Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 Who actually believes that Cortese expects us to go balls out for promotion this year? I don't think he's that unrealistic, and I also, even with the start we have had, don't believe we are backing the Manager with the funds needed for promotion, even after the sale of Chamberlain. It says to me that this year is not the plan, especially with the strength of other Championship clubs. I don't care, I am more than happy to consolidate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjay77 Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 I believe he expects us to try but don't thinks heads will roll if we don't succeed. I will be happy if we are pushing for play offs this season but next season I think promotion will be the only target of note. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 Shrug..... who knows what the goes on in the clubs inner workings these days. If you are correct I'd never expect NC, NA or anyone in the club to come out and say it in public. I haven't enjoyed being a saints fan as much as I have the last two seasons and a bit. So I'm just going to enjoy it while it lasts and go with the flow. Not overly bothered about the PL personally so no biggie to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 Ask me again tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctoroncall Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 Would you have expected Norwich to have gone up this time last year? Just because there is no big spending or huge in-take of players like other teams doesn't mean Saints are not pursuing promotion. There are many roads to the promotion goal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 31 August, 2011 Author Share Posted 31 August, 2011 Shrug..... who knows what the goes on in the clubs inner workings these days. If you are correct I'd never expect NC, NA or anyone in the club to come out and say it in public. I haven't enjoyed being a saints fan as much as I have the last two seasons and a bit. So I'm just going to enjoy it while it lasts and go with the flow. Not overly bothered about the PL personally so no biggie to me. Agreed, the PL isn't the be-all and end-all. I like winning football matches myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a1ex2001 Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 I think this season is viewed as one of consolidation and building with a bigger focus on promotion next season not saying that they wouldn't take it this year and I would expect if we are still knocking on the door come January we will see the cheque book opened a little. I'm not sure promotion this season would be ideal anyway as we would be looking at alot of new faces to stand any chance in the PL so I would expect an instant return to this level, with another season in the NPC we should have a team of players mostly ready and capable of playing in the PL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSaint Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 The goal isn't just promotion but ensuring that when we arrive in the Premier we are organizationally and financially strong enough to stay there and eventually compete in the top eight or so. We've had an excellent start and there's good reason to think that we'll be there or thereabouts at the turn of the year. That, to me, is a more important window because we'll have a better chance of attracting Premier-standard players who can help us kick-on to promotion and also form a nucleus of a Premier team. I think Cortese and Adkins are playing this cagey and cautious - keeping their powder dry for later, and I think they're dead right to do so (especially with the crazy money being paid at the moment). I'd still really like to see a Fonte-complementary CB, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 It would be a bit ahead of the 5 year plan, so maybe we'll go back to the beginning of the blue print .... a dalliance with with play offs, just coming up short but offset with a winning visit to Wembley in The League Cup, meaning next season will see a European Tour and a successful promotion campaign ..... progression and fun along the way, before we get to the poisioned chalice that is The Premier League. We'll have to sign mercenary foreign players and bertie big bollix brits on silly money wages because everybody else does, which will completely ruin our all for one on the bus together comraderie, as some players travel to games in their helicopter or Lear Jet and post moody tweets about the rest of the squad not being good enough. AND, we'll lose a damn sight more games then we win and will have to pay 60 quid per match for the pleasure .... is that what we want? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 It would be a bit ahead of the 5 year plan, so maybe we'll go back to the beginning of the blue print .... a dalliance with with play offs, just coming up short but offset with a winning visit to Wembley in The League Cup, meaning next season will see a European Tour and a successful promotion campaign ..... progression and fun along the way, before we get to the poisioned chalice that is The Premier League. We'll have to sign mercenary foreign players and bertie big bollix brits on silly money wages because everybody else does, which will completely ruin our all for one on the bus together comraderie, as some players travel to games in their helicopter or Lear Jet and post moody tweets about the rest of the squad not being good enough. AND, we'll lose a damn sight more games then we win and will have to pay 60 quid per match for the pleasure .... is that what we want? I thought we'd lose more games this season too. £45 (and to be fair it may well be £35-£40 depending on the opposition) x 19 = £855 vs £26 x 23 = £598. That's not the end of the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobM Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 I think NC will hope for promotion, expect us to be professional enough to try and win every game, but wont necessarily expect promotion this season. That doesn't mean that isn't the aim, as it should be the aim of every club in the league, but aims and expectations are not the same thing. Next season, if we're still in this league, will be very different and I think promotion will be expected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 if only it was that simple, you aim and plan for promotion in the year you want and it happens. Even if you spend a fortune it is not guaranteed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 Maybe our start has led to a rethink???? Imagine initially the plan would be consolidation, then push on over next couple of seasons, but perhaps Norwich's performance and our fantastic start has led to a change of heart. The next few hours (particularly if some big rumours are coming off) might give us a steer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEVMAN Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 I think if we are in with a chance of promotion this year then we have to take it this League is too unpredictable to be messing with 5 year plans.Who knows next year we could have a real stinker of a start to the season and end up struggling,i say go for it boys . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalek2003 Posted 31 August, 2011 Share Posted 31 August, 2011 No. I have said from June that our aim is consolidation. Our lack of decisiveness in the transfer market, even with the OXO money is further proof of our relatively modest ambitions this year. i think we will finish around 17th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 Seems to me NC wants us to try, but wont jump off the Itchen Bridge (taking NA with him) if we dont make it. Our transfer activity suggests promotion is a nice-to-have rather than a must this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 Seems to me NC wants us to try, but wont jump off the Itchen Bridge (taking NA with him) if we dont make it. Our transfer activity suggests promotion is a nice-to-have rather than a must this season. of course our transfer activity may be because there was no money available Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 I have no doubt at all that we ARE going for it this season. I also believe that the club are doing it the right way, by ensuring that we have a TEAM to support. The players have a freedom of expression that many other teams do not have because they all know each others game. TEAMS can achieve a hell of a lot more than a bunch of names, look at the "shock" winners of the Euros like Greece Denmark for example. One over inflated player can damage that cameraderie. I for one am glad that we haven't hurt ourselves in this window by bringing in a "name" to satisfy some "fans". I have no doubt that now the panic buying season is over, the club will still be looking to find the right type of players at the right price. The squad has had our best EVER start to a season and we still have two key players to return from injury., and 3 months or so to bring in loan players. (And loans CAN become permanent - Chaplow for example) Some people's lives must be so damned miserable, spending all their time worrying about tomorrow and missing the fact that we are having our best time in decades. We will be pushing for promotion, we will have ups and downs and injuries but this is a damned good team. It CAN get better, and we're already second. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 I have no doubt at all that we ARE going for it this season. I also believe that the club are doing it the right way, by ensuring that we have a TEAM to support. The players have a freedom of expression that many other teams do not have because they all know each others game. TEAMS can achieve a hell of a lot more than a bunch of names, look at the "shock" winners of the Euros like Greece Denmark for example. One over inflated player can damage that cameraderie. I for one am glad that we haven't hurt ourselves in this window by bringing in a "name" to satisfy some "fans". I have no doubt that now the panic buying season is over, the club will still be looking to find the right type of players at the right price. The squad has had our best EVER start to a season and we still have two key players to return from injury., and 3 months or so to bring in loan players. (And loans CAN become permanent - Chaplow for example) Some people's lives must be so damned miserable, spending all their time worrying about tomorrow and missing the fact that we are having our best time in decades. We will be pushing for promotion, we will have ups and downs and injuries but this is a damned good team. It CAN get better, and we're already second. This^^^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 Sorry, I think team spirit are a bit overrated. If its fragile enough that one player with an ego can disrupt it and ostracising by the rest doesnt work, it certainly will be changed by a couple of crap results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coastal Saint Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 I have no doubt at all that we ARE going for it this season. I also believe that the club are doing it the right way, by ensuring that we have a TEAM to support. The players have a freedom of expression that many other teams do not have because they all know each others game. TEAMS can achieve a hell of a lot more than a bunch of names, look at the "shock" winners of the Euros like Greece Denmark for example. One over inflated player can damage that cameraderie. I for one am glad that we haven't hurt ourselves in this window by bringing in a "name" to satisfy some "fans". I have no doubt that now the panic buying season is over, the club will still be looking to find the right type of players at the right price. The squad has had our best EVER start to a season and we still have two key players to return from injury., and 3 months or so to bring in loan players. (And loans CAN become permanent - Chaplow for example) Some people's lives must be so damned miserable, spending all their time worrying about tomorrow and missing the fact that we are having our best time in decades. We will be pushing for promotion, we will have ups and downs and injuries but this is a damned good team. It CAN get better, and we're already second. This X2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorpe-le-Saint Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 No. I have said from June that our aim is consolidation. Our lack of decisiveness in the transfer market, even with the OXO money is further proof of our relatively modest ambitions this year. i think we will finish around 17th. Have you actually seen us play this season? Your prediction is utter ******. Don't you just hate Saints having a sensible and sound financial plan eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 I have no doubt that now the panic buying season is over, the club will still be looking to find the right type of players at the right price. I would have said that the January window was the panic buying season (we certainly witnessed it under Redknapp in 2005). Surely the summer window is the one where you can take a couple of months to do your business and integrate players in to the team at the start of the season. I certainly agree with your assessment that TEAM ethic is a huge part in the success or failure of a team and Adkins has played a major role in developing what would appear to be a great spirit in the side. That will count for a number of points over the season, no doubt about it and it has contributed to a great start. I certainly didn't want "star names" to be signed (the 2005 January window and subsequent windows gave us a number of star journeymen), but with Adkins obviously being in the hunt for a forward and a centre half, I think there was a desire to sign a couple of players who could have improved the team. The fact that that didn't happen (no disrespect to Joos) means I am a tad disappointed at the closure of this window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 I certainly didn't want "star names" to be signed (the 2005 January window and subsequent windows gave us a number of star journeymen), but with Adkins obviously being in the hunt for a forward and a centre half, I think there was a desire to sign a couple of players who could have improved the team. The fact that that didn't happen (no disrespect to Joos) means I am a tad disappointed at the closure of this window. I think that NA & NC will also be disappointed. But the positive point for me is that we didn't get suckered into destroying the team morale and stupid money going out the door. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8734503/Mikel-Artetas-transfer-deadline-day-move-to-Arsenal-brings-little-joy-for-Everton-manager-David-Moyes.html Beckford's transfer to Leicester, for a fee rising to £14m, was different as he was one of the players deemed expendable. Somewhat proves the point. It's all very well wanting to buy something at a shop, but if it's not in stock or it's at a stupid price, you wait a month for a sale or look around online for a better deal. I have no doubt that we will still be looking. If we have to make do with a loan then so be it. Again we may find someone overseas like Papa Waigo but with consistency that we can get on loan with an option to buy. The reports of Jos playing in Scandinavia show he has something and then add that he only played a handful of games for Celtic & had injuries show that we could have found what we needed at the back. The only game e have lost so far was because of a slip by Fonte lnocking us out of our stride early on, yet everyone panics over Seaborne. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctoroncall Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 Phil I'm sure that figure is a misquote as I've seen rising to £4m from an initial £2.5m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctoroncall Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 Seems to me NC wants us to try, but wont jump off the Itchen Bridge (taking NA with him) if we dont make it. Our transfer activity suggests promotion is a nice-to-have rather than a must this season. but what transfer policy is? There is no guarantee of promotion when it comes to transfer activity unless you know otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 I think we'll be expected to Compete, but promotion isn't the be all and end all. It would be a fantastic bonus and I'm sure we'll give it a bloody good go. Next year is a different matter though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 1 September, 2011 Share Posted 1 September, 2011 Sorry, I think team spirit are a bit overrated. If its fragile enough that one player with an ego can disrupt it and ostracising by the rest doesnt work, it certainly will be changed by a couple of crap results. I don't think it is over rated if I'm honest. What we have here is priceless, a group of players that have been together for 2 years + and have a real bond, that isn't going to evaporate overnight and it takes years for these sort of spirits to form. This is why Norwich were so successful, they didn't have players like Lallana or Cork - but they gave it a bloody good go because everyone worked their socks off for each other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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