that point Mr Lowe should have accepted responsibility and resigned with honour. Instead he had to be forced out. The prospect of his imminent return to the Chairmanship of Saints should be very worrying for all supporters.
I think that Nigel Pearson has done a fantastic job here. I thought saints were down before he even took charge so to stay up and in the manner we did is unbelievable. Now we need Lowe and his sidekick wilde to stick their shares and allow proper businessmen to take charge [bold]hopefully[/bold] in the form of investors! They maybe we will be out of the media spolight for the first time in over 10 years and can concerntrate on footballing maters rather than boardroom soap operas! COYR
I think that Nigel Pearson has done a fantastic job here. I thought saints were down before he even took charge so to stay up and in the manner we did is unbelievable. Now we need Lowe and his sidekick wilde to stick their shares and allow proper businessmen to take charge hopefully in the form of investors! They maybe we will be out of the media spolight for the first time in over 10 years and can concerntrate on footballing maters rather than boardroom soap operas! COYR
Posted by: saint steve, southampton on 1:44am Tue 6 May 08
I really hope some one fronts the cash & buys Saints, but failing that I would support the reaturn of Lowe/Wilde. We need stability at the club & with the two biggest single share holders at the helm I believe we can do this, after all the club doing well is in their best interests. Either way I really hope Nigel Pearson is kept on, as he has done a great job under the circumstances.
It was also great to see a full house on sunday, we were the 12th man, lets get behind the team next season who ever is in charge. Next stop, the premiership!
COYR!!!!!! Nigel Pearsons red & white army!!!
I really hope some one fronts the cash & buys Saints, but failing that I would support the reaturn of Lowe/Wilde. We need stability at the club & with the two biggest single share holders at the helm I believe we can do this, after all the club doing well is in their best interests. Either way I really hope Nigel Pearson is kept on, as he has done a great job under the circumstances.
It was also great to see a full house on sunday, we were the 12th man, lets get behind the team next season who ever is in charge. Next stop, the premiership!
Posted by: Saintlygirl, Shirley, Southampton on 10:51pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]dainowel[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Hank[/bold] wrote: Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens. He said: \"We\'re talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde\'s shares out before the EGM. QUOTE. Why are you spouting this rubbish again, we\'ve heard it all before, many times. Do you believe that the other 54% of shareholders will accept this drivel and vote for you next week, I think not!! Go with some dignity Leon. When Lowe and Wilde take control, their first task should be to give N.P. a contract or release him immediately, with his replacement arriving the day after. Lets not have the sorry managerial sagas that have embarrassed us in the past. United and foward. COYR[/quote] so you reccomend another managerial change do you. I am so sick of these Lowe apologists who do not have the faintest idea how to run a business but think they suddenly have all the answers. Leon Crouch has dona a marvellous job in the circumstances and all credit to him. He has allowed Pearson to manage bring in players on loan without prevarication of the sort that Lowe was so fond of. If the shareholders have any sense they will back leon as I will he more than deserves it. I hope for his sake that new in vestors do come in and recognize the contribution Leon has made to Southampton Football Club and retain him on the board.[/quote] Dainowel, here here! I couldn't have worded it better myself :-)
dainowel wrote:
Hank wrote: Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens. He said: \"We\'re talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde\'s shares out before the EGM. QUOTE. Why are you spouting this rubbish again, we\'ve heard it all before, many times. Do you believe that the other 54% of shareholders will accept this drivel and vote for you next week, I think not!! Go with some dignity Leon. When Lowe and Wilde take control, their first task should be to give N.P. a contract or release him immediately, with his replacement arriving the day after. Lets not have the sorry managerial sagas that have embarrassed us in the past. United and foward. COYR
so you reccomend another managerial change do you. I am so sick of these Lowe apologists who do not have the faintest idea how to run a business but think they suddenly have all the answers. Leon Crouch has dona a marvellous job in the circumstances and all credit to him. He has allowed Pearson to manage bring in players on loan without prevarication of the sort that Lowe was so fond of. If the shareholders have any sense they will back leon as I will he more than deserves it. I hope for his sake that new in vestors do come in and recognize the contribution Leon has made to Southampton Football Club and retain him on the board.
Dainowel, here here! I couldn't have worded it better myself :-)
Posted by: Saintlygirl, Shirley, Southampton on 10:55pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Saintlygirl[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]dainowel[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Hank[/bold] wrote: Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens. He said: \\\"We\\\'re talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde\\\'s shares out before the EGM. QUOTE. Why are you spouting this rubbish again, we\\\'ve heard it all before, many times. Do you believe that the other 54% of shareholders will accept this drivel and vote for you next week, I think not!! Go with some dignity Leon. When Lowe and Wilde take control, their first task should be to give N.P. a contract or release him immediately, with his replacement arriving the day after. Lets not have the sorry managerial sagas that have embarrassed us in the past. United and foward. COYR[/quote] so you reccomend another managerial change do you. I am so sick of these Lowe apologists who do not have the faintest idea how to run a business but think they suddenly have all the answers. Leon Crouch has dona a marvellous job in the circumstances and all credit to him. He has allowed Pearson to manage bring in players on loan without prevarication of the sort that Lowe was so fond of. If the shareholders have any sense they will back leon as I will he more than deserves it. I hope for his sake that new in vestors do come in and recognize the contribution Leon has made to Southampton Football Club and retain him on the board.[/quote] Dainowel, here here! I couldn\'t have worded it better myself :-)[/quote] PS. I am a share holder (and a fan/supporter) and don't worry, I have sent in my proxy vote to keep Crouch in and Lowe out - whether it makes a difference or not we well see.
Saintlygirl wrote:
dainowel wrote:
Hank wrote: Crouch will wait as long as possible for fresh investment before that happens. He said: \\\"We're talking to some very serious investors and I hope they buy Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde's shares out before the EGM. QUOTE. Why are you spouting this rubbish again, we've heard it all before, many times. Do you believe that the other 54% of shareholders will accept this drivel and vote for you next week, I think not!! Go with some dignity Leon. When Lowe and Wilde take control, their first task should be to give N.P. a contract or release him immediately, with his replacement arriving the day after. Lets not have the sorry managerial sagas that have embarrassed us in the past. United and foward. COYR
so you reccomend another managerial change do you. I am so sick of these Lowe apologists who do not have the faintest idea how to run a business but think they suddenly have all the answers. Leon Crouch has dona a marvellous job in the circumstances and all credit to him. He has allowed Pearson to manage bring in players on loan without prevarication of the sort that Lowe was so fond of. If the shareholders have any sense they will back leon as I will he more than deserves it. I hope for his sake that new in vestors do come in and recognize the contribution Leon has made to Southampton Football Club and retain him on the board.
Dainowel, here here! I couldn\'t have worded it better myself :-)
PS. I am a share holder (and a fan/supporter) and don't worry, I have sent in my proxy vote to keep Crouch in and Lowe out - whether it makes a difference or not we well see.
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