SAINTS CELEBRATE 125 YEARS at the Mayflower Feb 13th 2011

[spyinthesky]

Only problem I had from 'The Gods' was that the screen was too small and it was difficult to distinguish what was being shown on the action footgage.

 

Easy to comment on the running order retrospectively but more about Ron Davies,European Campaigns the influence of our foreign players etc etc would have been good.

 

Felt a bit sorry fro some of the attendees such as Steve Williams, Glen Cockerill etc would contributed a good deal to recent club history but never got the chance to speak

 

However Mike Osman did a decent job and, as usual Lawrie, Shearer and MLT (especially) spoke very well

 

Good evening all in all

[John B]

He thanked Merrington for looking after him between the ages of 16 & 18 and said he played his best football during the 18 months Bally was manager. With regard to Docs pop at the board I have a feeling that he might have had a senior moment and thought that Lowe was still in charge.

 

I doubt it with all the negative comments in the press regarding Cortese some justified some not it is not surprising that people outside Southampton think poorly of him.

[whizz]

What a fantastic night - really enjoyed it. Some hilarious moments and some spine tingling nostalgic stuff. Brynn was hilarious!! He stole the show!.. Mike didn't have a clue what Brynn was going to come out with next! For an unscripted show I thought it ran very smoothly.

Did anybody else notice that Mike said he'd go back to the Keegan overhead goal-that never-was to discuss, unfortunately it didn't get raised again - to this day I still don't know why Keegan's goal was disallowed....

Well done to all those involved - a very memorable night indeed. :-)

[Made in Southampton]

I thought it was a really good evening on the whole. I’m in my 30’s so my solid memories of SFC are really from the 90’s onwards but I went with my Dad and two uncles who obviously have many more memories of the Saints in the 70’s and 80’s, and it was great to hear them reminisce about those times as if they were yesterday.

 

It brought a lump in my throat to see Danny on stage and was personally chuffed to see Steve Moran as he was my favourite player as a small boy. I really enjoyed LM account of watching him play Sunday football and promising him a new pair of boots if he scored a hat trick.

 

MLT was class on stage and really got into the spirit of the evening with some great banter and anecdotes with the others. Especially his account with Tim Flowers and ‘That Goal’.

 

That 85 year old fella Bryn Elliott was in danger of stealing the show, what a characture.

 

The messages from the Football world for LM award went down well in particular I thought Alex Furgusons account of 76 was very funny and showed him in a different light to the one we see on TV.

 

Tommy Doc was pure class, you can tell he works the corporate suites at old trafford. Some of his jokes were top quality. Especially the Beckham one.

 

On the down side (and I’ve read some of the previous posts on this) there were a couple of comments abot NC although he was never mentioned by name. Tommy Doc was talking about chairman and board memebrs in general and made refference to our current board and the ‘problems’ we have. I thought that a bit strange but he quite possibly gets his info from the newspapers and wouldn’t be quite as well informed. And LM made reference to NC when talking about youth football and described him as the guy with the ‘Posh name’ saying how he was tring to implement a youth policy and saying that Saints had already had one in place for a long time and that he thought he was doing something different. I remember thinking at the time that it was an unnecessary comment and detracted away from what they were trying to achive that night.

 

I also thought the night was in danger of becoming all about MLT at times because when MO was working the floor with the ex pro’s they would always bring the conversation back to about Matt. But I think that was more about maybe not being well prepared with anecdotes of their own. A great example of that was when MO started talking to francis Benali about his ‘one goal’ and as he was talking MO walked of stage and left FB talking, I think he was beginning to run out of stuff to say and was afraid of looking daft so he started to ab-lib a bit and started to talk about MLT again.

 

Oh yeah and what was the point of having that vicar on stage ?? did I miss something in our history? I know we are the saints but ……….

 

But listen as I said it was a really good evening and it was great to hear so many storys about our beloved club and its history. It really did warm the soul at times and reminded us that within our current nervousness about the future we have a history built maybe not on trphies but on a foundation of family friendship and willingness to strive to our very best and to do it for each other.

[Daren W]

I thought it was a really good evening on the whole. I’m in my 30’s so my solid memories of SFC are really from the 90’s onwards but I went with my Dad and two uncles who obviously have many more memories of the Saints in the 70’s and 80’s, and it was great to hear them reminisce about those times as if they were yesterday.

 

It brought a lump in my throat to see Danny on stage and was personally chuffed to see Steve Moran as he was my favourite player as a small boy. I really enjoyed LM account of watching him play Sunday football and promising him a new pair of boots if he scored a hat trick.

 

MLT was class on stage and really got into the spirit of the evening with some great banter and anecdotes with the others. Especially his account with Tim Flowers and ‘That Goal’.

 

That 85 year old fella Bryn Elliott was in danger of stealing the show, what a characture.

 

The messages from the Football world for LM award went down well in particular I thought Alex Furgusons account of 76 was very funny and showed him in a different light to the one we see on TV.

 

Tommy Doc was pure class, you can tell he works the corporate suites at old trafford. Some of his jokes were top quality. Especially the Beckham one.

 

On the down side (and I’ve read some of the previous posts on this) there were a couple of comments abot NC although he was never mentioned by name. Tommy Doc was talking about chairman and board memebrs in general and made refference to our current board and the ‘problems’ we have. I thought that a bit strange but he quite possibly gets his info from the newspapers and wouldn’t be quite as well informed. And LM made reference to NC when talking about youth football and described him as the guy with the ‘Posh name’ saying how he was tring to implement a youth policy and saying that Saints had already had one in place for a long time and that he thought he was doing something different. I remember thinking at the time that it was an unnecessary comment and detracted away from what they were trying to achive that night.

 

I also thought the night was in danger of becoming all about MLT at times because when MO was working the floor with the ex pro’s they would always bring the conversation back to about Matt. But I think that was more about maybe not being well prepared with anecdotes of their own. A great example of that was when MO started talking to francis Benali about his ‘one goal’ and as he was talking MO walked of stage and left FB talking, I think he was beginning to run out of stuff to say and was afraid of looking daft so he started to ab-lib a bit and started to talk about MLT again.

 

Oh yeah and what was the point of having that vicar on stage ?? did I miss something in our history? I know we are the saints but ……….

 

But listen as I said it was a really good evening and it was great to hear so many storys about our beloved club and its history. It really did warm the soul at times and reminded us that within our current nervousness about the future we have a history built maybe not on trphies but on a foundation of family friendship and willingness to strive to our very best and to do it for each other.

 

I think you'll find that was Rupert he was referring to...

Nicola isn't really a posh name is it?

[Made in Southampton]

I think you'll find that was Rupert he was referring to...

Nicola isn't really a posh name is it?

 

Fair play your absolutly right.

 

Why I didnt think that myself is a bit strange. I think I must of done a good job of erasing RL from my memory. Thats made the evening even better then.

[Pancake]

i think you'll find that was rupert he was referring to...

Nicola isn't really a posh name is it?

 

nicola was a frequently given male personal name among the traditional italian nobility,

 

hth

[beatlesaint]

What a fantastic night - really enjoyed it. Some hilarious moments and some spine tingling nostalgic stuff. Brynn was hilarious!! He stole the show!.. Mike didn't have a clue what Brynn was going to come out with next! For an unscripted show I thought it ran very smoothly.

Did anybody else notice that Mike said he'd go back to the Keegan overhead goal-that never-was to discuss, unfortunately it didn't get raised again - to this day I still don't know why Keegan's goal was disallowed....

Well done to all those involved - a very memorable night indeed. :-)

 

It was disallowed because David Armstrong was about 2 inches offside nowhere near the ball !!

One of the most annoying and ridiculous decisions of many over the years.

 

At least Armstrong made amends by scoring the winner :-)

[Crispypie]

Couldnt make it myself, ((( was there any talk abnout releasing a DVD of the evening?

[derry]

Wonderful evening, paying tribute to some great heroes of mine. Really great spirit from the audience and those on the stage didn't fail to entertain and amuse. Lasted three hours including a break and the chat was interspersed with a number of good montages (going back to the 60's).

 

Great to see and hear from Danny Wallace who looks in decent enough shape. Bryn Elliott (who???) stole the show, but Matty, Shearer, Flowers, Keegan and Channon were in fine form. Some wonderful stories greatly appreciated by the audience. My dad appreciated some of the older names including O'Brien, Huxford & co.

 

Going in to the break there was a tribute to those no longer with us with Mills, Hayes, Ossie, Ball, Bates and Liebherr all recognised and appreciated by all.

 

Le Tiss one the Echo poll of Saints best player (final three inc Channon and Paine)

 

Well held together by Osman throughout and the mood was uplifting, entertaining and fun. It's on nights like these that you really see the depth of feeling for the Club and its impact on those who have followed it over the years.

 

Very proud to be a Saints fan after that.

 

Bryn Elliott was in the first team when I started going. He was a left half (central midfielder). A member at Stoneham for years. He is a really nice person.

[um pahars]

Bryn Elliott was in the first team when I started going. He was a left half (central midfielder). A member at Stoneham for years. He is a really nice person.

 

My dad (70) remembered him from his days when he was a youngster!!!!! Found this article about him:

 

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/5045937.Saints_ace_celebrates_diamond_wedding_anniversary/

 

Didn't have time to have a look through In That Number when I got home, so will have a look tonight.

[scruftydog]

Couldnt make it myself, ((( was there any talk abnout releasing a DVD of the evening?

 

Member of Mayflower staff tried to stop people near me taking photos as she said a DVD was being made of the night. No idea if true but a cracking night and well worth obtaining a copy if one is produced.

[derry]

My dad (70) remembered him from his days when he was a youngster!!!!! Found this article about him:

 

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/5045937.Saints_ace_celebrates_diamond_wedding_anniversary/

 

Didn't have time to have a look through In That Number when I got home, so will have a look tonight.

 

I knew him quite well at Stoneham. He was a good player if a bit small. In those days everybody attacked, a hundred goals a season was regularly achieved. I still remember all those players and the teams selected.

[beatlesaint]

Member of Mayflower staff tried to stop people near me taking photos as she said a DVD was being made of the night. No idea if true but a cracking night and well worth obtaining a copy if one is produced.

 

The whole thing was certainly filmed.....and i cant think of any other reason they were so twitchy about photos being taken.

[Saints foreva]

There were lots of official events and markings of the 125th year at the actual time of the anniversary in November 2010. It is now February 2011.

 

Were there?

[Made in Southampton]

It was definately filmed. They were even interviewing members of the audiance at the begining and during the interval.

[Lord Duckhunter]

A great night full of surprises. Osman was funny, so that was a bit of a surprise. The guy Brin stole the show and Tommy Doc was top class and really seemed to care about Lawrie and the club. The tributes to Lawrie were heartfelt, from Ian Botham to Fergie (who came across great in the short clip) and I was left thinking he must have been some sort of personality to manage the guys that he did.I just hope he gets some recongnisation from the club before he passes.

 

Best bits for me were, Danny Wallace's entrance, the nice touch with the widows and children (Ossie son was a spit of him), the supporters cheering ML, Tommy Doc, Brin and Mick's tribute to KK and Shearer.

 

Downside, I would have liked to see more of the '76 boys there particulary the Skipper. But all in all a great way to spend a sunday night.

 

Tommy Doc mentioned the board, but nobody else, and Lawrie mentioned Lowe once. Matt didn't even mention Hoddle, it was what it said on the ticket a celebration.

Edited 14 February, 2011 by Lord Duckhunter

[aintforever]

nicola was a frequently given male personal name among the traditional italian nobility,

hth

 

Jesus Christ, talk about trying to create an issue when there isn't one.

 

As if Lawrie Mac is familiar with 18th century, Italian, Noble Christian names! He obviously meant Lowe.

 

Nicola in England is mainly associated with female chavs, Rupert is a classic posh name. I think it is even slang for "posh officer" in the Army.

[Lord Duckhunter]

Jesus Christ, talk about trying to create an issue when there isn't one.

 

As if Lawrie Mac is familiar with 18th century, Italian, Noble Christian names! He obviously meant Lowe.

 

Nicola in England is mainly associated with female chavs, Rupert is a classic posh name. I think it is even slang for "posh officer" in the Army.

 

 

 

Correct, he siad that the posh name was bragging about starting the youth policy. I've never heard NC mention that, whereas Lowe went on and on about it.

 

All the people wanting to highlight splits and rubbish our legends would have been dissapointed last night. It was not "last of the summer wine" with Lawrie and his cronies raging against the modern game and present set up, but a respectful look at a club held dear to their hearts.

[hypochondriac]

Quelle surprise.

 

And there we see the hypocrisy of the board. People get slated ridiculously for commenting on things "without proof" and yet the exact same thing happens here.

[thegaffer]

The skipper Rodrigues was away already planned trip. I think Peachy as well had something already planned. All of the 76 squad was contacted as far as I know.

A great night full of surprises. Osman was funny, so that was a bit of a surprise. The guy Brin stole the show and Tommy Doc was top class and really seemed to care about Lawrie and the club. The tributes to Lawrie were heartfelt, from Ian Botham to Fergie (who came across great in the short clip) and I was left thinking he must have been some sort of personality to manage the guys that he did.I just hope he gets some recongnisation from the club before he passes.

 

Best bits for me were, Danny Wallace's entrance, the nice touch with the widows and children (Ossie son was a spit of him), the supporters cheering ML, Tommy Doc, Brin and Mick's tribute to KK and Shearer.

 

Downside, I would have liked to see more of the '76 boys there particulary the Skipper. But all in all a great way to spend a sunday night.

 

Tommy Doc mentioned the board, but nobody else, and Lawrie mentioned Lowe once. Matt didn't even mention Hoddle, it was what it said on the ticket a celebration.

[thegaffer]

lovely response from the crowd when Bally,Ossie,Ted,Marcus,and Austin Hayes were mentioned.

[Lord Duckhunter]

The skipper Rodrigues was away already planned trip. I think Peachy as well had something already planned. All of the 76 squad was contacted as far as I know.

 

Ok thanks, I didn't think there was anything sinister, just a shame they weren't all able to attend.

[thegaffer]

This event sold out faster than any show at the Mayflower in the last 30 years and there was roughly 10% of the average home attendance there last night. I reckon the Soccer Saturday event on 25 Sept with Geoff Stelling,Matt,Merse,Thomo and Charlie will sell out quickly as well.

[um pahars]

certain people were all over this board demanding apologies. I wonder if they'll offering a apology for making assumptions about this event?

 

I can see where you're coming from and there must be a temptation to tell certain people who have been overly critical (and needlessly *****y) of these functions to put it in their pipe and etc etc etc, but I would echo the words of Osman, McMenemy, Channon, Matty and others last night and suggest that what is needed is for everyone to unite around Saints and channel the positivity and goodwill in to pushing the Club forward.

 

It would be shame if the feelgood factor generated from a great weekend of events couldn't be harnessed for the good of everyone connected with the Club. Additionally, I'm hoping that it might mark a thawing of relations with some on both sides showing some humility and compromise.

[solentstars]

I can see where you're coming from and there must be a temptation to tell certain people who have been overly critical (and needlessly *****y) of these functions to put it in their pipe and etc etc etc, but I would echo the words of Osman, McMenemy, Channon, Matty and others last night and suggest that what is needed is for everyone to unite around Saints and channel the positivity and goodwill in to pushing the Club forward.

 

It would be shame if the feelgood factor generated from a great weekend of events couldn't be harnessed for the good of everyone connected with the Club. Additionally, I'm hoping that it might mark a thawing of relations with some on both sides showing some humility and compromise.

 

my mate went and it was great to part of the saints family and would have been perfect if the present guardians of our club would have joined in with the spirit of it all.

[solentstars]

I can see where you're coming from and there must be a temptation to tell certain people who have been overly critical (and needlessly *****y) of these functions to put it in their pipe and etc etc etc, but I would echo the words of Osman, McMenemy, Channon, Matty and others last night and suggest that what is needed is for everyone to unite around Saints and channel the positivity and goodwill in to pushing the Club forward.

 

It would be shame if the feelgood factor generated from a great weekend of events couldn't be harnessed for the good of everyone connected with the Club. Additionally, I'm hoping that it might mark a thawing of relations with some on both sides showing some humility and compromise.

 

good post and would be great if everybody pulled in the same direction.

[thegaffer]

both of the weekend events on BBC 1 Late Kick Off tonight at 11:05pm put together by Andy Steggels

[70's Mike]

There were lots of official events and markings of the 125th year at the actual time of the anniversary in November 2010. It is now February 2011.

 

Must have missed them, a parade around the pitch of groups helped by the Foundation was all i can remember

[um pahars]

This event sold out faster than any show at the Mayflower in the last 30 years and there was roughly 10% of the average home attendance there last night.

 

You could just tell from the response of those in attendance last night that was a real appetitie for such an event. The rate at which the tickets were sold clearly demonstrates that there is a passion to share and reflect over our past. Well done to all involved for tapping in to that sentiment and allowing us all to indulge ourselves for an evening.

 

What was really moving for me last night was the sight of my old fella (70) and others either side of his age getting all emotional and animated over clips of Sydenham, Paine, O'Brien and others from the 50's and 60's. It's at times like those that you realise how special this Club is to a large number of people and how dear they hold it to their hearts.

 

I'd even go as far as suggesting there might be some mileage left in such an event as I felt we only scratched the surface. Not criticising last night at all, there was never going to be enough time to involve all 40 guests on the stage and delve deeper in to our history, but I reckon there's potential to do much more and potentially a big audience for it as well!!!

[thegaffer]

Just spoken to Mike and he says the same thing. He was saying how many ex players he called and so many were doing things all ready arranged. Beats was meant to be there but his father died yesterday.

You could just tell from the response of those in attendance last night that was a real appetitie for such an event. The rate at which the tickets were sold clearly demonstrates that there is a passion to share and reflect over our past. Well done to all involved for tapping in to that sentiment and allowing us all to indulge ourselves for an evening.

 

What was really moving for me last night was the sight of my old fella (70) and others either side of his age getting all emotional and animated over clips of Sydenham, Paine, O'Brien and others from the 50's and 60's. It's at times like those that you realise how special this Club is to a large number of people and how dear they hold it to their hearts.

 

I'd even go as far as suggesting there might be some mileage left in such an event as I felt we only scratched the surface. Not criticising last night at all, there was never going to be enough time to involve all 40 guests on the stage and delve deeper in to our history, but I reckon there's potential to do much more and potentially a big audience for it as well!!!

[simonsaints1]

Sounds a great night. Many thanks for all of the reports from those who went.

 

Would be great to do this again and have an even bigger crowd in attendance.If so, i hope there's more involvement from the present set up.

 

We don't need any kind of rifts-celebrate our history but keep moving forward.

[Toomer]

You could just tell from the response of those in attendance last night that was a real appetitie for such an event. The rate at which the tickets were sold clearly demonstrates that there is a passion to share and reflect over our past. Well done to all involved for tapping in to that sentiment and allowing us all to indulge ourselves for an evening.

 

What was really moving for me last night was the sight of my old fella (70) and others either side of his age getting all emotional and animated over clips of Sydenham, Paine, O'Brien and others from the 50's and 60's. It's at times like those that you realise how special this Club is to a large number of people and how dear they hold it to their hearts.

 

I'd even go as far as suggesting there might be some mileage left in such an event as I felt we only scratched the surface. Not criticising last night at all, there was never going to be enough time to involve all 40 guests on the stage and delve deeper in to our history, but I reckon there's potential to do much more and potentially a big audience for it as well!!!

 

Could be a chance to mend any damaged fences and put a larger event on at SMS during the close season.

[beatlesaint]

Beats was meant to be there but his father died yesterday.

 

Thats very sad. Condolences to James and his family.

I know some people have no time for him but Beatts obviously has a very big soft spot for Southampton.

[spyinthesky]

You could just tell from the response of those in attendance last night that was a real appetitie for such an event. The rate at which the tickets were sold clearly demonstrates that there is a passion to share and reflect over our past. Well done to all involved for tapping in to that sentiment and allowing us all to indulge ourselves for an evening.

 

What was really moving for me last night was the sight of my old fella (70) and others either side of his age getting all emotional and animated over clips of Sydenham, Paine, O'Brien and others from the 50's and 60's. It's at times like those that you realise how special this Club is to a large number of people and how dear they hold it to their hearts.

 

I'd even go as far as suggesting there might be some mileage left in such an event as I felt we only scratched the surface. Not criticising last night at all, there was never going to be enough time to involve all 40 guests on the stage and delve deeper in to our history, but I reckon there's potential to do much more and potentially a big audience for it as well!!!

 

 

Interesting mention of George O'Brien.

A pretty decent player in his time at the Dell. Scored quite a few goals.

Still lives locally I understand (ran a pub in Freemantle and then drove a taxi)

As far as I am aware has never involved himself with Saints since leaving the club.

Cdertainly remembered by those of us of the older persuasion

Played against his sons when younger. Both decent players in the local game

[Coastal Saint]

Thats very sad. Condolences to James and his family.

I know some people have no time for him but Beatts obviously has a very big soft spot for Southampton.

 

According to the Echo he drove down on Saturday after the Blackpool game to attend the Dinner. I think he loves this club as much as most. Loan signing next season?

[Roger]

I think there should be bigger event at st marys. I think now is the time for club and legends to mend bridges. I think it would be lovely. Please nicola do the best thing.

[benjii]

On telleh now.

[hughieslastminutegoal]

TBF, I think the shirt was a clever marketing idea and I'm all in support of clever marketing ideas. It has sold in droves so clearly people like it or are too stupid not to buy something they don't like in which case they are ripe for a good marketing decision.

 

Frankly, who really gives a **** about a 125 year anniversary? What about 120 years? 130? 135? 128?

 

Clearly Mr Cortese did otherwise he wouldn't have launched the shirt. Or are you saying he thinks the buyers are mugs who can be sold anything on the least pretext?

Or are you saying the people who bought them to commemorate the anniversary are stupid?

[Saint_clark]

I think there should be bigger event at st marys. I think now is the time for club and legends to mend bridges. I think it would be lovely. Please nicola do the best thing.

 

Pretty sure the St Marys corporate areas don't hold the same amount as Mayflower, so it would be pretty impossible to have a bigger event.

[The Majestic Channon]

Pretty sure the St Marys corporate areas don't hold the same amount as Mayflower, so it would be pretty impossible to have a bigger event.

 

I think 32,000 seats would suffice

[CB Fry]

Clearly Mr Cortese did otherwise he wouldn't have launched the shirt. Or are you saying he thinks the buyers are mugs who can be sold anything on the least pretext?

Or are you saying the people who bought them to commemorate the anniversary are stupid?

 

 

Football fans, more than any other purchasing group (outside of of nippers that go into Games Workshop, or pre-teen girl boyband fans) are the biggest mugs in Britain.

 

The Shirt was a clever marketing idea. This is the age of marketing and definitely the age of mug punters.

[benjii]

Perhaps Mike Osman could do a gig at St Mary's?

 

Bon Jovi could be his house band. Maybe the Jehovas Witnesses could do crowd control? Didn't they like a mob-up at The Dell?

[BTW Saint]

Late kick off South and South West now on BBC I player from about 9 mins 45 seconds for about 5 mins. Worth watching if you failed to catch last night with highlights from the Mayflower.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00ycv9x/Late_Kick_Off_South_South_West_and_West_2011_Episode_4/

[Saint_clark]

I think 32,000 seats would suffice

 

"Corporate"? The tannoy system is too sh*t and it would be freezing, all adding up to an awful night all round if they tried to organise something in the bowl.

[um pahars]

"Corporate"? The tannoy system is too sh*t and it would be freezing, all adding up to an awful night all round if they tried to organise something in the bowl.

 

You thought Sunday would be a re run of Silverspoons and were quick to knock it, so given your history on calling these events, maybe we should go ahead with a bigger one!!!!!