Echo dispute reaches Express

[NickG]

That's offensive.

 

Because I don't agree with you about the spat between Cortese and the Echo, I'm dumped into the category of people who "seem to have an agenda against NC and the club" and told that we'd have to be "a ****ing moron to agree with what the Echo did".

 

You - like virtually everyone else spouting off about this topic, including me - have no KNOWLEDGE about what has really happened here.

 

I'm urging both of them to act with some maturity and sort it out. You're acting like a lynch mob cretin, firing accusations and obnoxious comments around willy-nilly.

 

What do you know about the dispute?

What do you know that NC has done wrong, or lacked maturity?

 

I know the reports of NC's actions sound like an over-reaction.

 

I know that Murray took a whole page to air his view.

I know that Murray said that he missed Lowe.

I know that Murray made further digs comparing Lowe favorably to NC

I know that the Echo published an article linking NC with a move to Italy

I know that the Echo published an article mocking NC, saying they had approached a random journalist in a random town in Italy who didn't know NC, provoking the headline "Nicola who" - clearing insinuating he was a nobody and no one in Italy would want him.

I know the Echo then published article saying Inter Milan wanted him.

I know NC has not commented on the Echo's moans.

 

NC may have huge ego and maybe out of order, but I will not judge him on the opinions of Murray (who does not like football by the way).

 

The echo need saints a lot more than the other way around and think they will soon realise that. Unfortunately for them, and possibly for the livelihoods of their employees I think Murray will not be up to sorting this out.

Edited 3 February, 2010 by NickG

[itchen]

I'm not going to read the Express article. But does it manage to bring Princess Diana or asylum seekers into the story?

[John B]

What do you know about the dispute?

What do you know that NC has done wrong, or lacked maturity?

 

I know the reports of NC's actions sound like an over-reaction.

 

I know that Murray took a whole page to air his view.

I know that Murray said that he missed Lowe.

I know that Murray made further digs comparing Lowe favorably to NC

I know that the Echo published an article linking NC with a move to Italy

I know that the Echo published an article mocking NC, saying they had approached a random journalist in a random town in Italy who didn't know NC, provoking the headline "Nicola who" - clearing insinuating he was a nobody and no one in Italy would want him.

I know the Echo then published article saying Inter Milan wanted him.

I know NC has not commented on the Echo's moans.

 

NC may have huge ego and maybe out of order, but I will not judge him on the opinions of Murray (who does not like football by the way).

 

The echo need saints a lot more than the other way around and think they will soon realise that. Unfortunately for them, and possibly for the livelihoods of their employees I think Murray will not be up to sorting this out.

 

Perhaps Murray wants to sort it out and Cortses does not so they are just reporting the News.

 

 

There does not seem to be any confirmation that AC Milan were after Cortese but they may have been but I find it highly unlikely that AC Milan wanted Cortses after only a few weeks running SFC but only time will tell.

Edited 3 February, 2010 by John B

[NickG]

the "Nicola who" article didn't look like it!

 

If I was NC I would not waste my time with Murray after those articles.

 

I would await a written apology, or just get on with running the club.

 

Not a huge loss for him who internet, solent etc

[CanadaSaint]

What do you know about the dispute?

What do you know that NC has done wrong, or lacked maturity?

 

Why don't you try reading my post first - as in the part where I said "You - like virtually everyone else spouting off about this topic, including me - have no KNOWLEDGE about what has really happened here."

 

We know, or think we know, certain things. I suspect there's a lot we don't know, and I've said that on multiple occasions.

 

NC may have huge ego and maybe out of order, but I will not judge him on the opinions of Murray (who does not like football by the way).

 

And I'm not judging him on the opinions of Murray, who seems to have his own set of problems.

 

I'm asking both of them to show some maturity and get this thing resolved, and I'm also asking people without the necessary knowledge to stop taking sides and making a bad situation worse.

 

What exactly are you doing other than joining in with the populist movement to shred the Echo, and misrepresenting the comments of people who aren't so quick to join the lynch mob?

[NickG]

it wasn't having a go at you - just using mine to as a follow on. But I did take you asking him to show maturity as a suggestion that you thought he wasn't?

 

the "you" perhaps should have read "what do we know"

[1976_Child]

I can't remember the last time I bought a copy of the Echo. I do hope that the club and the paper can sort their relationship out though. I suspect that there is more to it than just the Staplewood press release.

[CanadaSaint]

it wasn't having a go at you - just using mine to as a follow on. But I did take you asking him to show maturity as a suggestion that you thought he wasn't?

 

the "you" perhaps should have read "what do we know"

 

Fair enough, Nick.

 

I'm p*ssed off at all of them. No, if it's true that the Echo has pushed out an olive branch and Nicola ignored it (which I end to believe because - as you said - he does have an ego), I don't think he has shown maturity. The charity story (seen through the eyes of a non-Saints fan) didn't look good, and the club will need general public support down the road.

 

But it's certainly true that Murray has himself acted like a pompous pr*ck and showed a lot of immaturity by throwing petrol on the fire.

 

They both need to park it and move on because there are much bigger issues on the road ahead than frigging Staplewood.

 

What has been getting my goat all along is that people have been so quick to take Cortese's side on this without knowing the facts, and that a lot of those same people would have savaged Lowe (who I dislike intensely) if he'd pulled the same stunts.

 

This forum taking Cortese's side without knowing all the facts is not, in my view, going to get this issue resolved.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Fair enough, Nick.

 

I'm p*ssed off at all of them. No, if it's true that the Echo has pushed out an olive branch and Nicola ignored it (which I end to believe because - as you said - he does have an ego), I don't think he has shown maturity. The charity story (seen through the eyes of a non-Saints fan) didn't look good, and the club will need general public support down the road.

 

But it's certainly true that Murray has himself acted like a pompous pr*ck and showed a lot of immaturity by throwing petrol on the fire.

 

They both need to park it and move on because there are much bigger issues on the road ahead than frigging Staplewood.

 

What has been getting my goat all along is that people have been so quick to take Cortese's side on this without knowing the facts, and that a lot of those same people would have savaged Lowe (who I dislike intensely) if he'd pulled the same stunts.

 

This forum taking Cortese's side without knowing all the facts is not, in my view, going to get this issue resolved.

 

This forum, even if we knew all the facts, would not get this issue resolved. And to be fair, I was classed as a Lowe luvvie by some (thank you Alps ), and so I would not have ripped into him. It was the Echo's fault, the ball is in their court. Print a big apology, and they'll get back in, I guarantee it.

[Block 5]

You're acting like a lynch mob cretin, firing accusations and obnoxious comments around willy-nilly.

 

2 point infraction like me?

[John B]

This forum, even if we knew all the facts, would not get this issue resolved. And to be fair, I was classed as a Lowe luvvie by some (thank you Alps ), and so I would not have ripped into him. It was the Echo's fault, the ball is in their court. Print a big apology, and they'll get back in, I guarantee it.

 

Why apologise if you think you have done nothing.

 

The Echo and Cortese need to talk

[CanadaSaint]

This forum, even if we knew all the facts, would not get this issue resolved.

 

Fair observation. I should have said "help to get this issues resolved" because I think Cortese has people who keep a close eye on this forum as part of his "finger on the pulse".

[CanadaSaint]

2 point infraction like me?

 

Not yet. I've always been a good boy.

 

I got a little angry but DP and I have good history.

[Redondo Saint]

Fair enough, Nick.

 

I'm p*ssed off at all of them. No, if it's true that the Echo has pushed out an olive branch and Nicola ignored it (which I end to believe because - as you said - he does have an ego), I don't think he has shown maturity. The charity story (seen through the eyes of a non-Saints fan) didn't look good, and the club will need general public support down the road.

 

But it's certainly true that Murray has himself acted like a pompous pr*ck and showed a lot of immaturity by throwing petrol on the fire.

 

They both need to park it and move on because there are much bigger issues on the road ahead than frigging Staplewood.

 

What has been getting my goat all along is that people have been so quick to take Cortese's side on this without knowing the facts, and that a lot of those same people would have savaged Lowe (who I dislike intensely) if he'd pulled the same stunts.

 

This forum taking Cortese's side without knowing all the facts is not, in my view, going to get this issue resolved.

 

 

I have taken Cortese's side in this (without knowing all the facts of the story) as Murray/The Echo have a history (in my opinion) of ego trips and spin.

So far, NC has not put a foot wrong for the club.

 

The Echo it would appear, will do anything to sell papers - even using a charity as a tool to cause trouble with the city's football club.

[Block 5]

Not yet. I've always been a good boy.

 

I got a little angry but DP and I have good history.

 

I am sitting on the naughty step.

[CanadaSaint]

I am sitting on the naughty step.

 

Did Jo tell you that your behaviour was "un-ass-eptable"?

[Avenue Saint]

havent read this whole thread bar the first link but the echo could do with a boot up the arse. after all ml and nc have done for us, for them to try n shoot him down?... Saints r my team, who r the daily ****in echo?? they aint **** to me. two fingers to em. I got my club's back!

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Sorry, I'll just close the site then, if you're making the rules now and telling us we're not allowed to discuss anything

 

Believe it or not, there are many people who aren't "a ****ing moron" or an employee of the Daily Echo who are able to come to their own conclusions based around the information they have available to them (which may or may not be more than the majority on here are privy to), rather than just listening to those who like to metaphorically stamp their feet shouting "I'm right, I'm right" at the top of their voices.

 

Also, it's rather ironic that you should say the Echo "did wrong and must pay for it", given that you took the time to visit the Echo site (and thus providing them with advertising revenue) in order to retrieve Dan Kerins' byline photograph...

 

Quite nicely put

[CanadaSaint]

I have taken Cortese's side in this (without knowing all the facts of the story) as Murray/The Echo have a history (in my opinion) of ego trips and spin.

So far, NC has not put a foot wrong for the club.

 

I hear you, Redondo, but I can't help wondering if - somewhere down the road - we'll need an Echo that isn't cowed by the fear of anger from within the Club. That has happened before and it will doubtless happen again, so we can't criticize them now for doing something we might fully expect them to do in the future.

 

I'm not viewing this so much as Cortese vs Murray.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Wrong. The club have no responsibilty to the echo. Ideally they will have a open and positive relationship for best coverage. The echo look childish. The "ban" although who really knows the story, sounds petty.

 

I think NC is doing the right thing in keeping his silence on their antics.

 

I agree the club have no responsibility to the Echo, but both parties have a responsibility to the citizens of this City some of whom rely on the local newspaper for information about their local football team. This is a true story. While waiting for the nos 1 bus last week at Otterbourne to go to the match v Stockport, a litle old lady at the bus stop said if you are going to the football give them a cheer for me, my Dad used to take me to the Dell. I asked her if she had been to St Marys and she said No "I just follow them through the Echo".

 

Murray is a twit - no doubt about it and of course the club are a bigger commodity but NC is not covering himself with glory here. If he wants to make a point v Murray fair enough but do it in a way that is less childish and harmful to the general public. Perhaps ask Murray for a public letter of apology? maybe a pint I don't know but this is stupid.

Nick, contrary to what you think NC is as fallible as the next man and, if you don't mind me saying you would be wise to temper your unconditional, unwavering support.

[SaintBobby]

I'm a huge fan of the new regime, but from what I can surmise, they are not handling this well re: The Echo.

 

The media in this country are not - thank God - beholden to abide by the requests of NC and others.

 

It's important to understand that the Echo didn't break an embargo. They decided to publish a story about the new training ground based on information already in the public domain.

 

Deciding not to acede to Cortese's requests should not be grounds upon which to ban them from St. Mary's.

 

Since then, there may have been petulance and over-reaction on both sides, but it's in everyone's interests that this dispute is brought to a close.

 

In general terms, I think the arrical of Liebherr and Cortese has been brilliant. But my worry is that if there were true - but unpalatable - stories about Southampton Football Club, would any media that reported them also be subject to such draconian treatment?

 

The problem, of course, is that this has probably now become about face-saving rather than about the original dispute.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Fair enough, Nick.

 

I'm p*ssed off at all of them. No, if it's true that the Echo has pushed out an olive branch and Nicola ignored it (which I end to believe because - as you said - he does have an ego), I don't think he has shown maturity. The charity story (seen through the eyes of a non-Saints fan) didn't look good, and the club will need general public support down the road.

 

But it's certainly true that Murray has himself acted like a pompous pr*ck and showed a lot of immaturity by throwing petrol on the fire.

 

They both need to park it and move on because there are much bigger issues on the road ahead than frigging Staplewood.

 

What has been getting my goat all along is that people have been so quick to take Cortese's side on this without knowing the facts, and that a lot of those same people would have savaged Lowe (who I dislike intensely) if he'd pulled the same stunts.

 

This forum taking Cortese's side without knowing all the facts is not, in my view, going to get this issue resolved.

 

I think this is a very fair reflection of where we are.

 

I have been told by people in both "camps" that Murray is keen to meet to sort it out but NC won't talk.

His perogative I agree but, I think he has made his point.

I think Murray will be the loser here because his position is becoming untenable but NC needs to stop digging his hole.

[NickG]

I agree the club have no responsibility to the Echo, but both parties have a responsibility to the citizens of this City some of whom rely on the local newspaper for information about their local football team. This is a true story. While waiting for the nos 1 bus last week at Otterbourne to go to the match v Stockport, a litle old lady at the bus stop said if you are going to the football give them a cheer for me, my Dad used to take me to the Dell. I asked her if she had been to St Marys and she said No "I just follow them through the Echo".

 

Murray is a twit - no doubt about it and of course the club are a bigger commodity but NC is not covering himself with glory here. If he wants to make a point v Murray fair enough but do it in a way that is less childish and harmful to the general public. Perhaps ask Murray for a public letter of apology? maybe a pint I don't know but this is stupid.

Nick, contrary to what you think NC is as fallible as the next man and, if you don't mind me saying you would be wise to temper your unconditional, unwavering support.

 

agree with all of that, until you last paragraph!

[Block 5]

I agree the club have no responsibility to the Echo, but both parties have a responsibility to the citizens of this City some of whom rely on the local newspaper for information about their local football team. This is a true story. While waiting for the nos 1 bus last week at Otterbourne to go to the match v Stockport, a litle old lady at the bus stop said if you are going to the football give them a cheer for me, my Dad used to take me to the Dell. I asked her if she had been to St Marys and she said No "I just follow them through the Echo".

 

Murray is a twit - no doubt about it and of course the club are a bigger commodity but NC is not covering himself with glory here. If he wants to make a point v Murray fair enough but do it in a way that is less childish and harmful to the general public. Perhaps ask Murray for a public letter of apology? maybe a pint I don't know but this is stupid.

Nick, contrary to what you think NC is as fallible as the next man and, if you don't mind me saying you would be wise to temper your unconditional, unwavering support.

 

To the best of my knowledge NC has made no public comment about the matter. That demonstrates professionalism.

 

Murray on the other hand has used the Echo in an attempt to publicly undermine NC.

[NickG]

and humiliate him - which is why, whatever the rights or wrongs of the initial spat (probably petty) I think NC is quite reasonably ignoring Murray - I would do the same

[Elmore]

Some old-timers rely on the Echo for Saints' coverage and the club and the Echo have a responsibility to sort this out.

I hear Murray is keen to attempt a reconciliation but NC will not meet.

 

I agree it should be settled - I'd also like to hear the club's view.

 

The Echo's website coverage of Saints so far this season has been much better quality than usual I think - a refreshing change and long may it continue.

[John B]

To the best of my knowledge NC has made no public comment about the matter. That demonstrates professionalism.

 

Murray on the other hand has used the Echo in an attempt to publicly undermine NC.

 

Before we can come to a conclusion of the rights and wrongs of the case we need to know the facts so perhaps Cortese should explain why the Echo is banned.

 

Cortese may have a good reason for banning the Echo but not because the Editor is supposed to be a pratt

 

This would mean that a fair size proportion of the UK would be banned as well;)

Edited 3 February, 2010 by John B

[Red&White]

The issue with the Echo is more from the fact that they were asked to delay a day and get all the details and have all the pic's and information they wanted. However to sell more papers on the day the Echo published the little information they got from else where and use that to entice people to buy the paper. Instead of waiting an extra 24 hours and then publish everything which probably would of sold more papers in the long run.

 

I stand by the club on this. Although small it is the principle that counts here.

 

Agree

[saintkiptanui]

The dispute is in the Public domain I am surprised it has not reported earlier by a national Newspaper they like anything like this .

 

Oh just f*ck off

[NickG]

The only account saying NC has done wrong is from Murray.

 

Enough said!

[John B]

Oh just f*ck off

 

Perhaps you should reconsider your response

 

 

I dont think it is particularly clever to be abusive on this forum.

 

 

 

It is possible to have a valid point of view which is opposite to yours

[docker-p]

Everyone could just let Ian Murray know what we think of him....

 

ian.murray@dailyecho.co.uk

 

What 'we' think of him? I've got my own mind.

I think that NEITHER party is doing themselves any credit here, and as it's SFC rather than the Echo I care about I wish NC what stop behaving like a spoilt child.

[NickG]

has he?

[saintkiptanui]

Why do we have so many fans who like to put a downer on the club?? makes no sense.

[docker-p]

To the best of my knowledge NC has made no public comment about the matter. That demonstrates professionalism.

 

Murray on the other hand has used the Echo in an attempt to publicly undermine NC.

 

Not all together a fair assessment. It's Murray's job to comment on things, and i don't call banning all Echo personnel, with mug shots issued to stewards, over a minor spat demonstrates professionalism.

[Ciaran]

To the best of my knowledge NC has made no public comment about the matter. That demonstrates professionalism.

 

Does it necessarily?

 

He could be keeping quiet because he can't adequately explain the reason for the banning without looking petulent and silly.

[CB Saint]

I probably feel more empathy towards the NC camp, but I think that this really is becoming somewhat of a farce now. whoever is right or wrong, it is beginning to undermine NC and Murray is looking more of a prat by the day.

 

Forget it and move on now, guys.

[Weston Saint]

The only account saying NC has done wrong is from Murray.

 

Enough said!

 

Not so. I have information from both camps via a friend. I am not going to disclose the goings on but I think Cortese was wrong in banning the echo but suspect from what I am told he was spoiling for a fight and to mark out his ground.

 

I am led to believe Murray is known not to stand aside when faced with a threat or to apologise. His spat against Cortese in his editorial was unwise and silly.

 

This is Cortese v Murray not SFC v Echo.

 

It is stupid and unneccessary on both sides. Don't just blame the Echo

 

I suspect Cortese will win the day in due course and the relationship between the sports reporters and football managment will resume thereafter.

 

Will be wise for Murray to hold his counsel, let the dust settle and I am sure Cortese will agree to a meeting to "clear the air" in due time. Any further attacks on Cortese in the Echo will just play into his hands.

[krissyboy31]

Will be wise for Murray to hold his counsel, let the dust settle and I am sure Cortese will agree to a meeting to "clear the air" in due time. Any further attacks on Cortese in the Echo will just play into his hands.

 

If he had done this in the first place, we wouldn't be where we are today. In fact we probably wouldn't have heard of the spat at all because it would have been resolved behind closed doors. Cortese may have been harsh and hasty with the banning order but it is completely down to Murray's responses that the situation has perpetuated.

[hypochondriac]

Not so. I have information from both camps via a friend. I am not going to disclose the goings on but I think Cortese was wrong in banning the echo but suspect from what I am told he was spoiling for a fight and to mark out his ground.

 

I am led to believe Murray is known not to stand aside when faced with a threat or to apologise. His spat against Cortese in his editorial was unwise and silly.

 

This is Cortese v Murray not SFC v Echo.

 

It is stupid and unneccessary on both sides. Don't just blame the Echo

 

I suspect Cortese will win the day in due course and the relationship between the sports reporters and football managment will resume thereafter.

 

Will be wise for Murray to hold his counsel, let the dust settle and I am sure Cortese will agree to a meeting to "clear the air" in due time. Any further attacks on Cortese in the Echo will just play into his hands.

 

Good post Weston, especially the last bit.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Not yet. I've always been a good boy.

 

I got a little angry but DP and I have good history.

 

I do like Edmonton, lovely city (funnily enough, where I was born ).

[CanadaSaint]

I do like Edmonton, lovely city (funnily enough, where I was born ).

 

Excellent. I'll give it your regards when I get back at the end of March - I ran away to Phoenix for the winter (Edmonton's only downside)!

[Under Weststand]

Whilst I'm not going to blindly & without knowledge of the absolute truth say that NC is without fault in this spat. I do lean towards NC in this case, as since he has been here IMHO he has only dealt in certainties. He has not given out tit bits & rumour, but simply told us as & when things have been finalised. Now I don't know what happened in his meeting with Murray over the training ground indecent, but it seems & has been stated by Murray that NC asked for 24-hrs grace & he went against that. Murray made that call NC has made his decision & since then Murray has done everything to antagonise the spat using his paper & now nationals to stir it up. Now the whole thing does look bad, & I do believe it needs sorting out. But it needs an apology by Murray to start the process in my opinion. As been said do Saints need Murray? or does Murray need Saints more. until Murry stops this continuous attack on NC there will be no reconciliation.

Sort it out guys!

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

What 'we' think of him? I've got my own mind.

 

Oooooooooooooo. Sorry, I didn't mean to speak on behalf of others. I just assumed that considering how much NC has done for the club he could be afforded the benefit of the doubt in this one, considering the fact that all we've heard is the Skate Murrays version of events. Perhaps I'm wrong, perhaps the fact that it was down to him bringing Liebherr here we could show some loyalty. Not give him carte blanche, obviously, just a bit of loyalty. Ah well, turns out some just aren't as appreciative as others.

[Weston Saint]

If he had done this in the first place, we wouldn't be where we are today. In fact we probably wouldn't have heard of the spat at all because it would have been resolved behind closed doors. Cortese may have been harsh and hasty with the banning order but it is completely down to Murray's responses that the situation has perpetuated.

Quite possible that Cortese knew Murray would react in the way he did. A shrewd cookie is our Mr Cortese.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Excellent. I'll give it your regards when I get back at the end of March - I ran away to Phoenix for the winter (Edmonton's only downside)!

 

Those -40 winters get a bit boring don't they! At least in Phoenix you get to see a bit of the Cards (Kurt Warner I salute you).

[Fitzhugh Fella]

agree with all of that, until you last paragraph!

 

Yes I can understand why you might not have agreed to that last bit.

 

All I will say is while NC seems to be a steady hand on the tiller and, on the surface, to be doing a good job, I think we should all save our "adulation" until he actually delivers a little more. I am not having a go at you now because I can understand why many see ML and NC's involvement as a massive plus (and it has to be considering the alternative was Pinnacle) but that does not mean we should treat their evey act as being the right step.

 

Cortese has made his point Nick, Murray is wounded, probably fatally, so now is a very good time to play the magnaminious humble winner scenario.

 

I support NC in this over Murray because Murray really is a prize prat, but I can't say I want the Echo to be destroyed. And that could happen and it would be caused by a man who this time last year had never picked up the Echo in his life.

 

Food for thought.

[docker-p]

Oooooooooooooo. Sorry, I didn't mean to speak on behalf of others. I just assumed that considering how much NC has done for the club he could be afforded the benefit of the doubt in this one, considering the fact that all we've heard is the Skate Murrays version of events. Perhaps I'm wrong, perhaps the fact that it was down to him bringing Liebherr here we could show some loyalty. Not give him carte blanche, obviously, just a bit of loyalty. Ah well, turns out some just aren't as appreciative as others.

 

I care about Southampton FC a lot. That means I want the best possible for and from the club.

I'm delighted ML arrived with NC, and I'm pleased about whats happening on the pitch.

What I'm not happy about is people running my club falling out with the media. Whoever is to blame this is a mistake.

ANY public organisation that falls out with significant areas of the media has failed.

The Labour party will give the Sun full access to all it's MPs and events despite the ****** written about them in that rag, as will the Tory party to the Mirror. If you're wise you use the media and try to manipulate it, if you're dumb you ban it. A vast majority of SFC 'customers' live within the Echo area, and a vast majority of people get their information about SFC from the Echo.

[SnailOB]

Yes I can understand why you might not have agreed to that last bit.

 

All I will say is while NC seems to be a steady hand on the tiller and, on the surface, to be doing a good job, I think we should all save our "adulation" until he actually delivers a little more. I am not having a go at you now because I can understand why many see ML and NC's involvement as a massive plus (and it has to be considering the alternative was Pinnacle) but that does not mean we should treat their evey act as being the right step.

 

Cortese has made his point Nick, Murray is wounded, probably fatally, so now is a very good time to play the magnaminious humble winner scenario.

 

I support NC in this over Murray because Murray really is a prize prat, but I can't say I want the Echo to be destroyed. And that could happen and it would be caused by a man who this time last year had never picked up the Echo in his life.

 

Food for thought.

 

Do you not feel that the continuous reports undermining NC & SFC (as per my earlier post / the whole charity debate is the the one that really p*ssed me off) by the DE have made it very hard to repair this broken relationship ?

 

Don't believe NC is an angel but this 'spat' seems to have gone way past a disagreement over an article about Staplewood. I agree that NC 'may' have been a bit petty with his initial response (and i say 'may' as there are still no real facts about what really happened in the public domain) but since this episode, the behaviour of the DE has been disgraceful - real 'gutter press' stuff.

 

How do you really think NC / SFC should proceed with this matter ?

 

You say Murray has been seeking an audience but all the public see is more **** stirring in the public domain. Not the way i would go about trying to 'be friends'

[capitalsaint]

I just don't understand the argument that the info was already in the public domain. The Echo could quite easily have just said 'in tomorrow's edition, exclusive information about Southampton's new training development' etc, showing that they were aware of the story and will give its readers a fat load of juicy information the next day. Then they'd have had exclusive quotes from NC and all would have been well.

 

Just because the info was in the public domain doesn't mean they had to print it that second, plenty of media organizations ration the release of information, irrespective of their rivals. Just look at SSN! I don't see how the Echo would have been disadvantaged as we'd have still bought it in order to get all the inside info about the project, whether it had a pathetic 50 words in a red-top or not.