Continuity with the past.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

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?

[trousers]

Good points FF. Would have been a good question to have put to them via Adam Leitch on the Echo web chat at lunchtime. I get the impression from answers to similar questions that they are intending addressing areas like this now that they've got to the point where the 'bigger picture' has seemingly been sorted.

 

A Jason Dodd or MLT figure would definately fit the bill for a community liaison role. Maybe you should put yourself forward too Duncan? You'd get my vote!

[Weston Saint]

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?

Why not write a polite letter to the club with your views. You are a known figure and have links to the ex players.

[Toadhall Saint]

Agree with you FF and also agree with Trousers two options. FWIW and in my humble opinion we lost a whole lot more than a legend when we lost Ted. I'm sure the club will address things like this (especially as ML is reported to be a god botherer) and would probably be a little embarrassed if they realised this had happened.

[derry]

Why not write a polite letter to the club with your views. You are a known figure and have links to the ex players.

 

Through Ex-Saints?

[Huntingdon]

I think it's a tad harsh making disparaging comments about our new owners regarding such matters.

 

I'm 40 in June & had never heard of David Burnside, so I don't expect 2 swiss blokes to have done either

[saintfully]

Aside from the blatant touting for a job FF (joke), I think you raise an importnat point. There is definately a requirement for the club to be placed in a historic community-based context (one of the attractions of the club to M Leibherr I believe), and for that to happen someone needs to be given the job.

 

Football is heritage - just like the docks, just like the city walls, just like The Dell (lest we forget)

[derry]

I think it's a tad harsh making disparaging comments about our new owners regarding such matters.

 

I'm 40 in June & had never heard of David Burnside, so I don't expect 2 swiss blokes to have done either

 

He didn't, surely you understood the point to try and resolve that issue.

[Scummer]

I think it's a tad harsh making disparaging comments about our new owners regarding such matters.

 

I'm 40 in June & had never heard of David Burnside, so I don't expect 2 swiss blokes to have done either

 

He's not making disparaging remarks about the owners, in fact he states several times that that isn't what he's doing.

[Toadhall Saint]

I think it's a tad harsh making disparaging comments about our new owners regarding such matters.

 

I'm 40 in June & had never heard of David Burnside, so I don't expect 2 swiss blokes to have done either

 

TBH FF states that he's not having a go at the new owners. Its just an observation from him that he thinks needs addressing. There's no blame to be laid at anyones door.

[WealdSaint]

I expect the new owners will get up to speed with this side of things fairly soon.

 

I seem to remember Nicola saying that he was struggling with the workload at the start of the season. So this might well have slipped down his list of priorites for a few months.

[4737_carlin]

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?

 

 

I think its too late as the message was made loud a clear by a certain orchestrated PR stunt in the Daily Echo. Shame as i do not think Mr Liebherr/Mr Cortese is the sort of person who would want to alienate the history. Following the PR stunt they then wanted allsorts to buy exec boxes and tables !

 

A serious anniversary is on the horizon and what are they going to do ?

[AK]

This seems to me just to be another dig at our new owners.

 

How many companies send high level personnel to the funeral of someone who worked for them close to 50 years ago ?Not many would be my guess .

[trousers]

It is no fault of the new owners

 

I am not pointing the finger of blame here whatsoever

 

This seems to me just to be another dig at our new owners.

 

Only if you try looking for something that's not there....

Edited 30 October, 2009 by trousers

[RedWillie]

not a difficult suggestion to implement and should be applauded

[Mark Mywords]

I think it's a tad harsh making disparaging comments about our new owners regarding such matters.

 

I'm 40 in June & had never heard of David Burnside, so I don't expect 2 swiss blokes to have done either

 

You've already been rebuked by others for this silly remark, but it is for people like you who are ignorant of our heritage that justifies the need for someone to fill the role suggested within the club. For your information, David Burnside was a wonderfully gifted midfielder in the 60s who played in the legendary side that beat Nottingham Forest 5-0 in an FA Cup replay in 1963.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

I think it's a tad harsh making disparaging comments about our new owners regarding such matters.

 

I'm 40 in June & had never heard of David Burnside, so I don't expect 2 swiss blokes to have done either

 

Up until this post I cannot say I have seen any 'disparaging remarks about our new owners regarding such matters'.

 

However, what I did see was a very politely worded, constructive comment from FF and agreement from others.

 

In our extraordinary circumstances surrounding the takeover I'd imagine that it was extremely difficult, almost impossible, to 'hit the ground running' with regard to all aspects.

[manji]

He's not making disparaging remarks about the owners, in fact he states several times that that isn't what he's doing.

Yep looking for a job.

[Toomer]

Only if you try looking for something that's not there....

 

Trousers, some people will only read what they want to read and make of it what they want. I agree with Duncan there is a void between the past and the future that needs to be bridged and is the fault of no one at all.

[trousers]

Yep looking for a job.

 

A bit like Cortese in April....

 

(just jesting, obviously)

 

So what if FF is subconsciously, or otherwise, putting himself in the shop window? Nowt wrong with that. And by posting it on here he gets some instant feedback on the idea. Everyone's a winner (babe)

[Clifford Nelson]

This football club has had a very long break with the past. The best part of 20 years actually. I am delighted to say that the football which has been served up in the last few games have started to remind me of what a great attacking side we once was.

 

As for our history and culture, that can only be picked up by those who know it, which must mean those who were here when Saints represented the spirit of Southampton the last time, and who are supporters in their own right. Fairly recent players like MLT and Dodds are not the answer, since they are still in their own careers. Lawrie Mac is the obvious choice, and for that job not the slightest bit controversial. He actually personifies a great part of our history. How anybody could object to him is beyond my comprehension.

[eurosaint]

Good points FF. Would have been a good question to have put to them via Adam Leitch on the Echo web chat at lunchtime. I get the impression from answers to similar questions that they are intending addressing areas like this now that they've got to the point where the 'bigger picture' has seemingly been sorted.

 

A Jason Dodd or MLT figure would definately fit the bill for a community liaison role. Maybe you should put yourself forward too Duncan? You'd get my vote!

 

Excellent suggestion, Duncan has the experience, contacts (I think!) and clearly the motivation, so should approach the club with a polite proposal ! I feel sure that it will be well received !

Good luck and if I can help in any way, I'd be happy to do so !

[rooney]

FF has a good point here. I believe there was a feature in the programme last week on Davy Burnside, so it seems strange that there was no representative at the Funeral, as obviously the club knew about his demise. I believe that someone should have gone to represent the Club, even if that person did not know him personally. Isn't that what our ambassadors are supposed to do?

[INFLUENCED.COM]

In our extraordinary circumstances surrounding the takeover I'd imagine that it was extremely difficult, almost impossible, to 'hit the ground running' with regard to all aspects.

 

I too would see it that way, prioritise with on field matters to get fans and in turn revenue returning then review all things Saints, as they seem to have done so much right, I am sure this is something they will not neglect

[StInky]

Very good OP by FF and I feel sure Influenced.com is bang on.

[ottery st mary]

Ex Saints...Roy Beasley(maybe visiting Sydie in Oz..maybe not aware) although not involved ex Saints in the 1960s.....Before Lawrie Macs time... but would be a good current co ordinator for this sort of continuity with someone like FF.

 

Of the staff and players from that 1963 that beat Forest and lost to Man Utd 1-0 Law dodgy knock in at Villa Park.

 

Directors..Doubt if still here.RIP

 

Ted Bates Manager Deceased RIP

George Horsfall Ass. Dec. RIP

Jimmy Gallagher Spongeman/Trainer Dec. RIP

Bill Ellerington Seriously Ill at the Mo.

Believed Team

 

Ron Reynolds Deceased RIP

Stuart Williams Early 80s but still lives in Shirley but wife very ill

Tommy Traynor Deceased RIP

Ken Wimshurst ?Last heard of re Academy for Saints over Bath way?

Tony Knapp? Norway probably?

Cliff Huxford..Southampton area?

Terry Paine in South Africa

George O'Brien Shirley area Taxi business?

Georgew Kirby? Not heard of for some years?

David Burnside Deceased RIP

John Sydenham in Australia

If any other above have passed on please excuse me.

 

Not sure if any of the above could have done anymore due to age, location or lack of knowledge.

 

Back to the point of Saints being concernrd and Operations Boss communicating with a Coordinator..Back to the likes of Lawrie Mac and FF

 

 

As suggested maybe FF or even The Forum could suggest this to AO/Saints...NC

 

COYRs

 

Apologies......Steve Beaney.... The Secretary/Treasurer ..eX SAINTS for 28 years...Deceased RIP

 

There is a new group running Ex Saints.....Not known if Roy Beasley was aware.

Edited 30 October, 2009 by ottery st mary

[oldsarum]

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?

 

When collecting my Rovers tickets lunchtime had chat with member of staff who informed me that Barry Fox Club Secretary was leaving his post today after 31 years at the club.

 

I've dealt with Barry many times over the years and he has always been very helpful to both me and London Saints.

 

Yet another link to the past gone, and his leaving was voluntarily or a retiremnet I understand.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I think it's a tad harsh making disparaging comments about our new owners regarding such matters.

 

I'm 40 in June & had never heard of David Burnside, so I don't expect 2 swiss blokes to have done either

 

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.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I think its too late as the message was made loud a clear by a certain orchestrated PR stunt in the Daily Echo. Shame as i do not think Mr Liebherr/Mr Cortese is the sort of person who would want to alienate the history. Following the PR stunt they then wanted allsorts to buy exec boxes and tables !

 

A serious anniversary is on the horizon and what are they going to do ?

 

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.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

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.

[Redondo Saint]

This is a role for the club's HR dept.

 

Not sure how feasible it is to attend every ex players funeral or to determine which player gets a visit or card?

 

Agreed, it would be great to involve the club and family in some way at such a sad time.

[benjii]

Write them a letter.

 

I agree with you.

[rpb]

George Kirby? Not heard of for some years?

 

George Kirby died in 2000 - I think that the Echo did a piece about him.

[ART]

Thank you Duncan for raising the subject as we approach the annual All Saints Day. I had not heard about his parting until I read your post so I am also grateful to be able to pay my respect to David's memory.

 

Far from a fan's favorite at the time, my own feeling is that the guy tried too hard. Had he relaxed a little and not got stressed out things may have been better. He always gave 100% but the end result wasn't so always so great. I shall always remember him being introduced to the crowd after we signed him and dazzling everyone with his ball juggling skills before the game or at half time. He was said to be the best juggler of the ball of his day. Sorry to hear your former club and fans were unable to drop by to say farewell. Don't worry though, thanks to Duncan, I'm sure the supporters will give you a good send off at this years All Saints.

 

RIP David Burnside.

[ottery st mary]

George Kirby died in 2000 - I think that the Echo did a piece about him.

 

cheers.......RIP ..Big George....

[MadDogMatt]

FF fully agree with your first post and thanks for raising this.

 

I can also confirm you are sadly correct about Kevin Moore. I have wondered why the club have not done more to help his and his families plight and further wondered if they know?

[once_bitterne]

We could get lawrie to do it and pay him say 200k in expenses...

[aintforever]

I agree, I think it's important for a football club to show it's more than just a business.

 

I also think that making legends like Lawrie Mac pay for a ticket does not sit right. Whilst it should not be an open door for any ex-Saint to go on a jolly at the clubs expense, I think the club should always welcome people who have contributed alot. It shows current players and staff that the club values loyalty, it makes the corporate experience much more interesting if ex players are mincing about. Plus I think it has to help the club to keep up a good reputation and keep links within the game (didn't Pardew call lawrie Mac for advise before taking the job?).

[doggface]

What's the deal with kevin Moore then chaps?

[ART]

David Burnside RIP

 

In September 1962, Ted Bates signed him for Second Division Southampton for a fee of £18,000, making him Bates's third signing in 10 days (along with George Kirby and Stuart Williams). Burnside immediately became a fixture in the Saints side, alongside Terry Paine and John Sydenham on the wings and Kirby and George O'Brien in attack. He was adept at finding space with well-timed runs, and his passing skills were terrific.

 

In the 1962–63 season Saints fielded the same line-up in 28 matches including all seven FA Cup matches as Saints progressed to the semi-final, going out 1–0 at Villa Park to eventual winners Manchester United, after an epic three match battle to get past Nottingham Forest in the previous round. In the first quarter-final replay against Forest, Burnside scored an 89th minute equalizer as Saints came back from a three goal deficit. In the second replay, at White Hart Lane he scored twice, including a rocket shot for the third goal as Saints finally defeated Forest 5–0.[3]

 

The cup run was not matched in the league, however, as Saints finished the 1962-–63 season in eleventh place, although Burnside was the second highest scorer (behind O'Brien) with 14 goals.

 

Despite a 6–1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the opening game of the 1963–64 season, Saints had dropped to the lower half of the table by mid-September. In the second victory of the season (2–0 over Newcastle United on 18 September) Burnside injured his knee and was out until mid-January, losing his place to John McGuigan. Although Burnside returned for a run of six games from mid-January to mid-February, including scoring in the 7–2 victory over S****horpe United on 29 January 1964, he was forced to sit out the remainder of the season, until the postponed final game of the season at home to Rotherham United in which he returned to score in a 6–1 victory (thereby helping Saints notch up 100 league goals for the season), with Saints finishing in fifth place.

 

The following season, Burnside regained his place until he was surprisingly sold to Crystal Palace in December 1964 for £12,000. The proceeds went to partly fund the purchase of Jimmy Melia, who was to lead the Saints to the First Division a year and a half later. In his two years at The Dell Burnside made a total of 70 appearances, scoring 26 goals.

[Legod Third Coming]

Does the club not have:

 

a) an official historian. If not, it should. It might be an unpaid role, mind...

 

b) a PR manager whose job encompasses working with the above?

 

The first one Duncan should be you. I am not being sycophantic. I have read your books, they are excellent and have pride of place in my collection. With respect you are a better writer/historian than you are a poster...

 

The second is a job I can't believe NC doesn't value and I think, Duncan, you should be more pro-active in contacting NC and offering your services.

 

Never mind what else you have to do, this is more important!!

[alpine_saint]

Food for thought?

 

You cant have it all - thanks to these guys, we still have a club to overlook something like this.

 

We all know it was far from an intentional snub, and you cant be certain that the previous junta would have sent anyone anyway.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

What's the deal with kevin Moore then chaps?

 

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.

[krissyboy31]

FF fully agree with your first post and thanks for raising this.

 

I can also confirm you are sadly correct about Kevin Moore. I have wondered why the club have not done more to help his and his families plight and further wondered if they know?

 

TBF I would have thought it was more the job of the PFA to make sure their members are looked after in retirement. Not to be too disparaging to Kevin Moore but he was something of a journeyman footballer, who is more attached to Grimsby Town, than Southampton. I know he is suffering from illness now but the club (any club) can't look after all of its ex players. The likes of Ron Davies is different, he was a club legend.

[Legod Third Coming]

TBF I would have thought it was more the job of the PFA to make sure their members are looked after in retirement. Not to be too disparaging to Kevin Moore but he was something of a journeyman footballer, who is more attached to Grimsby Town, than Southampton. I know he is suffering from illness now but the club (any club) can't look after all of its ex players. The likes of Ron Davies is different, he was a club legend.

 

Imagine a 5-10% payment into a fund from current footballer salaries to pay for those less fortunate that themselves...

 

Surely that's the role of the PFA?

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Does the club not have:

 

a) an official historian. If not, it should. It might be an unpaid role, mind...

 

b) a PR manager whose job encompasses working with the above?

 

The first one Duncan should be you. I am not being sycophantic. I have read your books, they are excellent and have pride of place in my collection. With respect you are a better writer/historian than you are a poster...

 

The second is a job I can't believe NC doesn't value and I think, Duncan, you should be more pro-active in contacting NC and offering your services.

 

Never mind what else you have to do, this is more important!!

 

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.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

TBF I would have thought it was more the job of the PFA to make sure their members are looked after in retirement. Not to be too disparaging to Kevin Moore but he was something of a journeyman footballer, who is more attached to Grimsby Town, than Southampton. I know he is suffering from illness now but the club (any club) can't look after all of its ex players. The likes of Ron Davies is different, he was a club legend.

 

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.

[Pat from Poole]

TBF I would have thought it was more the job of the PFA to make sure their members are looked after in retirement. Not to be too disparaging to Kevin Moore but he was something of a journeyman footballer, who is more attached to Grimsby Town, than Southampton. I know he is suffering from illness now but the club (any club) can't look after all of its ex players. The likes of Ron Davies is different, he was a club legend.

 

 

Kevin Moore scored a goal which possibly produced the loudest single noise I have ever heard from Saints fans (ZDS).

 

Very sad news.

[dubai_phil]

FF

 

I got slammed by a few who didn't read my post through about the fact that we should place all our history into a "museum" so that we can inherit, understand and learn from our past but focus on our future.

 

Museums have Curators. The "Curator" should have the function of being the point of contact for any correspondence or support at funerals or special needs.

 

While I fully understand and support the business logic that the current first team is more important when it comes to funds than our "museum" I still think that a "curator" or guardian of our history is important, for a year or two it needs simply someone to watch over it and ask or arrange for example just one or two of the younger players to attend a funeral to learn about the history they are becoming a part of.

 

In some ways it should also be a council function, after all, the club and the City are synonymous, but our fans groups are a touch more worried about their committees than in results and liasons.

 

Perhaps to get off the ground the curator needs to be a volunteer, simply keeping track of old records, paper work and documents, but as we grow and get further up the pyramid, this should be a critical function and financed part of the club.

 

From the people we know, you are unfortunately one of a few that could take this on, but I think it is important that somebody gets in touch with the club and does something. After all one day it could be a major sponsorship opportunity once the recession ends.

[adelfas31]

Given what seemingly nigh-perfect owners we have, I'd be surprised if, having understandably swept away the good, along with the bad and the ugly of the past, they cannot see the value in cultivating a positive attitude to the club's heritage, which is bigger than any owner. FF is right to raise this issue, as every self respecting club owner ought to show due deference to the deep history that makes their club what it is. If nothing else, it is good business sense.

 

Perhaps the owners could signal this by showing some interest in supporting any move to support Kevin Moore as a start?