Establishing a 'Saints Web Forum' Fans Representative.

[Colinjb]

If the club want to know the general feeling of the fans on here they can log on and have a look for themselves.

 

The problem with that being that the wide spread of opinion can be lost in arguments. Issues can be raised that are lost in arguments between one or two forum members, marginalising the viewpoint of the majority of more temperate forum users.

[StuRomseySaint]

If the club want to know the general feeling of the fans on here they can log on and have a look for themselves.

 

There are so many persona's on here though, that it doesn't give a true reflection of Saints fans feelings.

 

I think it is more of a case to have someone to go to the club/paper and say " Hey, we are not fakkin happy at not having installment plans " ( for example ) and putting more pressure on the club having to respond. ( Not that I think they will, it has been 10 days since complaints about ST's hit their email and not a wimper )

[buctootim]

The problem with that being that the wide spread of opinion can be lost in arguments. Issues can be raised that are lost in arguments between one or two forum members, marginalising the viewpoint of the majority of more temperate forum users.

 

Agree. Its surprising how often the more representative poll results are different from what you would take to be the majority view from reading the posts.

[lenwilkins]

I think your concept of time might be lacking somewhat, I resigned from the board of the Trust in January 2008.

 

For what it's worth, I'm not in favour of the idea.

 

It'll only end up with the same old situation where those "in charge" get the "you don't speak for me" comments aimed at them, and as a result those people might decide to leave the forum as they feel it's not a "forum" in the true sense anymore.

 

This forum has grown because of its diversity of opinion, forming a "group" like that would only serve to reduce that, IMO.

 

I did realise it was a while ago and certainly wasn't having a pop at you Steve.

 

My opinion is that the people who were and still are involved in the Trust are all fans doing their best and most of the flak they get on here is totally unwarranted and distasteful.

 

However if this site gets involved, it's either going to be The Saints Trust MKII or the Saints Forever/Wilde debacle all over again.

[stevegrant]

While the idea that this forum is a more valid representation of views is correct IMO. However, there is absolutely no need for a single representative to be pushed forward as "the voice of TSF".

 

It is abundantly clear that the site is able to publish sensible polls to enable fans to express an opinion. The missing component is that TSF has no formal link to the club and the OS. If that aspect was in place, the club could request the criteria for a poll to TSF MODs - they put the poll in place and any paying member (of TSF or indeed perhaps even any ST holder) who wishes to express an opinion could do so. The results could then be published via the OS and used as consultative notes in Board meetings. It would be so easy to set-up at little or no cost and wouldn't involve some trumpted up individual turning up on TV screens claiming to be the "voice of the fans". Open, transparent, truly reflective of fans views.

And nor will there ever be, otherwise this place loses its independence in an instant.

 

The club are obviously welcome to view the site and take poll results on board if they so choose (and I'm sure they have done in the past and will continue to do so, even if they wouldn't admit as much publicly), but I'm certainly not going to go down the route of any sort of "official" link, particularly one where they call the shots in terms of what questions are asked.

[Ponty]

The problem with that being that the wide spread of opinion can be lost in arguments. Issues can be raised that are lost in arguments between one or two forum members, marginalising the viewpoint of the majority of more temperate forum users.

 

There are so many persona's on here though, that it doesn't give a true reflection of Saints fans feelings.

 

I think it is more of a case to have someone to go to the club/paper and say " Hey, we are not fakkin happy at not having installment plans " ( for example ) and putting more pressure on the club having to respond. ( Not that I think they will, it has been 10 days since complaints about ST's hit their email and not a wimper )

If we polled the more pressing questions then it might give them an indication but it's hardly fair to send someone from the site to speak to the club unless the majority on the poll was 100% on one side. There's something intrinsically wrong with using the website as a force if not every single contributor is behind a standpoint.

[stevegrant]

I did realise it was a while ago and certainly wasn't having a pop at you Steve.

Fair enough, misunderstood the tone of your post

 

My opinion is that the people who were and still are involved in the Trust are all fans doing their best and most of the flak they get on here is totally unwarranted and distasteful.

 

However if this site gets involved, it's either going to be The Saints Trust MKII or the Saints Forever/Wilde debacle all over again.

Agreed, as per my post just above.

[The Kraken]

If we polled the more pressing questions then it might give them an indication but it's hardly fair to send someone from the site to speak to the club unless the majority on the poll was 100% on one side. There's something intrinsically wrong with using the website as a force if not every single contributor is behind a standpoint.

 

Its not for communication with the club though; its for communication with the press (ie The Echo).

 

It's all well and good "The Saints Trust" asking, through the Echo, for a meeting with the club but the club know full well that The Trust doesn't exist apart from two individuals.

 

The Echo putting pressure on the club with however many potential hundreds/thousands in a poll from here is, however, completely different and actually starts to give some credibility to a supposed groundswell of opinion. There doesn't need to be a 100% consensus so long as it is explained, for example, "of 968 people polled on the Saints Forum, 79% said that they believed the club had acted poorly in cancelling the ST payment scheme with no notice, and should make a comment explaining their decision".

 

OK, the figures are made up of course, but you get the idea.

[Thedelldays]

does it matter if the trust exist or not...

 

all week a few of you have been going ape...the "trust" (or who ever) have openly asked for talks via the local media

 

surely, this is what you want..?

 

but instead, you move on to the next thing to curse about..

 

odd

[The Kraken]

does it matter if the trust exist or not...

 

all week a few of you have been going ape...the "trust" (or who ever) have openly asked for talks via the local media

 

surely, this is what you want..?

 

but instead, you move on to the next thing to curse about..

 

odd

 

I'll refer you to the very first post on this thread.

 

"It is a distinct possibility that Saints Web Forum is the largest paid membership unofficial fans 'thing' that Southampton FC has. We obviously represent a wide snapshot of the opinions of the fanbase and as such could be seen as being better served then an organisation like the Saints Trust to represent fan opinion."

 

For what Illingsworth has done on this issue, I agree with his stance to try and get the club to comment. However, I've personally disagreed with a number of comments that have been made by "The Trust" in the past.

 

The club know that The Trust are made up of a very small number of people and therefore, as a pressure group of sorts, they are completely powerless. Having the backing of hundreds/thousands of fans behind you however changes the issue.

 

I'd prefer to have a situation whereby I didn't feel the club needed to be questioned over every decision they make. That said, I also don't agree that the customers should not be able to hold the club to account over broken promises. And whether you agree with it or not, quite a few people on here have disagreed with the way the club have bypassed their Fans Charter in the past few weeks, and as yet we've had no proper explanation from the club as to why. If the forum's influence can be used to extract an answer in this situation then I think it can only be a good thing, so long as it is done in the right way.

[Thedelldays]

does it matter if it is this forum or the trust, or stu on his own..as long as the club (in your opinion) explain..

 

who cares if the trust or nick illingsworth get them to do it..

 

did YOU contact the Echo..? did YOU let the echo know how you feel THIS site represents more saints fans than the trust..?

 

probably did not, would be my guess..

[The Kraken]

does it matter if it is this forum or the trust, or stu on his own..as long as the club (in your opinion) explain..

 

who cares if the trust or nick illingsworth get them to do it..

 

did YOU contact the Echo..? did YOU let the echo know how you feel THIS site represents more saints fans than the trust..?

 

probably did not, would be my guess..

 

First of all, it doesn't really matter if it's the Trust or this site that gets the club to engage. My point is, the club sees the Trust exactly as we do, a moribund association that is being held up by a handful of people. Therefore by not acceding to the Trust's wishes for a meeting, they're effectively denying a meeting in the same way as if I alone emailed in and asked for 30 minutes of Cortese's time. Go back 18 months or so though, when the Trust did have its 800 or so members, then they were a proper fans association which perhaps may well have been able to put more pressure on, but now they no longer can. Or SISA for that matter.

 

As for your question about whether I have contacted the Echo; sadly (on my behalf), yes I have. On the issue of the Trust I have contacted them on a number of times asking for clarification on why they continue to quote "Trust chairman" and not "Nick Illingworth" when they know they are a dead organisation. I've furthermore asked the same question of your mate Danny on this site, but have had no response from either. Sad I know, but there you are.

[dubai_phil]

For those with longer memories you may recall that this "organising a forum to try and solicit answers" happened once before.

 

The original intentions were great and good, but the aftermath of recrimination and abuse helped to hasten the demise of that forum. Those who tried to tale time out were abused in the most repeatable terms as "muddling egotistical morons".

 

Some of them still recieve regular abuse even today, so no, it is not going to work.

 

The Echo won't give us "group editorial space" as we compete with their own comments/forum pages which they use to drive hit rates to gain advertising revenues.

 

What SHOULD happen is that the Echo could publish the results of our more sensible polls but again, how do we define "Opinion"

 

As an example, I have expressed concerns all season regarding NC and the stories we have heard yet I still fully support his decision making to date. How will a representative from the forum put my opinion across? There are a number of (justifiably) outraged posters dominating threads at the moment about Communication, Installments, Ambition or Pitch Mowing, but are they the OPINION of all of us? What is the percentage of supoprt for Dune's campaign? If we really look at the threads then it would say "The majority of Saints fans are concerned just a little bit but think it is a storm in a teacup at the moment and are keeping a careful eye and reserving their judgement"

Result - is a fudge for some, and not getting an opinion across for others.

 

So great idea, we SHOULD have some form of voice, but NOT this way, only pain and hurt await

[Thedelldays]

how can this place be the "better" option for opinion..as unless you have a ST, you are not a real fan (apparently)...so that would rule out shed loads from this place..

[ericofarabia]

how can this place be the "better" option for opinion..as unless you have a ST, you are not a real fan (apparently)...so that would rule out shed loads from this place..

 

Try being an expat then .... how dare we even think about supporting the club unless we move back to an SO postal code

[NorthamSteve]

The problem with that being that the wide spread of opinion can be lost in arguments. Issues can be raised that are lost in arguments between one or two forum members, marginalising the viewpoint of the majority of more temperate forum users.

 

I'd say put everything to a vote.....

[ericofarabia]

I'd say put everything to a vote.....

 

Shall we get Unite to organise it

[Colinjb]

I'd say put everything to a vote.....

 

The very best plan. What cannot argue cannot lie.

[Joensuu]

For very good reason, nobody on here should step up to 'represent' us or the fans. Simply put, it won't work.

 

However, I would like to see the results of some polls (and only polls, not threads) broadcast by the local media. The caveat being that the question asked by a poll needs to be asked in a fair way (e.g. the 'will you reneue season ticket' poll should have had a way which allowed for people who previously didn't hold season tickets to vote, as I would guess many of them voted 'no', but had no intention of getting a season ticket anyhow).

 

Perhaps Danny could be asked to consider presenting some of the more balanced poll results in the Echo?

[NorthamSteve]

Shall we get Unite to organise it

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

 

Oh you're such a ****ing card!

[Block 5]

This forum has never reached consensus on anything and it never will (which is a good thing).

 

I don't think a representative is a good idea.

 

But if Dan Kerins or Gordon Simpson phoned Steve Grant up and asked to use a particular poll result from this forum in the Echo then why not.......?

[saint_bert]

Show them the Pompey Take over thread.

[Colinjb]

This forum has never reached consensus on anything and it never will (which is a good thing).

 

I don't think a representative is a good idea.

 

But if Dan Kerins or Gordon Simpson phoned Steve Grant up and asked to use a particular poll result from this forum in the Echo then why not.......?

 

Agreed, and THAT is, as you accept it's key strength.

 

It will never provide consensus, the idea here is not to get us to a point of consensus, it's to provide a voice that accurately reflects how the issues effecting the club are actually perceived in the fanbase. There will never be total consensus, but there will be a summary of reaction, thought and desire that can be polled. Any organisation like us that claims consensus in the fanbase has no credibility, we would need to be different, and be proud of that difference.

 

This is the best snapshot in any unofficial paid membership based organisation for Saints anywhere. It should be used and respected as such, rather then the spurious and redundant Saints Trust.

 

The echo using poll results here would be ideal, but in the mean time, a spokesperson, or at least some kind of agreement should be made to target the local media and stop the Saints Trust wrongly speaking for 'us.'

Edited 10 June, 2010 by Colinjb

[Saint Fan CaM]

And nor will there ever be, otherwise this place loses its independence in an instant.

 

The club are obviously welcome to view the site and take poll results on board if they so choose (and I'm sure they have done in the past and will continue to do so, even if they wouldn't admit as much publicly), but I'm certainly not going to go down the route of any sort of "official" link, particularly one where they call the shots in terms of what questions are asked.

 

Sorry Steve you misunderstood what I meant there I think. I was not for minute suggesting that the forum should be driven by the club, but rather the output from the forum could potentially contribute to the decision making at the club in a constructive and positive manner.

 

At the moment, I think most forum users could only guess at the reality of how much the Board look at forum output such as the results of polls on here for example. It is all largely hearsay. It might be more transparent and open to all forum users if specific polls were clearly designated as 'club polls' in a formal way to provide fans input. I repeat, this would not be the club influencing TSF - quite the opposite.

 

Lastly and the main thrust of my post, was that this would also mean that not just one 'spokesperson' would be in the spotlight with all the nonsense that attracts. The forum itself might be seen in an even more professional light and attract a higher membership - surely not a bad thing?

[saint-luco]

I'd vote for dog

 

gets my vote too

[EastleighSoulBoy]

There doesn't need to be a representative as such, as in an individual... just a closer link with the Echo so that stories are not published from one individual claiming to represent 1000 members.

 

Just Steve Grant giving the press/media a true reflection of what the feeling of the fans is on various issues.

 

However if some people want to set up a social commitee so I can meet Once Bitterne and punch the little c*nt in the face, I'm all for it.

 

Careful! There might be more than one wanting to do the same to you?

[StuRomseySaint]

Careful! There might be more than one wanting to do the same to you?

 

Everyone loves me in real life. I am a big fat cuddly bundle of fun.

[Thedelldays]

look what happened to saintsforever when it got too close to the club..

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

I vote for an Alpine/Soggy coalition. Would work a dream.

[The9]

I think your concept of time might be lacking somewhat, I resigned from the board of the Trust in January 2008.

 

For what it's worth, I'm not in favour of the idea.

 

It'll only end up with the same old situation where those "in charge" get the "you don't speak for me" comments aimed at them, and as a result those people might decide to leave the forum as they feel it's not a "forum" in the true sense anymore.

 

This forum has grown because of its diversity of opinion, forming a "group" like that would only serve to reduce that, IMO.

 

Also, you've managed to get on every radio and telly programme going as a Saints Fan without needing to represent anyone anyway, so why dilute it ?

 

Does make me laugh when people refer to the Saints Trust as anything other than an organisation that ceased being relevant in late 2007. AFAIK according to their policies on membership I'm still a member, but I only joined when we got cheaper Saints IFC match subs for a season for doing so, that must have been 3-4 years ago.

Edited 11 June, 2010 by The9

[stevegrant]

Sorry Steve you misunderstood what I meant there I think. I was not for minute suggesting that the forum should be driven by the club, but rather the output from the forum could potentially contribute to the decision making at the club in a constructive and positive manner.

 

At the moment, I think most forum users could only guess at the reality of how much the Board look at forum output such as the results of polls on here for example. It is all largely hearsay. It might be more transparent and open to all forum users if specific polls were clearly designated as 'club polls' in a formal way to provide fans input. I repeat, this would not be the club influencing TSF - quite the opposite.

Fair enough. The traffic stats from the SFC corporate network shows that there are a hell of a lot of people from the club reading the forum on a regular basis (although that might just be one person constantly pressing F5, to be fair ), so I would be amazed if they didn't use the forum to gather a subsection of opinion. Clearly it won't be entirely representative, as Stu pointed out the 3500 who logged in in the last month is only 8% of those who got tickets for Wembley via the club (and it's an even smaller percentage when you consider how many got tickets via Club Wembley and the Carlisle ticket office), but that's still a much larger group of people with a collective interest than most opinion polls.

 

Lastly and the main thrust of my post, was that this would also mean that not just one 'spokesperson' would be in the spotlight with all the nonsense that attracts. The forum itself might be seen in an even more professional light and attract a higher membership - surely not a bad thing?

Yeah perhaps, although I would argue that as long as you have a half-decent grasp of a) how the media works and how your words can be twisted to suit whatever angle the press are trying to portray, and b) how to avoid saying things that are going to wind people up, you won't get too much hassle.

[Secret Site Agent]

Following on from the 'Saints Trust meeting' thread this idea has come up.

 

It is a distinct possibility that Saints Web Forum is the largest paid membership unofficial fans 'thing' that Southampton FC has. We obviously represent a wide snapshot of the opinions of the fanbase and as such could be seen as being better served then an organisation like the Saints Trust to represent fan opinion.

 

There are a few 'worries' in recent club policy that yes, do need to be addressed. Regardless of personal opinion that is clear to see, and taking ourselves as an organisation to represent fan opinion makes clear sense.

 

So, the questions I see are as follows.

 

1) Would the mods and administrators of this community be happy to allow the formation of an elected representative to convey the views of the forum to the wider media/club?

 

2) Do the members of the forum itself see this as worthwhile?

 

and of course.....

 

3) How would the formation of a 'constitution' for this idea be managed if it was seen to be a good idea?

 

There is a lot of open subject matter here. However, as a raw idea. It's a start.

 

Well, shoot. I did make mention of this as an idea. Well, I do support, if he is willing, Steve, as he is a Mod here, has a very balanced and well thought out views, and he doesn't express his own opinion as others.

 

I Vote Grant. He will get things done.

[bungle]

The group of fans that the club should pay most attention to is the one that pays to attend games.

 

When you meet Saints fan at games (home and away) their views are often startlingly dissimilar to those expressed on the internet. I've always found attendees are much more pragmatic about things - also they have more respect for others views, even if they are different.

 

I also don't believe an internet board is at all representative of the fan base. Demographically those who use the internet, especially more regularly, tend to be younger people. Should we ignore a generation that doesn't regularly post on the internet? (I realise there are exceptions.)

 

So would be completely against something like this happening.

[Minty]

When you meet Saints fan at games (home and away) their views are often startlingly dissimilar to those expressed on the internet. I've always found attendees are much more pragmatic about things - also they have more respect for others views, even if they are different.

 

Respect for others' views?!? Careful, you might start something. Here's hoping anyway...

[Scudamore]

The group of fans that the club should pay most attention to is the one that pays to attend games.

 

When you meet Saints fan at games (home and away) their views are often startlingly dissimilar to those expressed on the internet. I've always found attendees are much more pragmatic about things - also they have more respect for others views, even if they are different.

 

I also don't believe an internet board is at all representative of the fan base. Demographically those who use the internet, especially more regularly, tend to be younger people. Should we ignore a generation that doesn't regularly post on the internet? (I realise there are exceptions.)

 

So would be completely against something like this happening.

 

Agree with this. Especially the dissimilar views bit.

 

Anyway this is all a non starter if Steve is against it now isn't it really?

[Baj]

He's not the only one against it........

[Smirking_Saint]

Fair enough. The traffic stats from the SFC corporate network shows that there are a hell of a lot of people from the club reading the forum on a regular basis (although that might just be one person constantly pressing F5, to be fair ), so I would be amazed if they didn't use the forum to gather a subsection of opinion. Clearly it won't be entirely representative, as Stu pointed out the 3500 who logged in in the last month is only 8% of those who got tickets for Wembley via the club (and it's an even smaller percentage when you consider how many got tickets via Club Wembley and the Carlisle ticket office), but that's still a much larger group of people with a collective interest than most opinion polls.

 

 

Yeah perhaps, although I would argue that as long as you have a half-decent grasp of a) how the media works and how your words can be twisted to suit whatever angle the press are trying to portray, and b) how to avoid saying things that are going to wind people up, you won't get too much hassle.

 

Pardew used to read the Reading board all the time during his time there and even banned one poster from the training ground as he kept posting his formations and probable teams on the site after watching at said sessions.

 

I find it hard to believe that at least some of the club officials and players don't have a nose around every now and again, wouldn't you be interested in opinion ?

[Minty]

Pardew used to read the Reading board all the time during his time there and even banned one poster from the training ground as he kept posting his formations and probable teams on the site after watching at said sessions.

 

lol! You'd never see that happen at Saints... Ahem.

[Scudamore]

He's not the only one against it........

 

Are you Bajer?

[Baj]

Absolutely

[Wiltshire Saint]

Seeing as a number of people have nominated me, I am willing to be the fans representative. I don't need to tell you all of my qualifications for the job, you've all seen how eloquent I am and the passion I have for Southampton FC. I am willing to stand up against bullies like NC, as anyone who frequents the Plume will be able to testify to.

 

I will contact the club shortly with an email explaining a little about who I am and what I expect our relationship to be like. I will start gently but make it very clear that I will not be messed about.

 

Thanks for all your support and words of kindness.

 

Wiltshire Saint

Southampton FC Official Supporters Rep

[Smirking_Saint]

Absolutely

 

I am not sure if i am with this idea or not actually, reading some of the posts on here has sort of changed my mind, i get the fact that anyone that is a figurehead of any supporters association will get grief from some quarters.

 

Unfortunately the only thing i am sure of, is not just that NI 'does not speak on my behalf' but more that those supporter numbers he claims to gauge opinion from are so few.

[Scudamore]

Absolutely

 

Good. We're all agreed then. Except those that disagree...but we'll crush them soon enough and assume total power. Then we can set about the motion to put forward our views as those of others that don't necessarily agree with us. Keep up the good work Baj.

[StuRomseySaint]

Personally, on reflection, I think it is a complete waste of time.

 

Ultimately our fans will get the club they deserve.

[Saint Richard of Woolston]

 

This forum has grown because of its diversity of opinion, forming a "group" like that would only serve to reduce that, IMO.

 

I quite agree, fwiw. There is no such thing as a 'representative fan' so there can hardly be a Fan or Group of Fans being the Fans' Representative. Just my few pence worth.

 

If you have an issue, write to the Club. Lots of people sent Christmas Cards when Il Duce was flavour of the month - now send him some letters about the withdrawal of the Installment Pan. I did, although I am unaffected personally.

[bungle]

Respect for others' views?!? Careful, you might start something. Here's hoping anyway...

 

We live in hope.

 

However, I can remember numerous lively discussions with other Saints fans before/during/after games where people have had very different views. But everyone respects you are a Saints fan and have your own opinion.

 

And I'll always remember Hull away on a Tuesday night with one section of Saints singing "Harry Redknapp's Red and White Army" followed by "We want Redknapp out!" from another section stood right next to them, all as part of the same song.

[latter day saint]

We live in hope.

 

However, I can remember numerous lively discussions with other Saints fans before/during/after games where people have had very different views. But everyone respects you are a Saints fan and have your own opinion.

 

And I'll always remember Hull away on a Tuesday night with one section of Saints singing "Harry Redknapp's Red and White Army" followed by "We want Redknapp out!" from another section stood right next to them, all as part of the same song.

 

its a lot easier to slag some off from behind the safety of a keyboard. no chance of getting a slap for being an arrogant,rude tw*t

[John B]

The group of fans that the club should pay most attention to is the one that pays to attend games.

 

When you meet Saints fan at games (home and away) their views are often startlingly dissimilar to those expressed on the internet. I've always found attendees are much more pragmatic about things - also they have more respect for others views, even if they are different.

 

I also don't believe an internet board is at all representative of the fan base. Demographically those who use the internet, especially more regularly, tend to be younger people. Should we ignore a generation that doesn't regularly post on the internet? (I realise there are exceptions.)

 

So would be completely against something like this happening.

 

Totally agree most Saints Fans I meet and talk too are quite reasonable

[Wes Tender]

Personally, on reflection, I think it is a complete waste of time.

 

Ultimately our fans will get the club they deserve.

 

Although I suspect that this is the throwaway line equivalent to a shrug of the shoulders, nevertheless I think that it hits the nail right on the head.

 

The time that this sort of action was needed, was during the turmoil and disunity of the Lowe era, when there was a board structure and shareholders had some clout. Currently, the running of the club is down to Nicola Cortese on behalf of Markus Liebherr, therefore the only clout we have is actually through our financial input, through match attendances and buying merchandise.

 

Although there might be the occasional hiccup, generally the perception of most is that the club is being run well and that we will progress back to the Premiership under the current ownership. I'm also confident that Cortese realises the importance of good customer relations and the necessity of maintaining them, in order to maximise income and improve profitability.

 

OK, so there is a bit of a grouse that some might be upset that they cannot pay by installments. Well, actually they can, but not through the club. Perhaps their financial situations due to the recession have furnished them with an excuse to stop going. For those who continue to attend, the promise is of an even better season with more exciting developments than last season.

 

I agree that this forum is a good indication of a cross section of the fan base. But if the Echo wish to have a view representative of the fans, then they can easily get it from here. As I understand that they have staff who post here too, surely it shouldn't be beyond their wit to select a few of the posters whose views they deem to be reasonable and sensible and PM them, asking if they can be contacted for an opinion on breaking news that has not been debated on here yet. Likewise, the club also read this forum too so I believe and are therefore cognisant of the opinions of a decent cross section of fans.

 

Personally, the Trust or SISA do not speak for me and are increasingly an irellevance due to the miniscule numbers of their memberships. If the Echo or other media persist in using them as rent-a-quote, then increasingly they will be held to ridicule and contempt from the larger fan base. If they were to constantly be bombarded with e-letters pointing out that those spokespersons did not voice the opinions of the masses, then the message would penetrate eventually.

[La BoIS Saint]

We live in hope.

 

However, I can remember numerous lively discussions with other Saints fans before/during/after games where people have had very different views. But everyone respects you are a Saints fan and have your own opinion.

 

And I'll always remember Hull away on a Tuesday night with one section of Saints singing "Harry Redknapp's Red and White Army" followed by "We want Redknapp out!" from another section stood right next to them, all as part of the same song.

 

Lol! Can't remember which camp I was in at the time, probably sang both!