Fitzhugh Fella

They didn't - it was me who wanted to know and I assumed they would be able to answer my question, but like I said, they couldn't. Your earlier point about the CEO would have known, is a valid one.

I don't disagree - there is a lot of common sense here.

At the time that thought crossed my mind too, but there again we never looked likely to go up in our first year in the CCC so I guess the question was never posed.

Sometimes, in life, Nick, you have to take one step back so you can take two steps forward. I think your views, although always politely expressed are sometimes one-dimensional. Not sure, without knowing you whether that is just your personality or you deliberately take that route to wind people up. UP makes a valid point imo.

Thanks Ron - believe it or not neither Leon or LM could answer this

Does anyone know the answer to this. If a club get relegated from the Prem they get a 2-year parachute payment but if they then go straight back up (re-promotion ) - do they forfeit that 2nd year payment?

A sensible and rational response. Basically all 3 in or all 3 out. I could live with that until we found an alternative strategy but I think the Boardroom would self-combust within 30 seconds.

No Mark - the anonymous comments were not aimed at you. Mary certainly did not ask me to post those comments but neither did she say don't repeat them. They came about as we left the restaurant and came because she said she felt nervous at the prospect of standing up at the AGM and speaking out against Rupert Lowe. I asked why. And that is when she made the comments which did include the 3 words quoted ie "physically" "intimidated" and "threatened". No more was said at that instance but a few weeks later I spoke to her on the phone and asked her to elaborate which she did. But she also then asked me not to divulge the elaboration if you like. But I will say this if it helps. RL did not actually physically threaten MC. However his behaviour on at least one occassion SHE FOUND threatening and left her FEELING physically intimidated. (I think the words in capitals important). Should I have used the info? Well my "agenda" as you know, is to persuade fans that RL is not really fit to be the PLC Chairman of Southampton FC. I felt that story which had come from the horse's mouth (if Mary doesn't mind me using that expression) had a relevance to that agenda and would help it. To misquote Bern's expression - "let the fiddle playing begin". Can I also please add, Mark - I know some on here are very anti Mary for reasons I just do not understand. Out of all the people involved in the running of Southampton FC over the last 10 years (and I have probably met most) I have found her to be the most open, the most honest, the most approachable and the most committed. She is the only one I would not have a problem with if she held some sort of position in the Boardroom (not that she aspires that way anymore). St Richard accused her of living off her father's shares, but what is she meant to do - give them away? To my knowledge she has not taken one penny out of the club and she has no desire to have any influence other than being a fan. True she wants to see the back of Rupert and supports (I think) Leon but that is as far as it goes. And finally if Leon ever becomes Chair again and starts to foul up there will be no bigger critic than me (indiscretions and all). I only want this club to do well and to flourish once more.

Good Morning Jason! Good to see another head above the parapet!

OK. Accepted. I think your use of the word "justify" is where Steve was understandably coming from. Jonah started this thread in a similar vein and I didn't initially answer because I don't think anyone has to defend what they post unless it is "legally neccessary". People hold views and people spin - what people chose to believe at the end of the day is up to them. Jonah was fishing (for whales), for what reason I do not know for sure, but I can guess.

Ponty - appreciate you have been caught up in something here not entirely of your making but how else should I "back up with some sort evidence" what Mary told me other than Fos1 confirming it to be true. What else can I do? She told me, I reported it and there was a witness. At a loss to what more I can provide.

Ponty, with respect - I do not feel the need to "justify" my comments re Mary. I passed on a simple fact that Mary told me she felt intimidated and threatened by Lowe. Any more comment on that would have to come from Mary, not me. But as Fos 1 has confirmed that is what I was told and FWIW I believe that is the way she genuinely felt. She did not ask me to post this at all - I posted it off my own back without recourse to her or anyone else. The fact remains that is how she told me she felt. Yes, as FC has pointed out, I have an agenda. I want SFC to be the greatest club in the world. OK - no chance, but I want to maintain the dream I have held since the age of 5. I certainly do not believe it will ever happen under the stewardship of Lowe who I believe not only to be a very unpleasant person but also someone incapable of delivering even a slight improvement in the fortunes of SFC. Because I believe that, I will march and campaign in an effort to persuade my fellow fans that his removal would be in the best interests of our club. We might never be a great club again but under Lowe nor will we be a united club. For that reason his presence will always be a hindrance. So, I admit I will spin or as SoG describes it "play this forum like a well worn fiddle" but I will not lie to achieve what I think best for the Saints. What I offer is my own interpretation - fellow postees can make there own mind up. They know I have an agenda so they can take that for what it is worth but my views are honestly held and expoused in the interests (right or wrong) of our club. I think also some who criticise me and my views should take into account that I post non anonymously, which can be hard when you then have to take flak from people who can do it without having to put their name to their vitriol. "Slag" me as much as you want but have the courage to put your name to your views. Nah - that won't happen will it? I remain, I think, the club's historian for the time being. Rupert Lowe has not taken away that nor has he interefered in my role. For that he deserves credit. Maybe he does not want me to become more of a martyr or maybe he thinks I do contribute to the club in a worthwhile manner. I don't know, but thanks to NickH for some of his comments re museums etc. I actually think Lowe is more in tune with some of those aspirations than most others who have graced the SMS hotseat. Shame we could not build on that. Finally, can I say I support no camp. I do not want Lowe or Wilde in the boardroom and I'm not too keen on Crouch either (although if I had to pick between the 3 I would go for the latter). I think all 3 are egotistical and therefore should have no place running our club. I also think Wiseman, LM and co should accept their day has come and gone forever. I am not prompted by anyone any more. A clean sweep would be ideal as long as someone else was waiting in the wings. Once Bitterne called me a drama queen for posting, last week, that we are near the end as a club. I have tried to contact him via PM to offer to reveal my source but he no longer offers the PM facility. I have, however, told 2 people, I trust, (Weston Saint and Trousers) my source (not LC or MC) and I think they would both confirm the fact I am not being the "drama queen" OB likes to imply. I post on here to inform fellow Saints fans - no more no less. But I hold my hands up once again - I admit I want Lowe out, I want Wilde out - in fact I want anyone out who has contributed to utter disintegration of my football club. And I will post my spin on FACTS I believe not on lies I make up. Can't be any more honest than that. Cheers - Duncan

You would never have been involved in the French Revolution with that "ignorance is bliss" remark. Some are born to lead and some are born to follow, Ponty.

Sounds just like Lowe to me - this is how he acts when challenged.

All bad but WT cost us more than £1m. Ouch. My Burnley supporting friend couldn't stop laughing when we signed him.

He appears to be more capable to be a CCC manager than JP and he has stepped in at a difficult time. So some praise due. There is something I don't warm to, however - he has an certain arrogance (I did not think his remark re the march was very clever) but there again Clough and Ferguson weren't exactly humble. However, I am not sure I would want to buy a second hand car from him. Next week v Cardiff will be a test which he must pass. To lose or even draw will immediately undo the good yesterday's result achieved.

I don't think WT is highly regarded and he will not get his contract renewed. There is a view that if he makes a mistake he soon asks to come off with an injury. In other words not mentally strong. Burley's worst signing imo.

I think you will find the club's stance will be "he never had anything to do with the first team" very soon. Airbrush and Stalin are two words that spring to my mind.

Good finishing meant we were able to cruise the 2nd half, although had they got a second I dread to think how we might have folded. The support was also superb. The march went well and all in all Saints fans have every reason to be proud both off and on the pitch. One word of praise for James, the right back. He has had a torrid time this year but has turned up and never flinched, had some good games and some poor ones but his head has never dropped and he gives his all. Considering it is not his natural position he deserves some recognition. However we all know, this victory will mean nothing unless we follow it up with 3 points v Cardiff. If the fight back is genuine nothing less than a win will do.

Trousers, if I ever get accused of libel or murder will you prepare my defence?

Class post

Bern, I understand your views on the march - sure it may not be everyone's cup of tea but personal insults towards this lad just ain't right - and I know you agree deep down so let's leave that to one side, and go back to debating the merits (or not) of Mr Lowe

But Bern - your comment was very much a case of people in glass houses. Let's not knock a lad because he is just 16 for Christs sake - he is not a child. He was asked to takeover and had the guts to do it and all people like Mark and Nickh can do is sneer and make references to his spots. Both have seriously gone down in my estimation - don't join them. Bloody hell, mate I KNOW you are better than that.

Hear hear well said - I find some of the posts re this lad distasteful and immature, especially the ones that make references to his physical appearance. I am totally ashamed that mockers like Jonah and Nickh stoop that low. I suppose they are both perfect human specimens?

Oh dear Bern...... you ask "is that really the best we can do" this coming from someone who can't even bother to go to the matches, I find rather pathetic.