Fitzhugh Fella

Understand that Hypo but there were fans calling for him to start on Friday!

Yep that about sums it up for me!

You can't resist your little digs Hypo can you? Of course I will leave it to AP's judgement and I will back that judgement, after all he knows a lot more than any fan, but I was anxious that too many high fan expectations could cause unnecessary pressures. Surely that is not a crime to have or state those views. I have heard very good report backs about this lad from those well-placed to make a judgement. I have also seen him play recently in the Cup match v Basingstoke. Imo and in an ideal world he would benefit from a sensible period of adjustment . Hope you can live with that view.

Indeed - hard to imagine the likes of Big Jake and TP featuring in a book on the Isle of Wight pop festival but you have managed it!

That last sentence deserves another airing. Classic!

Wise words indeed!

Only inasmuch he was a whisker away from coming here as manager. It won't happen if AP doesn't want it to happen but he fits the role, is at SMS a lot and we seem to be recruiting staff with Reading connections, left right and centre.

Becoming more drawn out than the Skacel transfer. Bit strange really considering the magnitude of the deal and all 3 parties are keen for it to happen.

Don't think he would go in a month of Sundays. I wouldn't be surprised to see him here as DoF one day.

It seems they have not yet learned the lesson that to keep borrowing borrowing borrowing is just insane. Such is the desperation to stay in the premiership, but it will be the death of them sooner or later.

I gather Eastleigh FC are prepared to loan their stadium for a charity game in the spring. Things are being organised. Any more messages to Kevin and his family would be appreciated. Rgds Duncan

NC why don't you just keep away from these sorts of threads? Genuine question ..... your input just comes across as plain nasty. By all means stick the boot into L Mac etc but not on these sort of threads where fans are doing their best to raise funds for bloody good causes. You have valid points but your timing and choice of targets are woeful.

Good question. I don't think there has ever been any firm evidence (hence the PFA being a bit sniffy?) but many think there is a link. Jeff Astle was another who's family reckon excessive heading of a heavy ball was a major consideration.

Indeed - I forgot to add two things. One, the PFA have been approached and at first Gordon Taylor was very unhelpful. After some argy-bargy Kevin was sent a cheque which was to be the end of the matter. The sum involved was pretty modest ie the price of a family holiday. Secondly there are people at Fulham who are aware of Kevin's situation so perhaps they may be able to help. If anyone on here knows any ex-colleagues of Kevin's perhaps they could just pass on this news please.

I mentioned in another thread on Friday that Kevin Moore the Saints centre-half between 1987 and 1994 (180 games - 13 goals) is not very well. He has been diagnised with "Picks disease" which is a form of dementia. He was gone downhill very quickly since the illness was first diagnosed three years ago and he need constant supervision. He attends a day centre in Curdridge but the rest of the time his wife, Mandy looks after him. Kevin's rapid deteriation has put the family under a lot of stress both emotionally and financially and the idea has been muted to me that perhaps some sort of charity match or fund raising event could be organised to help out Kevin and his family. I know some of Kevin's colleagues from his Otterbourne FC days are thinking of ways to help out and I hope over the next few days to touch base with them so perhaps we can co-ordinate any activity. I have also spoken to Tim Manns who runs the ex-Saints and they too have offered assistance. This is all very early days and I have only spoken to Mandy for the first time on Friday but she was quite happy for me to release news of Kevin's illness on here and indeed was very touched to even think there were fans out there who might want to do something. Due to things "hotting up" at my current place of employment and my position in the crew union the next few months will mean I will not be able to get too personally involved in organising anything right away but the purpose of this post is to a) pass on Kevin's sad news and b) alerting anyone who might want to help out in the future in anyway. My e mail address is duncan@duncanholley.co.uk While I wont be able to answer individual questions just yet I could keep a data base of people's contact details which we could use in the New Year when I may have more time on my hands -maybe more than I want In the meantime if you wish to send Kevin your good wishes I will print off this thread and pass it on. Cheers Duncan

Well I have seen him twice home to MK Dons and yesterday. Both matches he turned the games around. Appreciate he is a fresh pair of legs which is an advantage but give me him over Waigo any time. He is raw but unlike Waigo he seems to know what he is doing with the ball. Well worth a gamble I would say.

David Bull wrote an obit in the MK Dons programme and indeed went to the funeral. No I certainly don't expect the club to send someone to every funeral - but maybe flowers or even a card. The families are usually very proud of their relatives connection with the club so while many fans would not have heard of the player you can bet your bottom dollar the family will cherish the fact their Dad, husband whatever was a Saint.

Again you have spoken wise words and I thank you. I really don't expect the new owners to do too much now, they have bigger battles to win. But when we have a quiet moment I think this is an issue we need to sort out. Hey ho - off to the Orient in the morn - must get my jabs!

Thanks for the common sense post.

I am not expecting the club to look after its ex-players financially but maybe help (like they did for Ron). IE provide facilities etc. The PFA were contacted re Kevin and after a struggle gave a one-off payment which was gratefully received but in the scheme of things was modest. There is a view that Kevin's illness could have a lot to do with the fact he headed a lot of footballs but there will never be any proof that that was the cause. I am getting ahead of myself here. Give me some time and I will make a proper post re Kevin and invite a debate and suggestions of the way forward.

Thanks for your (back-handed) complements. I have every faith in this new regime. I have been down there for a meeting and was impressed with everything. We just need to put the right framework in place. Perhaps when all is quiet I will get a chance to talk to AO but I dread taking on such jobs because it instantly gets the snide comments and "he doesn't speak for me" type attitude or "he's in it for a job". We, with ML's massive help, are able to rebuild not only the future prospects of this club but also its image within the city and beyond. The club originated from the heart of St Marys and grew because people of the town identified with it - one big family (you can throw up now) but it is that solidarity type thing that is so vital. Under Lowe it vanished. Now it can come back. That's all I was trying to say! The GITR appeal did more than buy Ron two hips - it atracted nationwide media interest and the good name of the fans of SFC was pushed to the fore. A double whammy.

He has advanced dementia and needs care 24/7. Please give me a few days, I need to talk to various people first but I will start a post re Kevin and give a fuller update asap.

No I am not putting myself forward - I have enough on my plate but I will help all I can, just as I did with the Ron appeal. I have also just heard this afternoon of another ex player, Kevin Moore, who could do with some help and as soon as I can will post details to see if anyone can help. I am in this for the good reputation of the club. It used to be a community family club and I am sure under this new ownership - who have started so well - it can once again earn that reputation. But sneering from the sidelines will not help.

To be fair to them they are very aware of it and are working hard. I have no problem with the new ownership's genuine interest in the history or the 125th anniversary but you can't learn 125 years overnight.

Please please I was not making disparaging remarks and I don't expect them to have done or do anything. Like I said not their fault - but ther eis a gap here. It is replies like yours that sometimes makes me despair with this forum. I AM NOT BLAMING ANUBODY HERE JUST TRYING TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE. Sorry for shouting but can't believe you misconstrued the thread.