DELL legend Francis Benali believes stability will now be key to a brighter future for his former club.
Amidst all the euphoria of Saints dramatically avoiding relegation on the final day of the season, with a 3-2 defeat of Sheffield United, Benali was not afraid to offer a reality check to his former club.
But he can see an improvement in the club's fortunes especially if outside investment is forthcoming.
"Over the course of the season the league table doesn't lie and throughout the season we have not been good enough for a number of reasons," said Benali, a veteran of more than 300 Saints appearances, as he looked back on a roller-coaster campaign for his old club.
"Let's hope next season brings about a change in fortunes.
"We have got to set our ambitions and targets a lot higher. We want to get back into the top flight and an awful lot of things have got to improve to achieve that."
Posted by: Paddy B The Exiled Saint, Salop, England on 8:29am Tue 6 May 08
Gor Bless You Francis!
If sheer courage, determination and guts were all that was required you'd be able to lead them over broken glass unscathed to the Premiership on your own.
But, I fear lovely man, it's going to take more than just aspiration and fine words.
It going to take an awful lot of guile, shrewdness, better financial judgment than of late; plus, most importantly, time to return us to the top flight.
I look at what's currently on offer at Southampton FC and I don't see any of those qualities.
I see facile attempts to relive the past, wallow in nostalgia and bloody-minded bitterness in abundance.
Gor Bless You Francis!
If sheer courage, determination and guts were all that was required you'd be able to lead them over broken glass unscathed to the Premiership on your own.
But, I fear lovely man, it's going to take more than just aspiration and fine words.
It going to take an awful lot of guile, shrewdness, better financial judgment than of late; plus, most importantly, time to return us to the top flight.
I look at what's currently on offer at Southampton FC and I don't see any of those qualities.
I see facile attempts to relive the past, wallow in nostalgia and bloody-minded bitterness in abundance.
Posted by: Paddy B The Exiled Saint, Salop, England on 8:37am Tue 6 May 08
Bless You Francis!
I courage, determination and guts were the order of the day, then you could single-handed lead us to the Premiership over broken glass unscathedly.
However, those qualities are not currently seen in abundance down by those who are in charge at St Mary's Stadium.
Backbiting, petty squablings and longing for past glories are the order of the day.
It's going to take more than aspiration and nostalgia. Sound financial judgement and time will help.
Bless You Francis!
I courage, determination and guts were the order of the day, then you could single-handed lead us to the Premiership over broken glass unscathedly.
However, those qualities are not currently seen in abundance down by those who are in charge at St Mary's Stadium.
Backbiting, petty squablings and longing for past glories are the order of the day.
It's going to take more than aspiration and nostalgia. Sound financial judgement and time will help.
Posted by: Paddy B The Exiled saint, Salop England on 8:40am Tue 6 May 08
Looks as if the Daily Echo's web site and my computer are not talking to eachother either.
I must have brought something back from SMS on Sunday evening! :-)
Looks as if the Daily Echo's web site and my computer are not talking to eachother either.
I must have brought something back from SMS on Sunday evening! :-)
[quote][bold]Paddy B The Exiled Saint[/bold] wrote:
Gor Bless You Francis! If sheer courage, determination and guts were all that was required you'd be able to lead them over broken glass unscathed to the Premiership on your own. But, I fear lovely man, it's going to take more than just aspiration and fine words. It going to take an awful lot of guile, shrewdness, better financial judgment than of late; plus, most importantly, time to return us to the top flight. I look at what's currently on offer at Southampton FC and I don't see any of those qualities. I see facile attempts to relive the past, wallow in nostalgia and bloody-minded bitterness in abundance. [/quote] Having a choice between guile/financial judgement/time on the one hand and new and substantial investment on the other, I know which I would choose.
While clubs like QPR, Coventry, possibly Sheffield Wednesday, (and the relegated clubs), will all have substantial budgets next season, Saints could have sound day to day financial management!?
This club should be one of the most attractive for a new investor. Answers on a postcard as to why we have not got any new investment.
Paddy B The Exiled Saint wrote:
Gor Bless You Francis! If sheer courage, determination and guts were all that was required you'd be able to lead them over broken glass unscathed to the Premiership on your own. But, I fear lovely man, it's going to take more than just aspiration and fine words. It going to take an awful lot of guile, shrewdness, better financial judgment than of late; plus, most importantly, time to return us to the top flight. I look at what's currently on offer at Southampton FC and I don't see any of those qualities. I see facile attempts to relive the past, wallow in nostalgia and bloody-minded bitterness in abundance.
Having a choice between guile/financial judgement/time on the one hand and new and substantial investment on the other, I know which I would choose.
While clubs like QPR, Coventry, possibly Sheffield Wednesday, (and the relegated clubs), will all have substantial budgets next season, Saints could have sound day to day financial management!?
This club should be one of the most attractive for a new investor. Answers on a postcard as to why we have not got any new investment.
Posted by: True Blue, Fareham on 12:06pm Tue 6 May 08
So Francis Benali believes that 'Things are looking up'!
I guess he must have taken up either Plane Spotting or Astronomy!
In my opinion, it takes more than escaping relegation on the last day, to indicate a change in fortunes at St Mary's!
So Francis Benali believes that 'Things are looking up'!
I guess he must have taken up either Plane Spotting or Astronomy!
In my opinion, it takes more than escaping relegation on the last day, to indicate a change in fortunes at St Mary's!
Posted by: Saintsman, St Marys on 1:38pm Tue 6 May 08
Franny.
Do you remember your performance against Bayern Munich in the friendly some years ago? Then you went to Eastleigh. Next you will be sucking polo mints in an old folks home. Keep your views to yourself, because quite frankly nobody is interested in them.
Franny.
Do you remember your performance against Bayern Munich in the friendly some years ago? Then you went to Eastleigh. Next you will be sucking polo mints in an old folks home. Keep your views to yourself, because quite frankly nobody is interested in them.
[quote][bold]Saintsman[/bold] wrote:
Franny. Do you remember your performance against Bayern Munich in the friendly some years ago? Then you went to Eastleigh. Next you will be sucking polo mints in an old folks home. Keep your views to yourself, because quite frankly nobody is interested in them.[/quote] How ironic that you actually read the post & took time to respond !!
Saintsman ? Skateman more like !
Saintsman wrote:
Franny. Do you remember your performance against Bayern Munich in the friendly some years ago? Then you went to Eastleigh. Next you will be sucking polo mints in an old folks home. Keep your views to yourself, because quite frankly nobody is interested in them.
How ironic that you actually read the post & took time to respond !!
Posted by: Rocker268, Hampshire on 5:37pm Tue 6 May 08
I agree with Benali what we need is stability and the best way to do that is through financial investment and frankly I don't care who brings it, Crouch or Lowe and Wilde, as long as Saints get the cash they need to support Pearson through the summer and begin next season with a strong energetic caring squad
Neither Crouch or Lowe are ideal for this club but as fans we have to accept that despite our feelings the modern business world ignores them and success comes to those with money
The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is because they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are medioka at best, James has been out for a while injured and they have lost 3 or 4 on the bounce.
Whoever can bring cash into St Mary's will bring stability in my opinion, unfortunately not a business man myself I can't be certain of this, but with financial backing then the club can push forward COYR
I agree with Benali what we need is stability and the best way to do that is through financial investment and frankly I don't care who brings it, Crouch or Lowe and Wilde, as long as Saints get the cash they need to support Pearson through the summer and begin next season with a strong energetic caring squad
Neither Crouch or Lowe are ideal for this club but as fans we have to accept that despite our feelings the modern business world ignores them and success comes to those with money
The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is because they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are medioka at best, James has been out for a while injured and they have lost 3 or 4 on the bounce.
Whoever can bring cash into St Mary's will bring stability in my opinion, unfortunately not a business man myself I can't be certain of this, but with financial backing then the club can push forward COYR
Posted by: sailor sam, portsmouth on 5:43pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Rocker268[/bold] wrote:
I agree with Benali what we need is stability and the best way to do that is through financial investment and frankly I don't care who brings it, Crouch or Lowe and Wilde, as long as Saints get the cash they need to support Pearson through the summer and begin next season with a strong energetic caring squad Neither Crouch or Lowe are ideal for this club but as fans we have to accept that despite our feelings the modern business world ignores them and success comes to those with money The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is because they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are medioka at best, James has been out for a while injured and they have lost 3 or 4 on the bounce. Whoever can bring cash into St Mary's will bring stability in my opinion, unfortunately not a business man myself I can't be certain of this, but with financial backing then the club can push forward COYR[/quote] What a silly comment!
'The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is becuse they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are mediocre....'
Put it another way,
The only reason Southampton are where they are is because they have NOT got the cash to buy good players, but sell them instead!
Football is a business, and Portsmouth is now a well-run business!
Rocker268 wrote:
I agree with Benali what we need is stability and the best way to do that is through financial investment and frankly I don't care who brings it, Crouch or Lowe and Wilde, as long as Saints get the cash they need to support Pearson through the summer and begin next season with a strong energetic caring squad Neither Crouch or Lowe are ideal for this club but as fans we have to accept that despite our feelings the modern business world ignores them and success comes to those with money The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is because they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are medioka at best, James has been out for a while injured and they have lost 3 or 4 on the bounce. Whoever can bring cash into St Mary's will bring stability in my opinion, unfortunately not a business man myself I can't be certain of this, but with financial backing then the club can push forward COYR
What a silly comment!
'The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is becuse they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are mediocre....'
Put it another way,
The only reason Southampton are where they are is because they have NOT got the cash to buy good players, but sell them instead!
Football is a business, and Portsmouth is now a well-run business!
[quote][bold]sailor sam[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Rocker268[/bold] wrote: I agree with Benali what we need is stability and the best way to do that is through financial investment and frankly I don't care who brings it, Crouch or Lowe and Wilde, as long as Saints get the cash they need to support Pearson through the summer and begin next season with a strong energetic caring squad Neither Crouch or Lowe are ideal for this club but as fans we have to accept that despite our feelings the modern business world ignores them and success comes to those with money The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is because they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are medioka at best, James has been out for a while injured and they have lost 3 or 4 on the bounce. Whoever can bring cash into St Mary's will bring stability in my opinion, unfortunately not a business man myself I can't be certain of this, but with financial backing then the club can push forward COYR[/quote] What a silly comment! 'The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is becuse they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are mediocre....' Put it another way, The only reason Southampton are where they are is because they have NOT got the cash to buy good players, but sell them instead! Football is a business, and Portsmouth is now a well-run business! [/quote] Apart from the £23m loss and £60m worth of debts.
sailor sam wrote:
Rocker268 wrote: I agree with Benali what we need is stability and the best way to do that is through financial investment and frankly I don't care who brings it, Crouch or Lowe and Wilde, as long as Saints get the cash they need to support Pearson through the summer and begin next season with a strong energetic caring squad Neither Crouch or Lowe are ideal for this club but as fans we have to accept that despite our feelings the modern business world ignores them and success comes to those with money The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is because they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are medioka at best, James has been out for a while injured and they have lost 3 or 4 on the bounce. Whoever can bring cash into St Mary's will bring stability in my opinion, unfortunately not a business man myself I can't be certain of this, but with financial backing then the club can push forward COYR
What a silly comment! 'The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is becuse they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are mediocre....' Put it another way, The only reason Southampton are where they are is because they have NOT got the cash to buy good players, but sell them instead! Football is a business, and Portsmouth is now a well-run business!
Posted by: Rocker268, Hampshire on 5:57pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]sailor sam[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Rocker268[/bold] wrote: I agree with Benali what we need is stability and the best way to do that is through financial investment and frankly I don't care who brings it, Crouch or Lowe and Wilde, as long as Saints get the cash they need to support Pearson through the summer and begin next season with a strong energetic caring squad Neither Crouch or Lowe are ideal for this club but as fans we have to accept that despite our feelings the modern business world ignores them and success comes to those with money The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is because they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are medioka at best, James has been out for a while injured and they have lost 3 or 4 on the bounce. Whoever can bring cash into St Mary's will bring stability in my opinion, unfortunately not a business man myself I can't be certain of this, but with financial backing then the club can push forward COYR[/quote] What a silly comment! 'The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is becuse they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are mediocre....' Put it another way, The only reason Southampton are where they are is because they have NOT got the cash to buy good players, but sell them instead! Football is a business, and Portsmouth is now a well-run business! [/quote] That was effectively my point I'm sorry to have offended you but Portsmouth are now a well run business but without the cash they would be 12th - 10th in the Premiership at best.
As soon as you get your new ground after a year or two the money troubles will start, thats what happened to us (even though you are in a better financial situation than we were it will still have a massive effect unless you reduce the capacity to no more that 35,000) and I wasnt the one who said that it was a pompey fan, Portsmouth are just like any club without their best players they cant perform as well (same goes for Saints) I only used Portsmouth due to their most recent run of form since your player of the year has been injured
sailor sam wrote:
Rocker268 wrote: I agree with Benali what we need is stability and the best way to do that is through financial investment and frankly I don't care who brings it, Crouch or Lowe and Wilde, as long as Saints get the cash they need to support Pearson through the summer and begin next season with a strong energetic caring squad Neither Crouch or Lowe are ideal for this club but as fans we have to accept that despite our feelings the modern business world ignores them and success comes to those with money The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is because they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are medioka at best, James has been out for a while injured and they have lost 3 or 4 on the bounce. Whoever can bring cash into St Mary's will bring stability in my opinion, unfortunately not a business man myself I can't be certain of this, but with financial backing then the club can push forward COYR
What a silly comment! 'The only reason Portsmouth are where they are is becuse they have the cash to buy good players, but without these they are mediocre....' Put it another way, The only reason Southampton are where they are is because they have NOT got the cash to buy good players, but sell them instead! Football is a business, and Portsmouth is now a well-run business!
That was effectively my point I'm sorry to have offended you but Portsmouth are now a well run business but without the cash they would be 12th - 10th in the Premiership at best.
As soon as you get your new ground after a year or two the money troubles will start, thats what happened to us (even though you are in a better financial situation than we were it will still have a massive effect unless you reduce the capacity to no more that 35,000) and I wasnt the one who said that it was a pompey fan, Portsmouth are just like any club without their best players they cant perform as well (same goes for Saints) I only used Portsmouth due to their most recent run of form since your player of the year has been injured
Posted by: Saintlygirl, Kingsland North Stand on 10:46pm Tue 6 May 08
Why are people commenting and comparing to Portsmouth all the time when the comments should be about Franny's words?
I totally agree with Franny - I have a good feeling for next season, the last time I had that we made the play-offs so let's hope I'm right. If we keep Pearson as he is an excellent Manager in my opinion and adds to the well-needed "stability" factgor, and get in some decent finance and not Rupert Lowe, we should be laughing (in my dreams though eh!?). Let's face it, Rupert Lowe and Stability do not go together. Relegation from the Premiership is proof of that.
Why are people commenting and comparing to Portsmouth all the time when the comments should be about Franny's words?
I totally agree with Franny - I have a good feeling for next season, the last time I had that we made the play-offs so let's hope I'm right. If we keep Pearson as he is an excellent Manager in my opinion and adds to the well-needed "stability" factgor, and get in some decent finance and not Rupert Lowe, we should be laughing (in my dreams though eh!?). Let's face it, Rupert Lowe and Stability do not go together. Relegation from the Premiership is proof of that.
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