Fitzhugh Fella

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.

One of the drawbacks of having a virtual new broom taking over is the lack of continuity with the past. It is no fault of the new owners that they may not know about our heritage - most clubs have long serving backroom staff that make sure ex players, etc etc are acknowledged in the appropriate way. Recently there was a funeral of an ex-player from the 60s - David Burnside and there was no representative from the club at his funeral. I am not pointing the finger of blame here whatsoever - I doubt the name of Burnside rang any bells, with Marcus, Nicola or Andy but it is a shame that there appears to be a gap here and would hate to think that the families of ex-players might get the wrong message. (I still get letters from relatives of players who appeared 100 years ago very proud that their great grandfather or whoever appeared for Saints.) In the past there were people like Trustcott, Hiley, Mortimore and dare I say it Lawrie Mac and even good old Ted who through their backgrounds were able to become the ambassador or at least find someone who could fulfill that role. There is an ex-Saints organisation but it appears they could not find someone to go. I wonder if Jason Dodd's return may address the matter? We still have some great old names from the 40s alive - Ian Black, Bill Ellerington and Eric Day to name 3 and I would hate to think when they pass away the club will be unable to recognise just how much they gave the club in the past. Bill, for instance served this club for 35 years and his father before him also played for the club. Food for thought?

Doesn't Jason still have "links" with the club? Not a bad thing imo - committed individual and it is a link with previous days. One thing we have lost through being taken over is no continuity with the past (not moaning or blaming anybody). For instance the club was not represented at Davey Burnside's recent funeral (excepting David Bull) which does not look good. Something perhaps could be worked on. odd is the sort of bloke who could advise in this area perhaps.

you paint a delightful picture!

another day another nail

So do I - he left for nothing. Strachan was stubborn and never man managed him properly.

I am a little nervous inasmuch the appeal was initially to raise money for Ron's medical bills which in essence have now been satisfied. I wouldn't want accusations that we were collecting on false pretences, but as long as fans are aware that the money might now be going more on his welfare than his medical treatment then no problem at all, Ron.

Both hips are sorted now and there is money left over. We were in the process of discussing how to discharge the residue of the funds when Chrissie's illness put that debate on the back burner. Stabilising Ron's immediate welfare, both physical and mental, is obviously of major importance over the next few weeks but once that has happened we will explore the possibilities of maybe bringing him to the City to meet the fans. If and when the time comes I will speak to AO who I must say was very helpful when we launched the GITR appeal 2 years ago.

To the best of my knowledge Eric is still alive and well and living in Wiltshire. He was a tough little nut -ex Second World War paratrooper.

Forgot Brian Howard. Wasn't AO with Adams.

5 Saints managers (ex and present) at the game. Dave Jones Harry Redknapp John Gorman Nigel Pearson Alan Pardew plus Jim Magilton a veritable smorgasbord, espcially with Pearce, Rasiak, Mills and Oakley on display.

Yikes, I have just seen a mob of beer bellies with blue football shirts and pitchforks pass over Bursledon bridge with death to Hypo banners raised aloft.

"once in a decade" and he picks Hull v Poopey. Poor Lad!

Absolutely compulsive viewing though - a bit like Crossroads!

I love that headline "Pompey face new crisis" 'Twould make a good headline for a thread imo!! winkey thing!

and all his alehouse mates Hollywood, McGrath, O'Neil, Gabriel - you woulld not want to mess!

I agree - more intrigue on here.

I have to say I think it is. I tune in to the latest Pompey takeover news, the nostalgia thread etcetc much more readily than suggestions for the new song for Papa Waigo. I see the mods do too!

A goood post Phil

Well you are a happy clappy and I am a miserable negative glass half empty moaner! Hadn't you noticed. Why did he leave? I am not 100% sure but I know it wasn't over the mods not banning 19C - more, I think he had grown frustrated at the way this forum was administrated on a general level. His absence is I think detrimental to this forum because I thought he was a "big voice" and one worth reading. As are you Nick. Like I said I don't always agree but you are a civil poster whose views are honestly held. Long may you continue, despite the fact I always think you have been on the waccy baccy happy clappy, Saints can do no wrong jungle juice!

Nick to answer your question perhaps I would refer you to your first and third lines. Are the two points you take pains to make really necessary? I don't agree with most of what you say but I would notice you had left and I would miss your posting style.