Frank's cousin

Not sure some of you get the fact that rumours/gossip all VARY in level of credibilty depending on source - which is never quoted - irrespective of which paper something is in. The issue many have with the 'Mail' is not transfer gossip, but Martin samual - who has written several pieces that obviously had their basis in some sort of spat first with Lowe and subsequently NC after NA was sacked. (in addition to its right wing reactionary headlines - '' Asylum Seekers give you cancer shock'' is one we will see at some point I am sure) Sure any paper is in the business of selling papers - and 'controvercial' stories do that better than anything else - but as MPs current success shows, it was the right move no matter how Martin felt about it, yet we dont see him taking it back.... Turks, you like to troll your way on ...and on... about 'chosing which stories to believe' like a broken record - and a crappy annoying birdie type song at that... its a good wind up, but not very funny and suggest an ignorance about a very simple fact. As i have said many times - yet you still struggle with the simple context - when rumours appear that are 'negative' eg players wanting away or other coming in for them etc - quite NATURALLY, fans look for more deatil and idealy evidence - no one WANTS to believe crappy stories, so there is an expectation of for moire than just a 'rumour' When positive links or stories appear - the level of credibilty behind them does not matter - even if unlikely to be true - because no harm done except raise a few expectations - inded some would say its positive just to be linked as its all about profile. So your continual snipe at anyone who is 'excited' by or believes positive rumours, yet seeks more detail in negatives ones is as churlish as it is ignorant.

there is a difference.... given that it was paid within the year suggests that like other clubs we have borrowed simply because the tv money is staggered payments and we were spending a lot up front on transfers etc. so although technically still a loan, its an advance against guarranteeed income. What NC is scoffing at is the Pompey way - clubs that borrow or spend by not paying tax etc, against NON-guarranteed income - eg if we spent 100mil now (or commited to that in contractual terms) which would be unsustainable on relegation - and beyond what is affordable within an annual revenue cycle. The fact the cheats down the road managed to end up in admin whilst pre money was still comming in just showws the level of their incompetence. In some respects, this loan offers a very strong hint at what the argument between the Liebherrs and NC was about - as NC talked about backing... i dont thinkit had anything to do with other senior appointments but was all about spending plans. NC needed the loans/advances to strengthen the squad. For this to happen, he will have needed the agreement of the owner - as these short term agreements were secured against the clubs assets owned by the liebheers - i suspect this was about having the authority to do this now and in future to respond to the cubs needs without having to go cap in hand to the liebherrs when we needed such advances - in effect its about trust - wanting the liebherrs to trust NC to spen wisely annd not put their assets at any risk... I think he was given thsat authoritty and trust for a further number of years so he could follow the planned strategy - in effect gaining approval for the next stage of the plan.

true but the cash from sky/prem goes up around 700k per place so the difference between finishing 7th and 17th is around 10 mil so higher we finish the better ... obviously :-)

You are forgetting that most transfer fees are not paid in full up front and on the balance sheet the cost is written off over the length of the contract so although we have spent 60mil on players these last two seasons, on the books it's probably only around 20 mil so far - unless we paid any of them upfront etc.... The fact that last years was paid n full suggests that it was to cover before TV revenues wer available - and the terms will still have been over a year to ensure the lenders make a reasonable interest return etc. if Nc is leveraging the clubs assets for a buy out - well rather him than someone we don't know. In the recent interview Nc was talking about next 3-5 years so unlikely he wants out...

Couple of things we should consider is that as you point out, the TV. Money is released in instalments - so many clubs will look for short term financing in the summer to cover initial fees associated with transfer activity etc. In addition, we have been spending big on Staplewood, so I would speculate we are 'living within our means' but that these loans are short term to cover this up front outlay - as we don't know the terms of the transfer fees and how much was paid up front etc... Also possible that thee is some dividend or return being paid back to the Liebherrs which is fair enough in my book given what the club has achieved under their ownership. as Gemmel says , always good to keep an eye on these things, but doubt we have anything to worry about.

What a collective bunch of c**ks. More interested in getting one over on message board posters and like playground 8 year olds pretending to know everything, yet in reality nothing... 'Some are saying' lol you could not make it up...yet you do apparently.... Please explain why some are so chuffed to see him struggle? To have another dig at the club? Being 5th must make it hard to criticise I suppose. Whether he settles and achieves the level we hoped or not, the lack of support, the constant need to ridicule players in an effort to score points against other is pathetic really. Your parents should monitor your internet usage a little more.

Not worried - far better to go quietly about our business picking up points.... Matters not what others think.

Too much common sense there Mulklet... for this ere 'Mongboard' TM (how hilarious is that)... Price tag means folks expect - fair enough, but if you look at the two them the problems seems obvious imho. Ramirez - Has the skill, can read the game very well and we have seen gimpses of what he is capable of that show he has the class. His problem seems he has struggled to adapt to the speed and physical aspects of the Prem. Too often he is simply muscled out and he is not a player to 'get stuck in' which is sadly a classic cry of many a terrace.... In the right league, with the right protection, he will be good, if he learns to stand up and be more physical. I would hate to see us give up on him for a simple reason that he has shown he has class in a pass.... ...which leads nicely to Osvaldo. Clearly a good striker - his performances for italy show that and he has shown glimpses... but what most dont seem to see is that he does move into good spaces or is ready to make a good run, but our midfield dont yet pick it up. A reason why it may be taking longer than expected is that I dont think MP ha squite worked out how to get the best out of RL and DO +/- JRod - and the formation with all the pocession in midfield raises the expectations for that killer pass and movement - Clear to all its not working... yet.. by the low number of goals ... will it come good?, Will MPO work it out? Hope so, but even if not, does nmot make these guys bad players. I suspect there are Some who still have issues with the club for whom their failure is welcome - as it provides an easy criticism given their price tag.

Like I said, not angelic, but that article is from 2001 - and you have to put that in context. The SA government had passed legislation giving greater controls to reduce the amounts paid for medicines- fair enough and in most cases drugs were supplied at these lower rates- the problem which you may remember was the volume of these medicines that were then exported back to US and Canada as grey imports or what is known as parallel trade. In effect imports of cheaper drugs back into more expensively priced markets... As to localised generic manufacture, of drugs still under patent, well it's a difficult debate, it is against international laws- and undermines the revenue of those that invested in the development of the product. If patent protection periods were extended, then better (lower) prices could be achieved, but these countries also need to take control of illegal exports if they are looking to secure drugs at more affordable rates.... Which everyone is trying in this economic climate. Drug prices have always varied across markets - even with the Eu and parallel trade is a big problem for some companies. In the last 10 years most pharmacy do provide medicines to developing nations at gravely reduced prices but it's understandable they want guarantees these won't end up back in US or EU markets .... Anyway, gone off topic. New sponsor? No way to Wonga et al for me, nor would I be too happy with yet another of these online betting firms - but I would be morally at peace with a GSK .... Yes nothing is squeaky clean in business, but it's that capitalist desire for the profits that have seen the amazing advances in medicines in the last 30 years.

Sorry Pap, that is typically naive - drug costs represent only about 10% of annual health care spend - the rest being the cost of infrastructure, equipment and the staffing. Yes drugs have international patents - typically about 20-25 years from discovery of the active molecule or molecules - and usually after 10 -15 years from first animal studies to marketing authorization and about £1bn to get a drug to market, they have around 10 years to recoup not only these costs, but cover all those that never made it yet still went to expensive phase 2 studies... and cover their operating costs ...and yes make a profit. There are no such things as 'clone variants' - there are those countries like china and India that actively try and copy patent protected medicines and in some cases launch these without the standards of clinical studies that would be necessary under FDA (US) or EMA(EU) regulatory standards... yet potentially put the patent holder at risk of litigation should these 'fakes' or copies find their way back into traditional markets - and they do.... for a profit to those who make them. Biosimilars is another matter and not to be confused with direct copies. Big Pharma are no angels, like any shareholder company, their profits provide dividends, but their profits also drive innovation and advancement of medicine - and in the UK, we dont have access to ALL available drugs either simply because NICE uses a measure known as a QALY (Quality adjusted life year) at which it sets a £30k threshold, and many new drugs dont come in under that... I dont work for a Pharma, but I work in the industry. Pharma is not always doing the right thing and is rightly criticised, heavily fined ($billions) etc when it breaks the rules - but your comment is typical of those that have read too many sensationalist headlines.

The usual, lets turn this into far more than it is to have dig at the club... First up, we dont know what is in the players contracts re participation at external commercial events - and that plays a big part in this. Secondly, I am sure the history also plays a part - would anyone here seriously let tehir employees participate in external COMMMERCIAL events at which it might be likley the boss might be ridiculed? It seems Matt and Laurie have both recognised that the club is doing great and so criticism seems churlish at best and have done good by supporting without the previous jibes. And thats what I dont get about some folks comments on here. Its not NCs job to be liked by all, to do things that we all agree with and applaud every five minutes. Its his job to do what he feels is right to get the club to exceed what most think is the ceiling of its potential. If after 4 years we wer still in L1 or mid table in Championship, fair enough, we could look at all those 'idiosyncracies and weird behaviours' some of you present as fact, yet are little more than gossip and point to these as detracting from what he is meant to be doing. But the fact remains we sit 4th in the prem... despite what some seem so intent on criticising every five minutes, whether it be some of the transfers, or his 'idiosyncracies'. Does anyone really think its a big deal that current players should not be taking part in external commercial ventures where there might have been jibes undermining their employer? really? or is it just another convenient opportunity to have a go? Seriously, for those that really cant stand NC - why not grow some balls and do something constructive - a la Manchester and go and form an AFC Southampton if you really dont believe the present leadership is right for the club.

indeed Jeez, the ignorance and arrogance displayed on here with respect to 'science' is breathtakingly sad. First up, up, ignore the web and media. If you want a balanced peer reviewed and credible overview of existing data and conclusions drawn from a true scientific perspective... And in lay mans terms, go for journals like 'Nature' and 'Science' - and look for review articles. Ignore media, all sides, all political bents as they cherry pick data to support their own agendas and politics. Science is based purely and simply on testing hypotheses.... With solid and repeatable controlled experimentation or observation. Over a long period of time. Science will acknowledge errors at any tie and look to correct or ignore data if proven flawed.... Even if the media ignore it. The he unbiased and very generalised current best scientific conclusions - and science is still a long way from establishing consistency in data and hypotheses to establish a robust theory - is simple Global warming is happening - but different data sets suggest different rates global warning is cyclical in nature probable that human activity has contributed/accelerated this but difficult to measure impact of all this can only be modelled - and different models producing different results - lots of work to be done here also not clear as to whether model outputs accurately reflect impact of human contribution or simply reflect impact of cyclical climate change But how far science is progressing to these answers is really not the issue- as others have said we need to ask ourselves questions: 1. Are we happy living on a planet where we happily pump out a load of crap into the atmosphere that for example contributes to Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in countries such as China ... Putting economic gain ahead of current and future health? ... Or for sceptics, even if the risk is not proven, is it one you are willing to take on your children's behalf? It's down to your own philosophical and in some respects moral attitudes... Currently, most decisions are made politically and from a short term and to be frank capitalist greed perspective. Ultimately from a geological/biological time perspective, the planet will 'heal' itself as it progresses towards it's end in 7 billion years time or so, so why worry? well as humans we do tend to care a bit about our kids and grand kids, all depends on what risks we are prepared to take with the kind of environment they will grow up in.

True, but it is a very good demonstration as to how out of context, or with a simple shift in emphasis the media can apply their own 'spin' positive or negative- to me it just emphasises the importance of listening to or reading a complete transcript before forming an opinion. The cone census from the those who have read heard it all in context seems to be positive and far less draconian than the mirror views it. I also think it's often less about an agenda , or being against the club per sae, but about being different to what other media outlets are saying - an odd editorial approach, but an accepted commercial one.

Not sure about this long term. For older fans, maybe, but there will always be the next generation who grow up with these things and in turn accept them as our new 'history' - things change and clubs evolve - for some it's better, happy to accept that 'you can't stand still' , for others, it's worse, unable to tolerate such perceived ignorance of tradition. It's funny how we many now acknowledge that certain mangers and styles are 'old school' or dinosaurs, and accept that successful clubs seem to have adopted new approaches on the pitch, yet can't accept it when it happens off the pitch i find it pretty sad that the consensus is that no one can really break into the top 4 or so without mega bucks inestment - or challenge the 'big' clubs - and often poor scorn on those that suggest it should be a viable ambition. It's effectively defeatist - accepting that you play in a division wher you never have a chance of winning goes against all that competitive football should be about - and it was clear that whilst Cortese accepts the financial gulf will always be there, does not mean by being different and 'smarter' things are possible. If we want to realise the full potential, then we need to embrace change. Otherwise we accept the staus quo, and our 'natural' place in the hierarchy.... Which is pretty depressing. There are still plenty of clubs for whom fear of losing prem status dictates their approach, and with that a limited ambition. I appreciate that many say such progress 'will take a long time' - but the reality is that if you don't move fast, then you go backwards - we will lose talented youth and others far quicker if we take too long to progress - a vicious circle if ever there was one. So Cortese wants to see us increase revenues by 70-100 percent within 3 years- now that at least shows he's not about to walk, and I for one am pretty pleased about that. I know some are not, so be it.

Never understood the rationale for disecting and moaning about the players we have - only time I believe its appropriate to whinge and moan is if they aint giving 100%. We seem to have plenty on here who seem determined to find fault which ever way they turn... the perception you get is that if we cant whinge and moan about the club and its leadership because 2 promotions and 60 odd place rise in 4 years means something must be going OK, then lets attack the transfer policy and whinge and moan about certain players... they are OUR players no matter what their peceived abilities or lack of - if they give their best they deserve our support. Observing Osvaldo its clear he has ability - its also clear that we are a work in progress and MP has still to get the best from this SQUAD - that final third ball, and attacking formation is not working as effectively as it potentially can - which is obvious - but why start to isolate individuals as a result? same with Fox - what has he done to deserve soem of the personal abuse he gets... the strangest thing of all is that many of those being so dismissive of players and their abilities, seem the same old names that still whinge about the 'lack of loyalty'/'disgraceful behaviour' shown against Adkins.... two faced ****** IMHO. ...seems like the club can not do anything right in some folks eyes...

And nor are their vegetables... Although, I daresay they might eventually prefer playng fields which will be used by kids of all ages to another load of houses, cars ....

Not sure what the fuss is about... Anyone with half a brain knows that the interpretation of what he said is what makes a story out if nothing.... Bridge said when he left for Chelsea that he hoped to end his career back at saints .. No different... Just normal stuff. Why papers thinks it's 'interesting enough' to be worth publishing is another matter.... Is an one that interested in that sort of thing..really? the more success we have , the more we pay em, the more they will 'love' the club... If he scores 40 goals in two seasons and then decides to leave, that's fine in my book and he will be fondly remembered - all there is to it.

as much as it pains me, Turks is 100% right on this.

Only lost 3 im lst 17 apparently - not so bad. Still think he is learning - and teh more attractive stuff will be reserved for the top sides who play a more open game... interesting when we play Man U - next set of 6 or 7 games will give us a truer picture of where we stand in the pecking order, but 2 points a game average so far aint a bad hall P7, w4, d2, l1 - would take those stats against any day regardless of who we have played. no easy games blah blah... enjoy it!

Well yes and No, as if there was no room for negotiation on sacking, it would not have been a negotiated settlement - If Adkins had resigned, he would not have owed us money to buy himself out of his contract, so suspect that by accepting a new job, it opened the door for an agreement to be negotiated. Seems all pretty standard to me.

... understand your POV on young english talent etc... fair point. But if we have learnt one thing about NC, is that he seems true to his word. EVERY club seems to have a 'five year plan' - yet 99% never disclose it or live up to it. NC put one in place and delivered. The 'project' seems to have been set up in phases and Adkins was recruited to lead part of it - delivered it, even early and we moved to the next phase. No room for sentiment. Lets be honest, most are very defensive because he was a decent man - honest, grafting, wanting to play the game in the 'right' way, and had an enthusiasm that appealled to fans - we had a great atmosphere and culture created by his infectious enthusiasm... and rightly it seemed he 'deserved' a chance to learn and grow with us. Had he we consolidated in the NPC and then progressed, would he still be here? I am not so sure. NC likes to stick to his plan and so far the approach is working. I dont think NC believes its the clubs job to wait for manager experience and tactical nous to catch up with his ambition. The surprise to me was that MP was not that experienced either, apart from his La Liga time at Espanyol - but he has compromised the more gung-ho atacking to shore up the defence... Had Nige been a miserable, antagonistic fecker, who we grudingly admired for the success, but could not stand, would we be so defensive? I know some will spill out the stats on NA v MP last season and the 'vast' improvement on one place... but it would have taken a period of adjustment and for me, how this season pans out will be a better comparitor, even with the new additions, its about progress for the club, not the personalities who deliver it. As to how it was done? well from what we know never looked good. Least it was not by text! Young English coaches? Don't know the answer. Opportunities are limited and will be whilst the perception of the English traditional game is 'old fashioned' pace and power, v a more techically proficient 'european' approach....

Never understood why it had to be all black or white, Adkins good or liability etc... Cortese made a decision that he felt was right for the club - not to **** off Adkins or fans. Not all agreed which is fair enough, but its his job to make the decisions he see fit, irrespective of popularity. Fans and some media react as if its an 'evil' decision by an 'evil person'. - the same fans most likely that call for managers heads when it clear they are in over their heads...

Cant really agree with all of that as IMHO is simpler - all are allowed their opinion... whatever it is... but its when its faked to be deliberately contrary and irritating that its becomes pointless and pretty pathetic from grown men - kids and teenagers, fair enough, but grown men? Alps to be fair is at least being himself. I dont think he is on a wind up, just that football is actually not the be and end all of life so can be used as an outlet for frustration and emotion. All Alps is is emotionally reactionary - and I am sure its probably quite healthy to have football as an outlet for that. Means he's probably pretty calm and composed with work and family... and anyway, given that eery time we are not doing well, up he pops with his visions of doom, which seems to be a perfect good omen - as we always seem to score and win after he has provided his frustrated vision.Need to make sure he has web access whenever things aint going so well. As to the self appointed thought police, pointing out how sad and pathetic we all are... truly odd for grown men to be honest, but rather than ridiculed, they should be pitied.

Stat that always get me is that in 7 years in the top flight they had a total revenue in excess of £300,000,000. Add the additional £120,000,000 they spent over and above their income and in just 7 years they consumed £420,000,000 and now have what to show for it? .... but of course they won an FA cup in that time.... and invested £45 mil in a new stadium development and anoyther 30mil in a new training and academy set up... er Ok so only one of those is true.. the one without a legacy...or er sorry a legacy of 120mil of debt...

To me , 'home grown' is more important than 'English' - not only for the obvious reasons, but as a strategy there is an increased probability that these players have more of an affinity for the club etc. Naturally in most cases these are more likley to be English by default, but not that importanat to me. Its clear that until we have a national coach with some balls to be his own man with folk at the FA who have the balls to stand up to the Premier League, England players will still be picked from a core set of clubs despite sitting on the benches or being sheidt... so why should we feel any obligation to produce talent for England? The academy's obligation is to produce talent for Saints, whatever nation they qualify for.