5Live Now on an awful week for Saints supporters

[alpine_saint]

Stop that c*nt Illingsworth thinking he represents us.... someone.... please....

 

And he wonders why so many hate him.

 

He'll be on his site tomorrow, whining about how he was only giving his personal opinion.

[Appy]

Chairman of the saints trust. Does the saints trust still exist?

[The Rover]

Just in case there is anyone on here with an open mind, this is the point that Nick was trying to make. He's just clarified it on TUI:

 

 

The two lines are taken from two different sentences.

 

In the first the gist of what I mentioned was that whilst Adkins might fit the bill in many areas, he was used to managing younger players etc, whereas here we have a team of league 1 superstars.

 

The arrogant quote was in the context of the press and was responding to Mark Cleminson mentioning that it was hard to get any info from the club, I said that we used to be very well respected, and seen as a friendly club, now with the actions of recent weeks and the banning of photos etc, we are seen as arrogant.

[Saint_clark]

And he wonders why so many hate him.

 

He'll be on his site tomorrow, whining about how he was only giving his personal opinion.

 

Just in case there is anyone on here with an open mind, this is the point that Nick was trying to make. He's just clarified it on TUI:

 

Didn't even take that long.

[dubai_phil]

Just in case there is anyone on here with an open mind, this is the point that Nick was trying to make. He's just clarified it on TUI:

 

Ah the joys of well meaning amateurs talking to the press.

 

His comments will of course be quoted out of context and our "spokesman" has just confirmed what the rest of football have been learning of late.

 

We're all a bunch of arrogant sods.

 

Thanks Nick. Don't give up the day job. If you really want to keep this up I can arrange a training lesson for you with LLS.

[Wade Garrett]

Nick doesn't repair photocopiers does he?

 

Was he Xerox trained?

[Pat from Poole]

Illingsworth truly is a c*nt.

 

No he isn't. Have you ever actually met the bloke?

 

Jeez, some people.

[Pat from Poole]

I have seen him being interviewed on TV with the words 'Nick Illingsworth - Southampton Supporters Representative'.

 

Hes not my representative!

 

 

Regardless of what you say, the way the football-obsessed media are (not least SSN), they're always wanting a contact within the fanbase of a club to get a barometer of fans' opinions, invariably requiring interviews at short notice. I'm sure Nick would more than happily let somebody else do it, it's hassle he probably doesn't need.

 

I know he's had a bad press about the Silverspoons fiasco, which will take a long time to live down, but this vendetta against him is crazy. People seem to easily forget he's had his season ticket taken away from him.

[The Rover]

Ah the joys of well meaning amateurs talking to the press.

 

His comments will of course be quoted out of context and our "spokesman" has just confirmed what the rest of football have been learning of late.

 

We're all a bunch of arrogant sods.

 

Thanks Nick. Don't give up the day job. If you really want to keep this up I can arrange a training lesson for you with LLS.

 

He makes no pretence of being a professional. He's a fan speaking for himself. It so happens that the press have his number as being someone who will talk about Saints. It would appear that there aren't many willing to do that.

 

This spokesman bit doesn't come from him - it's a standing joke on TUI.

 

Rather than offer him a training session why don't you phone the BBC and give them your number then we can hear a professionally trained speaker talking about the club?

 

There are certain people on this site (not you Phil) who seem to delight in being negative for the sake of it. I feel sorry for them if that is their outlook on life.

[SaintNeil90]

People seem to easily forget he's had his season ticket taken away from him.

 

Thats simply because nobody cares!

[rocknrollman no2]

Regardless of what you say, the way the football-obsessed media are (not least SSN), they're always wanting a contact within the fanbase of a club to get a barometer of fans' opinions, invariably requiring interviews at short notice. I'm sure Nick would more than happily let somebody else do it, it's hassle he probably doesn't need.

 

I know he's had a bad press about the Silverspoons fiasco, which will take a long time to live down, but this vendetta against him is crazy. People seem to easily forget he's had his season ticket taken away from him.

 

Like him or not,i still think its disgusting that a fan of Southampton has been denied a ST for no reason whatsoever.

[Pat from Poole]

Thats simply because nobody cares!

 

Are you speaking on behalf of yourself or all Saints fans? I'm sure you're not being a hypocrite......

[scott_saints]

Illingsworth doesn't claim to be the voice of vans, HOWEVER, he is extremely proud of being the person the media ring up and thinks he's more important than he is.

[Gemmel]

, HOWEVER, he is extremely proud of being the person the media ring up and thinks he's more important than he is.

 

It's a mantle he has tried to pass on, even to some members of this forum. No takers so far.

Give the guy a break, even if you dont like him, he's a Saints fan, who travels up and down the Country to support the team, as opposed to those that just snipe behind a computer.

[hypochondriac]

Well that was an enlightening program. Not.

[dubai_phil]

He makes no pretence of being a professional. He's a fan speaking for himself. It so happens that the press have his number as being someone who will talk about Saints. It would appear that there aren't many willing to do that.

 

This spokesman bit doesn't come from him - it's a standing joke on TUI.

 

Rather than offer him a training session why don't you phone the BBC and give them your number then we can hear a professionally trained speaker talking about the club?

 

There are certain people on this site (not you Phil) who seem to delight in being negative for the sake of it. I feel sorry for them if that is their outlook on life.

 

The problem is not whether he is professional or not, it's about understanding the "other side" so when he is asked to talk there is always an agenda (they ain't gonna ask if there ain't no story). So whatever he tries to do will always stand the risk of getting twisted to fit the story. Ergo he MAY well make sense BUT the outcome is often putting oil on flames.

 

Negativity - God I never realised until I left how right the Aussies are "Whineging Poms". There was an article last week in the Torygraph about research showing that moaning made people FEEL better. No wonder teh forum is full of them. Life's a *****, you can marry one, work for one or just get dumped on by it, but it is a hell of a waste to spend it moaning rather than enjoying what time you have on the merry-go-round.

 

As for giving my number. Lol - I ain't no TT.

BUT for the Historians, yes I did do my bit, I did put together something for the Echo which they published (and I mailed elsewhere) and Poortvliet was resigned the next morning, TROUBLE is I can only talk about feelings and analysis. I can't talk about the games as I only see two or three a year and so try to not get drawn into those types of debates or discussions about the merits of blokes who I only heard about through their Diet books or the number of times they go to a sun-tan parlour

[SuperMikey]

No he isn't. Have you ever actually met the bloke?

 

Jeez, some people.

 

Sorry Nick, it won't happen again.

[B Rabbit]

It's a mantle he has tried to pass on, even to some members of this forum. No takers so far.

Give the guy a break, even if you dont like him, he's a Saints fan, who travels up and down the Country to support the team, as opposed to those that just snipe behind a computer.

 

Well said... 99% of people making jibes have probably never met the chap (if you have and formed your own opinion then so be it) and generally just spouting off ********...The man goes to pretty much every sodding game...and people quite happily sit on here and pass on remarks...the same people who ..can't afford to go to games, work on saturday, play sport, have the shopping to do, have a family blah blah blah.

Nick makes a commitment to go and watch Saints and is entitled to his opinion just like anyone else....he is contacted by the media...and if the media contacted pretty much any of you lot to give your opinion, i'm quite certain you would do the same..and if you did...chances are that it would autmomatically make you a c*nt and subject to various comments by the internet forum warlords.

[SaintBobby]

Well said... 99% of people making jibes have probably never met the chap (if you have and formed your own opinion then so be it) and generally just spouting off ********...The man goes to pretty much every sodding game...and people quite happily sit on here and pass on remarks...the same people who ..can't afford to go to games, work on saturday, play sport, have the shopping to do, have a family blah blah blah.

Nick makes a commitment to go and watch Saints and is entitled to his opinion just like anyone else....he is contacted by the media...and if the media contacted pretty much any of you lot to give your opinion, i'm quite certain you would do the same..and if you did...chances are that it would autmomatically make you a c*nt and subject to various comments by the internet forum warlords.

 

Did he take the opportunity to explain why he wasnt issued with a season ticket? And to apologise to the club/NC if there was any implication that the fault was with Saints, rather than entirely at his end?

 

I didn't listen to the interview...maybe he did....

[EastleighSoulBoy]

Are there rumours about how the club is being run?

 

Is Illingsworth SRS? Now wingeing about ST's repayment schemes

 

Stu only has 5 letters in his surname.

[simonsaints1]

Some disgusting snide attacks on a fellow Saints fan here.

If some of you think NI really is a c**T, then why not go and tell him to his face, you'll find him before home and many away games.

 

Rather than just having ex players talk about our situation, surely we want to hear what some of our fans think too.

[trousers]

Some disgusting snide attacks on a fellow Saints fan here.

If some of you think NI really is a c**T, then why not go and tell him to his face, you'll find him before home and many away games.

 

 

Did he get his season ticket restated then? What was the explanation as to why it was recalled? (sorry if I missed the conclusion to this situation whilst on holiday last month)

[simonsaints1]

No idea Trousers but even if he didnt, he's not banned from actually going to games.

[trousers]

Just to clarify via anyone who knows Nick...

 

When there's a 'breaking news' story about SFC and the media want a view from an SFC fan what actually happens?

 

Do Sky, BBC, etc, either:

 

(a) wait for a fan to contact them saying: "Hi, I'm a fan of SFC. Would you like to interview me?"

 

Or

 

(b) look up on their list of "official fan spokesmen" for the SFC 'rep' and find Nick's name and contact details

 

If it's (b), does Nick (on picking up the phone) say: "yeah, no probs, fire away" or does he say: "are you sure you want to speak to me again? I've heard quite a few fans would rather someone else represents their views every now and then. It's not right that one man should do this media role for so long. Here's a list of other fans you may want to contact so that you get a broader set of opinions each time"

 

Anyone know how it plays out? Just curious.

 

Edit: I'm thinking this is probably the root cause of the vitriol you see on here at times regarding Nick. In that he possibly never questions the media as to their use of him and him alone as 'fan spokesman'. Just a thought.

[aintforever]

It doesn't matter who speaks to the press or what they say, you will still get the same dicks on here saying the usual "who do you think you are, you don't speak for you ****".

[Ken Tone]

Just to clarify via anyone who knows Nick...

 

When there's a 'breaking news' story about SFC and the media want a view from an SFC fan what actually happens?

 

Do Sky, BBC, etc, either:

 

(a) wait for a fan to contact them saying: "Hi, I'm a fan of SFC. Would you like to interview me?"

 

Or

 

(b) look up on their list of "official fan spokesmen" for the SFC 'rep' and find Nick's name and contact details

 

If it's (b), does Nick (on picking up the phone) say: "yeah, no probs, fire away" or does he say: "are you sure you want to speak to me again? I've heard quite a few fans would rather someone else represents their views every now and then. It's not right that one man should do this media role for so long. Here's a list of other fans you may want to contact so that you get a broader set of opinions each time"

 

Anyone know how it plays out? Just curious.

 

Edit: I'm thinking this is probably the root cause of the vitriol you see on here at times regarding Nick. In that he possibly never questions the media as to their use of him and him alone as 'fan spokesman'. Just a thought.

 

I've never met the bloke. He may be a saint walking on Earth, in every sense of the phrase, for all I know. I'm sure the scenario you describe is correct; he is approached by lazy journalists because they have his name from the last time. What I resent is that he allows them to imply he is representing the majority of fans' opinions. He isn't. At best he is representing the opinion of his clique of mates.

 

It is possible for him simply to say, "no, I do not wish to comment".

[docker-p]

I don't know Illingsworth. I've heard him being interviewed a number of times, sometimes I've agree with him sometimes not. I suggest all those on this thread heaping abuse on Illingsworth, give there name and number to BBC for future reference, and make themselves available for quotes and interviews, and we can all sit around and call them a c**t.

[OldNick]

Iam like others still sore after the Silverspoon fiasco and so have no great feelings towards the man. If NI doesn't want to be called, change his number. If he does, it would be easy to clarify just as he is about to speak saying 'These are my views and not representing anyone else other than that'

I agree though that whoever is called would be subject to abuse.

[HurleyBurley]

Why don't some of you put yourselves forward to talk about Saints instead of mouthing off about him on here all the time (he doesn't read this site by the way so your comments are even more empty than usual). Nick's a good guy who loves his football club, I don't always agree with him but he certainly doesn't deserve the abuse a lot of people on this thread have given.

[dubai_phil]

I don't know Illingsworth. I've heard him being interviewed a number of times, sometimes I've agree with him sometimes not. I suggest all those on this thread heaping abuse on Illingsworth, give there name and number to BBC for future reference, and make themselves available for quotes and interviews, and we can all sit around and call them a c**t.

 

He isn't a c**t. He is completely entitled to have an opinion.

 

But that is the point, HE is entitled to his opinion. What gets people upset is that when he appears it is IMPLIED that he is representing "The Fans". Anyone who has ever read this forum will know one true thing in life. The opinions of us fans are TOTALLY different and divided. Without resorting to a Poll it is impossible to make any statement that "represents our opinion".

 

His problem is his Saints Trust status is wheeled out every time. Nick doesn't speak for the fans, he has no constituency to do so. He speaks for a MINORITY of Saints fans who are members of the Trust.

 

That is a something that could (at any time) have been dealt with by some humility and explanation, but it is not so it is interpreted as OUR opinion.

 

Life is full of people telling you what you can and cannot do. It is also full of people who SAY they speak for you but do not (eg Politicians). Nick was voted into his role with the Trust - that makes him a Politician. That makes nobody like him

 

He doesn't represent Southampton Fans so media calling him a Saints fans representative is what is wrong.

Simples

[Foxstone]

Illingsworth doesn't claim to be the voice of vans, HOWEVER, he is extremely proud of being the person the media ring up and thinks he's more important than he is.

 

I far prefer Nick speaking as the "voice of the fans" than Macmillan or O'Callghan

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

I've got to say I don't like him commenting on Saints as if he represents the fans, BUT, he is actually an alright guy.

[SaintBobby]

Just to clarify via anyone who knows Nick...

 

When there's a 'breaking news' story about SFC and the media want a view from an SFC fan what actually happens?

 

Do Sky, BBC, etc, either:

 

(a) wait for a fan to contact them saying: "Hi, I'm a fan of SFC. Would you like to interview me?"

 

Or

 

(b) look up on their list of "official fan spokesmen" for the SFC 'rep' and find Nick's name and contact details

 

If it's (b), does Nick (on picking up the phone) say: "yeah, no probs, fire away" or does he say: "are you sure you want to speak to me again? I've heard quite a few fans would rather someone else represents their views every now and then. It's not right that one man should do this media role for so long. Here's a list of other fans you may want to contact so that you get a broader set of opinions each time"

 

Anyone know how it plays out? Just curious.

 

Edit: I'm thinking this is probably the root cause of the vitriol you see on here at times regarding Nick. In that he possibly never questions the media as to their use of him and him alone as 'fan spokesman'. Just a thought.

 

It's basically (a). Although if some other group/blogger issued a press release at a pertinent time it could be a variant of (b).

 

The BBC has a massive database of spokespeople categorised by topic area. Once you're on that, you tend to get called back again and again on the same topic.

 

I have some sympathy for NI, because of a previous job I had, I'm quite often wheeled out on TV and radio to comment on the fortunes/misfortunes of the political party I used to work for and have also received the "who do you think you represent?" jibes.

 

The fact is that media spokesmanship isn't democratic. They aren't looking for an elected representative necessarily - they are looking for someone who is broadly representative of the fan base (though not the officially elected leader of it) and/or an expert and/or reasonably article and available. NI clearly ticks at least the last box.

 

When they do vox pops outside SMS, they don't ask the fans there what authority they have, they just interview them.

Edited 7 September, 2010 by SaintBobby

[JRM]

It doesn't matter who speaks to the press or what they say, you will still get the same dicks on here saying the usual "who do you think you are, you don't speak for you ****".

 

Exactly mate, some of them are absolutely pathetic. Bitter. Probably just crying about no one ever listening to them.

 

"he doesnt speak for me...blah blah"

 

fact is Nick has been a face at saints games for years now and his dedication in following the club has lead to him getting involved in things such as fans organisations

[Dellman]

Back to the thread title, this may not have been a dreadful week for Saints fans, just the storm before the calm, things will revive, the purge was probably necessary, too many people press panic buttons and for the press it's meat and drink

[oldsarum]

There nothing wrong with Nick and he's always asked for by the media because he is easy to get hold of.. and has a record of many years of generally giving sensible resposes to media questions when put on the spot.

 

You may not agree with his views, but I don't agree with many of yours, so what

[Nadia Sllim]

We all have a view on SFC but which one is right? Who Knows? But calling each other names is a bit stupid, the press seem to contact the same guy when asking views on England.

I was asked my view on Saints once outside SMS by Andy Steggal.....i managed about 10 words of crap before he moved on.

[Sour Mash]

Yet another thread that demonstrates what a bunch of snivelling, bitter, little dweebs inhabit this forum. If you're that concerned that Nick doesn't "speak for you" then make a f*****g effort, put yourself out there to get shot at and lets see all of you running fans organisations, speaking to the media and generally just making an effort.

[ericofarabia]

Some disgusting snide attacks on a fellow Saints fan here.

If some of you think NI really is a c**T, then why not go and tell him to his face, you'll find him before home and many away games.

 

Rather than just having ex players talk about our situation, surely we want to hear what some of our fans think too.

 

I've met Nick a few times over the years, normally at away games, and I'm sure he would be agreeable to having a chat to anyone regarding their views of how the club should be run and how the fans opinions could be put across to the media better. And by a chat I don't mean chat in a StuRomseySaint type way ... LOL

 

The same thing used to happen to Clive Foley many years ago ... any Saints news and The Echo would be on the phone, of course this was in the days before the innernet meant every Tom **** and Harry could make their views known if they wished.

[ericofarabia]

Yet another thread that demonstrates what a bunch of snivelling, bitter, little dweebs inhabit this forum. If you're that concerned that Nick doesn't "speak for you" then make a f*****g effort, put yourself out there to get shot at and lets see all of you running fans organisations, speaking to the media and generally just making an effort.

 

Exactly ... good point and well presented!!

[St Landrew]

Decided to listen to Nick Illingsworth on the Football League programme, after reading all the criticism on here, and surprisingly found that he summed the situation up quite well, from my, and perhaps a general perspective. Have a listen:

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00tt5t0/5_live_Football_League_06_09_2010

 

EDIT: It's on after the usual news and trailers.

Edited 7 September, 2010 by St Landrew

[Give it to Ron]

Decided to listen to Nick Illingsworth on the Football League programme, after reading all the criticism on here, and surprisingly found that he summed the situation up quite well, from my, and perhaps a general perspective. Have a listen:

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00tt5t0/5_live_Football_League_06_09_2010

 

EDIT: It's on after the usual news and trailers.

 

Andy us old Redbridge boys usually do have a way with words.....most of them ending in off all fashioned by that git Challands!

I have known Nick for over 40 years and although don't always agree with him ...especially about loveable old rosey cheeks

he has at least tried to do things for the good of the fans...unlike some on here who can only whinge behind a keyboard.

 

What I find funny is that everyone knows he has a site yet bravely none post there .

[shurlock]

Nothing to do with fans unwilling to put their heads above the parapet - its a problem with the media. just reflects the fact no fresh-faced radio or TV producer gives a f**k about Southampton 99.9% of the time and is not interested in developing a ground-up network; its simply about the last minute need to fill a slot with a talking head which tends towards the same bland set of interviewees.

 

NI wasn't terrible but he wasn't fantastic - still can't his brain around the demands and politics of being a spokesman. the whole installment plan/transaction discussion, meanwhile, must have sounded surreal and anoraky to an outside listener. No wonder the presenter hurried him on and wanted to know about football-related matters.

[Sour Mash]

Nothing to do with fans unwilling to put their heads above the parapet - its a problem with the media. just reflects the fact no fresh-faced radio or TV producer gives a f**k about Southampton 99.9% of the time and is not interested in developing a ground-up network; its simply about the last minute need to fill a slot with a talking head which tends towards the same bland set of interviewees.

 

NI wasn't terrible but he wasn't fantastic - still can't his brain around the demands and politics of being a spokesman. the whole installment plan/transaction discussion, meanwhile, must have sounded surreal and anoraky to an outside listener. No wonder the presenter hurried him on and wanted to know about football-related matters.

 

Its the same at most clubs, its usually the same old faces get rolled out, partly because of lazy media and partly due to only a handful of people being prepared to make the effort and put themselves on offer. Why this earns Nick Illingsworth the vitriol from some of our fans I'll never know, but it makes those posters look like sad, bitter misfits, frustratedly tapping away at their keyboards, gutted that their own opinions aren't listened to as much as Nick's, while not having the balls or savvy to get themselves out there in the media.

[dune]

Bloody 'ell! What's Illingsworth done to deserve such abuse from nearly everyone? I've got no opinion about the guy one way or another, but the fact everyone hates him makes me feel a certain sympathy for him.

 

Some of us have long memories and remember him siding with Rupert Lowe.

[B Rabbit]

Some of us have long memories and remember him siding with Rupert Lowe.

 

Meh... When we finished 8th, Got to the cup final, played in Europe and signed Kevin Phillips, i didn't mind Rupert Lowe much either.

We all came round eventually though....

[dune]

Meh... When we finished 8th, Got to the cup final, played in Europe and signed Kevin Phillips, i didn't mind Rupert Lowe much either.

We all came round eventually though....

 

Nick was speaking up for Lowe during the final days of the PLC.