Dinner with Nicola Cortese

[Chez]

If Pardew had pulled it off and got these players to the correct fitness levels, I reckon all the other teams would be forgetting about even trying for top spot. There is no doubt we played our best ever football under Pardew, but lacking fitness to give us consistency over the season.

 

every year I hear the same old ******** that the pre season left the players lacking fitness. Now on the same thread we have some pointing to the manager working them too hard and others pointing to them being unfit. So which is it? In my opinion the players look much fitter than last season, Lambert apart, and this had nothing to doi with the sacking.

[Thedelldays]

every year I hear the same old ******** that the pre season left the players lacking fitness. Now on the same thread we have some pointing to the manager working them too hard and others pointing to them being unfit. So which is it? In my opinion the players look much fitter than last season, Lambert apart, and this had nothing to doi with the sacking.

 

you can be tired from being over worked...hence unfit

[saintscottofthenortham]

every year I hear the same old ******** that the pre season left the players lacking fitness. Now on the same thread we have some pointing to the manager working them too hard and others pointing to them being unfit. So which is it? In my opinion the players look much fitter than last season, Lambert apart, and this had nothing to doi with the sacking.

 

You What!?

[Hopkins]

every year I hear the same old ******** that the pre season left the players lacking fitness. Now on the same thread we have some pointing to the manager working them too hard and others pointing to them being unfit. So which is it? In my opinion the players look much fitter than last season, Lambert apart, and this had nothing to doi with the sacking.

 

Do you not understand the concept of peak condition?

[St_Tel49]

Do you not understand the concept of peak condition?

 

Yes - there is that old coaching/sporting maxim "No Pain, No Gain" and it is perfectly true. What seems to be less well understood is "All pain, limited (if any) gain". Hard work is needed to bring about fitness improvements but it has to be properly balanced with recovery phases. There has been a lot of physiological work done which indicates that the muscle and other improvements happen during the recovery after hard exercise. Continued hard exercise inhibits that build up. Cortese was implying that his other coaches were saying that Pardew had got that balance wrong. Not in itself a reason for sacking but I suspect it may have been how he reacted to being told this that was the problem (Just my guess).

[dubai_phil]

Yes - there is that old coaching/sporting maxim "No Pain, No Gain" and it is perfectly true. What seems to be less well understood is "All pain, limited (if any) gain". Hard work is needed to bring about fitness improvements but it has to be properly balanced with recovery phases. There has been a lot of physiological work done which indicates that the muscle and other improvements happen during the recovery after hard exercise. Continued hard exercise inhibits that build up. Cortese was implying that his other coaches were saying that Pardew had got that balance wrong. Not in itself a reason for sacking but I suspect it may have been how he reacted to being told this that was the problem (Just my guess).

 

There has been a lot in the press (and I think posted on here) that different coaches believe different things.

 

A lot of the unrest at Man City stems from the double training sessions (think it was Bellamy who spoke about it). Again in related articles around that story was a bunch of data regarding the number of injuries that footballers keep picking up.

 

No idea what is right but it seems that there are two schools of thought as to what and how should be done to achieve and maintain peak fitness as well as ensuring that actual coaching, training & footballing skills (both physical & mental) are covered.

 

Whatever the merits of each option, the story from NC does show one important thing - there WAS disharmony in the camp. Again, no blame being attached from my side, but IF you are a Leader of an organisation then you SHOULD make sure that everyone FOLLOWS you, somehow it seems that AP did not get the support team to agree that his methods were the right ones. That's a Leadership/Listening failure. Either he didn't put his case very well to get everyone onside OR he did a rupert and just didn't bother to listen.

 

We'll never really know. All we DO know is that Lambert is not the player he was last season (at the moment) and whether that is down to pre-season or not - don't know, don't care, just want our old Rickie BACK!

[St_Tel49]

There has been a lot in the press (and I think posted on here) that different coaches believe different things.

 

A lot of the unrest at Man City stems from the double training sessions (think it was Bellamy who spoke about it). Again in related articles around that story was a bunch of data regarding the number of injuries that footballers keep picking up.

 

No idea what is right but it seems that there are two schools of thought as to what and how should be done to achieve and maintain peak fitness as well as ensuring that actual coaching, training & footballing skills (both physical & mental) are covered.

 

Whatever the merits of each option, the story from NC does show one important thing - there WAS disharmony in the camp. Again, no blame being attached from my side, but IF you are a Leader of an organisation then you SHOULD make sure that everyone FOLLOWS you, somehow it seems that AP did not get the support team to agree that his methods were the right ones. That's a Leadership/Listening failure. Either he didn't put his case very well to get everyone onside OR he did a rupert and just didn't bother to listen.

 

We'll never really know. All we DO know is that Lambert is not the player he was last season (at the moment) and whether that is down to pre-season or not - don't know, don't care, just want our old Rickie BACK!

I agree with most of that Phil but I do not believe that double sessions imply harder work. My most successful year as a distance runner was when I did two sessions a day. However, I did not do a greater mileage than I had before but a varied considerably the distance and intensity of each session. My two key sessions a week were 3 or 4 repetitions of between 1/2 a mile and 1.25 miles at above race pace with jogged recovery and a 9 mile session at or near race pace. (They were hard work).The rest of the sessions were fairly steady. I also gave myself two days off before really important races. I was never a world beater but I ran to a good standard and I believe that I achieved what the limits of my talents allowed. There were clearly, for me, real benefits to the double sessions. In football, for example, one session could be fitness (varying intensities) and the second could be skills and set plays.

[Clifford Nelson]

Fitness shouldn't be discussed as if it had a merit in itself. If you are the fittest person around, but using it for the wrong thing, it isn't much to hanker after. It is difficult to find anyone suggesting that AP and NA are promoting the same type of football. The problem in the early part of the season had nothing to do with whether the players were fit or unfit. They simply, after some ten minutes of magic, resorted to disjointed long balls to Rickie's, or even Connolly's (!!!) head, as the only idea of how to unlock the defense. I think that it was clear to many that we had been sussed. The old tactic from last season didn't work anymore, and we had no idea what to do in it's place. And let's not forget that this wasn't much of a surprise to many posters who had been discussing it over a good many months. Fitness didn't have anything to do with it. We were simply doing the wrong thing.

 

The criticism about pre-season also wasn't about fitness, but about that we didn't seem to use it to practice teamwork, nor to keep building the habit of winning. All kinds of players were getting run-outs, maybe for fitness reasons, but hardly to practice the way the team ought to play, and the choices of friendly opposition and the way we approached the games led us to lose or draw them. Again a good many aired our alarm at what seemed to be a strange way of approaching the league start, but we were re-assured by those who claimed that AP knew what he was doing and it would all come right as soon as we kicked off for real. I think reality showed flaws in that theory.

 

It might be that our fitness was suspect as well, but it wasn't the primary reason for our failures.

 

There is a similarity with another argument which is often taken out for an airing, i.e. that a manager must be given time, preferably many years, before all the hard work comes to fruition. What that suggestion omits is the understanding that it doesn't matter how many years you give to an incompetent manager, see for instance our own Ian Branfoot. For the theory to be right you first need to appoint a good manager. The problem with that is that we don't agree on what a "good" manager is, and owners or directors of football clubs knows no better than most of us. The difference between me, you and them is that they have the power to do it, whilst we only have the power to cheer or criticise.

 

Regardless of the fitness I prefer NA's football, which is more pleasing on the eye and allowes players to play. What I'm not yet sure about is what he is trying to build here apart from the passing of the ball. Are we to persever with the inflexible 4-4-2 for religious or patriotic reasons, or are we eventually to join the rest of the world and move on.

 

Why are we always the last country in the world which scraps the outmoded systems. We did the same with 2-3-5 and WM, for those interested in our history. The reason the Hungarian's made mince meat of us in the 50's were that we thought we were invincible and that our system was unbeatable, in spite of the evidence staring us in the face. And when reality hit it took years to catch up. Aren't we at the same junction now if we remember the World Cup? And why do we think that L1 or CCC football works off different principles?

[sadoldgit]

Lambert himself said he was in the best shape at the start of the season. Then were hear ther players were worked too hard, then not hard enough...

 

The problems between Cortese and Pardew started well before the end of last season. All of the sniping about putting the effort into the league and not the cups etc.

 

NOn of us knows for sure but it did look very much like Pardew was on his way out earlier and I suspect it was the support Pardew got elsewhere that kept him here a bit longer. Once Markuswas out of the way though Cortese had a clear road to do exactly what he wants, and that is what he is doing.

 

We were promised a "wow factor" name and got Adkins (with all due respect hardly a "wow"). We have yet to build on last's season's squad and I am sure that many of us expected to see a few more class players arrive. Whatever has happened to Lambert, Pardew ceratinly got the best out of him last season. Something the new manager has failed to do so far.

 

To be fair to Cortese, he has only had one full season in this role and is obvioulsy relying heavily on Les Reed. Surround yoursef with good people and you give yourself a fighting chance of success. Perhaps Cortese needs to find a new adviser?

[Thedelldays]

soggy

 

what would be "wow" in division 3.?

 

please dont embarrass yourself and say o'neil or keegan

[John B]

soggy

 

what would be "wow" in division 3.?

 

please dont embarrass yourself and say o'neil or keegan

 

Pardew?

[Thedelldays]

Pardew?

not really an option seeing he was removed from his post...

 

I would like to know the realistic "wow" appointments in division 3..

[Turkish]

not really an option seeing he was removed from his post...

 

I would like to know the realistic "wow" appointments in division 3..

 

Jamie, We all know O'Neill was waiting for Cortese to give him a call. FFS.

[Thedelldays]

Jamie, We all know O'Neill was waiting for Cortese to give him a call. FFS.

 

when you read this very message board...I dont doubt people actually believe that

[Gemmel]

when you read this very message board...I dont doubt people actually believe that

 

Patred, is adament and he isnt prone to making stuff up. Perhaps explains the delay between the sacking and the hire.

[Thedelldays]

Patred, is adament and he isnt prone to making stuff up. Perhaps explains the delay between the sacking and the hire.

 

i sorry..but jobs higher than us have come and gone..and will come and go without O'Neill going thee (despite being heavily linked)

look at blackburn....nope, no O'neill...

 

to even consider one of the best british managers, who walked when it seemed his club would get no higher than 6th in the prem with the level of investment...would come to division 3...is funny

 

is probably more bonkers than (who ever it was) thinking lambert should play for england/better than torres

Edited 23 December, 2010 by Thedelldays

[um pahars]

My only question be, what was served for supper at the event?

 

[Thedelldays]

My only question be, what was served for supper at the event?

 

 

old face is back...alright

[ottery st mary]

Lambert himself said he was in the best shape at the start of the season. Then were hear ther players were worked too hard, then not hard enough...

 

The problems between Cortese and Pardew started well before the end of last season. All of the sniping about putting the effort into the league and not the cups etc.

 

NOn of us knows for sure but it did look very much like Pardew was on his way out earlier and I suspect it was the support Pardew got elsewhere that kept him here a bit longer. Once Markuswas out of the way though Cortese had a clear road to do exactly what he wants, and that is what he is doing.

 

We were promised a "wow factor" name and got Adkins (with all due respect hardly a "wow"). We have yet to build on last's season's squad and I am sure that many of us expected to see a few more class players arrive. Whatever has happened to Lambert, Pardew ceratinly got the best out of him last season. Something the new manager has failed to do so far.

 

To be fair to Cortese, he has only had one full season in this role and is obvioulsy relying heavily on Les Reed. Surround yoursef with good people and you give yourself a fighting chance of success. Perhaps Cortese needs to find a new adviser?

 

SOG

 

You are nearer the mark than many on here ....

 

NC wanted Pardew out long before pre season training...

 

Pardew is a very good manager /coach regardless of what is spouted by our Adkins fans on this forum.

 

We now have our Nigel in charge and I really hope and pray we get going with some more needed points over xmas and new year..

 

Makes me laugh about the comments above re Pardew and his lack of expansive game and being without any idea.

 

The chosen few on here spouted that NA would be playing exciting open wide flowing football like he was supposed to have done

at Scunny...Laughable..

 

But let us live in hope he gets up there in the play offs at least or he can collect his cards..

 

Merry xmas one and all.

[Gemmel]

i sorry..but jobs higher than us have come and gone..and will come and go without O'Neill going thee (despite being heavily linked)

look at blackburn....nope, no O'neill...

 

to even consider one of the best british managers, who walked when it seemed his club would get no higher than 6th in the prem with the level of investment...would come to division 3...is funny

 

is probably more bonkers than (who ever it was) thinking lambert should play for england/better than torres

 

Normally I would agree, but he is mates with O Neil and sometimes when you've been at the top it's more about the challenge than money, status etc.

 

Of all the wierd, whacky and stupid things that we read on here, if I had to choose one (And fully agree that even suggesting O Neil consititutes stupid) I think there was some mileage in it.

[Gemmel]

My only question be, what was served for supper at the event?

 

 

 

It's the ghost from Christmas past........ hello Um, welcome back. Below is a list on everything you have missed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[up and away]

There has been a lot in the press (and I think posted on here) that different coaches believe different things.

 

A lot of the unrest at Man City stems from the double training sessions (think it was Bellamy who spoke about it). Again in related articles around that story was a bunch of data regarding the number of injuries that footballers keep picking up.

 

No idea what is right but it seems that there are two schools of thought as to what and how should be done to achieve and maintain peak fitness as well as ensuring that actual coaching, training & footballing skills (both physical & mental) are covered.

 

Whatever the merits of each option, the story from NC does show one important thing - there WAS disharmony in the camp. Again, no blame being attached from my side, but IF you are a Leader of an organisation then you SHOULD make sure that everyone FOLLOWS you, somehow it seems that AP did not get the support team to agree that his methods were the right ones. That's a Leadership/Listening failure. Either he didn't put his case very well to get everyone onside OR he did a rupert and just didn't bother to listen.

 

We'll never really know. All we DO know is that Lambert is not the player he was last season (at the moment) and whether that is down to pre-season or not - don't know, don't care, just want our old Rickie BACK!

 

You can easily see both methods of training working, as you say. The Bellamy article was really interesting and deserves another mention, but I would not argue that fitness could not be achieved by other methods. But the crux in what ever you do has to satisfy two important points, you do not injure a player such fitness can never be achieved and you monitor the fitness levels to ensure what you are doing is working. We have had three key injuries which I felt were not handled well,Lambert, Barnard and Lallana. Lallana's injury had nothing to do with pre-season, but the manner in which it was handled certainly leaves a lot of doubt in my mind.

 

Fitness was definitely an issue in those first couple of league games against poor opposition in Plymouth and LO. We started off well enough without a great deal of co-ordination and bad luck. Ran out of energy and the ideas that diminish with it, resulting in the hoof. The worst example for fitness to me was Hammond, huffing and puffing all over the place, a shadow of his former self. It was only under Adkins that we eventually got to see the Hammond we first signed. When you lose fitness like that, all of a sudden the ability to create space and give yourself other options goes away from you. Players are not moving into positions to give you options for an outlet and all you see is the opposition. Mentally the team looked jaded from the very first game. That can be down to a variety of reasons, but generally not evident in a team when you are at your fittest.

 

What we do know is that the control of injuries was poor and the fitness levels were off, just go back to the match reports for that if you are in doubt. We also know that we had expertise that recognised a lot of this and were not listened to, for a money no expense pre-season that 95% of other League 1 team could only dream of. There seemed a lot of bad blood between Pardew and some other members of staff which allowed this to come about. The question then is, who is at fault? Well if you get your own way and are proved wrong, you really have fooked up good and proper.

[dubai_phil]

My only question be, what was served for supper at the event?

 

 

Spudgun received a huge amount of abuse for his poor quality and, may I even say sketchy, report of the evening's menu.

 

He did to be fair offer a full and grovelling apology, accepted he must try harder in the future and promptly posted the meal review on about page 2 or 3.

 

Merry Christmas and welcome back

[um pahars]

It's the ghost from Christmas past........ .

 

I'm the ghost from Christmas present!!!!!!!!! LOL

 

And Delldays I'm very alright, how about you?

[Thedelldays]

Normally I would agree, but he is mates with O Neil and sometimes when you've been at the top it's more about the challenge than money, status etc.

 

Of all the wierd, whacky and stupid things that we read on here, if I had to choose one (And fully agree that even suggesting O Neil consititutes stupid) I think there was some mileage in it.

mileage...come on

 

like saying saints have a chance of getting robbie keane..or adebeyor in jan..

I think owen might be looking for another club..

[Gemmel]

mileage...come on

 

like saying saints have a chance of getting robbie keane..or adebeyor in jan..

I think owen might be looking for another club..

 

Ive already acknowledged it sounds stupid, but you need to read some of patreds posts on the subject.

[doddisalegend]

mileage...come on

 

like saying saints have a chance of getting robbie keane..or adebeyor in jan..

I think owen might be looking for another club..

 

Great idea Connolly and Holmes must get lonely in the treatment room. It would be nice for them to have some company.

Edited 23 December, 2010 by doddisalegend

[thorpie the sinner]

Normally I would agree, but he is mates with O Neil and sometimes when you've been at the top it's more about the challenge than money, status etc.

 

Of all the wierd, whacky and stupid things that we read on here, if I had to choose one (And fully agree that even suggesting O Neil consititutes stupid) I think there was some mileage in it.

 

There certainly was!!

[Thedelldays]

lol

 

no wonder we are viewed as arrogant in this league..

 

not happy with adkins..loads of money...think we missed out on MoN...lambert for england..lambert better than torres

 

lol

[sadoldgit]

There was as much chance of Fergusan managing here as O'Neil. These people are top managers and want to manage big teams. O'Neil has nothing to prove to anyone and why would he drop to the 3rd Divison when he can get a top job anywhere?

[sadoldgit]

SOG

 

You are nearer the mark than many on here ....

 

NC wanted Pardew out long before pre season training...

 

Pardew is a very good manager /coach regardless of what is spouted by our Adkins fans on this forum.

 

We now have our Nigel in charge and I really hope and pray we get going with some more needed points over xmas and new year..

 

Makes me laugh about the comments above re Pardew and his lack of expansive game and being without any idea.

 

The chosen few on here spouted that NA would be playing exciting open wide flowing football like he was supposed to have done

at Scunny...Laughable..

 

But let us live in hope he gets up there in the play offs at least or he can collect his cards..

 

Merry xmas one and all.

 

Indeed Ottery, Adkins will need to find away to get points on the board week in week out. Let's hope he can do it this season!! All the best to you too.

[Thedelldays]

There was as much chance of Fergusan managing here as O'Neil. These people are top managers and want to manage big teams. O'Neil has nothing to prove to anyone and why would he drop to the 3rd Divison when he can get a top job anywhere?

 

for once me old mukka..I completely agree.

 

MoN challenges for top honours..cups, titles, european cups..champions league spots..

regarded as one of the best british managers...top 5 easily

 

and people seriously think there was a chance of him coming here..

 

we are after a striker..lets look at the top 5 british strikers..

 

Rooney

Defoe

carroll

Bent

davies

(for example)

 

what are the chances of them coming to saints this season..?

[Give it to Ron]

for once me old mukka..I completely agree.

 

MoN challenges for top honours..cups, titles, european cups..champions league spots..

regarded as one of the best british managers...top 5 easily

 

and people seriously think there was a chance of him coming here..

 

we are after a striker..lets look at the top 5 british strikers..

 

Rooney

Defoe

carroll

Bent

davies

(for example)

 

what are the chances of them coming to saints this season..?

 

Mickey Rooney

Daniel Defoe

Charlie Carolli

David Brent

Freddie Parrot Face Davies

 

Have more chance....but there are really some strange postings on here at times when it comes to signings.

[saintscottofthenortham]

Lambert himself said he was in the best shape at the start of the season. Then were hear ther players were worked too hard, then not hard enough...

 

The problems between Cortese and Pardew started well before the end of last season. All of the sniping about putting the effort into the league and not the cups etc.

 

NOn of us knows for sure but it did look very much like Pardew was on his way out earlier and I suspect it was the support Pardew got elsewhere that kept him here a bit longer. Once Markuswas out of the way though Cortese had a clear road to do exactly what he wants, and that is what he is doing.

 

We were promised a "wow factor" name and got Adkins (with all due respect hardly a "wow"). We have yet to build on last's season's squad and I am sure that many of us expected to see a few more class players arrive. Whatever has happened to Lambert, Pardew ceratinly got the best out of him last season. Something the new manager has failed to do so far.

 

To be fair to Cortese, he has only had one full season in this role and is obvioulsy relying heavily on Les Reed. Surround yoursef with good people and you give yourself a fighting chance of success. Perhaps Cortese needs to find a new adviser?

 

 

Before I fall asleep after reading another one of your Cortese bashing pile of carp...

 

When on earth were we "Promised" a "WOW" appointment. You make stuff up to suit your vendetta. We were promised someone the club believe to be the man who can take us forward. He has been here a matter of months!

 

If in a years time I am watching Saints play the way I watched Scunny play at SMS when they blew us away, I shall be a happy bunny.

[Window Cleaner]

When on earth were we "Promised" a "WOW" appointment. You make stuff up to suit your vendetta. We were promised someone the club believe to be the man who can take us forward. He has been here a matter of months!

 

/QUOTE]

 

A lot of silly things were said at that time, I distinctly recall a "wow factor" being mentioned. But then again Adkins in the run up to his appointment said that Dean Wilkins had " a safe pair of hands" and could be relied on to see the club through the interim period.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

To be fair to Cortese, he has only had one full season in this role and is obvioulsy relying heavily on Les Reed. Surround yoursef with good people and you give yourself a fighting chance of success. Perhaps Cortese needs to find a new adviser?

 

Yeah, but Les Reed is a ****.

[Window Cleaner]

Yeah, but Les Reed is a ****.

 

Really?? I don't know how you can say that about a man who has a league management of just 41 days and a fabulous record P7 W1 L5 D 1. Obviously knows what he's talking about ehh!! No wonder he may have thought AP was working the players too hard, didn't he give

Charlton's players Christmas off or something like that? even though they were absolutely woeful and bit of extra training might not have gone amiss.

[Thedelldays]

Really?? I don't know how you can say that about a man who has a league management of just 41 days and a fabulous record P7 W1 L5 D 1. Obviously knows what he's talking about ehh!! No wonder he may have thought AP was working the players too hard, didn't he give

Charlton's players Christmas off or something like that? even though they were absolutely woeful and bit of extra training might not have gone amiss.

 

what has league management got to do with anything..he is not our manager..he did not even step in when pardew left

 

do you actually like the club...do you actually like cortese...would you rather he was not here..

 

david coles was thought to be excelllent for the club...remind me of his management experience"...same with snoddin

 

nearly every single one of your posts is moaning..or sniping or *****ing out the club/adkins/cortese..

 

do you actually support saints..?

[Window Cleaner]

what has league management got to do with anything..he is not our manager..he did not even step in when pardew left

 

do you actually like the club...do you actually like cortese...would you rather he was not here..

 

david coles was thought to be excelllent for the club...remind me of his management experience"...same with snoddin

 

Cortese ??? nothing he has done so far gives me much confidence in his ability to take us forward, nothing whatsoever.

[Thedelldays]

Cortese ??? nothing he has done so far gives me much confidence in his ability to take us forward, nothing whatsoever.

 

apart from bringing a billioniare to the table...trophy etc etc...

 

ok, no matter what it is clear you would rather he was not here...any danger of changing the record..?

[Window Cleaner]

apart from bringing a billioniare to the table...trophy etc etc...

 

ok, no matter what it is clear you would rather he was not here...any danger of changing the record..?

 

Sure when he does something positive about the erratic crap on the football field. Couldn't care less about him sacking Pardew but it wasn't done at the right time and Adkins still has everything to prove as far as I'm concerned.

[Thedelldays]

Sure when he does something positive about the erratic crap on the football field. Couldn't care less about him sacking Pardew but it wasn't done at the right time and Adkins still has everything to prove as far as I'm concerned.

 

you dont like cortese - check

you dont like adkins - check

you dont like les reed - check

you dont like someo of the players - check

you dont like league 1 - check

 

why bother...seriously

 

we all get it...you would rather micky failka was here and not cortese..that is your (pathetic) choice.

but do you have to go on and on and on in every single post

 

what do you actually enjoy about saints..?

[NickG]

seems to be more of wind up posts than opinion of saints supporter

[Window Cleaner]

yo

 

what do you actually enjoy about saints..?

 

 

Right now not so much.We are a shadow of the team I used to support, and I started in the late 50's, aged 5.

When we are out of League 1 I shall no doubt find following the club less painful. I hate to see us where we are,with all the money we're supposed to have (and I seriously doubt that we have any significant sum available in reality). I think we're heading down all the wrong alleys, making future development more important than the 1st team. When we're out of League 1 we can move forward on the development but right now every resource that we have at our disposition should be channelled into getting out of this League.It isn't happening for me as yet.We do not need 25 youth academy educators and admnistrators, we need a centre forward who can score goals that's all.

[Give it to Ron]

Sure when he does something positive about the erratic crap on the football field. Couldn't care less about him sacking Pardew but it wasn't done at the right time and Adkins still has everything to prove as far as I'm concerned.

 

Well I take it you are very new to supporting Saints if you think we have been anything other than erratic crap ...I have been going since 1963 and its been like that since then.

Ask Dalek about Tranmere.

Other examples Wycombe, Oldham, Stockport from last season

Notts Forest at home in CC

Many defeats in league and cups to lower league opposition when we have tanked the top.

 

PS

If you have been going since the 50's you obviouly have not been watching whats on the pitch then.

Edited 23 December, 2010 by Give it to Ron

[Thedelldays]

Right now not so much.We are a shadow of the team I used to support, and I started in the late 50's, aged 5.

When we are out of League 1 I shall no doubt find following the club less painful. I hate to see us where we are,with all the money we're supposed to have (and I seriously doubt that we have any significant sum available in reality). I think we're heading down all the wrong alleys, making future development more important than the 1st team. When we're out of League 1 we can move forward on the development but right now every resource that we have at our disposition should be channelled into getting out of this League.It isn't happening for me as yet.We do not need 25 youth academy educators and admnistrators, we need a centre forward who can score goals that's all.

 

we get that...seriously we all do

 

any chance of not going on and on in nearly every single post...it is a given..you dont like much about the club...

[Window Cleaner]

we get that...seriously we all do

 

any chance of not going on and on in nearly every single post...it is a given..you dont like much about the club...

 

OK I'll see what I can do.

[Give it to Ron]

Right now not so much.We are a shadow of the team I used to support, and I started in the late 50's, aged 5.

When we are out of League 1 I shall no doubt find following the club less painful. I hate to see us where we are,with all the money we're supposed to have (and I seriously doubt that we have any significant sum available in reality). I think we're heading down all the wrong alleys, making future development more important than the 1st team. When we're out of League 1 we can move forward on the development but right now every resource that we have at our disposition should be channelled into getting out of this League.It isn't happening for me as yet.We do not need 25 youth academy educators and admnistrators, we need a centre forward who can score goals that's all.

 

Well if we dont buy/loan one in the transfer window then I will agree with you but when did Adkins have the chance to get one in?

Last season Pardew had a free scoring Lambert, Barnard(injured/nicked), Waigo and the pace of Antonio to call upon...Adkins has none of those to call upon.

[Matthew Le God]

with all the money we're supposed to have (and I seriously doubt that we have any significant sum available in reality). I think we're heading down all the wrong alleys, making future development more important than the 1st team. When we're out of League 1 we can move forward on the development but right now every resource that we have at our disposition should be channelled into getting out of this League.It isn't happening for me as yet.We do not need 25 youth academy educators and admnistrators, we need a centre forward who can score goals that's all.

 

So the roughly £5m spent on footballing staff since the takeover has passed you by? That is a huge amount for a 3rd tier club to spend considering it doesn't have the revenue streams of a Premier League or Championship side.

 

You really think the club has no money? Did you not notice the multi million pound upgrade plans for the training ground announced after Liebherr's death and the constant hints of squad investment by Adkins and Cortese.

Edited 23 December, 2010 by Matthew Le God

[Give it to Ron]

So the roughly £5m spent on footballing staff since the takeover has passed you by? That is a huge amount for a 3rd tier club to spend considering it doesn't have the revenue streams of a Premier League or Championship side.

 

You really think the club has no money? Did you not notice the multi million pound upgrade plans for the training ground announced after Liebherr's death.

 

As for the academy I know for a fact that it was Liebherrs wish that the academy is improved and is the way he wants this club to be run. The academy bringing on players into the first team and not us wasting millions on useless players like in the past that havent improved the squad.

 

Source...Liebherr to my mate who has a son in the academy.