This Really Is The New Dawn

[mickn]

and all this with the bloody Echo banging on every night about where Chamberlain was going, I felt they really did their best to unsettle him

[holepuncture]

For those of us that have grown up, watching our best players leave, there wouldn't be many that would have put money on Oxo and Lallana still being with us this evening.

 

In many cases selling our best players was out of necessity and part of being a Saints fan, but to have secured Lallana and kept the big four away from Oxo, shouldn't be underestimated. It's massive and completely alien to me, especially when you think what was paid for the entire club and the option to realise 10 million of that in one hit.

 

Absolutely made up, as should every Saints be.

 

This is a new dawn and a huge huge huge statement of intent.

 

Congratualtions to everyone at the club that have made this happen.

 

Spot on Gemmel.

 

Keeping AL and OXO was a the acid test for me, if the club retained these two special and unique players, I could only see it as a true statement that this 'vision' of Cortese's and of course the great Liebherrs 'legacy' will be seen through.

 

NC could have sent them both off an recovered the majority of Liebherrs investment within the month - but he said he wouldnt in his rare BBC interview and well done to him for being true to his word. Its not only the players in football where loyalty is questionnable, its chairman/CEOs and owners who are just as quick to sell away their passion and morals for a bung. Look at Newcastle, and even Holloway, acting like mr humble football man, yet driving through big transfers with his 5% fee (typical Harry Redknapp stuuf!)

 

Well done Don Cortese, well done SFC, thankyou Liebherr family.

 

I love being a Saint, ever since the Swiss rolled in it has felt so good, and week by week my trust and faith in our custodians increases.

 

Watching Chaplow lining himself up from the Kingsland corner on Saturday, it was so beautiful, what a moment, what a celebration for our great club.

 

That moment was so sweet, and so is the thought of our talent, amoungst the finest in the country, wanting to play for us, and choosing to stay with us. It is staggering and they have every opportunity to become legends at this club.

 

Its great being a Saint

 

COYR

 

WIFM

[Miltonaggro]

Nice one Gemmell, tapped into the feelings of many on here. Cortese must be congratulated for being very canny in this window. Saints took it to united for much of the match on Saturday and looked like a TEAM, Chappers, Harding and Butterfield epitomised this new bond and heart that the players seem to have. So, the two new additions (both well known to NA) will fit this team ethic, versatile six footers with power and pace, lots of options and competition. AL and AC is the icing on the cake and a win, win. If we get promotion things are cranked up another notch, it becomes a more difficult proposition for the player to leave, and a much more difficult proposition for any courting club to put in an appropriate offer - AC @ £10M after half a season in division three, how much for him after half a season at the top end of the Championship per se with a few England U21 caps?

 

Now all we have to do is tear this league a new one, and I rather think we will...

[*Halo*]

I don't tend to post much, usually just like to stay in the background and read the thoughts of my fellow Saints fans; but there's been a lot going on of late, and this seems like a good (and appropriate) topic to put some thoughts down on page. (Sorry for the long post - lots to cover)

 

Firstly, yes, I do feel the same sense of frustration as some of you, at the negative 'defeatist' vibe that appears to emanate from a fairly large number of opinions on the forum, whilst there is so much to be positive about right now.

 

Yet, at the same time, I do also empathise with those who hold such feelings of distrust, as it was not so long ago I also shared similar sentiments.

 

I can't speak for everyone, but for me personally, it's easy to trace those negative feelings back to their roots.

 

The year that I was born, Peter Rodrigues lifted the F.A. Cup for us at Wembley.

 

The first season my Dad started regularly taking me to The Dell, we finished runners up to Liverpool in the top flight of English Football.

 

Most of my life, Southampton have had a relatively successful football team, at the very least, one I could be justifiably proud of. A team who I felt no shame to support, amongst all my sneering plastic, glory-hunting, Liverpool and Manchester United following school-friends.

 

Twenty Seven unbroken years, of Southampton FC; the Pride of the South Coast, representing our City in the highest echelons of our national game, a record only bettered at that time, (I think) by Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Then, in the space of a few short years, we had to watch it all torn away from us; and just to really rub it in, our spectacular demise had to coincide with the corrupt "rise" of our sworn enemies from the Isle of Skates.

 

We've seen the very heart and soul ripped out of the Club we love, the famed "Spirit of Southampton" crushed beneath the feet of the brutal "Lowe regime(s)". The wishy-washy false promises of Michael "Saints Go" Wilde, and the ultimately empty platitudes of Tony Lynham and the Fialka Fiasco. We've watched the Club's financial security evaporate at an alarming rate, from a position of relative strength and solidity; to coming within a matter of nerve shedding hours from going to the wall; and a dramatic fall from grace -- established Premier League Club and F.A. Cup Finalists, to languishing in the murky depths of League One obscurity.

A once proud Club with a rich heritage, used to dining at the top table; to the butt of jokes, and condescending looks, as we desperately try to claw our way out of a division host to a mostly rather dismal standard of "football".

 

God, and how many false dawns have we gone though the last years? How many times have we dared to hope for the best, only to once again see our dreams shattered, and our hope thrown back in our faces.

 

There's only so many times a man can withstand such a gut-wrenching emotional onslaught, without something breaking inside. Let's be honest with ourselves my friends, when we look at how far we've fallen, and the sheer unbridled levels of sh*t we've been through together over the last few years at this club; it hurts like f*ckin' hell, doesn't it?

 

So yeah, can I understand and emphasise with a fellow fan who just dare not let himself get his hopes up again, only to risk seeing them dashed across the rocks once more? Yeah, absolutely right I can. I've been in that place, and I've felt just like that. "Everything is f*cked, and it's never gonna get any better, so just get used to it, and learn to take the punches".

 

Seeing the negative outlook in everything, has just become a habit that has, slowly but surely, ingrained itself at a deep subconscious level in so many of us, such that we've given up on the possibility that good things can really actually happen to us any-more.

 

The amount of sh*t we've waded through is a fertile enough breeding ground to foment cynicism in even the most optimistic of souls.

 

Just that this time, I feel it really is different. There is so much good, happening in and around our Football Club again right now.

 

We've had the joy of seeing our beloved Saints saved, by the most honourable, principled, genuine and lovable gentleman we could have ever wished to grace us with his presence, albeit unavoidably tinged with the enduring sadness of his loss.

 

But he has left us in the capable hands of a chairman who, whilst his communication skills could have been better at times, and he has felt the need to make some unpopular decisions; his heart seems to be in the right place, and so far, in the promises he has made, he has been true to his word. A man who, whilst aspects of his personality may not endear him to some; has not only the drive and ambition to set the kind of goals for our club that we too as devoted supporters all aspire to, but also seemingly the dedication to the cause and the financial backing necessary to actually achieve them.

 

I think it is fair to say, that at the start of the month, a majority of our fan-base, if asked, would have come to a general consensus that the perfect transfer window for us to truly make a statement of the Club's ambition and intent, would have been something along the lines, of:

 

- Keep Adam Lallana, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

- Sign Richard Chaplow permanently (after some important displays for us).

- Sign Guly permanently (who after a slow start whilst settling in, has been superb for us at times).

- Ship out anyone who didn't want to be here and threatened to disrupt the harmony and spirit of the squad).

- Add some pace and strength on the wings and up top (replace Antonio / Waigo).

 

I also think it's fair to say that we have accomplished all of that.

 

And with our Chairman's commitment to the ongoing development of our (soon-to-be state of the art) training facilities and youth programme, and the very encouraging performance of our Under 18's Squad this season, the future really is looking bright for us. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is far from the last talent that will be emerging from the Southampton Academy over the next few years. We have some bright prospects indeed amongst our ranks, to look forward to savour flourishing in our first team; safe in the knowledge that our Chairman will be doing everything he can, to ensure they remain at our Club, for as long as possible. That we're no longer running a conveyor belt of cherries for the "bigger clubs" to pick off; but instead, producing quality young footballers, to play for Southampton.

 

Surely it's time, to give the man a chance to deliver on the rest of his ambitions for our club, with the full support and backing of a united fan-base? Wow, when was the last time we can truly say we've had that at our Club?

 

And what is more, in Nigel Adkins, we have landed ourselves with a really promising young manager, who seems to have a real passion and motivation for the job, and an infectious enthusiasm for our Club and it's success, which has seemingly spread through the squad, fostering an obvious spirit of togetherness that has been missing here for far too long.

 

A man who's got us playing some of the best football we've seen in ages, and who seems to be becoming a bit of a 'cult-figure' who we can unite behind. He deserves our full backing and support.

 

On the evidence so far, I trust Nicola and Nigel to deliver on their plans for the Club.

 

 

I just also hope for a return to the kind of atmosphere of general optimism, good natured banter, and camaraderie among the regular forum members here, that we often had in the S4E days, which made this such an enjoyable place to come. Lately, all many here seem to do is tear each other apart, from their side of the 'great divide'.

 

It often feels like all the 'fun' has just fizzled out of it.

 

We've become so weighed down (as a fan-base), with the cloud of depression that has hung over our Club in recent years, and that has naturally spread to the forums with us. Our Club sure seems to be stepping out from under that cloud though, in its ambition and the positive attitude it's projecting from the top down. I hope we'll see that increasingly spreading onto our forums and messages boards too.

 

It's one thing to be a passenger on the bus, wearied and burdened by previous experience, ever fearful of possible dangers along the journey; but, it's another experience entirely, to let go of the past, allow yourself to feel hope for and trust in the future again, and be free to fully enjoy the ride.

 

Having experienced both methods of travel, I recommend trying the latter. It's so refreshing.

[miserableoldgit]

I don't tend to post much, usually just like to stay in the background and read the thoughts of my fellow Saints fans; but there's been a lot going on of late, and this seems like a good (and appropriate) topic to put some thoughts down on page. (Sorry for the long post - lots to cover)

 

Firstly, yes, I do feel the same sense of frustration as some of you, at the negative 'defeatist' vibe that appears to emanate from a fairly large number of opinions on the forum, whilst there is so much to be positive about right now.

 

Yet, at the same time, I do also empathise with those who hold such feelings of distrust, as it was not so long ago I also shared similar sentiments.

 

I can't speak for everyone, but for me personally, it's easy to trace those negative feelings back to their roots.

 

The year that I was born, Peter Rodrigues lifted the F.A. Cup for us at Wembley.

 

The first season my Dad started regularly taking me to The Dell, we finished runners up to Liverpool in the top flight of English Football.

 

Most of my life, Southampton have had a relatively successful football team, at the very least, one I could be justifiably proud of. A team who I felt no shame to support, amongst all my sneering plastic, glory-hunting, Liverpool and Manchester United following school-friends.

 

Twenty Seven unbroken years, of Southampton FC; the Pride of the South Coast, representing our City in the highest echelons of our national game, a record only bettered at that time, (I think) by Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Then, in the space of a few short years, we had to watch it all torn away from us; and just to really rub it in, our spectacular demise had to coincide with the corrupt "rise" of our sworn enemies from the Isle of Skates.

 

We've seen the very heart and soul ripped out of the Club we love, the famed "Spirit of Southampton" crushed beneath the feet of the brutal "Lowe regime(s)". The wishy-washy false promises of Michael "Saints Go" Wilde, and the ultimately empty platitudes of Tony Lynham and the Fialka Fiasco. We've watched the Club's financial security evaporate at an alarming rate, from a position of relative strength and solidity; to coming within a matter of nerve shedding hours from going to the wall; and a dramatic fall from grace -- established Premier League Club and F.A. Cup Finalists, to languishing in the murky depths of League One obscurity.

A once proud Club with a rich heritage, used to dining at the top table; to the butt of jokes, and condescending looks, as we desperately try to claw our way out of a division host to a mostly rather dismal standard of "football".

 

God, and how many false dawns have we gone though the last years? How many times have we dared to hope for the best, only to once again see our dreams shattered, and our hope thrown back in our faces.

 

There's only so many times a man can withstand such a gut-wrenching emotional onslaught, without something breaking inside. Let's be honest with ourselves my friends, when we look at how far we've fallen, and the sheer unbridled levels of sh*t we've been through together over the last few years at this club; it hurts like f*ckin' hell, doesn't it?

 

So yeah, can I understand and emphasise with a fellow fan who just dare not let himself get his hopes up again, only to risk seeing them dashed across the rocks once more? Yeah, absolutely right I can. I've been in that place, and I've felt just like that. "Everything is f*cked, and it's never gonna get any better, so just get used to it, and learn to take the punches".

 

Seeing the negative outlook in everything, has just become a habit that has, slowly but surely, ingrained itself at a deep subconscious level in so many of us, such that we've given up on the possibility that good things can really actually happen to us any-more.

 

The amount of sh*t we've waded through is a fertile enough breeding ground to foment cynicism in even the most optimistic of souls.

 

Just that this time, I feel it really is different. There is so much good, happening in and around our Football Club again right now.

 

We've had the joy of seeing our beloved Saints saved, by the most honourable, principled, genuine and lovable gentleman we could have ever wished to grace us with his presence, albeit unavoidably tinged with the enduring sadness of his loss.

 

But he has left us in the capable hands of a chairman who, whilst his communication skills could have been better at times, and he has felt the need to make some unpopular decisions; his heart seems to be in the right place, and so far, in the promises he has made, he has been true to his word. A man who, whilst aspects of his personality may not endear him to some; has not only the drive and ambition to set the kind of goals for our club that we too as devoted supporters all aspire to, but also seemingly the dedication to the cause and the financial backing necessary to actually achieve them.

 

I think it is fair to say, that at the start of the month, a majority of our fan-base, if asked, would have come to a general consensus that the perfect transfer window for us to truly make a statement of the Club's ambition and intent, would have been something along the lines, of:

 

- Keep Adam Lallana, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

- Sign Richard Chaplow permanently (after some important displays for us).

- Sign Guly permanently (who after a slow start whilst settling in, has been superb for us at times).

- Ship out anyone who didn't want to be here and threatened to disrupt the harmony and spirit of the squad).

- Add some pace and strength on the wings and up top (replace Antonio / Waigo).

 

I also think it's fair to say that we have accomplished all of that.

 

And with our Chairman's commitment to the ongoing development of our (soon-to-be state of the art) training facilities and youth programme, and the very encouraging performance of our Under 18's Squad this season, the future really is looking bright for us. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is far from the last talent that will be emerging from the Southampton Academy over the next few years. We have some bright prospects indeed amongst our ranks, to look forward to savour flourishing in our first team; safe in the knowledge that our Chairman will be doing everything he can, to ensure they remain at our Club, for as long as possible. That we're no longer running a conveyor belt of cherries for the "bigger clubs" to pick off; but instead, producing quality young footballers, to play for Southampton.

 

Surely it's time, to give the man a chance to deliver on the rest of his ambitions for our club, with the full support and backing of a united fan-base? Wow, when was the last time we can truly say we've had that at our Club?

 

And what is more, in Nigel Adkins, we have landed ourselves with a really promising young manager, who seems to have a real passion and motivation for the job, and an infectious enthusiasm for our Club and it's success, which has seemingly spread through the squad, fostering an obvious spirit of togetherness that has been missing here for far too long.

 

A man who's got us playing some of the best football we've seen in ages, and who seems to be becoming a bit of a 'cult-figure' who we can unite behind. He deserves our full backing and support.

 

On the evidence so far, I trust Nicola and Nigel to deliver on their plans for the Club.

 

 

I just also hope for a return to the kind of atmosphere of general optimism, good natured banter, and camaraderie among the regular forum members here, that we often had in the S4E days, which made this such an enjoyable place to come. Lately, all many here seem to do is tear each other apart, from their side of the 'great divide'.

 

It often feels like all the 'fun' has just fizzled out of it.

 

We've become so weighed down (as a fan-base), with the cloud of depression that has hung over our Club in recent years, and that has naturally spread to the forums with us. Our Club sure seems to be stepping out from under that cloud though, in its ambition and the positive attitude it's projecting from the top down. I hope we'll see that increasingly spreading onto our forums and messages boards too.

 

It's one thing to be a passenger on the bus, wearied and burdened by previous experience, ever fearful of possible dangers along the journey; but, it's another experience entirely, to let go of the past, allow yourself to feel hope for and trust in the future again, and be free to fully enjoy the ride.

 

Having experienced both methods of travel, I recommend trying the latter. It's so refreshing.

A GREAT post! Just about sums thing up perfectly. Just turning over in my head as to who will be the first "nay-sayer" to respond......

[Gemmel]

Halo, that's a fantastic post and oh so true.

 

I hope it finds it way around the Club itself.

[Petersfield Saint]

A GREAT post! Just about sums thing up perfectly. Just turning over in my head as to who will be the first "nay-sayer" to respond......

 

Yep, pretty well sums up my feeling too. Well said *Halo*

[Toadhall Saint]

I don't tend to post much, usually just like to stay in the background and read the thoughts of my fellow Saints fans; but there's been a lot going on of late, and this seems like a good (and appropriate) topic to put some thoughts down on page. (Sorry for the long post - lots to cover)

 

Firstly, yes, I do feel the same sense of frustration as some of you, at the negative 'defeatist' vibe that appears to emanate from a fairly large number of opinions on the forum, whilst there is so much to be positive about right now.

 

Yet, at the same time, I do also empathise with those who hold such feelings of distrust, as it was not so long ago I also shared similar sentiments.

 

I can't speak for everyone, but for me personally, it's easy to trace those negative feelings back to their roots.

 

The year that I was born, Peter Rodrigues lifted the F.A. Cup for us at Wembley.

 

The first season my Dad started regularly taking me to The Dell, we finished runners up to Liverpool in the top flight of English Football.

 

Most of my life, Southampton have had a relatively successful football team, at the very least, one I could be justifiably proud of. A team who I felt no shame to support, amongst all my sneering plastic, glory-hunting, Liverpool and Manchester United following school-friends.

 

Twenty Seven unbroken years, of Southampton FC; the Pride of the South Coast, representing our City in the highest echelons of our national game, a record only bettered at that time, (I think) by Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Then, in the space of a few short years, we had to watch it all torn away from us; and just to really rub it in, our spectacular demise had to coincide with the corrupt "rise" of our sworn enemies from the Isle of Skates.

 

We've seen the very heart and soul ripped out of the Club we love, the famed "Spirit of Southampton" crushed beneath the feet of the brutal "Lowe regime(s)". The wishy-washy false promises of Michael "Saints Go" Wilde, and the ultimately empty platitudes of Tony Lynham and the Fialka Fiasco. We've watched the Club's financial security evaporate at an alarming rate, from a position of relative strength and solidity; to coming within a matter of nerve shedding hours from going to the wall; and a dramatic fall from grace -- established Premier League Club and F.A. Cup Finalists, to languishing in the murky depths of League One obscurity.

A once proud Club with a rich heritage, used to dining at the top table; to the butt of jokes, and condescending looks, as we desperately try to claw our way out of a division host to a mostly rather dismal standard of "football".

 

God, and how many false dawns have we gone though the last years? How many times have we dared to hope for the best, only to once again see our dreams shattered, and our hope thrown back in our faces.

 

There's only so many times a man can withstand such a gut-wrenching emotional onslaught, without something breaking inside. Let's be honest with ourselves my friends, when we look at how far we've fallen, and the sheer unbridled levels of sh*t we've been through together over the last few years at this club; it hurts like f*ckin' hell, doesn't it?

 

So yeah, can I understand and emphasise with a fellow fan who just dare not let himself get his hopes up again, only to risk seeing them dashed across the rocks once more? Yeah, absolutely right I can. I've been in that place, and I've felt just like that. "Everything is f*cked, and it's never gonna get any better, so just get used to it, and learn to take the punches".

 

Seeing the negative outlook in everything, has just become a habit that has, slowly but surely, ingrained itself at a deep subconscious level in so many of us, such that we've given up on the possibility that good things can really actually happen to us any-more.

 

The amount of sh*t we've waded through is a fertile enough breeding ground to foment cynicism in even the most optimistic of souls.

 

Just that this time, I feel it really is different. There is so much good, happening in and around our Football Club again right now.

 

We've had the joy of seeing our beloved Saints saved, by the most honourable, principled, genuine and lovable gentleman we could have ever wished to grace us with his presence, albeit unavoidably tinged with the enduring sadness of his loss.

 

But he has left us in the capable hands of a chairman who, whilst his communication skills could have been better at times, and he has felt the need to make some unpopular decisions; his heart seems to be in the right place, and so far, in the promises he has made, he has been true to his word. A man who, whilst aspects of his personality may not endear him to some; has not only the drive and ambition to set the kind of goals for our club that we too as devoted supporters all aspire to, but also seemingly the dedication to the cause and the financial backing necessary to actually achieve them.

 

I think it is fair to say, that at the start of the month, a majority of our fan-base, if asked, would have come to a general consensus that the perfect transfer window for us to truly make a statement of the Club's ambition and intent, would have been something along the lines, of:

 

- Keep Adam Lallana, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

- Sign Richard Chaplow permanently (after some important displays for us).

- Sign Guly permanently (who after a slow start whilst settling in, has been superb for us at times).

- Ship out anyone who didn't want to be here and threatened to disrupt the harmony and spirit of the squad).

- Add some pace and strength on the wings and up top (replace Antonio / Waigo).

 

I also think it's fair to say that we have accomplished all of that.

 

And with our Chairman's commitment to the ongoing development of our (soon-to-be state of the art) training facilities and youth programme, and the very encouraging performance of our Under 18's Squad this season, the future really is looking bright for us. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is far from the last talent that will be emerging from the Southampton Academy over the next few years. We have some bright prospects indeed amongst our ranks, to look forward to savour flourishing in our first team; safe in the knowledge that our Chairman will be doing everything he can, to ensure they remain at our Club, for as long as possible. That we're no longer running a conveyor belt of cherries for the "bigger clubs" to pick off; but instead, producing quality young footballers, to play for Southampton.

 

Surely it's time, to give the man a chance to deliver on the rest of his ambitions for our club, with the full support and backing of a united fan-base? Wow, when was the last time we can truly say we've had that at our Club?

 

And what is more, in Nigel Adkins, we have landed ourselves with a really promising young manager, who seems to have a real passion and motivation for the job, and an infectious enthusiasm for our Club and it's success, which has seemingly spread through the squad, fostering an obvious spirit of togetherness that has been missing here for far too long.

 

A man who's got us playing some of the best football we've seen in ages, and who seems to be becoming a bit of a 'cult-figure' who we can unite behind. He deserves our full backing and support.

 

On the evidence so far, I trust Nicola and Nigel to deliver on their plans for the Club.

 

 

I just also hope for a return to the kind of atmosphere of general optimism, good natured banter, and camaraderie among the regular forum members here, that we often had in the S4E days, which made this such an enjoyable place to come. Lately, all many here seem to do is tear each other apart, from their side of the 'great divide'.

 

It often feels like all the 'fun' has just fizzled out of it.

 

We've become so weighed down (as a fan-base), with the cloud of depression that has hung over our Club in recent years, and that has naturally spread to the forums with us. Our Club sure seems to be stepping out from under that cloud though, in its ambition and the positive attitude it's projecting from the top down. I hope we'll see that increasingly spreading onto our forums and messages boards too.

 

It's one thing to be a passenger on the bus, wearied and burdened by previous experience, ever fearful of possible dangers along the journey; but, it's another experience entirely, to let go of the past, allow yourself to feel hope for and trust in the future again, and be free to fully enjoy the ride.

 

Having experienced both methods of travel, I recommend trying the latter. It's so refreshing.

 

Top post and one to reflect on. Well done Halo

[S-Clarke]

Best post for a long time on here, well written Halo.

[Foxstone]

Cracking post Halo

 

You put down in words what a stadium full of Saints fans genuinely feel - But never found the time to type.

 

Respect Sir ( Or Madam as the case may be )

[jam]

I'm pleased and relieved that we've kept Lallana and Chambo. Let's not forget that we apparently turned away interest in Lambert in the close season.

[derry]

I suspect that putting inflated transfer fees on youngsters but actually not paying much up front and a lot of the real money dependent on achievements long into the future was trumped by a demand for cash on the nail, put up or shut up. If all transfer fees were required up front it would drastically reduce prices.

[JackFrost]

Looks like Halo has recently been having posting lessons from Frank's Cousin

 

Great post.

[torsaint]

Well said Halo.

[jam]

Looks like Halo has recently been having posting lessons from Frank's Cousin

 

Great post.

 

I'm not so sure - it looks like the spelling's been checked and I can't see the word 'teh' anywhere...

[manji]

Some superb posts on here. Great stuff.

[aintforever]

A big well done to Cortese, just as I thought he would, he stood firm and refused to be bullied by player, agent or "big" club.

 

Just goes to show that if a player is under contract you don't have to sell, hopefully the previous defeatist attitude of many fans will change.

[ottery st mary]

Thank you halo...well said/put..

 

Now we go on to beat Exeter 4-0 and a further 3 points against Posh and the Carlisle...

 

Easy innit..

 

WIFM

[saintscottofthenortham]

Halo, you have summed everything up in that post. It is very much a trust issue, but in time they will come around. The future is looking fantastic for us and if it is all done in "the right way" that Cortese & Markus said they wanted it done in, then I wouldn't swap places with anyone.

[Northant Saint]

This is definately the most happy thread I have ever read on here!

[Judge]

Great post Halo - and certainly sums up how I'm feeling about being a Saints supporter at the moment. I'm also only an occassional poster. You have a few years on me, and like many on here I've never actually experienced the joy of seeing my club promoted (though I'm sure the "fun" of those relegation scraps from the premiership during the 90s are comparable). Can't wait for my first Saints promotion, and lets hope its not 33 years until the next one.

[the mick channon windmill]

Very well worded Halo, great post that i am sure sums up the feelings of the vast majority of our large fanbase

 

I hear many people currently saying they are so proud to be a saints fan again. The truth is though as fans we have always been proud of our club that represents our great city. What we now have is the joy of watching a good team again that is winning matches after so many years of hurt and its fun to be a saints fan again.

 

It has been really painful to see our demise from the heady days of the early to mid eighties and soul destroying that we could see things spiralling out of control under Lowe but despite the protests and campaigns to get rid of him we had to watch as things went from bad to worse

 

It was a sad day in the history of Saints when we went into administration but strangely i felt a sense of relief. I felt we had hit rock bottom and hopefully something good could come out of the situation and the only way was up after the mis-management of the Lowe era.

 

Every day i used to log onto the internet hoping that somebody with money and a vision would be interested in buying us. Surely with a very large fanbase, stadium, history and potential we would be an attractive proposition.

 

When our new owners strolled into St Marys all our prayers had been answered. We could not have wished for a better owner and the man with the vision that talked our hero into buying this club was Cortese. To be honest i could never quite understand why Cortese wasnt always held in the same esteem as Markus as lets face it without Cortese Markus would never have rescued us.

 

Thankyou Nicola Cortese not just for what you have done during this transfer window but everything since you came to our club. You have given us hope and belief to go with our pride of being a saints fan. You have a realistic vision of success and you understand the potential of how big this club can be. I'm sure it will give you a tremendous sense of pride and satisfaction achieving it. Lets get on the bus and enjoy the ride back to the Premier league where we belong, we all deserve it after the years of pain we have been through.

[grammy]

Good to read that excellent post Halo. Well done and big thanks to Cortese. We are no longer easy pickings for the rich few. Sensible but not "boat rocking" strenghtening of the squad. All aboard let's get this bus rollin! COYR CFM.

[alpine_saint]

I don't tend to post much, usually just like to stay in the background and read the thoughts of my fellow Saints fans; but there's been a lot going on of late, and this seems like a good (and appropriate) topic to put some thoughts down on page. (Sorry for the long post - lots to cover)

 

Firstly, yes, I do feel the same sense of frustration as some of you, at the negative 'defeatist' vibe that appears to emanate from a fairly large number of opinions on the forum, whilst there is so much to be positive about right now.

 

Yet, at the same time, I do also empathise with those who hold such feelings of distrust, as it was not so long ago I also shared similar sentiments.

 

I can't speak for everyone, but for me personally, it's easy to trace those negative feelings back to their roots.

 

The year that I was born, Peter Rodrigues lifted the F.A. Cup for us at Wembley.

 

The first season my Dad started regularly taking me to The Dell, we finished runners up to Liverpool in the top flight of English Football.

 

Most of my life, Southampton have had a relatively successful football team, at the very least, one I could be justifiably proud of. A team who I felt no shame to support, amongst all my sneering plastic, glory-hunting, Liverpool and Manchester United following school-friends.

 

Twenty Seven unbroken years, of Southampton FC; the Pride of the South Coast, representing our City in the highest echelons of our national game, a record only bettered at that time, (I think) by Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Then, in the space of a few short years, we had to watch it all torn away from us; and just to really rub it in, our spectacular demise had to coincide with the corrupt "rise" of our sworn enemies from the Isle of Skates.

 

We've seen the very heart and soul ripped out of the Club we love, the famed "Spirit of Southampton" crushed beneath the feet of the brutal "Lowe regime(s)". The wishy-washy false promises of Michael "Saints Go" Wilde, and the ultimately empty platitudes of Tony Lynham and the Fialka Fiasco. We've watched the Club's financial security evaporate at an alarming rate, from a position of relative strength and solidity; to coming within a matter of nerve shedding hours from going to the wall; and a dramatic fall from grace -- established Premier League Club and F.A. Cup Finalists, to languishing in the murky depths of League One obscurity.

A once proud Club with a rich heritage, used to dining at the top table; to the butt of jokes, and condescending looks, as we desperately try to claw our way out of a division host to a mostly rather dismal standard of "football".

 

God, and how many false dawns have we gone though the last years? How many times have we dared to hope for the best, only to once again see our dreams shattered, and our hope thrown back in our faces.

 

There's only so many times a man can withstand such a gut-wrenching emotional onslaught, without something breaking inside. Let's be honest with ourselves my friends, when we look at how far we've fallen, and the sheer unbridled levels of sh*t we've been through together over the last few years at this club; it hurts like f*ckin' hell, doesn't it?

 

So yeah, can I understand and emphasise with a fellow fan who just dare not let himself get his hopes up again, only to risk seeing them dashed across the rocks once more? Yeah, absolutely right I can. I've been in that place, and I've felt just like that. "Everything is f*cked, and it's never gonna get any better, so just get used to it, and learn to take the punches".

 

Seeing the negative outlook in everything, has just become a habit that has, slowly but surely, ingrained itself at a deep subconscious level in so many of us, such that we've given up on the possibility that good things can really actually happen to us any-more.

 

The amount of sh*t we've waded through is a fertile enough breeding ground to foment cynicism in even the most optimistic of souls.

 

Just that this time, I feel it really is different. There is so much good, happening in and around our Football Club again right now.

 

We've had the joy of seeing our beloved Saints saved, by the most honourable, principled, genuine and lovable gentleman we could have ever wished to grace us with his presence, albeit unavoidably tinged with the enduring sadness of his loss.

 

But he has left us in the capable hands of a chairman who, whilst his communication skills could have been better at times, and he has felt the need to make some unpopular decisions; his heart seems to be in the right place, and so far, in the promises he has made, he has been true to his word. A man who, whilst aspects of his personality may not endear him to some; has not only the drive and ambition to set the kind of goals for our club that we too as devoted supporters all aspire to, but also seemingly the dedication to the cause and the financial backing necessary to actually achieve them.

 

I think it is fair to say, that at the start of the month, a majority of our fan-base, if asked, would have come to a general consensus that the perfect transfer window for us to truly make a statement of the Club's ambition and intent, would have been something along the lines, of:

 

- Keep Adam Lallana, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

- Sign Richard Chaplow permanently (after some important displays for us).

- Sign Guly permanently (who after a slow start whilst settling in, has been superb for us at times).

- Ship out anyone who didn't want to be here and threatened to disrupt the harmony and spirit of the squad).

- Add some pace and strength on the wings and up top (replace Antonio / Waigo).

 

I also think it's fair to say that we have accomplished all of that.

 

And with our Chairman's commitment to the ongoing development of our (soon-to-be state of the art) training facilities and youth programme, and the very encouraging performance of our Under 18's Squad this season, the future really is looking bright for us. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is far from the last talent that will be emerging from the Southampton Academy over the next few years. We have some bright prospects indeed amongst our ranks, to look forward to savour flourishing in our first team; safe in the knowledge that our Chairman will be doing everything he can, to ensure they remain at our Club, for as long as possible. That we're no longer running a conveyor belt of cherries for the "bigger clubs" to pick off; but instead, producing quality young footballers, to play for Southampton.

 

Surely it's time, to give the man a chance to deliver on the rest of his ambitions for our club, with the full support and backing of a united fan-base? Wow, when was the last time we can truly say we've had that at our Club?

 

And what is more, in Nigel Adkins, we have landed ourselves with a really promising young manager, who seems to have a real passion and motivation for the job, and an infectious enthusiasm for our Club and it's success, which has seemingly spread through the squad, fostering an obvious spirit of togetherness that has been missing here for far too long.

 

A man who's got us playing some of the best football we've seen in ages, and who seems to be becoming a bit of a 'cult-figure' who we can unite behind. He deserves our full backing and support.

 

On the evidence so far, I trust Nicola and Nigel to deliver on their plans for the Club.

 

 

I just also hope for a return to the kind of atmosphere of general optimism, good natured banter, and camaraderie among the regular forum members here, that we often had in the S4E days, which made this such an enjoyable place to come. Lately, all many here seem to do is tear each other apart, from their side of the 'great divide'.

 

It often feels like all the 'fun' has just fizzled out of it.

 

We've become so weighed down (as a fan-base), with the cloud of depression that has hung over our Club in recent years, and that has naturally spread to the forums with us. Our Club sure seems to be stepping out from under that cloud though, in its ambition and the positive attitude it's projecting from the top down. I hope we'll see that increasingly spreading onto our forums and messages boards too.

 

It's one thing to be a passenger on the bus, wearied and burdened by previous experience, ever fearful of possible dangers along the journey; but, it's another experience entirely, to let go of the past, allow yourself to feel hope for and trust in the future again, and be free to fully enjoy the ride.

 

Having experienced both methods of travel, I recommend trying the latter. It's so refreshing.

 

Its a really good post Halo, but speaking purely for myself (dont know what the other pessimists feel), its so damn hard to let go, expose yourself to the hurt again. Its like being dumped by your first love, you are scared to re-commit yourself.

 

I am trying to control this by setting a simple line in the sand; I have promised myself I will let go of the fear WHEN we have achieved the first step of our return promotion L1 -> NPC, because then I have tangible evidence of the change.

 

If we get to the end of the season without promotion, all of NCs standing up to the big clubs and NAs clever transfer market activity will have been in vain.

[Leslie Charteris]

Also...

 

I LIKE the look of this table.

 

http://www.premierleague.com/page/YouthATable

 

Looks like there might more of that where Oxo came from

 

It does look good, in three years time could that be... ?

 

Lol at Pompey, mind you, they had to play the stadium cat, a stray dog and that fat bloke who likes to make a fool of himself in the stands as the overage player the last time out.

[Colinjb]

I don't tend to post much, usually just like to stay in the background and read the thoughts of my fellow Saints fans; but there's been a lot going on of late, and this seems like a good (and appropriate) topic to put some thoughts down on page. (Sorry for the long post - lots to cover)

 

Firstly, yes, I do feel the same sense of frustration as some of you, at the negative 'defeatist' vibe that appears to emanate from a fairly large number of opinions on the forum, whilst there is so much to be positive about right now.

 

Yet, at the same time, I do also empathise with those who hold such feelings of distrust, as it was not so long ago I also shared similar sentiments.

 

I can't speak for everyone, but for me personally, it's easy to trace those negative feelings back to their roots.

 

The year that I was born, Peter Rodrigues lifted the F.A. Cup for us at Wembley.

 

The first season my Dad started regularly taking me to The Dell, we finished runners up to Liverpool in the top flight of English Football.

 

Most of my life, Southampton have had a relatively successful football team, at the very least, one I could be justifiably proud of. A team who I felt no shame to support, amongst all my sneering plastic, glory-hunting, Liverpool and Manchester United following school-friends.

 

Twenty Seven unbroken years, of Southampton FC; the Pride of the South Coast, representing our City in the highest echelons of our national game, a record only bettered at that time, (I think) by Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Then, in the space of a few short years, we had to watch it all torn away from us; and just to really rub it in, our spectacular demise had to coincide with the corrupt "rise" of our sworn enemies from the Isle of Skates.

 

We've seen the very heart and soul ripped out of the Club we love, the famed "Spirit of Southampton" crushed beneath the feet of the brutal "Lowe regime(s)". The wishy-washy false promises of Michael "Saints Go" Wilde, and the ultimately empty platitudes of Tony Lynham and the Fialka Fiasco. We've watched the Club's financial security evaporate at an alarming rate, from a position of relative strength and solidity; to coming within a matter of nerve shedding hours from going to the wall; and a dramatic fall from grace -- established Premier League Club and F.A. Cup Finalists, to languishing in the murky depths of League One obscurity.

A once proud Club with a rich heritage, used to dining at the top table; to the butt of jokes, and condescending looks, as we desperately try to claw our way out of a division host to a mostly rather dismal standard of "football".

 

God, and how many false dawns have we gone though the last years? How many times have we dared to hope for the best, only to once again see our dreams shattered, and our hope thrown back in our faces.

 

There's only so many times a man can withstand such a gut-wrenching emotional onslaught, without something breaking inside. Let's be honest with ourselves my friends, when we look at how far we've fallen, and the sheer unbridled levels of sh*t we've been through together over the last few years at this club; it hurts like f*ckin' hell, doesn't it?

 

So yeah, can I understand and emphasise with a fellow fan who just dare not let himself get his hopes up again, only to risk seeing them dashed across the rocks once more? Yeah, absolutely right I can. I've been in that place, and I've felt just like that. "Everything is f*cked, and it's never gonna get any better, so just get used to it, and learn to take the punches".

 

Seeing the negative outlook in everything, has just become a habit that has, slowly but surely, ingrained itself at a deep subconscious level in so many of us, such that we've given up on the possibility that good things can really actually happen to us any-more.

 

The amount of sh*t we've waded through is a fertile enough breeding ground to foment cynicism in even the most optimistic of souls.

 

Just that this time, I feel it really is different. There is so much good, happening in and around our Football Club again right now.

 

We've had the joy of seeing our beloved Saints saved, by the most honourable, principled, genuine and lovable gentleman we could have ever wished to grace us with his presence, albeit unavoidably tinged with the enduring sadness of his loss.

 

But he has left us in the capable hands of a chairman who, whilst his communication skills could have been better at times, and he has felt the need to make some unpopular decisions; his heart seems to be in the right place, and so far, in the promises he has made, he has been true to his word. A man who, whilst aspects of his personality may not endear him to some; has not only the drive and ambition to set the kind of goals for our club that we too as devoted supporters all aspire to, but also seemingly the dedication to the cause and the financial backing necessary to actually achieve them.

 

I think it is fair to say, that at the start of the month, a majority of our fan-base, if asked, would have come to a general consensus that the perfect transfer window for us to truly make a statement of the Club's ambition and intent, would have been something along the lines, of:

 

- Keep Adam Lallana, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

- Sign Richard Chaplow permanently (after some important displays for us).

- Sign Guly permanently (who after a slow start whilst settling in, has been superb for us at times).

- Ship out anyone who didn't want to be here and threatened to disrupt the harmony and spirit of the squad).

- Add some pace and strength on the wings and up top (replace Antonio / Waigo).

 

I also think it's fair to say that we have accomplished all of that.

 

And with our Chairman's commitment to the ongoing development of our (soon-to-be state of the art) training facilities and youth programme, and the very encouraging performance of our Under 18's Squad this season, the future really is looking bright for us. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is far from the last talent that will be emerging from the Southampton Academy over the next few years. We have some bright prospects indeed amongst our ranks, to look forward to savour flourishing in our first team; safe in the knowledge that our Chairman will be doing everything he can, to ensure they remain at our Club, for as long as possible. That we're no longer running a conveyor belt of cherries for the "bigger clubs" to pick off; but instead, producing quality young footballers, to play for Southampton.

 

Surely it's time, to give the man a chance to deliver on the rest of his ambitions for our club, with the full support and backing of a united fan-base? Wow, when was the last time we can truly say we've had that at our Club?

 

And what is more, in Nigel Adkins, we have landed ourselves with a really promising young manager, who seems to have a real passion and motivation for the job, and an infectious enthusiasm for our Club and it's success, which has seemingly spread through the squad, fostering an obvious spirit of togetherness that has been missing here for far too long.

 

A man who's got us playing some of the best football we've seen in ages, and who seems to be becoming a bit of a 'cult-figure' who we can unite behind. He deserves our full backing and support.

 

On the evidence so far, I trust Nicola and Nigel to deliver on their plans for the Club.

 

 

I just also hope for a return to the kind of atmosphere of general optimism, good natured banter, and camaraderie among the regular forum members here, that we often had in the S4E days, which made this such an enjoyable place to come. Lately, all many here seem to do is tear each other apart, from their side of the 'great divide'.

 

It often feels like all the 'fun' has just fizzled out of it.

 

We've become so weighed down (as a fan-base), with the cloud of depression that has hung over our Club in recent years, and that has naturally spread to the forums with us. Our Club sure seems to be stepping out from under that cloud though, in its ambition and the positive attitude it's projecting from the top down. I hope we'll see that increasingly spreading onto our forums and messages boards too.

 

It's one thing to be a passenger on the bus, wearied and burdened by previous experience, ever fearful of possible dangers along the journey; but, it's another experience entirely, to let go of the past, allow yourself to feel hope for and trust in the future again, and be free to fully enjoy the ride.

 

Having experienced both methods of travel, I recommend trying the latter. It's so refreshing.

 

Reminds me a bit of this blog a posted a month or so ago.

 

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/entry.php?43-The-Curse-of-Human-Nature

 

Bang on post though. This club is so good to be a fan of right now.

[Saint_clark]

Its a really good post Halo, but speaking purely for myself (dont know what the other pessimists feel), its so damn hard to let go, expose yourself to the hurt again. Its like being dumped by your first love, you are scared to re-commit yourself.

 

I am trying to control this by setting a simple line in the sand; I have promised myself I will let go of the fear WHEN we have achieved the first step of our return promotion L1 -> NPC, because then I have tangible evidence of the change.

 

If we get to the end of the season without promotion, all of NCs standing up to the big clubs and NAs clever transfer market activity will have been in vain.

 

But it doesn't mean that we aren't run by a fantastic chairman. Things go wrong all the time in football.

[Ian the Red]

Gr8 OP and fantastic post from Halo. Is this really the same forum, have I come to the right site, so many positive comments, its marvellous!!

 

Alpine, we will win the league, not simply gain promotion but we will win the title. Have faith, we are on the road to success!!

 

COYR

Edited 1 February, 2011 by Ian the Red

[CWD]

Wow Halo I think you made me cry! I imagined you standing in front of a giant red and white striped flag haha! (in my head you bear a resemblance to Bill Pullman in Independence Day)

 

Brilliant post.

 

I understand what Alpine is saying though, it is hard to let go, but I feel closer to doing it now I've read that

[Miltonaggro]

When we achieve the glorious five year plan (hopefully the glorious three year plan), I think a statue of Marcus should be commissioned and installed during the close season between Championship and Premiership so that the great man is tangibly with us on our return to the elite. Lest we forget.

 

Just don't let Ian 'Jimmy Krankie' Brennan near the brief...

[*Halo*]

Hey, thanks for all the nice replies guys. Certainly wasn't expecting that. Must still be some pessimism left within me that needs stamping out.

 

Its a really good post Halo, but speaking purely for myself (dont know what the other pessimists feel), its so damn hard to let go, expose yourself to the hurt again. Its like being dumped by your first love, you are scared to re-commit yourself.

 

Yeah, totally understand where you're coming from, and have felt the same myself.

 

But just because a thing is hard, doesn't mean that we should not do it.

 

It's true that I really do generally prefer to just read than post, but there's also an element in there, that I've felt so empty of enthusiasm for our great club until more recent times, that I've often felt it best I say nothing at all, rather than fan the seemingly endless flames of negativity surrounding the club by adding to it myself.

Fighting fire with fire has never really seemed to work out all that well for me.

 

But you know what? It suddenly hit me like a plank of wood in the face, that I just wasn't having any fun anymore.

 

And for a pretty fun-loving guy, that kind of defeats the object.

 

So I drew your "line in the sand", 'mentally' dragged my 'inner cynic' outside, and shot the m*ther-f*cker in the head.

 

In all seriousness though, loving and supporting Saints always has been, and quite probably always will be, an emotional roller-coaster. But the exhilarating highs and stomach churning lows, are all part of the ride, and it's harder to fully appreciate the former without having experienced the contrast of the latter. Yeah, you open yourself up to being "hurt" again, but to truly love something, is to be vulnerable.

 

All that's left to do, is enter the building, jump aboard the bus, trust in the direction and route the operator has planned for us, and have faith that our enthusiastic driver will get us safely to our desired destination in one piece.

 

And that is quite enough metaphors, analogies and "Adkinsisms" (™) out of me for the time being.

[offix]

Quite remarkable given our history. Well done NC!