The refusal to sell a season ticket at Southampton FC

[trousers]

Dear Mr Cortese

 

Firstly, I have no idea as to the reasons the club has for denying the right of purchase of a Season Ticket to Nick Illingsworth. I understand that it is the clubs right to refuse purchase/admission on many grounds, so I am sure that the club does have a rational reason for Nick's exclusion.

 

Firstly, I would like to say that following the euphoria that surrounded Markus's purchase and rescue of the club and your arrival as Executive chairman, eventually, some fans did begin to ask questions about how the new regime would effect the culture we have at the club. As you yourself, pointed out, we do have a very negative outlook - this is really a legacy of so many false dawns, hope shattered through ineffective leadership in the past, and if we are being really honest, often a lack of understanding of the commercial realities versus footballing dreams of fans, and how there are often times when teh two apprea poles apart. However, slowly, most fans are coming round to the ideas that the approach that the directors and managemnet have been taking in the last 15 months is beginning to pay off. The position in the table, the quality of players and manager, the work ethic and the style are great to see and as fans we need to really acknowledge that its working.

 

However, I do believe that anything that is good and successful is so because it can stand up to criticism, acknowledges when things can improve, and responds appropriately to misunderstandings - we do have fans that are still suspicious, perhaps struggle with seeing seeing what has always been a traditional football culture being 'modernised' with a strong business and commercial drive as we have seen with Saints. Yes, the success we have will win them over, but surely but by actions such as this ST row with NIck, it merely fels the suspicions of thsoe that are still not on board.

 

NIck has always worn his Saints heart on his sleeve, perhaps he is old fashioned in respect to what he sees as the true football culture and thus is perhaps more critical than some. Maybe, and I am speculating, the fact that he does make these feelings public is the problem? I would put it to you ( and I am sure you know) the best way to answer critics is with success. Be they the slightly bitter 'dark forces' for whom the regime change in itself was never going to sit well, or simple passionate fans whose engrained football culture was always going to take some convincing - I think I can safely say that NIck will be more than happy to sing the clubs praises and that of the management if the approaches taken work and we see on the field success.

 

The vast majority of us fans are fully supportive and behind what you and your staff are doing and are positive and excited by possibilties of the future, but we want to be inclusive and want ALL fans to be brought along for the ride! If we see what looks on the surface as possibly an injustice (and I admit we do not know all the facts), we believ its right to ask the questions of the club. I suspect that this ban is a legacy form the past, and even Nick might not be so critical now the benefits of the approach the club is taking are clear for all to see?

 

I also believe in the decency of Markus Liebherr - And by that nature, those of his friends and business partners - Therefore, the benefits of reaching out to fans like NIck and resolving the issues, and removing the last hints of negativity would be beneficial to all. I would also show everyone that the club culture is one that is truely exceptional, which we know it wants to be.

 

Thanks again for what you are doing for this great club.

 

Best

 

Frank's cousin

 

Do you do sperm donations? It's just that I would like to have your babies. Post of the decade IMHO.

[yorkie]

I can't believe that this has created some many pages.

 

I'd simply get someone else to buy a ticket in their name - and get on with it!

 

But I suppose it's the issue about having YOUR name on the season ticket to show you are a worthy fan!

 

What's all the fuss about being a season ticket holder anyway - never owned one or seen the necessity to have one.

 

I certainly don't need a season ticket to demonstrate I follow Southampton Football Club!

[Big Bad Bob]

All things considered I still think his argument has more validity than the club's, so we're just going to have to agree to disagree on this one.

 

But I assure you I'm not in Stuey's gang.

 

At the time I asked SRS for more information regarding the cost of setting up the scheme through the 3rd party, how they'd recoup any losses and how much it would cost the fans on top of the ST price (interest etc) and he never replied.

 

All reasonable questions not ranted or yelled! How many responses did I get?

 

Same amount as NI has got from the club (apparently)

[Secret Site Agent]

On the contrary, I'm glad someone has had the balls to go through what is doubtless a tedious and unrewarding process just to try and get some answers.

 

He has not even said it's to prevent others having to go through the same problems for (as the IFO has basically concluded) no good reason, but I don't doubt it's intended partially to hold the club accountable for their actions, as well as so that Illingsworth gets some answers personally.

 

First they came for the communists,

and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

 

Then they came for the trade unionists,

and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

 

Then they came for the Jews,

and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

 

Then they came for me

and there was no one left to speak out for me.

 

A bit over-emotive, but the principle is the same.

 

Yeh, sorry about that The9, I was in the toilet having a C-rap. I'll speak out for you now.

 

And I clarified that I wasn't comparing NI to Hitler, so you should clarify that you're not comparing the club to the nazi's.

[trousers]

http://www.thisishampshire.net/sport/8830210.Saints__victimised__lifelong_fan_Nick/

 

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

"Supporters' chief".....well, that should keep the thread going for another few pages.... ;-)

[dubai_phil]

"Supporters' chief".....well, that should keep the thread going for another few pages.... ;-)

 

Well, in the fairness of balance, he should now submit a claim to The Press Complaints Commission as he does not use, wish nor condone that title himself.

[COMEONYOUREDS]

Reading those comments makes Nick sound even more unpopular in the real world than he is on here!

[jam]

Yeh, sorry about that The9, I was in the toilet having a C-rap. I'll speak out for you now.

 

And I clarified that I wasn't comparing NI to Hitler, so you should clarify that you're not comparing the club to the nazi's.

 

That really doesn't need clarification.

[um pahars]

The reason the club has refused a season tickets is because Nick was selling t-shirts etc from www.coys.com which no longer exists. He used the clubs name to promote everything.

 

Really???

 

I'm not sure he really did use the Club's name to promote everything and I also don't think the Club have a monopoly on t-shirts and even other merchandise, particularly when the Official Logo isn't used. What next, attacking this forum for taking my money off the back of the Club's name???

 

After all, the predecessor of this forum launched some very smart (if somewhat poor quality) MUSH T shirts around the time of the FA Cup Final. Don't seem to recall any furore then.

 

If this is the reason, (which I very much doubt), then I'm afraid I don't think it would stand up to any scrutiny.

 

I didn't go to Silver spoons as I refuse to pay to enter a pub. But from the people that did it was 3 cans of carling for a tenner, No ex-saints players turned up, ****e music, No food and to packed.

 

Have to say that the Silverspoons fiasco did sound terrible and IMHO Nick should apologise (if he already hasn't) even if he believes events were outside of his control. That said, I'm also unsure how that fiasco can be in any way linked to the current problem.

[solentstars]

i think the club shot it selves in the foot by refuseing Nick Illingsworth his season ticket for no good reason and if i remember right the payment of season tickets over 5 months was withdrawn without informing supporters and we wanted to charge for match photos all very strange decissions.

[Saint_clark]

i think the club shot it selves in the foot by refuseing Nick Illingsworth his season ticket for no good reason and if i remember right the payment of season tickets over 5 months was withdrawn without informing supporters and we wanted to charge for match photos all very strange decissions.

 

The last two have been explained - instalment plans were withdrawn because lots of people in the past have got their ticket and then just cancelled the payments. They're bringing in a swipe card system in the near future.

And the match photos thing was a misunderstanding with the press, and we no longer charge for them.

[capitalsaint]

The last two have been explained - instalment plans were withdrawn because lots of people in the past have got their ticket and then just cancelled the payments. They're bringing in a swipe card system in the near future.

And the match photos thing was a misunderstanding with the press, and we no longer charge for them.

 

and when compared to everything else the club has done (that has exceeded ALL of our past regimes) i'd suggest that the club has got a little cut on its foot rather than shot it. maybe a nettle sting.

[Wes Tender]

"Supporters' chief".....well, that should keep the thread going for another few pages.... ;-)

 

A position that has been perpetuated by rags such as The Echo, who are too damned lazy to make any attempt to seek other sources of comment from the large local fanbase. NI was current and valid at the time of the reverse takeover or during certain events of Lowe's era, but now he is just an anachronism, the figurehead for a largely defunct and totally unrepresentative body of fans which has no purpose, no influence and no validity. The Saints Trust is a dinosaur organisation, irelevant, as is its leader.

 

Seemingly, it doesn't matter how many times this is pointed out to the Echo. It is obviously far too much bother to send a reporter to the Stadium to tout for an opinion from a really independent fan who might be there to buy a match ticket, or merchandise from the shop. Much easier to make a quick call to "fans' chiefs" Nick Illingworth, Perry Macmillan or Richard Chorley or other defunct voices of fans' past discontent.

[Wes Tender]

i think the club shot it selves in the foot by refuseing Nick Illingsworth his season ticket for no good reason and if i remember right the payment of season tickets over 5 months was withdrawn without informing supporters and we wanted to charge for match photos all very strange decissions.

 

You know for a fact, do you, that there was no good reason for refusing NI's season ticket?

 

Perhaps you might be good enough to tell us all how you know this for a certainty, as the club have not commented on it.

[Chez]

"Supporters' chief".....well, that should keep the thread going for another few pages.... ;-)

 

He's the chairman (or head) of A supporters group, ergo he is a supporters chief. Not sure why people get so hot under the collar about the tags the media give the fella. I'm sure someone will enlighten me.

[solentstars]

You know for a fact, do you, that there was no good reason for refusing NI's season ticket?

 

Perhaps you might be good enough to tell us all how you know this for a certainty, as the club have not commented on it.

 

sorry what the club did was wrong and i cannot think of it ever happening in the past to any saints supporter .

[Wes Tender]

He's the chairman (or head) of A supporters group, ergo he is a supporters chief. Not sure why people get so hot under the collar about the tags the media give the fella. I'm sure someone will enlighten me.

 

Glad to enlighten you. Had they alluded to him being the head of the Saints Trust or of a supporters group, there would not be a problem. But the all encompassing title that they gave, encourages the illusion that he is an accredited spokesman for all of the supporters, which is nowhere near the truth.

 

I'd go as far as to say that were there to be a poll on whether they wished Nick Illingworth to act as a media spokesman on their behalf, the majority would vote no.

[Frank's cousin]

He's the chairman (or head) of A supporters group, ergo he is a supporters chief. Not sure why people get so hot under the collar about the tags the media give the fella. I'm sure someone will enlighten me.

 

... your wish is my.... I think its natural to get irate but that tag when he is expressing an opinion that differs from your own, giving the media/world the impression that it is the opinion of ALL fans and not merely a few... naturally those that share the same opinion are less concerned.

 

Naturally this was at its peak during teh whole Lowe/Wilde/CRouch/Wilde/Lowe/ debacle.... Must admit got a bit ****ed off with iTV and BBC when reporting on teh issues when they used to ask 'fans' in th streets - usually it was grannies or kids who seemed to have no clue and 'jumped on whichever bandwagon happened to be passing'

 

Nick is a passionate bloke, loves footie, cares enough to stand up for what he believes - I respect that, even if I dont agree with all his campaigns - especially any criticism publically of the new regime, because whether we agree with the approach or not, it seems to be working for now - it needs to be given a chance and if you are in a position where the media are interested, there is a greater responsibilty to present more than just your own opinion in the interests of balance.

[Sour Mash]

A position that has been perpetuated by rags such as The Echo, who are too damned lazy to make any attempt to seek other sources of comment from the large local fanbase. NI was current and valid at the time of the reverse takeover or during certain events of Lowe's era, but now he is just an anachronism, the figurehead for a largely defunct and totally unrepresentative body of fans which has no purpose, no influence and no validity. The Saints Trust is a dinosaur organisation, irelevant, as is its leader.

 

Seemingly, it doesn't matter how many times this is pointed out to the Echo. It is obviously far too much bother to send a reporter to the Stadium to tout for an opinion from a really independent fan who might be there to buy a match ticket, or merchandise from the shop. Much easier to make a quick call to "fans' chiefs" Nick Illingworth, Perry Macmillan or Richard Chorley or other defunct voices of fans' past discontent.

 

Really? Surely a well known fan, who everyone acknowledges has travelled home and away for 30+ years following Saints and has instigated and supported various things for the benefit of fans is a better person to comment on Saints to the media, then a completely random individual that just happens to be hanging around the ground at the time the media decide to send their team down there?

 

Also, this thread isn't meant to be about bickering on what you think of Nick and/or him being used by the media for comments on Saints issues, its about the mis-treatment of a loyal Saints fan. If you have a particular solution or debate regarding Saints fans in the media, then start up a separate thread, as that is a completely different issue.

[Viking Warrior]

having not seen the info as to why he was refused a season ticket.

 

but there is no smoke without fire and NI is not exactly sqeaky clean , I don't have a problem with NI and he was the more reasonable member of the SISA committee.

 

However if he was lending out his previous season ticket to another home or away fan and they subsequemtly got thrown out of the ground. then I can understand NI not being allowed a season ticket and just day to day match tickets.

 

The club are duty bound to ensure the safety of all fans in the ground but there are a few that take advantage of the club.

 

How many times had we had away fans in amongst season ticket holders.

 

I do not know what was going on but Im suspicious of NI's motives after all he is the voice of the fans and took part in the protest at the dell throwing their season tickets into a bin. ( Yes I know it was the last game of the season) but they did vow not to renew their season ticket.

 

I acknowledge some of your comments franks cousin

[Noodles34]

Maybe we should have a separate threads; a constructive debate on the outcome of this investigation, and subsequent consequences in the present and future.

And a thread for all the people who have nothing better to say than "Nick Illingsworth, what a knob!". And maybe that thread should be moved to The Muppett Show, as clearly most people are quick to name call someone they have never even met! They base their short sighted prejudices on either jealousy or lazy media. No one has really given ANY valid reason why NI is a knob or a idiot or a ...... etc, apart from the same old "he dont speak for me...".

Well he never said he did, did he? (show me the quote?).

Clearly he can speak on behalf of the Saints Trust because he is their 'chief', whether you are a member or not!

In the eighties and nineties he used to write a fanzine that over 2000 people bought (I might add that others were better!!), clearly they didnt think he was a knob.

He goes to most away games as well as the home ones (obviously on a match by match basis!!), does that make him a knob?

The Echo, Sky, ITV and BBC ring him for an opinion whenever anything happens at SMS. Why? Because its probably the only number they have, do you think they put in any effort?

Name calling, childish or what!

[Saint_clark]

sorry what the club did was wrong and i cannot think of it ever happening in the past to any saints supporter .

 

What if it turns out that he is one of the people working behind the scenes to discredit the club?

[Andy_Porter]

Can't be arsed to read six pages but didn't he just get a season ticket in someone else's name?

[Charlie Wayman]

The owner can refuse to admit whomsoever he wishes. It's a private club for goodness sake. Why did the bloke get himself banned in the first place, certainly not because he complained about the pizzas. If you play with fire expect to get your fingers burnt!

 

Sorry mate sod all sympathy from me.

[Gemmel]

What if it turns out that he is one of the people working behind the scenes to discredit the club?

 

Then they should tell him why is banned from having a season ticket . As their own Charter states they will

[Gemmel]

The owner can refuse to admit whomsoever he wishes. .

 

Hope you get banned without any recourse or any reason given Charlie, I am sure you would find it a little different then.

[Charlie Wayman]

A position that has been perpetuated by rags such as The Echo, who are too damned lazy to make any attempt to seek other sources of comment from the large local fanbase. NI was current and valid at the time of the reverse takeover or during certain events of Lowe's era, but now he is just an anachronism, the figurehead for a largely defunct and totally unrepresentative body of fans which has no purpose, no influence and no validity. The Saints Trust is a dinosaur organisation, irelevant, as is its leader.

 

Seemingly, it doesn't matter how many times this is pointed out to the Echo. It is obviously far too much bother to send a reporter to the Stadium to tout for an opinion from a really independent fan who might be there to buy a match ticket, or merchandise from the shop. Much easier to make a quick call to "fans' chiefs" Nick Illingworth, Perry Macmillan or Richard Chorley or other defunct voices of fans' past discontent.

 

You are right of course but the lazy bugger's don't have alternative phone numbers to call. No way are they going to show initiative by getting off their arses at Nursling and making the effort to go 4 miles to SMS

[Big Bad Bob]

etc, apart from the same old "he dont speak for me...".

Well he never said he did, did he? (show me the quote?).

 

As others have pointed out, by not correcting the press in their use of his title he IS saying that he talks for all of us.

 

If Nick doesn't want to talk for all of us he could quite easily say "I can only talk for the members of the Saints' Trust, of which I am Chairman......"

 

Put that before every response and the press would soon get the idea...

[Noodles34]

As others have pointed out, by not correcting the press in their use of his title he IS saying that he talks for all of us.

 

If Nick doesn't want to talk for all of us he could quite easily say "I can only talk for the members of the Saints' Trust, of which I am Chairman......"

 

Put that before every response and the press would soon get the idea...

 

so anyone who ever says anything to the press has to verify exactly who they are speaking on behalf of? Come on....

David Cameron at the UN talking about Afghanistan... "I can only say that on behalf of the people in Britain who voted for me...."

Ridiculous, and plus, maybe he does say that and doesn't get quoted.

If Sky had rang you when AP was sacked you would have started with.."I can only speak on behalf of myself when i say it was a surprising and bad decision...."?

[Wes Tender]

sorry what the club did was wrong and i cannot think of it ever happening in the past to any saints supporter .

Ah! So you can't produce any evidence to support your contention that there was no good reason for the club refusing to allow NI to renew his ST, but you still manage to arrive at a conclusion that the club was at fault. I see.

[trousers]

Hope you get banned without any recourse or any reason given Charlie

 

Hoping a fellow Saints fan gets banned for no apparent reason? That's not very nice to a fellow fan.... ;-)

[Big Bad Bob]

so anyone who ever says anything to the press has to verify exactly who they are speaking on behalf of? Come on....

David Cameron at the UN talking about Afghanistan... "I can only say that on behalf of the people in Britain who voted for me...."

Ridiculous, and plus, maybe he does say that and doesn't get quoted.

If Sky had rang you when AP was sacked you would have started with.."I can only speak on behalf of myself when i say it was a surprising and bad decision...."?

 

You're right, I would have said "I can't speak for others but for myself......"

[Sour Mash]

Ah! So you can't produce any evidence to support your contention that there was no good reason for the club refusing to allow NI to renew his ST, but you still manage to arrive at a conclusion that the club was at fault. I see.

 

Wes - Help us out here. What are the likely reasons that would make this a fair decision? I'm struggling to think of any. The fact that the club refuse to give a reason speaks volumes.

[trousers]

However if he was lending out his previous season ticket to another home or away fan and they subsequemtly got thrown out of the ground. then I can understand NI not being allowed a season ticket and just day to day match tickets.

 

Not seen that suggested before (unless I missed it somewhere?)

[stevegrant]

And the match photos thing was a misunderstanding with the press, and we no longer charge for them.

 

One way of putting it, I suppose.

[BLEEDREDANDWHITE]

Nick has not been given a reason why his season ticket money was refunded to his credit card because the club are still trying to think of one!!

[Wes Tender]

Wes - Help us out here. What are the likely reasons that would make this a fair decision? I'm struggling to think of any. The fact that the club refuse to give a reason speaks volumes.

Several posters on here have given possible reasons why this action has been taken, but of course in the absence of any confirmation from the club, they are just conjecture. Just as solentstars' assertion that the club is in the wrong is pure conjecture without any evidence to back it up.

 

The club's refusal to give a reason does not speak volumes at all. I thought that most accepted that the new regime is not any longer comprised of individuals who feel the need to bleat in the press about every little facet of the running of the club. I suspect that this matter rates very low on their radar, whereas it seems only to have generated interest on here or in the Echo largely because of Nick's status as "Supporters' chief"

[Sour Mash]

so anyone who ever says anything to the press has to verify exactly who they are speaking on behalf of? Come on....

David Cameron at the UN talking about Afghanistan... "I can only say that on behalf of the people in Britain who voted for me...."

Ridiculous, and plus, maybe he does say that and doesn't get quoted.

If Sky had rang you when AP was sacked you would have started with.."I can only speak on behalf of myself when i say it was a surprising and bad decision...."?

 

Exactly. The Echo etc would just cut that bit out of his quote. Anyone with even the smallest amount of brain power knows how many people a single fan speaks on behalf of? Do you think people see Nick's quotes and think "ah, he must have done a full, detailed referendum of every single Saints fan in the world and what he is saying now are the exact results of the vote?" Of course they don't. Everyone knows how it works and it applies to pretty much every club in the land. We're no different, only in that we've got more bitter, petty fans who would rather snipe from a distance at others.

 

As I've said before, this thread shouldn't be about Nick anyway, its about a fan who has been refused the sale of a season ticket and not been given any explanation for the reasons behind the decision and its as simple as that. It is another example of Cortese's pettiness a very worrying trend throughout his tenure so far.

[Sour Mash]

Several posters on here have given possible reasons why this action has been taken, but of course in the absence of any confirmation from the club, they are just conjecture. Just as solentstars' assertion that the club is in the wrong is pure conjecture without any evidence to back it up.

 

The club's refusal to give a reason does not speak volumes at all. I thought that most accepted that the new regime is not any longer comprised of individuals who feel the need to bleat in the press about every little facet of the running of the club. I suspect that this matter rates very low on their radar, whereas it seems only to have generated interest on here or in the Echo largely because of Nick's status as "Supporters' chief"

 

Not seen any reasons stated that I would consider fair for such treatment, could you point them out just for my benefit? If he'd done something genuinely serious, he'd have been properly banned by the club. This is just stubborn pettiness from the club yet again.

[St Marco]

It is another example of Cortese's pettiness a very worrying trend throughout his tenure so far.

 

And there it is.

 

As Wes tried to explain to you there could be lot's of reasons why.

- Selling un-official gear on the back of the clubs trip to Wembley to make some money for himself.

- His negative remarks about the owners when they came in

- His previous comments about the old regime and how he supported them.

- The Saints party at Silverspoons, which a lot of people think he made money from.

- The Sing for Saints thing, what happened to that money?

- His comments in the press about the payment plans i.e lack of them.

 

and so on and so on.

 

As some people have tried to explain and people just don't seem to be getting it....he is not banned. He can go and watch any game he chooses. He has however been rejected tickets AT DISCOUNTED prices. That is what a season ticket really is. Some might put sentimental attachment to it but in a business sense that is all they are.

 

I bet you there are countless others who have had that ability removed to. But of course it isn't a news story unless it is a "chief of the supporters" is it?

[emerson massey]

And there it is.

 

As Wes tried to explain to you there could be lot's of reasons why.

- Selling un-official gear on the back of the clubs trip to Wembley to make some money for himself.

- His negative remarks about the owners when they came in

- His previous comments about the old regime and how he supported them.

- The Saints party at Silverspoons, which a lot of people think he made money from.

- The Sing for Saints thing, what happened to that money?

- His comments in the press about the payment plans i.e lack of them.

 

and so on and so on.

 

As some people have tried to explain and people just don't seem to be getting it....he is not banned. He can go and watch any game he chooses. He has however been rejected tickets AT DISCOUNTED prices. That is what a season ticket really is. Some might put sentimental attachment to it but in a business sense that is all they are.

 

I bet you there are countless others who have had that ability removed to. But of course it isn't a news story unless it is a "chief of the supporters" is it?

 

[georgeweahscousin]

And there it is.

 

As Wes tried to explain to you there could be lot's of reasons why.

- Selling un-official gear on the back of the clubs trip to Wembley to make some money for himself.

- His negative remarks about the owners when they came in

- His previous comments about the old regime and how he supported them.

- The Saints party at Silverspoons, which a lot of people think he made money from.

- The Sing for Saints thing, what happened to that money?

- His comments in the press about the payment plans i.e lack of them.

 

and so on and so on.

 

As some people have tried to explain and people just don't seem to be getting it....he is not banned. He can go and watch any game he chooses. He has however been rejected tickets AT DISCOUNTED prices. That is what a season ticket really is. Some might put sentimental attachment to it but in a business sense that is all they are.

 

I bet you there are countless others who have had that ability removed to. But of course it isn't a news story unless it is a "chief of the supporters" is it?

 

Spot on. Top post.

[jam]

Hope you get banned without any recourse or any reason given Charlie, I am sure you would find it a little different then.

 

I don't think Peter Hill-Wood reads this forum to Charlie should be safe...

[stevegrant]

- Selling un-official gear on the back of the clubs trip to Wembley to make some money for himself.

- The Saints party at Silverspoons, which a lot of people think he made money from.

Why not ban StuRomseySaint then, who ran two coaches to Wembley, and it would be fair to say he didn't pay for them out of his own pocket. Last time I checked, we live in a (relatively) free world where enterprise is encouraged.

- His negative remarks about the owners when they came in

What "negative remarks"? I can't remember anyone (other than perhaps Tony Lynam) being in any way disappointed with the takeover

- His previous comments about the old regime and how he supported them.

So what? Football club supporter in "supporting the football club" shocker.

- The Sing for Saints thing, what happened to that money?

Don't know. Have you asked him? Was there actually any money raised from it at all? It didn't seem particularly well-supported at the time.

- His comments in the press about the payment plans i.e lack of them.

Comments that have been echoed by hundreds of other people? IIRC, there were quotes from numerous people in the Echo when the ST details were released.

 

If the reason was a genuine one - and for all I know, there may be a genuine and appropriate reason - why would the club not at least tell Nick himself why he has not been allowed to buy a season ticket this season? It would seem as though he (and others) have asked on numerous occasions, otherwise he wouldn't have seen fit to get the Football League and IFO involved.

[Sour Mash]

And there it is.

 

As Wes tried to explain to you there could be lot's of reasons why.

- Selling un-official gear on the back of the clubs trip to Wembley to make some money for himself.

- His negative remarks about the owners when they came in

- His previous comments about the old regime and how he supported them.

- The Saints party at Silverspoons, which a lot of people think he made money from.

- The Sing for Saints thing, what happened to that money?

- His comments in the press about the payment plans i.e lack of them.

 

and so on and so on.

 

As some people have tried to explain and people just don't seem to be getting it....he is not banned. He can go and watch any game he chooses. He has however been rejected tickets AT DISCOUNTED prices. That is what a season ticket really is. Some might put sentimental attachment to it but in a business sense that is all they are.

 

I bet you there are countless others who have had that ability removed to. But of course it isn't a news story unless it is a "chief of the supporters" is it?

 

I know loads of Saints fans, all different types, from many different backgrounds, I also know plenty of fans from many other clubs. I have never heard of someone being refused a season ticket, but still being allowed to attend games. Either he has done something genuinely wrong, in which case ban him or this is just Cortese throwing his toys out of his pram and being stubborn towards a fan that has dared challenge him.

 

Can I just confirm from your post that you think it is acceptable for the club to refuse someone a season ticket on the basis of "His negative remarks about the owners when they came in" or "His previous comments about the old regime and how he supported them." or "His comments in the press about the payment plans i.e lack of them."

 

Its not the way I want my football club run. It is petty and vindictive and yet ago shows a huge disregard for the loyal fans of this club.

[jam]

And there it is.

 

As Wes tried to explain to you there could be lot's of reasons why.

- Selling un-official gear on the back of the clubs trip to Wembley to make some money for himself.

- His negative remarks about the owners when they came in

- His previous comments about the old regime and how he supported them.

- The Saints party at Silverspoons, which a lot of people think he made money from.

- The Sing for Saints thing, what happened to that money?

- His comments in the press about the payment plans i.e lack of them.

 

and so on and so on.

 

As some people have tried to explain and people just don't seem to be getting it....he is not banned. He can go and watch any game he chooses. He has however been rejected tickets AT DISCOUNTED prices. That is what a season ticket really is. Some might put sentimental attachment to it but in a business sense that is all they are.

 

I bet you there are countless others who have had that ability removed to. But of course it isn't a news story unless it is a "chief of the supporters" is it?

 

Some of these comments are actually quite alarming. Are you seriously suggesting that publicly criticising actions of the football club should be considered reasonable contributing factors in restricting someone's ability to support the club?

[jam]

Why not ban StuRomseySaint then, who ran two coaches to Wembley, and it would be fair to say he didn't pay for them out of his own pocket. Last time I checked, we live in a (relatively) free world where enterprise is encouraged.

 

What "negative remarks"? I can't remember anyone (other than perhaps Tony Lynam) being in any way disappointed with the takeover

 

So what? Football club supporter in "supporting the football club" shocker.

 

Don't know. Have you asked him? Was there actually any money raised from it at all? It didn't seem particularly well-supported at the time.

 

Comments that have been echoed by hundreds of other people? IIRC, there were quotes from numerous people in the Echo when the ST details were released.

 

If the reason was a genuine one - and for all I know, there may be a genuine and appropriate reason - why would the club not at least tell Nick himself why he has not been allowed to buy a season ticket this season? It would seem as though he (and others) have asked on numerous occasions, otherwise he wouldn't have seen fit to get the Football League and IFO involved.

 

This is what I find disconcerting. If there's a reasonable reason for this action then it's disappointing that the club wont share it, even with the IFO.

 

Steve, didn't this happen a couple of years back with someone else from the trust? Under the previous 'ownership*'.

 

 

*using the term loosely

[stevegrant]

Steve, didn't this happen a couple of years back with someone else from the trust? Under the previous 'ownership*'.

Not that I'm aware of.

 

I know Richard Chorley was banned from St Mary's for a while, although can't remember what that was for.

[Viking Warrior]

Im in shock about the way NI has been treated. we need to adopt the egyptian model of democracy. Lets all join together and march on SMS and burn it down until the club give NI his season ticket !

 

NI courts publicity always has and always will. yes he is a fan but is he being economical with the truth as to why he has been turned down for a season ticket.

Do I need to go to another forum to find he side of the story?

Edited 3 February, 2011 by Viking Warrior

[jam]

Not that I'm aware of.

 

I know Richard Chorley was banned from St Mary's for a while, although can't remember what that was for.

 

Maybe it's my memory, or just getting confused. I seem to recall someone who was critical of the club having the 'not even a season ticket holder' line trotted out against them. Thought it was someone to do with the trust.