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Cortese...


Ivan Katalinic's 'tache

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...what does he need to do to achieve legendary status at SMS? Return us to the Prem? Win a 'proper' trophy? Cancel the ticket tax? Or does he already have it after persuading Markus to save us? Thoughts anyone?

 

I'll give him it if he gets rid of the ticket taxes, I can still afford to go and am not inconvenienced every time I buy a ticket, we re-establish ourselves in the Prem and win a trophy played for by Prem clubs. At that point I won't care if he's on the cover of the programme every week.

 

That or gives me a million quid, which would also win me over more quickly, shameless pragmatist that I am.

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a return to the Premiership - with an FA Cup or League Cup Win!

 

keeping hold of players like Lallana so we can see them play for Saints in the Premier League

 

spending the money in January to make us odds on favourites for automatic promotion

 

doing the doube over Portsmouth - with Cortese putting Cotterill and Pompey in their place in the press!

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a return to the Premiership - with an FA Cup or League Cup Win!

 

keeping hold of players like Lallana so we can see them play for Saints in the Premier League

 

spending the money in January to make us odds on favourites for automatic promotion

 

doing the doube over Portsmouth - with Cortese putting Cotterill and Pompey in their place in the press!

 

I'll give him it if he gets rid of the ticket taxes, I can still afford to go and am not inconvenienced every time I buy a ticket, we re-establish ourselves in the Prem and win a trophy played for by Prem clubs. At that point I won't care if he's on the cover of the programme every week.

 

That or gives me a million quid, which would also win me over more quickly, shameless pragmatist that I am.

 

So, despite what he's done for the club so far (you've only listed the negatives) - unless he achieves the above, he'd be considered a bit of failure?

 

We really don't realise how lucky we are :o

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So, despite what he's done for the club so far (you've only listed the negatives) - unless he achieves the above, he'd be considered a bit of failure?

 

We really don't realise how lucky we are :o

 

Yeah, because not "being a legend" equals "being a bit of a failure". Read the question again.

 

He's done little worthy of legendary status in comparison to current Saints "legends" so far, as a number of people have pointed out. I don't subscribe to the view that anyone is a "legend" for being vaguely competent at running a football club in the second tier of English football, for instance, and on-field success is not the whole argument, as you can see from my criteria.

Edited by The9
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Yeah, because not "being a legend" equals "being a bit of a failure". Read the question again.

 

No.

 

If he doesn't achieve what you require (or believe to be realistic), what would you consider him? A failure? An average chairman? An axe-wielding psychopath? And what do you think of what he's achieve so far?

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I am a big fan of Cortese. He is the reason Markus Leibherr got involved with us in the first place and that in itself ensures I am willing to give him a lot of slack.

 

We are top of the league, have been in a constant uphill trajectory since his arrival and now actually look like a business focused on it's football team rather then all of the ancillary bits that are frankly irrelevant.

 

But a Legend? If he is here for a long time and delivers on all of the rhetoric we've heard regarding his intentions, then maybe.... but I am not holding my breath for the long term, I am just enjoying the short term for once.

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...what does he need to do to achieve legendary status at SMS? Return us to the Prem? Win a 'proper' trophy? Cancel the ticket tax? Or does he already have it after persuading Markus to save us? Thoughts anyone?

 

sort the feking pasties out, get some softer hand towels in the bogs and put the car parking charges up. Fecking pikes parking in our car park without paying the Don.

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Yeah, because not "being a legend" equals "being a bit of a failure". Read the question again.

 

He's done little worthy of legendary status in comparison to current Saints "legends" so far, as a number of people have pointed out. I don't subscribe to the view that anyone is a "legend" for being vaguely competent at running a football club in the second tier of English football, for instance, and on-field success is not the whole argument, as you can see from my criteria.

 

As well as seeing something as a superb investment and running it competently, possibly to leave it and sell for a profit.

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More significant than Lawrie, Bates, Le Tiss, Really????

 

I forget mateys name, the mooosh from Lymington who put his hand in his own pocket to save us, has NC really done more than these people? Mr. Cortesse is a very, very well paid employee, i'm happy to say he is doing a good job, WE are top of the league but he is far from perfect!!

 

I never said Cortese was perfect but I'd be inclined to say his input was every bit as significant as the names you mentioned. Cortese is very well paid but I'd be willing to bet the names you rattled off were also well looked after by the company. The difference being Cortese is 100% responsible for the money that is paying his wages. He doesn't need to be perfect but everything he does is to benefit the club. If a few decisions he makes mean fans have to spend an extra couple of quid on ticket taxes or parking then so be it. He saved our club and is working to make us a more professional, more successful club on the whole.

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That's fair enough.

 

I still think he should get far more credit than he's due though, despite his flaws. Or maybe not credit, but a bit more slack.

 

Well said. So he's made a few decisions that have peeved a few fans - so what? Everything he does is for the best interests of the club and the fact that in business terms he is a bit of a c*nt probably makes me like him even more.

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I never said Cortese was perfect but I'd be inclined to say his input was every bit as significant as the names you mentioned. Cortese is very well paid but I'd be willing to bet the names you rattled off were also well looked after by the company. The difference being Cortese is 100% responsible for the money that is paying his wages. He doesn't need to be perfect but everything he does is to benefit the club. If a few decisions he makes mean fans have to spend an extra couple of quid on ticket taxes or parking then so be it. He saved our club and is working to make us a more professional, more successful club on the whole.

 

Couldn't have said it better myself.

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I never said Cortese was perfect but I'd be inclined to say his input was every bit as significant as the names you mentioned. Cortese is very well paid but I'd be willing to bet the names you rattled off were also well looked after by the company. The difference being Cortese is 100% responsible for the money that is paying his wages. He doesn't need to be perfect but everything he does is to benefit the club. If a few decisions he makes mean fans have to spend an extra couple of quid on ticket taxes or parking then so be it. He saved our club and is working to make us a more professional, more successful club on the whole.

 

Actually, I think you and I are paying his wages... But otherwise I concur with your assessment.

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No.

 

If he doesn't achieve what you require (or believe to be realistic), what would you consider him? A failure? An average chairman? An axe-wielding psychopath? And what do you think of what he's achieve so far?

 

If he left tomorrow he'd be regarded as a bloke who helped save us, gave us access to a wodge of cash that got us out of the third tier and set us on the way to Championship success. No-one would give much of a toss about the JPT win, nice though it was, and we'd all turn our minds to what happens next. Nothing particularly fantastic has yet been achieved.'getting to the Prem would be great, staying in the Prem would be fantastic. We've done neither yet, and crap treatment of fans is a flaw that means on-field success is that much more necessary.

 

Your point still ignores that the question asked what it would take for him to be a "legend", not to be just regarded as a success. I'd probably give him that just for getting us back in the Prem and staying there, independent of PR cock-ups and ticket taxes, but that wouldn't mean they weren't unnecessary.

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Well said. So he's made a few decisions that have peeved a few fans - so what? Everything he does is for the best interests of the club and the fact that in business terms he is a bit of a c*nt probably makes me like him even more.

 

Ha, just commented on your post funnily enough! I honestly cannot fathom the reaction to some, at best, mildly irritating decisions he's made. Why can't they look beyond a couple of quid extra instead of stomping around making a big fuss over nothing? They probably won't credit it, but it was Cortese who told Markus to buy us, y'know... he's been very good so far but if he'd only been average, he deserves a little more slack for that contribution alone.

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If he left tomorrow he'd be regarded as a bloke who helped save us, gave us access to a wodge of cash that got us out of the third tier and set us on the way to Championship success. No-one would give much of a toss about the JPT win, nice though it was, and we'd all turn our minds to what happens next. Nothing particularly fantastic has yet been achieved.'getting to the Prem would be great, staying in the Prem would be fantastic. We've done neither yet, and crap treatment of fans is a flaw that means on-field success is that much more necessary.

 

Your point still ignores that the question asked what it would take for him to be a "legend", not to be just regarded as a success. I'd probably give him that just for getting us back in the Prem and staying there, independent of PR cock-ups and ticket taxes, but that wouldn't mean they weren't unnecessary.

 

As I've said below, I still can't fathom the reaction to some mildly disappointing decisions he's made. On the whole, where it matters most, we're functioning almost perfectly and he has probably overseen one of the most exciting eras in modern times. That, and of course the fact he contributed heavily to our salvation. Not just that though, but having him/Markus is an incredible coup - and one we should be very, very thankful for. Imagine the alternatives.. Micky Fialka or that ex-York chairman :o

 

A legend, for me, is someone who sticks around for a very, very long time and oversees a largely successful era. Cortese's not there yet, obviously, but even if we did get back to the Premier League and not win anything there whilst under his chairmanship, I'd still consider him something of a legend. Not a feet-kissing, worship-style one - but more in a forever appreciative kinda way.

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The word legend is used altogether too readily nowadays anyway, so I suspect our criteria would be poles apart. Let's hope he meets mine - or those of someone far more demanding (like Cortese, if you believe some of his initial statements).

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The word legend is used altogether too readily nowadays anyway, so I suspect our criteria would be poles apart. Let's hope he meets mine - or those of someone far more demanding (like Cortese, if you believe some of his initial statements).

 

Well, what Cortese said about the Champions League... exciting, but I cannot see how we'd achieve it. Then again, one only has to look at Villarreal and other middling provincial clubs who have achieved that level of 'success' to see that it can be done. That said, our domestic league compared to others could be considered a far, far harder nut to crack.

 

I'd be happy to consider Cortese a huge success if it meant coming from the bottom of L1 to regularly competing for Cups/PL football... though, as we all know, we've got a fair old way to go yet.

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Well, what Cortese said about the Champions League... exciting, but I cannot see how we'd achieve it. Then again, one only has to look at Villarreal and other middling provincial clubs who have achieved that level of 'success' to see that it can be done. That said, our domestic league compared to others could be considered a far, far harder nut to crack.

 

I'd be happy to consider Cortese a huge success if it meant coming from the bottom of L1 to regularly competing for Cups/PL football... though, as we all know, we've got a fair old way to go yet.

 

Porto - under the special one is your example.

Could Adkins be a new special one...

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Porto - under the special one is your example.

Could Adkins be a new special one...

 

Oh yeah, that's a good point - I mentioned how good the infrastructure is but didn't mention just how important it is to have a good manager.

 

Porto are, of course, a much bigger club playing in, arguably, a less-competitive league. However, his achievements should not be underestimated either. To win the CL with Porto is an incredible feat :o

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Porto - under the special one is your example.

Could Adkins be a new special one...

 

Really? Porto have rarely been outside the top two of the Portuguese League in the past 20 years. Yes, Mourinho's efforts in Europe were a brilliant achievement, but domestically they've dominated (winning the league 15 times since 1990).

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Really? Porto have rarely been outside the top two of the Portuguese League in the past 20 years. Yes, Mourinho's efforts in Europe were a brilliant achievement, but domestically they've dominated (winning the league 15 times since 1990).

 

Aye, my point was more that it is not impossible for teams outside those you expect (AC Milan, Barca, United, etc) to win the Champion's league.

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Aye, my point was more that it is not impossible for teams outside those you expect (AC Milan, Barca, United, etc) to win the Champion's league.

 

Without wishing to go all MLG, Porto have had a far bit of success domestically and internationally. Notwithstanding winning the Portuguese league 63 times, prior to winning the Champions League with Jose they had previously won the European Cup once, UEFA cup once and Cup Winners Cup once.

 

I accept of course they're not the footballing powerhouses you mention; but it's not as if they're a footballing backwater with no previous form. Just don't think it's the best analogy, is all. Anyway, it matters not.

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The word legend is used altogether too readily nowadays anyway, so I suspect our criteria would be poles apart. Let's hope he meets mine - or those of someone far more demanding (like Cortese, if you believe some of his initial statements).

 

That's a shame, i was gonna say you're a legend on here but i think i'll hold off until you've hit 40,000 posts and come up with loads more mock ups for home and away kits over the next three seasons.

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Without wishing to go all MLG, Porto have had a far bit of success domestically and internationally. Notwithstanding winning the Portuguese league 63 times, prior to winning the Champions League with Jose they had previously won the European Cup once, UEFA cup once and Cup Winners Cup once.

 

I accept of course they're not the footballing powerhouses you mention; but it's not as if they're a footballing backwater with no previous form. Just don't think it's the best analogy, is all. Anyway, it matters not.

 

In fairness, I didn't know they'd won the European Cup!! The others I did, which is bizarre...

 

I know it's not a great anaolgy but this is the Champions' league we're talking about. Can you name another club more like us who have won it? Nor can I! ;)

 

When I say like us - I mean size of population!!

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In fairness, I didn't know they'd won the European Cup!! The others I did, which is bizarre...

 

I know it's not a great anaolgy but this is the Champions' league we're talking about. Can you name another club more like us who have won it? Nor can I! ;)

 

When I say like us - I mean size of population!!

 

#MLG Mode enabled#

 

Well, considering that the city of Porto has a population of just 237 thousand..........

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the voice of sanity. Cannot the fans see he is no respector of the southampton tradition ? He has taken the car park from the fans , denied such greats as mike osman vip status at the ground , banned fans hero illingsworth from the stadium and now today the final straw ! Every self respecting saints fan knows that when we had the opportunity like today we are supposed to lose which then gives us ,the loyal fans ,a chance to whinge and now thats been taken away from us !

I want my parochial ,cuddly ,average ,local club back.

 

we don't like change

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The voice of sanity. Cannot the fans see he is no respector of The Southampton tradition ? He has taken The Car Park from the fans , denied such greats as Mike Osman VIP status at the ground , banned fans hero Illingsworth from the stadium and now today the final straw ! Every self respecting Saints fan knows that when we had the opportunity like today we are supposed to lose which then gives us ,the loyal fans ,a chance to whinge and now thats been taken away from us !

I want my parochial ,cuddly ,average ,local club back.

 

Brilliant

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#MLG Mode enabled#

 

Well, considering that the city of Porto has a population of just 237 thousand..........

 

Go and have another gander on Wiki or wherever and I'm sure you'll find Oporto is a lot bigger than you're saying here. The main city centre might only have 250,000 but it's much bigger than that and on a par with Liverpool (if not bigger!!!). Boavista also hail from Oporto.

 

The Premiership may be "bigger" than its Portuguese equivalent, but comparing us to Oporto is nearly as bad as the recent Barcelona comparisons.

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Go and have another gander on Wiki or wherever and I'm sure you'll find Oporto is a lot bigger than you're saying here. The main city centre might only have 250,000 but it's much bigger than that and on a par with Liverpool (if not bigger!!!). Boavista also hail from Oporto.

 

The Premiership may be "bigger" than its Portuguese equivalent, but comparing us to Oporto is nearly as bad as the recent Barcelona comparisons.

 

Relax, I'm not that deluded. Out of interest what is the greater metropolitan area of Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester, Andover, The New Forest etc? ;)

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Go and have another gander on Wiki or wherever and I'm sure you'll find Oporto is a lot bigger than you're saying here. The main city centre might only have 250,000 but it's much bigger than that and on a par with Liverpool (if not bigger!!!). Boavista also hail from Oporto.

 

The Premiership may be "bigger" than its Portuguese equivalent, but comparing us to Oporto is nearly as bad as the recent Barcelona comparisons.

 

I would strongly advise against this, since on that basis Wiki also believes Portsmouth and Southampton constitute ONE metropolitan area...

Which makes Pompey our 'Everton' by your reckoning... ;)

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I would strongly advise against this, since on that basis Wiki also believes Portsmouth and Southampton constitute ONE metropolitan area...

Which makes Pompey our 'Everton' by your reckoning... ;)

 

I've been to Oporto and I went to the old stadium to watch Porto play Guimares or whatever they're called and the city (and the club) are not comparable to us with regards size and status.

 

(and I was advising against using wiki as your source!!)

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I've been to Oporto and I went to the old stadium to watch Porto play Guimares or whatever they're called and the city (and the club) are not comparable to us with regards size and status.

 

(and I was advising against using wiki as your source!!)

 

I've been to Barcelona, Munich, Milan, Liverpool and Manchester and none of them are close to Southampton, so which Champions' League club should we compare ourselves to??!!!

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I've been to Barcelona, Munich, Milan, Liverpool and Manchester and none of them are close to Southampton, so which Champions' League club should we compare ourselves to??!!!

 

I've no idea where this Champions League obsession comes from. It's just fanciful thinking to believe we will ever be in the Champions League, apart from a one off fluke of a season some time over the next 50 years as we somehow scrape 4th place in 2045.

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I've no idea where this Champions League obsession comes from. It's just fanciful thinking to believe we will ever be in the Champions League, apart from a one off fluke of a season some time over the next 50 years as we somehow scrape 4th place in 2045.

 

Is it not what the Chairman aspires to?? I thought that's where this thing started so we were trying to find evidence that it's feasible for a club of our size. Only we have now established that our only hope (to emulate Porto) is impossible thanks to your assessment... ;)

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That's a shame, i was gonna say you're a legend on here but i think i'll hold off until you've hit 40,000 posts and come up with loads more mock ups for home and away kits over the next three seasons.

 

I've been called it for less.

 

Can't say I've looked at my post count since 2005 on S4E and the laptop with Photoshop on it bit the dust last month, but fortunately I don't need anyone's validation.

 

Anyway, I'm on holiday, posting on Saintsweb at 7:45am, so I win. :(

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Cortese deserves far, FAR more praise than he gets.

 

He's in my opinion been the single biggest factor of our success. He's ultimately the one that guides the ship, hiring Adkins, negotiating only the best transfer deals, putting professional standards into place from the top down.

 

I believe people don't recognise the significance of this man and his positive influence in the football club. People say he's ruthless.....that's exactly what a strong leader needs to be at times. I respect and back his decisions 100%, the evidence is clear to back this up.

 

It's really time we recognise his contribution to turning this great club around, because without him I highly doubt we'd be where we are.

 

Great post. Really do not understand the niggardly attitude about recognising his contribution

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OOOh a thread comparing foreigh places that forumites have been to, hooray!

 

Does Porto have any decent golf course? Has Tiger ever heard of them?

 

Meanwhile, you've all completely lost the plot.

 

Cortese was a banker. Just because he's taken a couple of years off (how do we know he wasn't downsized like so many others btw?) from being a banker, still makes him a banker.

 

All bankers should be burnt at the stake. End of discussion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

after he has led us th CL glory of course

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The law of averages says there must be one good Banker in the world and NC is that one.

Same as lawyers, we have the only really excellent one in the world.

 

How do you know he is a good banker? Can you show us evidence? Has he won the Gruyere Cheese Award for Young Italian Bank Executives? Did he ever get a Highly Commended as Trainee of the Month in Investment Negotiables Monthly? You people just make stuff up.

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How do you know he is a good banker? Can you show us evidence? Has he won the Gruyere Cheese Award for Young Italian Bank Executives? Did he ever get a Highly Commended as Trainee of the Month in Investment Negotiables Monthly? You people just make stuff up.

 

The only good banker is a dead banker. Burn the lot of them, especially anyone who knows what a CDO or a CDS is.

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CB Fry is a bigger legend as well, and if you don't know about him have a read of the saints cult heros book.

 

Yeah hence the plus plus plus. Cannot believe somebody would have kept their list so short. To post that NC is a bigger legend than Channon who has reached the top in two different sporting careers (as did CB Fry) just shocking to be honest

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