Franny Benali

[Jonnyboy]

What ****ing legends ? Using Soccer AM to dig at Cortese pathetic. When will these idiots realise they cant freeload off our club anymore and move on ?

 

I dont mind them freeloading of our club, anyway its not our club, its Cortese's/Liebherr families' club.

 

You think when they sell up Cortese will keep living in Southampton, have kids here, do charitable work for the city?

Unlikely imo, will be back to Switzerland Im afraid.

[Thedelldays]

I dont mind them freeloading of our club, anyway its not our club, its Cortese's/Liebherr families' club.

 

You think when they sell up Cortese will keep living in Southampton, have kids here, do charitable work for the city?

Unlikely imo, will be back to Switzerland Im afraid.

so what..?

 

does MLT still live in southampton...or does he just have a house here..?

[Secret Site Agent]

You are constructing a bus lane? Tsk. You have gone down in my estimation

 

I'm just getting into practice for the one i hope to be building for Nigel Atkins:lol:

 

It is a bit more complicated than it sounds, honestly.

[Jonnyboy]

so what..?

 

does MLT still live in southampton...or does he just have a house here..?

 

Fair play to Markus for saving us, but when you are the new kid on the block, show some respect.

Franny shouldnt have said what he did on TV but Le Tiss and Franny are legends.

[Thedelldays]

Fair play to Markus for saving us, but when you are the new kid on the block, show some respect.

Franny shouldnt have said what he did on TV but Le Tiss and Franny are legends.

 

so some respect...what has cortese said then..?

what has he said in public that shows lack of respect...business and money dealings are completely different..more so when they are conducted in private..?

 

 

so please..where has this disrespect taken place..?

[Jonnyboy]

so some respect...what has cortese said then..?

what has he said in public that shows lack of respect...business and money dealings are completely different..more so when they are conducted in private..?

 

 

so please..where has this disrespect taken place..?

 

Im not getting into "the list" but the animosity towards NC hasnt come from nowhere

 

BTW Le Tiss was in town recently presenting awards for the People of Southmpton (or something) - probably unpaid as done for the last 20 years, Benali is also always in the echo. You really think they want Saints to fail cos of NC? All thats wanted is a few free tickets and continued recognition for their efforts in the past. imo.

[Thedelldays]

so, matty lives in southampton still..?

 

and what has cortese said in public that is disrespectful...I cant think of anything what so ever

[Jonnyboy]

Lets talk over a pint in town, Im off out in a minute, see you there?.....oh.

[Thedelldays]

Lets talk over a pint in town, Im off out in a minute, see you there?.....oh.

 

im not going...so what..?

[saint77]

so, matty lives in southampton still..? no ringwood

 

and what has cortese said in public that is disrespectful...I cant think of anything what so ever

not a single word

[darren2]

In all honesty, both are club legends for different reasons, but it seems Cortese has been conducting things in private without bad mouthing anyone. Maybe he can be a little "difficult" which I have heard him admit himself, but I dont think MLT and FB are doing themselves any favours going into the public domain with personal issues or not being able to get a load of free tickets for their mates (Who have probably done nothing for the club so why should they get some before paying fans). i'm involved in a sport where we provide hospitality to guests. If I have family wanting to come along I'm told wait till near the date. If we dont have spare spaces the answer is no. If there are spaces I get them free. If I REALLY want tickets still I pay. Maybe this was the case with MLT's tickets. I wouldnt expect it another way and TBH neither should he

[darren2]

Edit, ok Matt offered to pay, but why get priority is my point :0)

[Frank's cousin]

Its true bit the ONLY folk who have brought any of these things up in public have been MLT, Frannie and in the past LM... Times have changed. The days when players earned sweet FA and thus had testimonials and then true servants given 'jobs' etc are long gone - players earn a fortune relative to the rest of us... the culture has changed and iMHO for the better. Some of you go on about respect, but what respect have these guys shown towards the club by slagging it in public, because they have a grievence with the Chairman? What respect are they showing to the fans by having a go in public? What respect are they showing to the current squad by these public distractions?

 

These giuys are our history YES, they are our clut heros and legends YES, that will never change, but if they keep up this dirty washing in public crap they will certainly lose my respect, as NC would if was to do the same.

 

MLT whinging again on SKY earlier ...only family and mates has now become kids... no mention of 10 tickets and then whinged because he diod not here back because when he applied teh details for tickets had not even been releaed FFS - then haopy to slag teh club in the press, now on TV.... TO me its a classic case of JEALOUSY - they cant stand the fact that so called non-football folk have bought the club and put an end to all teh freeloading etc - its almost questioning the owners right and its a feckin sad state of affairs. I am sure there are things I dont agree with aout NC, but f*ck that, I am prepared to trust and see what happens as so far we cant complain... and MLT and Frannie should look at teh table and remember that - personal issues should be dealt with in private ...

[OldNick]

what construes a legend? I do wonder if to be one you must not be able to pass, head, or shoot , but run around and stay at the club as nobody wants to buy you.

FB is clearly a fantastic fella and is a saints fan but why turn the knife on national TV when we need positives.

It is about time one of Matts friends pulled him aside and had a quiet word......unless there really are dark forces out trying to disrupt the club again

[simo]

Both gone down hill in my estimation ! What good does spouting off do ?

[VectisSaint]

In all honesty, both are club legends for different reasons, but it seems Cortese has been conducting things in private without bad mouthing anyone. Maybe he can be a little "difficult" which I have heard him admit himself, but I dont think MLT and FB are doing themselves any favours going into the public domain with personal issues or not being able to get a load of free tickets for their mates (Who have probably done nothing for the club so why should they get some before paying fans). i'm involved in a sport where we provide hospitality to guests. If I have family wanting to come along I'm told wait till near the date. If we dont have spare spaces the answer is no. If there are spaces I get them free. If I REALLY want tickets still I pay. Maybe this was the case with MLT's tickets. I wouldnt expect it another way and TBH neither should he

Just a minor little point, but if MLT wanted tickets for today's game how come he is working on Sky today? Clearly had no intention of being at the game today if he had other commitments, just trying to get tickets for mates and family. MLT & Franny really are making themselves look like complete mugs. Still just goes to prove that great players and Franny don't neccessarily have much common sense.

[CanadaSaint]

What were those words - "campaign to destabilize the Club"?

 

Well, this recurrent whining from various people is really starting to look like a campaign and, as it all seems to be aimed at the chairman, it could destabilize the club.

 

Looks like Cortese wasn't exaggerating, even if he's not entirely blameless for the bad blood.

[Verbal]

Aren't you all being a tad hysterical? It all seems a bit 'so what' to me.

[jimmysaint7]

so, matty lives in southampton still..?

 

and what has cortese said in public that is disrespectful...I cant think of anything what so ever

 

No Bournemouth I believe not far from there ground

[Katalinic]

No Bournemouth I believe not far from there ground

 

Avon Castle which is just outside Ringwood is miles from their ground.

[Dellman]

I watched FB for years and he became a favourite because he had fanatical enthusiasm but we all know he was short on brain. It'a really showing now. Very sad

[up and away]

Originally Posted by jimmysaint7

No Bournemouth I believe not far from there ground

Avon Castle which is just outside Ringwood is miles from their ground.

 

And Ampfield is miles from all of them!

[derry]

I watched FB for years and he became a favourite because he had fanatical enthusiasm but we all know he was short on brain. It'a really showing now. Very sad

 

Quite! He was an awful passer and gave the ball to the opposition continuously. A good servant, courageous, but a legend ? If the club had signed a decent premier quality leftl back he wouldn't have got a game.

[sfc4prem]

Both have gone down in my estimations. Matty shouldn't spout off in public. Seems a tad of jealousy that Pinnacle didn't gain control of SFC, Cortese and Markus stealing the headlines and adulation instead.

 

I think he should tone down a bit, let what he did for us on the pitch do the talking and keep his dirty washing with Cortese in private.

 

As for Benali, he wasn't really a legend, pretty poor player actually, bit like Wotton, gave 100% but not alot of talent, and he too should keep tight-lipped about private warring with Cortese.

 

Bringing it into the public domain on national TV won't help anyone, especially not OUR club which they both say they want the best for. If that's true, then stop undermining the progress the club is making under Cortese!! FFS.

 

Dark forces indeed, Nicola.

[aintforever]

I think Benali can say what he wants, none of you c*nts n here no the full story.

[Thedelldays]

I think Benali can say what he wants, none of you c*nts n here no the full story.

 

Tell us then

[manji]

I think Benali can say what he wants, none of you c*nts n here no the full story.

 

Not if that involves a Soccer AM to celebrate Saints playing Man Utd as a personal whinge fest.

[Channon's Sideburns]

TBF if a any of this crap gets spouted at the Mayflower next month, I'm walking out.

 

Some ex-players need to grow up FFS. If it's a legal issue, you'd do well to keep your mouth shut.

 

In this day and age, anyone can be deemed a 'legend' for breathing.

 

MLT - full respect, but realise the Pinnacle rubbish and your inability to recognise the risk it created is harming you;

 

FB - again respect, but some things need to remain behind closed doors - don't cheapen the club or your history with it.

[Clifford Nelson]

When NC arrived "in the building" he made it quite clear that the freeloading culture was finished. From then on every spectator would pay for his ticket, including himself. He appears to have meant what he said, but some ex-players still seem to think that they should be treated in some special way. Let's not bring it up again.

 

Some may have other reasons for disagreeing with NC, but raising their unhappiness in the media certainly gives me the impression that they think themselves more important than the club. This club doesn't need any more in-fighting. If their gripes are real and have been costly they have the recourse to the courts. That they're not there gives me the impression that they're not certain to win, which is a sign in itself that these conflicts are more complicated than they seem.

 

My best advice for them is to move on, and if they can't, then move away. I will remember them for their football regardless. The days of genuflecting are over.

[S-Clarke]

Great post Clifford Nelson, agree with every word.

[Redondo Saint]

Can't see what all the fuss is about. Franny was asked a question and he gave a limited response. Some drama queens on this thread me thinks.

 

http://www.socceram.com/story/0,21644,13873_6709079,00.html

[Clifford Nelson]

Apologist.

[positivepete]

Its true bit the ONLY folk who have brought any of these things up in public have been MLT, Frannie and in the past LM... Times have changed. The days when players earned sweet FA and thus had testimonials and then true servants given 'jobs' etc are long gone - players earn a fortune relative to the rest of us... the culture has changed and iMHO for the better. Some of you go on about respect, but what respect have these guys shown towards the club by slagging it in public, because they have a grievence with the Chairman? What respect are they showing to the fans by having a go in public? What respect are they showing to the current squad by these public distractions?

 

These giuys are our history YES, they are our clut heros and legends YES, that will never change, but if they keep up this dirty washing in public crap they will certainly lose my respect, as NC would if was to do the same.

 

MLT whinging again on SKY earlier ...only family and mates has now become kids... no mention of 10 tickets and then whinged because he diod not here back because when he applied teh details for tickets had not even been releaed FFS - then haopy to slag teh club in the press, now on TV.... TO me its a classic case of JEALOUSY - they cant stand the fact that so called non-football folk have bought the club and put an end to all teh freeloading etc - its almost questioning the owners right and its a feckin sad state of affairs. I am sure there are things I dont agree with aout NC, but f*ck that, I am prepared to trust and see what happens as so far we cant complain... and MLT and Frannie should look at teh table and remember that - personal issues should be dealt with in private ...

 

Nail, head, spot on!

[NickG]

For childish just look at NC's continuing behavior.

 

What's that then?

 

yes, come on, back it up then

 

Take it docker can't back this up? More anti-saints snipes.

[Wade Garrett]

Matty is a club legend for what he did for us on the pitch, however this was a little tainted by his part in the Pinnacle fiasco that nearly cost the club Liebherr and its future.

 

Benali a legend? Never, yes he always gave 100%, but lets face it, he wasn't a good player. I am still amazed to this day that he played 300 odd games in the top division.

 

I haven't got a clue about Benali's legal problem with Cortese, and to be honest, I couldn't give a toss. Bloody stupid talking about it on the TV though.

[stthrobber]

Can't see what all the fuss is about. Franny was asked a question and he gave a limited response. Some drama queens on this thread me thinks.

 

http://www.socceram.com/story/0,21644,13873_6709079,00.html

 

Absolutely. I can't speak too much on the Matty ticket issue as I don't know much about it, but Franny was asked what he's doing now and he said football wise, he coaches his son's team in Romsey.

 

Soccer AM asked him about his property development side of things and asked him about renting his house out to the club and Franny responded with the proviso that he can't say too much as it's now a legal issue. Hardly slagging the club off, just responding, imo diplomatically, to a question that was asked of him.

 

I don't think it's any great secret that NC has no time for MLT after the Pinnacle issue, and he was quick to go public, so I don't see too much of an issue if Matty airs his own sour grapes in public.

 

As it was, Matt's family could have bought tickets themselves right up to kick off. Happy days

[Badger]

Matty is a club legend for what he did for us on the pitch, however this was a little tainted by his part in the Pinnacle fiasco that nearly cost the club Liebherr and its future.

 

Benali a legend? Never, yes he always gave 100%, but lets face it, he wasn't a good player. I am still amazed to this day that he played 300 odd games in the top division.

 

I haven't got a clue about Benali's legal problem with Cortese, and to be honest, I couldn't give a toss. Bloody stupid talking about it on the TV though.

 

Agree with this. As a player MLT was the most skillful of his generation,and in my lifetime only Paine and Channon are comparable. His association with Pinnacle however, no matter how well intentioned does detract slightly from the god like status afforded him.

 

Benali was tremendously commited as a player through a long career,although often a liability in defence. However he seems to do well to be mentioned in the same breath as MLT when people talk of loyalty and dedication.MLT had the choice of the top clubs at various stages of his career. FB on the other hand did not,and when Souness and Hoddle tried to move him on we could not give him away.

 

Any private disputes should remain so.

 

But as someone else said, it is a shame Cortese cannot recognise the contributions of these players in our history.

[Deppo]

Can someone clarify Benali's connection to Kuti's restaurant? Is he a co-owner or something?

 

He does the washing up.

[Deppo]

Take it docker can't back this up? More anti-saints snipes.

 

He's busy going up to people in the street and telling them what he thinks of them. Give him time.

[Noodles34]

Just seen the clip and really, why did Franny bring it up? Clearly Miss Chamberlain was briefed by someone (?) beforehand, its not the sort of thing you would casually know (that the cairman had rented a house off him) and therefore it seemed a conspired introduction to Fb to tell all. I love FB, see him around town a lot, he has a fit wife and he is a good bloke to chat too. Caught up with him just before Xmas at Kutis and he was really behind Saints the team, but very sad about the running of the club. H has his reasons i guess, but a bit disappointed in him today really, unneccessary.

[Frank's cousin]

I dont think there was anything wrong with MLT fronting pinnacle - he obviously genuinely thought it was the best way , or only way for the club to survive and I am sure it flattered his ego to be asked to be chairman -however, a genius on he pitch YES, but it did show some naivetyon his part. He did obviously not do his due diligence on tepinncal e bid which if you recall had to rely on Mr Crouch to stump up the half £mil to get exclusivity.... None of us knew what teh swiss bid was all about as they remaind stum about it - a leeson to all of us really that any REAL business is conducted in that way and all the speculation, gossip and rumour, is only there to test the water with fans and try and get them onside.

 

What I dont understand is why Matt is so bitter about it? Because it looks like he is just cheased off he is not chairman because he backed the wrong horse - thing is Matty, most of us saw that the pinnacle bid was a 3 legged donkey at the time, sure we did not know that the Liebherr bid was a thoroughbred stallion in comparison with Tony Mackoy in the saddle... but why not admit that that saints got the best deal with NC and Markus? There would be feck all shame in that - we know you where trying to help when approached, but no shame in walking away when you can see a far better solution - surely that is REAL support of the club? As it is his sniping just makes him look jealous and as if his ego is bruised...

 

The Franny thing... well it sounds like a contact dispute between club/NC and Franny, which will be resolved one day either out of or in court about his house - rental contracts... so what the feck is that doing in the public domain?

 

There are posters on this thread who still live in the 'ex players can never do any wrong and should be given whatever they ask for world'... its gone, finished etc.... and I bet Rodrigues, Channon et al on the pitch did not have to pay for tickets? Had Lawrie not been so vocally bitter he would probably have been there to.

 

Maybe I have got it all wrong, but can someone please explain WHY messrs Le Tiss, Lawrie et al, did not even give the new regime 5 minutes before publically going on the offensive? When Wilde and Crouch took over we wer urged to 'give them time' so what happened to that mantra?

 

All sounds like sour grapes to me...

[Wes Tender]

Its true bit the ONLY folk who have brought any of these things up in public have been MLT, Frannie and in the past LM... Times have changed. The days when players earned sweet FA and thus had testimonials and then true servants given 'jobs' etc are long gone - players earn a fortune relative to the rest of us... the culture has changed and iMHO for the better. Some of you go on about respect, but what respect have these guys shown towards the club by slagging it in public, because they have a grievence with the Chairman? What respect are they showing to the fans by having a go in public? What respect are they showing to the current squad by these public distractions?

 

These giuys are our history YES, they are our clut heros and legends YES, that will never change, but if they keep up this dirty washing in public crap they will certainly lose my respect, as NC would if was to do the same.

 

MLT whinging again on SKY earlier ...only family and mates has now become kids... no mention of 10 tickets and then whinged because he diod not here back because when he applied teh details for tickets had not even been releaed FFS - then haopy to slag teh club in the press, now on TV.... TO me its a classic case of JEALOUSY - they cant stand the fact that so called non-football folk have bought the club and put an end to all teh freeloading etc - its almost questioning the owners right and its a feckin sad state of affairs. I am sure there are things I dont agree with aout NC, but f*ck that, I am prepared to trust and see what happens as so far we cant complain... and MLT and Frannie should look at teh table and remember that - personal issues should be dealt with in private ...

 

Spot on Frank. The difference between the way that Cortese conducts himself and the behaviour of these ex-footballers' behaviour is in sharp contrast. Cortese as a successful businessman conducts himself with a quiet dignity, which must rile the media who would prefer the gobbier type of Chairman like Barry Fry or that tool at Bournemouth, always ready to shoot from the lip.

 

By contrast, regardless of how good they were at playing football, (or as that doesn't apply to Benali, how loyal and committed they were on the pitch wearing the Saint's stripes), the footballer who has the intelligence and the nous to act with dignity in business or private affairs is a much rarer breed.

 

As others have commented, I have fond memories of what MLT and Benali did for the club, but that doesn't mean that they are somehow fireproof against criticism when they act in such a childish way, throwing their toys out of the pram because the club doesn't massage their fragile little egos.

 

The time is fast approaching when the fanbase tell them, thanks for your efforts as a player, but if you wish to be remembered fondly by us, then you'll stop tarnishing your reputations and our memories by keeping your mouths shut about matters that are better kept behind closed doors.

[miserableoldgit]

Spot on Frank. The difference between the way that Cortese conducts himself and the behaviour of these ex-footballers' behaviour is in sharp contrast. Cortese as a successful businessman conducts himself with a quiet dignity, which must rile the media who would prefer the gobbier type of Chairman like Barry Fry or that tool at Bournemouth, always ready to shoot from the lip.

 

By contrast, regardless of how good they were at playing football, (or as that doesn't apply to Benali, how loyal and committed they were on the pitch wearing the Saint's stripes), the footballer who has the intelligence and the nous to act with dignity in business or private affairs is a much rarer breed.

 

As others have commented, I have fond memories of what MLT and Benali did for the club, but that doesn't mean that they are somehow fireproof against criticism when they act in such a childish way, throwing their toys out of the pram because the club doesn't massage their fragile little egos.

 

The time is fast approaching when the fanbase tell them, thanks for your efforts as a player, but if you wish to be remembered fondly by us, then you'll stop tarnishing your reputations and our memories by keeping your mouths shut about matters that are better kept behind closed doors.

Spot on.

[Kingsbridge Saint]

Can't see what all the fuss is about. Franny was asked a question and he gave a limited response. Some drama queens on this thread me thinks.

 

http://www.socceram.com/story/0,21644,13873_6709079,00.html

 

This. I would think half the hysterical responses on here are from holier than thou arseholes who never saw the programme and have no idea of the context. Both MLT and FB are Saints fans like the rest of us. Only difference is that they both served the club magnificently in their time, unlike the rest of us tossers.

[kpturner]

unlike the rest of us tossers.

Oi - speak for yourself! :-)

[kpturner]

I didn't see the programme before reading this thread....now I have, I agree with those that think this is a load of hysterical nonsense (although the video clip was slightly curtailed so I may have missed something).

[Frank's cousin]

Can't see what all the fuss is about. Franny was asked a question and he gave a limited response. Some drama queens on this thread me thinks.

 

http://www.socceram.com/story/0,21644,13873_6709079,00.html

 

... dont you think its a huge insult to cortese with the comments about 'contract cleaners' and unpaid rentpretty damning to me. he really should just have said something on the lines of 'just a few issues which are in the process of being resolved' - sure he might we fecked off with Cortese about the deal, but why sling the insults in public? I just dont understand what they hope to gain by demonstrating their obvious dislike for NC in public... seems a real shame that all this cant be reslved amicably, when to me it looks like a simple contract dispute?

[Gemmel]

Frank it has gone well past "a few issues" that can be resolved amicably.

[Wes Tender]

This. I would think half the hysterical responses on here are from holier than thou arseholes who never saw the programme and have no idea of the context. Both MLT and FB are Saints fans like the rest of us. Only difference is that they both served the club magnificently in their time, unlike the rest of us tossers.

 

Saw the programme and revisited it to check my initial reactions. I would say that it was pretty obvious that the interviewer had been primed to dig a little into the matter based on some snippet that their researchers had come across, hoping to uncover some dirt. Benali duly obliged, when he should have kept his big mouth shut. All he had to do if pressed, is say that it was something that he did not want to discuss.

 

And they are not Saints fans like the rest of us. They hold privileged positions as ex-players where the media give a damned sight more credence to their utterances. With that goes a responsibility to be more careful in what they say. We can say what we like and nobody will take too much notice of it. They might have served the club magnificently in their time, but their time is past and they might undo that good work by ill-judged remarks and actions now.

 

So who is the holier than thou arsehole? Those who rail against this sort of destabilising and petty vindictiveness, or those who think that ex-players have carte blanche to say and do what they like just because they used to play for us?

[Gemmel]

So who is the holier than thou arsehole? Those who rail against this sort of destabilising and petty vindictiveness, or those who think that ex-players have carte blanche to say and do what they like just because they used to play for us?

 

Wes, how can you refer to it as petty vindictiveness, if you have no idea what it's about?

 

Benali, is suing corteste/ Saints, if he wins, would that not prove he was in the right?

 

Cortese, quite rightly has our support, but that is not unconditional and as an employee of the club he has a duty of care, to behave and act in an appropriate manner. Benali has called that into question and is now suing him/ the club.