Ted Bates Trophy

[Saint Fan CaM]

On the last post, I think it is important that people understand there are many different ways of supporting a club.

 

You are one of the "success at any cost" groups of fans. You want Southampton to get into the Premiership and be a major national force. For each one of you, there is as many, if not more that being in the Premiership is not on the list of priorities, let alone challenging for honours. With that comes costs... Cortese has put his markers out... "if you want Southampton to be in the Premiership, then it's you the fan that will pay for it, not Liebherr" , charging for just about everything they can get away with.

 

This will be acceptable to the core support ( which make up the majority of the forum, but the minority away from it ) but others are happy in League 1/Championship and away from the costs and commercialism of the Premiership.

 

You're talking complete and utter nonsense again. I said quite clearly that it's the journey that really matters.

 

If the strategy of the club is to strive for Premiership football in a controlled and sustainable manner (e.g. real investment in the Academy), can you honestly criticise that? Do you think players go into a football match thinking "I know, I'll play quite mediocre today" - of course they don't - they want to win! It's obviously inevitable that sooner or later if you're successful in individual football matches that you will reach the pinnacle of the sport... i.e. the Prem. So if the CLUB has high aspirations that match yours, well welcome to the real world - we all pay for the things in life we want. If anyone doesn't want to be a part of a successful football club then go support one with lesser aspirations and pay less money - simple.

 

So I challenge you to come out and confirm to everyone on here that you do NOT want Saints to win as many games as possible. Come on, stop dancing around the subject - an honest answer to a direct question please.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

Why does it matter? Why do you need an annual match to remember him? It can be done in other ways. Pardew said last summer that games like Ajax game aren't good to have in preseason.

 

btw "I am afraid there is no news about a Ted Bates Trophy Match" doesn't mean there won't be any news in the future.

 

Yes, I do think there should be a memorial match which became an SFC tradition. Some people won't care, plenty of people do... but no doubt you won't appreciate that, because your way of supporting SFC is the only way isn't it?

 

3 weeks away from the only free Saturday.

 

They have tickets on sale for every other match up until October. Do you think it's likely the club are going to have one pre-season?

 

Anyway, I am not getting into another debate with trolls like you who will dissagree with anything I say just for the sake of it.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

You're talking complete and utter nonsense again. I said quite clearly that it's the journey that really matters.

 

If the strategy of the club is to strive for Premiership football in a controlled and sustainable manner (e.g. real investment in the Academy), can you honestly criticise that? Do you think players go into a football match thinking "I know, I'll play quite mediocre today" - of course they don't - they want to win! It's obviously inevitable that sooner or later if you're successful in individual football matches that you will reach the pinnacle of the sport... i.e. the Prem. So if the CLUB has high aspirations that match yours, well welcome to the real world - we all pay for the things in life we want. If anyone doesn't want to be a part of a successful football club then go support one with lesser aspirations and pay less money - simple.

 

So I challenge you to come out and confirm to everyone on here that you do NOT want Saints to win as many games as possible. Come on, stop dancing around the subject - an honest answer to a direct question please.

 

I have no interest in Saints being in the Premiership. I know loads of people that feel the same.

 

You honestly seem to think that the only type of supporter is one that wants to pay whatever it takes for Saints to challenge in the Premiership?

 

If the costs are too high, the majority supporters won't turn up. That is a fact. In the prem to some extent they may be replace by corporate customers, neutrals, away supporters or PAYG fans.

 

Why are P*mpey going to end up with more season ticket holders this year than they did last year in the Premiership? Why will they probably have a higher attendances?

 

Answer - Because their prices are realistic again now and there is more value for money in the CCC

 

Listen pal, I am saying that there is many different types of supporter.

 

Are you telling me there is only one?

[hypochondriac]

I think you've answered your own question there. We've not had any confirmation whatsoever that it's been scrapped. Even if it's been postponed, so what? If it had been organised, we'd have the likes of you and others complaining the club's making money out of Mary Bates death?! FFS...move on.

 

I wouldn't have said that so why put words in my mouth? As I have already said, ticket office staff have already said there is not one this year. We are commenting on a messageboard (a place to give opinions) about the reaction if the club have scrapped the game (which it seems is the case if what ticket office staff say is true)

[Matthew Le God]

Why are P*mpey going to end up with more season ticket holders this year than they did last year in the Premiership? Why will they probably have a higher attendances?

 

Answer - Because their prices are realistic again now and there is more value for money in the CCC

 

Saints had alot more season ticket holders when they were in the Prem than they do in League One. The Prem season tickets were also more expensive.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

Saints had alot more season ticket holders when they were in the Prem than they do in League One. The Prem season tickets were also more expensive.

 

Our Prem season ticket prices were very very reasonable. Not the 'Chelsea prices' that P*mpey fans were paying. I think even someone as simple as you can realise that 'Chelsea prices' is exactly where we are heading too if we get in the Premiership.

[Matthew Le God]

Yes, I do think there should be a memorial match which became an SFC tradition. Some people won't care, plenty of people do... but no doubt you won't appreciate that, because your way of supporting SFC is the only way isn't it?

 

3 weeks away from the only free Saturday.

 

They have tickets on sale for every other match up until October. Do you think it's likely the club are going to have one pre-season?

 

Anyway, I am not getting into another debate with trolls like you who will dissagree with anything I say just for the sake of it.

 

I don't disagree with you for the sake of it. I disagree with you because I genuinely think the opposite to you on a number of issues.

 

Do you think the club should play a high profile team in a memorial match at home in pre season even if the manager thinks it may disrupt his preparation for the upcoming season?

[Dave Benson Phillips]

I don't disagree with you for the sake of it. I disagree with you because I genuinely think the opposite to you on a number of issues.

 

Do you think the club should play a high profile team in a memorial match at home in pre season even if the manager thinks it may disrupt his preparation for the upcoming season?

 

Yes. Because to be the best you have to play the best. And it's a memorial to the greatest servant to Southampton FC in our 125 year history, in the year that his wife, another loyal servant to SFC passed away.

 

I appreciate the fact you might not be bothered, I also appreciate the fact that many people will find it wrong that the club have pulled it.

 

Can you accept that some people won't be bothered about it and some people will? And neither set of fans are wrong?

[Saint Fan CaM]

I have no interest in Saints being in the Premiership. I know loads of people that feel the same.

 

You honestly seem to think that the only type of supporter is one that wants to pay whatever it takes for Saints to challenge in the Premiership?

 

If the costs are too high, the majority supporters won't turn up. That is a fact. In the prem to some extent they may be replace by corporate customers, neutrals, away supporters or PAYG fans.

 

Why are P*mpey going to end up with more season ticket holders this year than they did last year in the Premiership? Why will they probably have a higher attendances?

 

Answer - Because their prices are realistic again now and there is more value for money in the CCC

 

Listen pal, I am saying that there is many different types of supporter.

 

Are you telling me there is only one?

 

 

IMO there are just two types of supporter in theory - those that like to see their team win and those that don't, although clearly it's difficult to comprehend why anyone would want be in the 2nd camp, which brings me back to the fact you've not answered the question.

 

Do you want to see Saints win games? Yes or No?

 

If it's yes, then that means that over time inevitably you will expect the team will rise through the league(s). That means paying more money. Do you actually expect the club to poll it's 30k+ supporters asking whether half-way up the CCC is OK for them in relation to the spend!?!? LOL - get real!

[hypochondriac]

Yes. Because to be the best you have to play the best. And it's a memorial to the greatest servant to Southampton FC in our 125 year history, in the year that his wife, another loyal servant to SFC passed away.

 

I appreciate the fact you might not be bothered, I also appreciate the fact that many people will find it wrong that the club have pulled it.

 

Can you accept that some people won't be bothered about it and some people will? And neither set of fans are wrong?

 

That's the point. I disagree with you MLG but unlike many of the posters on the opposite side of the fence to me, I don't feel the need to belittle your opinion or shout abuse at other posters.

[Matthew Le God]

Yes. Because to be the best you have to play the best. And it's a memorial to the greatest servant to Southampton FC in our 125 year history, in the year that his wife, another loyal servant to SFC passed away.

 

I appreciate the fact you might not be bothered, I also appreciate the fact that many people will find it wrong that the club have pulled it.

 

Can you accept that some people won't be bothered about it and some people will? And neither set of fans are wrong?

 

I would actually like them to have a high profile friendly at St Mary's every year.

 

But...

 

I also think it should be at the discretion of the manager of the club at the time and how he feels he wants to organise his preseason so the team is ready for the season ahead. You don't "need" a trophy match to remember the great work Ted Bates did. Remembering Ted can be done in many different ways(he has a stature outside the Itchen Stand for a start) and certainly shouldn't influence the managers plans for preseason or dictate to them.

Edited 5 July, 2010 by Matthew Le God

[Dave Benson Phillips]

IMO there are just two types of supporter in theory - those that like to see their team win and those that don't, although clearly it's difficult to comprehend why anyone would want be in the 2nd camp, which brings me back to the fact you've not answered the question.

 

Do you want to see Saints win games? Yes or No?

 

If it's yes, then that means that over time inevitably you will expect the team will rise through the league(s). That means paying more money. Do you actually expect the club to poll it's 30k+ supporters asking whether half-way up the CCC is OK for them in relation to the spend!?!? LOL - get real!

 

 

You are having a real pedantic view, failing to understand and see SFC from other peoples eyes. Of course I want Saints to win games, but in the grand scheme of things, from a selfish personal point of view, I would prefer us to stay in the Championship, the prices are better, the grounds are better, the atmosphere is better etc... I am far from alone in that view.

 

If Saints got to the Premiership again, I and many others would not go to every game, picking and choosing the odd game. Yes we will be replaced by corporate customers and neutrals etc, but it doesn't get away from the fact that some/alot of people want value for money. Paying £50 for 90 minutes is not value for money.

 

However, in the Champ/League 1, paying £25 is alot easier to warrant spending the money... so it attracts a completely different customer base.

 

Can you not appreciate that not everyone want Saints in the Prem?

[Dave Benson Phillips]

I would actually like them to have a high profile friendly at St Mary's every year.

 

But...

 

I also think it should be at the discretion of the manager of the club at the time and how he feels he wants to organise his preseason so the team is ready for the season ahead. You don't "need" a trophy match to remember the great work Ted Bates did. Remembering Ted can be done in many different ways and certainly shouldn't influence the managers plans for preseason or dictate to them.

 

Can you appreciate that there will be some people who will be dissapointed at the lack of a Ted Bates Trophy and appreciate their reasons why?

 

Yes or No?

[Matthew Le God]

Can you appreciate that there will be some people who will be dissapointed at the lack of a Ted Bates Trophy and appreciate their reasons why?

 

Yes or No?

 

I can understand that some might. However as I stated I don't think that should take preference or influence over the pre season of the current season. I'm sure Ted wouldn't want a game to remember him having a negative influence on Southampton's preparations for the upcoming season. Thus it should be at the managers discretion who the team play.

 

Ted has a fitting tribute to him already in the form of the statue in a prominent position outside the main stand of the stadium.

[Saint_clark]

I can't believe there are some people who don't care about scrapping a tradition which relates to the biggest legend SFC has ever known.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

I can understand that some might. However as I stated I don't think that should take preference or influence over the pre season of the current season. I'm sure Ted wouldn't want a game to remember him having a negative influence on Southampton's preparations for the upcoming season. Thus it should be at the managers discretion who the team play.

 

Ted has a fitting tribute to him already in the form of the statue in a prominent position outside the main stand of the stadium.

 

So you agree that some people might want one, some people might not be bothered, and both sets of supporters have a right to their opinion and both are correct and justified?

 

Yes?

[Thedelldays]

maybe pards does not want it this year..?

[Saint_clark]

maybe pards does not want it this year..?

 

What difference does it make to him? We're still playing a home game this pre-season, are we not? What difference does it make if a trophy is presented at the end of it.

[Thedelldays]

What difference does it make to him? We're still playing a home game this pre-season, are we not? What difference does it make if a trophy is presented at the end of it.

 

it makes every difference..unless you think he has no say on our pre season opponents..?

[Matthew Le God]

So you agree that some people might want one, some people might not be bothered, and both sets of supporters have a right to their opinion and both are correct and justified?

 

Yes?

 

Do you not know what the phrase "I don't think that should take preference or influence over the managers plans for pre season" means?

 

As I said, Ted has a fitting tribute in the form of a statue outside the stadium, I doubt he'd want a game to remember him having a negative influence on the club he loved preparations for the upcoming season.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

Do you not know what the phrase "I don't think that should take preference or influence over the managers plans for pre season" means?

 

As I said, Ted has a fitting tribute in the form of a statue outside the stadium, I doubt he'd want a game to remember him having a negative influence on the club he loved preparations for the upcoming season.

 

I am not asking that.

 

I am asking you a very simple question. Can you understand there are 2 sides to the argument and nobody is wrong in having their opinion?

 

Yes or No?

[hypochondriac]

If this game has been removed, do you not think the very least we deserve is an explanation?

[benjii]

Isn't the point of the match that is a prestige game which befits Ted's memory?

 

There is no point in us playing against prestige opposition so I can understand the decision. When we are in the PL, or maybe Championship, we can bring it back.

 

I'm not sure why the club haven't made an announcement though. I imagine there is still an awful lot of flux and transition going on behind the scenes; this is the first opportunity the new management has had to use the close-season break to get things done. They seem to have overlooked their PR slightly but I reckon that will probably settle down as the club continues its progress towards one that looks the way they want it to look from top to bottom.

[Matthew Le God]

What difference does it make to him? We're still playing a home game this pre-season, are we not? What difference does it make if a trophy is presented at the end of it.

 

Because Pardew might think it is not good preparation for the season to be tonked by a big side. I'm sure Ted wouldn't want a memorial game for him to have a negative influence on the club he loved preparations for the up coming season.

 

He has a fitting tribute in the form of a statue. Which is what the majority of clubs do. I'd ask you name some other clubs that have an annual memorial game against a top side though I reckon you'd struggle to name more than a handful if that.

[Matthew Le God]

I am not asking that.

 

I am asking you a very simple question. Can you understand there are 2 sides to the argument and nobody is wrong in having their opinion?

 

Yes or No?

 

I have already answered that.

 

Questions to you -

 

Ted already has a fitting tribute in the form of a statue as do many other clubs for their legands.

 

Can you many name other clubs that influence and dictate to the manager his pre season by having a high profile annual memorial game for a club legend?

 

Do you not think it is better that the manager decides what is best rather for his group of players than the fans?

Edited 5 July, 2010 by Matthew Le God

[Hopkins]

So you agree that some people might want one, some people might not be bothered, and both sets of supporters have a right to their opinion and both are correct and justified?

 

Yes?

 

Not having a go or anything but do you also understand that some people might not want the game? As you said yourself, some people do, but some people don't. I don't particularly care myself, i'd love it if we played a big team but it's not up to me. It's up to Pardew/Cortese whoever. Maybe two of the people that don't want the game are Pardew and Cortese? For whatever reason, just the same as you wanting the game , they don't want the game for whatever reason.

 

As you said, not one particular reason is wrong. Just a difference in opinions and ultimately when its all said and done, it's Cortese and Pardew's opinions that count.

[hypochondriac]

I have already answered that.

 

Questions to you -

 

Ted already has a fitting tribute in the form of a statue as do many other clubs for their legands.

 

Can you many name other clubs that influence and dictate to the manager his pre season by having a high profile annual memorial game for a club legend?

 

Do you not think it is better that the manager decides what is best rather for his group of players than the fans?

 

Do you think that if we are not given an explanation for the removal of the trophy that that is unacceptable?

[Matthew Le God]

Do you think that if we are not given an explanation for the removal of the trophy that that is unacceptable?

 

It has not been confirmed that it has been stopped. That email Stu has received doesn't rule it out. I don't really see why it needs a public explanation for every decision the club makes. It would be polite if they privately informed the Bates family of the reason.

[Saint_clark]

Because Pardew might think it is not good preparation for the season to be tonked by a big side. I'm sure Ted wouldn't want a memorial game for him to have a negative influence on the club he loved preparations for the up coming season.

 

He has a fitting tribute in the form of a statue. Which is what the majority of clubs do. I'd ask you name some other clubs that have an annual memorial game against a top side though I reckon you'd struggle to name more than a handful if that.

 

Why does it matter what other clubs are doing? The point is we started a tradition and now it's just been thrown out the window.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

I have already answered that.

 

Questions to you -

 

Ted already has a fitting tribute in the form of a statue as do many other clubs for their legands.

 

Can you many name other clubs that influence and dictate to the manager his pre season by having a high profile annual memorial game for a club legend?

 

Do you not think it is better that the manager decides what is best rather for his group of players than the fans?

 

Mary Bates chose the Ted Bates Trophy as a fitting tribute to her husband when he passed away.

 

Mary herself passed away only weeks ago.

 

Excuse me if I find it a bit inconsiderate to pull a Ted Bates Trophy game this year of all years. ( Whilst still keeping an open mind, as the clubs communication is so poor there may well still be one )

 

And I see no quote whatsoever from Pardew about not wanting a high profile friendly anywhere and do not believe he wouldn't think it was a good idea to test the players.

[hypochondriac]

It has not been confirmed that it has been stopped. That email Stu has received doesn't rule it out. I don't really see why it needs a public explanation for every decision the club makes. It would be polite if they privately informed the Bates family of the reason.

 

So you would be fine for the Ted Bates Trophy not to be contested (if this is the case, which it appears to be according to ticket office staff) and for there to be no explanation to the fans for its removal? Wow I really do have a totally different opinion to most saints fans on here.

[Saint Fan CaM]

You are having a real pedantic view, failing to understand and see SFC from other peoples eyes. Of course I want Saints to win games, but in the grand scheme of things, from a selfish personal point of view, I would prefer us to stay in the Championship, the prices are better, the grounds are better, the atmosphere is better etc... I am far from alone in that view.

 

If Saints got to the Premiership again, I and many others would not go to every game, picking and choosing the odd game. Yes we will be replaced by corporate customers and neutrals etc, but it doesn't get away from the fact that some/alot of people want value for money. Paying £50 for 90 minutes is not value for money.

 

However, in the Champ/League 1, paying £25 is alot easier to warrant spending the money... so it attracts a completely different customer base.

 

Can you not appreciate that not everyone want Saints in the Prem?

 

Yes, I can understand what you're saying and in fact, I agree with you to a point. But it's never going to happen is it - it's a pipedream? I repeat, winning games = continued success and inevitably climbing up the ladder. And yes, there will be a small minority who cannot afford to go in the future who will be replaced by others. I might be one of those people, but I cannot predict this - if I could, I would know the lottery results and so wouldn't need to worry about money - but I digress. And I would hazard a guess that for the likes of yourself, it's not just about the 90mins - it's the occasion of the day with your mates. I do agree that £50 is excessive, but that's not a problem Saints, NC or indeed any other football club can solve in isolation - that's down to complete reform of the game, so really not worth debating in relation to the OP.

 

I don't agree about the atmosphere in SMS by the way - I would much prefer to see/hear SMS rammed with 32k+ in the Prem than with 20k in L1. And I would imagine that when we thrash Chelski, ManUre (again) or Spurs in the Prem, you will be there and you will be more than happy to be eating your words too!

Edited 5 July, 2010 by Saint Fan CaM

[Matthew Le God]

Why does it matter what other clubs are doing? The point is we started a tradition and now it's just been thrown out the window.

 

Just because an annual tradition is started doesn't mean it can't be reviewed to see if it is actually a good idea to continue with.

 

If the manager feels it has a negative influence on his pre season then that should be a good enough reason to stop it. I'm sure Ted wouldn't want a memorial to him having a negative impact on the club he loved.

 

He has a statue as a fitting tribute.

[djharvey]

Has the club actually announced that the TBT has been scrapped? i actually don't know!

 

Or are people running away with presumptions based on hearsay.

 

I actually hope there is a TBT game this year and await official news on this! Tick Tock Tick Tock.

 

I bet if there is a TBT game then certain people won't admit they were wrong, but instead shout from the rooftops that the club has backed down and given in to the 'Uproar'.

[Saint_clark]

Just because an annual tradition is started doesn't mean it can't be reviewed to see if it is actually a good idea to continue with.

 

If the manager feels it has a negative influence on his pre season then that should be a good enough reason to stop it. I'm sure Ted wouldn't want a memorial to him having a negative impact on the club he loved.

 

He has a statue as a fitting tribute.

 

I'll go along with your assumption that Pardew doesn't want us getting tonked in pre-season by a top European side.

Why can the Reading game not be classed as the Ted Bates Trophy game then?

[Saints foreva]

Would be a shame, but we shall see.

 

Another thing, does anyone know if we will be having a Solent fan forum this season? Both Bournemouth and Skates have already announced theirs....

[Thedelldays]

I'll go along with your assumption that Pardew doesn't want us getting tonked in pre-season by a top European side.

Why can the Reading game not be classed as the Ted Bates Trophy game then?

 

I would rather NOT have reading win the trophy thanks...I can take it when Lazio or Ajax lift it...but not reading...

 

thanks though

[Matthew Le God]

Why can the Reading game not be classed as the Ted Bates Trophy game then?

 

No one can be sure if the TBT has been cancelled.

 

The email Stu got doesn't rule it out, just says they have no news atm. There is a big gap in preseason for the weekend of the 24th, maybe they are waiting until the Reading game has sold more tickets because it may put people off if a bigger game is announced on the 24th.

[hypochondriac]

Has the club actually announced that the TBT has been scrapped? i actually don't know!

 

Or are people running away with presumptions based on hearsay.

 

I actually hope there is a TBT game this year and await official news on this! Tick Tock Tick Tock.

 

I bet if there is a TBT game then certain people won't admit they were wrong, but instead shout from the rooftops that the club has backed down and given in to the 'Uproar'.

 

Ticket office staff said there was not a game this year.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

No one can be sure if the TBT has been cancelled.

 

The email Stu got doesn't rule it out, just says they have no news atm. There is a big gap in preseason for the weekend of the 24th, maybe they are waiting until the Reading game has sold more tickets because it may put people off if a bigger game is announced on the 24th.

 

Didn't Hypo say he was told by the Ticket Office there wouldn't be a TBT game?

 

But you're right, the communication at the club is so p!ss poor, there's every chance there will be a game.

[stevegrant]

Has the club actually announced that the TBT has been scrapped? i actually don't know!

Well the wall of silence from the club is hardly helping to get rid of the speculation, and with only three weeks before the only remaining free Saturday in the pre-season calendar, if there is going to be a TBT game, they're leaving it pretty late to organise and sell tickets for.

 

If, as the case may be, it's because Pardew doesn't want us playing top European opposition for fear of getting spanked (I would argue that it's a good test, and that the players naturally raise their game against quality opposition, as they did against Ajax last season before running out of steam in the second half) then fine, but why not come out and say so? And as Saint_clark says, why not then use the Reading game as the TBT game? Barely any additional effort needs to go into it as the game's already been arranged.

[Hopkins]

Also, can I just say, the very idea that the match was a tribute to Ted Bates himself I always found quite baffling anyway. The last match against Ajax, nobody even mentioned him until the 1 minute presentation at the end to the Ajax team who just gave the trophy back and everyone trudged off after being given the run around for 90 minutes. It was a mere round of applause from the fans but ultimately the game was about Pardew, Markus etc.

 

The lack of communication is shocking and I can't believe people are still defending it (Although, I reckon we'll hear a few things in mass in the next few days/week). But I can understand why this Ted Bates thing can be seen as pretty pointless. Getting the run around for 90 minutes for a small presentation and a round of applause at the end is not really worth it and hardly a "tribute".

[stevegrant]

Another thing, does anyone know if we will be having a Solent fan forum this season? Both Bournemouth and Skates have already announced theirs....

It's scheduled for "early September", according to Solent's Twitter feed a while ago. Watch this space, I guess.

[hypochondriac]

It's scheduled for "early September", according to Solent's Twitter feed a while ago. Watch this space, I guess.

 

That would be good if so. Lets hope we get that at least and then I can bring up these points face to face.

[fish fingers]

Maybe no one wanted to play us,

or we didn't want to pay out a fee to get some average European team to come and play us e.g Chievo, Parma etc

or they are lining up a match at the end of the season

or Pardew, given his comments after the Ajax match, decided he didn't want this as part of his pre season plans.

or we were too busy wrapping up the signing of Michael Owen and forgot to return the call to Barcelona to confirm the match.

[djharvey]

Well the wall of silence from the club is hardly helping to get rid of the speculation, and with only three weeks before the only remaining free Saturday in the pre-season calendar, if there is going to be a TBT game, they're leaving it pretty late to organise and sell tickets for.

 

If, as the case may be, it's because Pardew doesn't want us playing top European opposition for fear of getting spanked (I would argue that it's a good test, and that the players naturally raise their game against quality opposition, as they did against Ajax last season before running out of steam in the second half) then fine, but why not come out and say so? And as Saint_clark says, why not then use the Reading game as the TBT game? Barely any additional effort needs to go into it as the game's already been arranged.

 

So the club haven't announced that there is to be no TBT game then! Ok when/if they announce there is to be no TBT game i will join some on here condemning the decision.

 

Until then though i will keep my fingers crossed!

[MarkSFC]

DBP....where has it been said that when we get to the Premier League ticket prices will be £50 and Chelsea-esque?

 

I would expect no more than £35 absolute top whack but honestly doubt it would go that high. You do like to voice your opinion in a manner which suggests fact. I'm sure it's deliberate and I'm sure you like the reaction you get.

 

You talk of the Ted Bates trophy being "a tradition" when it's been going for only a few years. I'm not saying it should be abandoned persee but if the game is to truly reflect on TB it should fit in with the first teams preparation. If the manager whoever he is, and obviously that's AP right now thinks it's not the right prep to play a high profile club then so be it.

 

Maybe in honour of Mr and Mrs Bates there should be one game every season where the gate receipts are donated on their behalf to the Saints Foundation or to a cause that the Bates family choose. Local ground level football perhaps?

 

I would also like the academy to be named The Ted Bates Academy.

 

I doubt this though as I suspect NC is on the verge of announcing that DaveBenson"StuRomseySaint"Phillips is going to be appointed as football consultant and his first task will be to reverse the takeover and put the club back into administration because that way we will take much longer to achieve promotion. He will then have to re introduce the installment plan for the season tickets and obviusly at just £125 each (5 months at £25 should be affordable). He will also put in a condition that everyone who buys a centenary ST can buy one every season from now for the same price. This way he and his mates can always afford to go. As income drops the players will be sold - by Stu in his call centre - and the funds will not go back into the playing squad but will be shared out amongst the families of the recently jailed thugs. Community project alive and kicking. As the players leave and the team gets worse Stu and his mates enjoy the luxury of sitting exactly where they wish because no one else turns up.

As times become increasingly hard Stu and his mates hire a coach and visit Eastleigh for a big local derby. The subsequent defeat is tempered by a great day in the pub and pulling a local Eastleigh bird. They then get the coach back home.

 

Following the devastating defeat to Eastleigh Stu sacks AP and employs the cheapest manager available- himself.

 

Finally. Mission completed. Football Consultant and Manager.

 

Anyone who thinks this is nonesense is retarted.

[Dave Benson Phillips]

That would be good if so. Lets hope we get that at least and then I can bring up these points face to face.

 

Absolutely no chance of there being an open and un-censored fans forum. No chance whatsoever.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Well the wall of silence from the club is hardly helping to get rid of the speculation, and with only three weeks before the only remaining free Saturday in the pre-season calendar, if there is going to be a TBT game, they're leaving it pretty late to organise and sell tickets for.

 

If, as the case may be, it's because Pardew doesn't want us playing top European opposition for fear of getting spanked (I would argue that it's a good test, and that the players naturally raise their game against quality opposition, as they did against Ajax last season before running out of steam in the second half) then fine, but why not come out and say so? And as Saint_clark says, why not then use the Reading game as the TBT game? Barely any additional effort needs to go into it as the game's already been arranged.

 

Come on Steve - what could the club possibly say? "Sorry, but we're not holding the TBT this year because we are worried the team are not up to a spanking"!?!?! Hardly motivating. We should sit back and wait to see what transpires perhaps before worrying too unduly. In the big picture of season preparation this really is small stuff IMO.

[hypochondriac]

So the club haven't announced that there is to be no TBT game then! Ok when/if they announce there is to be no TBT game i will join some on here condemning the decision.

 

Until then though i will keep my fingers crossed!

 

Ticket office staff have said there is no TBT game.