Stelling's Rant on Cortese

[Saint Billy]

MLT was a marvel, I had his pics all over the place but since he stopped playing he's been an off the field mug, nearly killing us off with the Pinnacle farce-and as for his book with the admission of spot-fixing in a Premiership match, it's a wonder he hasn't been arrested, a Pakistani would have been

 

MLT like all of us was fearful of the fact that Saints could possibly at the time die without trace. Ok he was mislead and chose the wrong option but his intentions were good and honourable.

 

He loves this club with a passion proven by his loyalty to it throughout his career and singlehandedly saved saints from relegation on several occassions. We as a club owe him a big debt of gratitude along with the likes of LM not just for their past services but also their continued support and also the work they both do for local charities and fund raising events. Most clubs I know allow their past legends to have free seats at games, not just because they deserve it for their past services, but also because their presence and support at games just adds a little more to the overall vibe within the ground. Those who use to attend games at the Dell when LM was manager will know what a stir LM created when he walked to the dugout or when MLT scored the winner.

 

Despite the great job that NC is doing , he needs to get in touch a little more with saints past for without the likes of MLT or LM there might not have been a SFC to save in the first place.

[CB Fry]

So jeff has publicly defended MLT based on a report in The Sun? Surley he knows how the press do things and the story is probably sensationalised any way it possibly could be?

Sounds like NC was asked about Laurie and MLT and he answered, the following sentence could of been in a broader sense talking about all of the hangers on. We all know there were many and there are none now. MLT's fall out seems to be more to do with the pinnacle stuff and sounds like the fall out with benalli as he has mentioned stuff about his friends.

 

I think Laurie was the one taking a fair wedge out of the club when there wasn't much in the club, but I'm sure there were plenty more that don't get a mention.

 

But it's easier to focus on the big names that end up dividing the fans between loyalty to it's legends and loyalty to the club.

I think NC is more likly to not bother speaking to the press anymore than anything actually get resolved. Try's to speak openly and and when I read it I got excited about the positives and thought there was more to it than just the negatives

 

 

Sorry, don't buy it. No journalist forced Cortese to use the phrase "people wanted freebies here, freebies there". That was a pointed phrase used by the protagonist, not some forced misquote. Cortese could have quite easily not bothered mentioning freebies at all - we are, after all, top of the freaking league. The reporter from the sun really doesn't care about freebie tickets. It was clearly a point Cortese was determined to get across.

 

Isn't it funny that absolutely everybody involved (The Sun, MLT, Stelling) has a shadowy agenda except the naive innocent Nicola Cortese.

 

MLT like all of us was fearful of the fact that Saints could possibly at the time die without trace. Ok he was mislead and chose the wrong option but his intentions were good and honourable.

 

He loves this club with a passion proven by his loyalty to it throughout his career and singlehandedly saved saints from relegation on several occassions. We as a club owe him a big debt of gratitude along with the likes of LM not just for their past services but also their continued support and also the work they both do for local charities and fund raising events. Most clubs I know allow their past legends to have free seats at games, not just because they deserve it for their past services, but also because their presence and support at games just adds a little more to the overall vibe within the ground. Those who use to attend games at the Dell when LM was manager will know what a stir LM created when he walked to the dugout or when MLT scored the winner.

 

Despite the great job that NC is doing , he needs to get in touch a little more with saints past for without the likes of MLT or LM there might not have been a SFC to save in the first place.

 

There certainly would not be the depth and passion in the support. Well said that man.

[Foxstone]

I was at the Mayflower last night...

 

Stelling opened up the proceedings with this question using the word "free-loader" which misquoted Cortese of course but sounds a bit more "edgy" and of course "Sun-Like in its nature"... In all fairness to Matt he batted it away with dignity and moved it on, as indeed the audience wanted it moved on too... And that was that!

Its an ongoing tiff which I would hope both sides can address between them soon, but it should not detract from the value that Matty's past and Nicola's present bring to the club.

 

BTW - Merson is an absolute shambles !

[Wes Tender]

This whole spat has really only grown legs because Stelling poked his nose in where it was not needed.

 

Exactly. It was totally unprofessional of him. I presume that when he is commenting on other football matters, he takes the trouble to present a balanced view, making some attempt to hear the other side of the argument. It is not his remit to take the side of one of his mates and openly express opinions on matters where he doesn't know the entire background, in the national media.

 

In future, I'll just have to accept that any opinions expressed by him on other matters might also be as poorly grounded and one-sided because the story involves a mate of his, or is influenced by tittle tattle in a Red Top rag. MLT is a big boy and perfectly capable of speaking for himself. It would be pleasing to think that MLT told him to butt-out, but if the Stelling intervention was agreed by both of them, then that would be reprehensible.

[Roger]

But wes it was completely naive by cortese to do an article like that too. Just when things were settling down. Matty and lawrie have been really positive about things for ages now. Matty has been buying tickets as he did for himself and family last week so why did this have to be brought up again?

[Foxstone]

But wes it was completely naive by cortese to do an article like that too. Just when things were settling down. Matty and lawrie have been really positive about things for ages now. Matty has been buying tickets as he did for himself and family last week so why did this have to be brought up again?

 

Two sides to every story with a "Red Top" sensationlising the best of both world from a media point of view!

[Super_Uwe]

It just seems very sad that it's got to this stage. Like any Saints fan I know and appreciate the parts played by Matty and Lawrie in our history, and it is really sad to see this happening, especially when the team is doing so well.

 

I've read the interview again in the Sun and to be honest it's hard to argue vehemently against what Nicola Cortese says. His job is to make the club as successful as possible, and it is clear that he is trying to do everything he can to create an environment where everyone is pulling in the right direction. So far the team's results bear this out.

 

What I really hope though is they they can sit down together in private and sort this all out between themselves. This has the potential - IMO - to absolutely destroy the club if it is left to fester, so fellas - please make it happen. Ta very much.

[saintjay77]

Sorry, don't buy it. No journalist forced Cortese to use the phrase "people wanted freebies here, freebies there". That was a pointed phrase used by the protagonist, not some forced misquote. Cortese could have quite easily not bothered mentioning freebies at all - we are, after all, top of the freaking league. The reporter from the sun really doesn't care about freebie tickets. It was clearly a point Cortese was determined to get across.

 

Isn't it funny that absolutely everybody involved (The Sun, MLT, Stelling) has a shadowy agenda except the naive innocent Nicola Cortese.

 

 

 

There certainly would not be the depth and passion in the support. Well said that man.

 

Dont get me wrong as I am not wholeheartedly sticking up for NC. He could of agreed with the question on problems between himself and some of our legends and then not added petrol to the fire. The whole thing has a hint of 13 year old games trying to stir up trouble from the other side and I think all parties need to wake up and think about the un-necissary damage that is being done at a time when things are looking so bloody good.

 

But with what little facts we know I think we are all pretty sure MLT has not been asking for free tickets, Personally I thought asking for 10 for his mates for a game when tickets to everyone else were ristricted was a bit off but it could of been handled better and all parties could of been happy. The game wasnt a sell out anyway so after everyone has had a chance to buy tickets the rules could of been relaxed to all and not just ex legends.

 

I think the problems with MLT and NC go deeper though and im sure they include Franny and what ever went on between him and NC.

 

Laurie was taking a wage from the club but how was it justified? Did his services actually bring in more than went out? Not having a pop, just a genuine question but I doubt anyone will be able to answer. He may have taken us to promotions and an FA Cup win but he was not the 1 club man MLT was and im sure throughout our history along with all the great stuff there has always been rumblings of fall outs between Laurie and various players and so on. Again not a pop as I still hold Laurie high as a legend of our football club but that doesnt necissarily make him whiter than white.

 

I would love to go to a match one day and turn round to check out the directors box to see NC, MLT and Laurie all sitting together loving watching us win a promotion or cup or even a friendly against bognor regis. They are all important to us and our club yet they are doing something at the moment that continues the bickering in one way or another.

 

Is there no way we can lock them all in a room together till they get over their issues?

[Legod Third Coming]

Exactly. It was totally unprofessional of him. I presume that when he is commenting on other football matters, he takes the trouble to present a balanced view, making some attempt to hear the other side of the argument. It is not his remit to take the side of one of his mates and openly express opinions on matters where he doesn't know the entire background, in the national media.

 

In future, I'll just have to accept that any opinions expressed by him on other matters might also be as poorly grounded and one-sided because the story involves a mate of his, or is influenced by tittle tattle in a Red Top rag. MLT is a big boy and perfectly capable of speaking for himself. It would be pleasing to think that MLT told him to butt-out, but if the Stelling intervention was agreed by both of them, then that would be reprehensible.

 

With all due respect to Stelling, it was not remotely unprofessional.

 

The guy is a journalist and is allowed to comment in whatever opinion he chooses.

 

Are you suggesting that from now in he should merely announce that a goal has been scored? That he should show no preference for Hartlepool? That he should not speak up for whatever he believes is a right and wrong in football?

 

Jesus wept, this is not people reporting on deaths in Libya - this is people talking about football.

 

Some people need to get a bloody grip.

 

"Jeff that was a ridiculous goal, I've said over and over that Wenger needs a new goalkeeper..."

 

"Charlie in the interests of balance I have to remind you that Arsene Wenger makes the decisions at Arsenal and it's not our role to question him, his players, the Chairman or the fans..."

 

Rolls eyes.

[saintjay77]

But wes it was completely naive by cortese to do an article like that too. Just when things were settling down. Matty and lawrie have been really positive about things for ages now. Matty has been buying tickets as he did for himself and family last week so why did this have to be brought up again?

 

I agree with that, NC has stirred it up with comments that were not needed. but my point earlier is that we dont know what he was actually thinking when he said the comments. He agreed that Laurie and MLT critasised him and said that no-one was more important than the club, then to go on about freebies and it looks like the 2 are linked. Is that what he meant or is there 2 seperate issues that are being talked about? Were there hangers on at the time Lowe, Wilde and Crouch were taking turns at the top? Was it MLT and Laurie or were there many more/others?

 

Its a needless argument and instead of stiring things up NC should be getting on the phone to them and setting up some comunication that moves to resolve what looks like a petty argument.

 

Matty's son suggests that MLT never has or had freebies and is happy to buy them if he was given a chance to buy some. Suggests that he is not even alloud to buy tickets which also suggests that last week didnt happen.

[Wes Tender]

With all due respect to Stelling, it was not remotely unprofessional.

 

The guy is a journalist and is allowed to comment in whatever opinion he chooses.

 

Are you suggesting that from now in he should merely announce that a goal has been scored? That he should show no preference for Hartlepool? That he should not speak up for whatever he believes is a right and wrong in football?

 

Jesus wept, this is not people reporting on deaths in Libya - this is people talking about football.

 

Some people need to get a bloody grip.

 

"Jeff that was a ridiculous goal, I've said over and over that Wenger needs a new goalkeeper..."

 

"Charlie in the interests of balance I have to remind you that Arsene Wenger makes the decisions at Arsenal and it's not our role to question him, his players, the Chairman or the fans..."

 

Rolls eyes.

 

So if you honestly believe that somebody like Stelling can go off on a rant in defence of a mate without presumably asking for a balancing comment from the other side of the fence, then that smacks to me of a personal agenda and therefore unprofessional.

 

Apparently you do not see the difference between expressing an opinion on whether a team needs a new goalkeeper, whether a manager might have reached the limits of his capability to take a team any further and a situation where he probably does not know the entire background and is therefore prepared to go off at half-cock because of personal loyalties.

 

But still, if you're happy with that and don't question the lack of professionalism in it, then good for you. Each to their own.

[Wes Tender]

I agree with that, NC has stirred it up with comments that were not needed. but my point earlier is that we dont know what he was actually thinking when he said the comments. He agreed that Laurie and MLT critasised him and said that no-one was more important than the club, then to go on about freebies and it looks like the 2 are linked. Is that what he meant or is there 2 seperate issues that are being talked about? Were there hangers on at the time Lowe, Wilde and Crouch were taking turns at the top? Was it MLT and Laurie or were there many more/others?

 

Its a needless argument and instead of stiring things up NC should be getting on the phone to them and setting up some comunication that moves to resolve what looks like a petty argument.

 

Matty's son suggests that MLT never has or had freebies and is happy to buy them if he was given a chance to buy some. Suggests that he is not even alloud to buy tickets which also suggests that last week didnt happen.

 

As you rightly say, nobody on here knows for sure the background for the comments by NC or the context for them. Yet some are prepared to act as if they do and arrive at conclusions that they are therefore not entitled to make. Thank God that the justice system in this country allows for reasonable doubt and precludes circumstantial evidence, only allowing evidence that can proven to be factual. There seems to be precious little of that in this debate.

[Leicestersaint]

I am afriad that to me NC comes out of this as childish and truculent, with little or no appreciation of Saints' history.

[um pahars]

As you rightly say, nobody on here knows for sure the background for the comments by NC or the context for them.

 

But Wes he just didn't even have to mention them and give this whole sorry saga a new lease of life.

 

With all the positives we have to focus on at the moment he shouldn't have given the interviewer the time of day on this area if he was being prompted about it, and he certainly shouldn't have volunteered it himself (if the interviewer didn't prompt him).

 

Poor judgement, IMHO, and not necessary.

[Wes Tender]

But Wes he just didn't even have to mention them and give this whole sorry saga a new lease of life.

 

With all the positives we have to focus on at the moment he shouldn't have given the interviewer the time of day on this area if he was being prompted about it, and he certainly shouldn't have volunteered it himself (if the interviewer didn't prompt him).

 

Poor judgement, IMHO, and not necessary.

 

My comment was about the professionalism (or lack of it) displayed by Stelling. We have your opinion as to whether NC showed good judgement or not, even whether you deemed his comments to be necessary or not, suggesting that you are in possession of the facts regarding the background and context of those comments. I don't see any qualification for your comments along the lines of "If the journalist asked this, or queried that aspect, then your conclusion would be x,y, or z....."

 

But as my post was regarding Stelling and you commented on NC's judgement, perhaps you could also express an opinion on whether Stelling has shown good judgement, taking the word of his mate and the journo from the Red Top rag as the gospel truth, without bothering presumably to ask NC for his side of things?

[Foxstone]

With all due respect to Stelling, it was not remotely unprofessional.

 

The guy is a journalist and is allowed to comment in whatever opinion he chooses.

 

Are you suggesting that from now in he should merely announce that a goal has been scored? That he should show no preference for Hartlepool? That he should not speak up for whatever he believes is a right and wrong in football?

 

Jesus wept, this is not people reporting on deaths in Libya - this is people talking about football.

 

Some people need to get a bloody grip.

 

"Jeff that was a ridiculous goal, I've said over and over that Wenger needs a new goalkeeper..."

 

"Charlie in the interests of balance I have to remind you that Arsene Wenger makes the decisions at Arsenal and it's not our role to question him, his players, the Chairman or the fans..."

 

Rolls eyes.

 

Stelling is indeed a journalist, and that was borne out yesterday evening at the Mayflower where he substituted the word "Freebie" for "Freeloader" when he opened the show!

A bit more sensationalist that way and he did try to stir the pot a bit - No doubt in my mind about that at all !

Good for Matt he did'nt bite and he moved on..

[um pahars]

My comment was about the professionalism (or lack of it) displayed by Stelling. We have your opinion as to whether NC showed good judgement or not, even whether you deemed his comments to be necessary or not, suggesting that you are in possession of the facts regarding the background and context of those comments. I don't see any qualification for your comments along the lines of "If the journalist asked this, or queried that aspect, then your conclusion would be x,y, or z....."

 

But as my post was regarding Stelling and you commented on NC's judgement, perhaps you could also express an opinion on whether Stelling has shown good judgement, taking the word of his mate and the journo from the Red Top rag as the gospel truth, without bothering presumably to ask NC for his side of things?

 

I've mentioned elsewhere that Stelling had a pair of size 12's and that his intervention is as unnecessary & unwarranted as everyone elses in the history of this sorry saga (from Benali ***** on the sofa of Soccer AM, Cortese's cutting piece about Matty on the OS through to Matty and Lawrie in their Daily Mail pieces).

 

Cortese's bit in The Sun was simply unnecessary and unwarranted given our current position and he has either been poorly advised or guilty of poor judgement himself.

[tpbury]

I'll rephrase what I said earlier. MLT is a legend and truly a privilege to watch. 10 or 20 years ago. In the recent past, no other fcucker has tried to steer this club on from one friggin important cup (Coventry, Portsmouth and a list of similar clubs have one the FA, Luton have won significant honours more recently than us, FFS), so let's move on. NC is the guy in charge - he's not actively doing MLT, LM, FB down, but he IS DOING A WHOLE LOAD OF STUFF FOR THE CLUB NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! Frankly, I could put up with all the 'are we going to stay up' business every year, but we were really, badly, going down the tubes, as evidenced by the parade of jokers who ran the club, and the equally ludicrous set of clowns who nearly got in charge. You don't have to love NC, but you've really got to accept that there is NO BETTER OPTION!!!!!!!!!!

[Daren W]

My comment was about the professionalism (or lack of it) displayed by Stelling. We have your opinion as to whether NC showed good judgement or not, even whether you deemed his comments to be necessary or not, suggesting that you are in possession of the facts regarding the background and context of those comments. I don't see any qualification for your comments along the lines of "If the journalist asked this, or queried that aspect, then your conclusion would be x,y, or z....."

 

But as my post was regarding Stelling and you commented on NC's judgement, perhaps you could also express an opinion on whether Stelling has shown good judgement, taking the word of his mate and the journo from the Red Top rag as the gospel truth, without bothering presumably to ask NC for his side of things?

 

Got to disagree with you on that point Wes, if the comments are showing as direct quotes I would fully expect Stelling to react to them as he did. Why should he ask Cortese? They're direct quotes...

Another point, that appears to have been ignored on here, was Jeff's opening line

"Mr Cortese, I do hope you haven't been misinterprepted..."

Which I think answers your point.

The fact is that Cortese is no fool, he hasn't been "misquoted" or "ambushed" in his comments. He mentioned Le Tiss and Lawrie and then mentions "Freebies here, freebies there.." directly afterwards... It's pretty clear who he's talking about.

Everyone was on the bus, everyone was being positive about the club and then this whole fiasco puts us back at square one again...

This isn't a question of Stelling escalating matters, it's a case of him responding to an inflamatory article... No article, no reply...

 

It's a shame as we seem to be talking about this rather than the success on the pitch... and that's far more important.

[St_Tel49]

It just seems very sad that it's got to this stage. Like any Saints fan I know and appreciate the parts played by Matty and Lawrie in our history, and it is really sad to see this happening, especially when the team is doing so well.

 

I've read the interview again in the Sun and to be honest it's hard to argue vehemently against what Nicola Cortese says. His job is to make the club as successful as possible, and it is clear that he is trying to do everything he can to create an environment where everyone is pulling in the right direction. So far the team's results bear this out.

 

What I really hope though is they they can sit down together in private and sort this all out between themselves. This has the potential - IMO - to absolutely destroy the club if it is left to fester, so fellas - please make it happen. Ta very much.

I do appreciate that you are only expressing an opinion but this is, perhaps, a bit over the top!

[iansums]

Got to disagree with you on that point Wes, if the comments are showing as direct quotes I would fully expect Stelling to react to them as he did. Why should he ask Cortese? They're direct quotes...

Another point, that appears to have been ignored on here, was Jeff's opening line

"Mr Cortese, I do hope you haven't been misinterprepted..."

Which I think answers your point.

The fact is that Cortese is no fool, he hasn't been "misquoted" or "ambushed" in his comments. He mentioned Le Tiss and Lawrie and then mentions "Freebies here, freebies there.." directly afterwards... It's pretty clear who he's talking about.

Everyone was on the bus, everyone was being positive about the club and then this whole fiasco puts us back at square one again...

This isn't a question of Stelling escalating matters, it's a case of him responding to an inflamatory article... No article, no reply...

 

It's a shame as we seem to be talking about this rather than the success on the pitch... and that's far more important.

 

Does he? It appears to me that the quotes were cherry-picked and with the piece written as it was it suggests that the 'freebie' comments were aimed directly at MLT & LM. Whatever way you look at it, it's a bloody mess.

[Daren W]

Does he? It appears to me that the quotes were cherry-picked and with the piece written as it was it suggests that the 'freebie' comments were aimed directly at MLT & LM. Whatever way you look at it, it's a bloody mess.

 

I'd counter that by saying that Cortese is a sharp operator, if he was deliberately misquoted he'd be on the phone to the Sun pretty damn sharpish...

So far, no retraction...

Edited 26 September, 2011 by Daren W

[St Marco]

I am afriad that to me NC comes out of this as childish and truculent, with little or no appreciation of Saints' history.

 

I don't think that is a fair judgement really.

 

Cortese has done a lot of things with/for past Saints players. The legends day against United where there were lots of old boys there including a lot of the 76 cup winners. The recent Terry Paine thing is another example. The Dean Richards tribute at Molyneux and donation to St Gemma's Hospice etc

 

I think a lot of people use the MLT and LM thing to say he forgets the history when in reality it is only 2 people he has a problem with. And those 2 people have a problem with him.

 

It is sad for the fans of the club that there is this split as i am sure we would all like to be on the same page with all of us enjoying our current success. It takes two to have a slanging match and MLT and LM have both said their things.

Having all three of them using the media as their stage to do it is the worst part of it all. All three of them should shut up and keep it to themselves. None of them come out of this with any credit.

 

If Matt is upset that he doesn't get freebies then he needs to chill out, when i was at uni in Sunderland a semi-retired old lady who cleaned the campus worked 40 years at Tescos. She can't walk in and just help herself to stuff. The same logic needs to be given to footballers, especially modern ones who earn more in a week then we do in 10 years. Matt is and was a legend, some great memories. Just accept you won't get free tickets and move on. The same goes for Cortese. He should not be giving interviews like that in the first place.

[Lord Duckhunter]

I'm honest enough to admitt that my thoughts on the person who made these quotes dictate my response to them. Had Lowe made these I would be up in arms about what a ****** he is. As I think Cortese is doing a great job, I tend to overlook the quotes. Most people if they were honest, are the same.

 

Journo's tend to put a spin on things to get a better story, they manipulte situations and rearrange quotes in particular oredr for effect. However, Cortese would have known this and the fact that he mischievously asked for Newcastle in the cup, shows that he was looking to settle a few scores in this interview.

 

Whether we like it or not, the modern Chairman/owner is not interested in the past, I doubt if the Glazier's give a shiny shiete about George Best or Denis Law. That's the way the games gone and it's sad, but there's nowt we can do about it. We could be led by a Eddie Mitchell or Leon Crouch type, a supporter with a bit more money than the average fan. But if we want to move forward in the modern game, we need people like Cortese involved. It comes at a cost and the cost appears to be a lack of respect for the past,but as sad as it is, that's football in the 21st Century.

[um pahars]

It comes at a cost and the cost appears to be a lack of respect for the past,but as sad as it is, that's football in the 21st Century.

 

An if and a but here Lord Duckhunter.

 

But I don't think it has to be that way, in that I think a Club should always celebrate, honour and even exploit its past. Its a part of what makes football clubs so special to their supporters and cornerstone of the community they serve.

 

And I think Cortese has recognised the importance of the Club on a number of occasions (St Marco above has highlighted some of them).

 

It just seems to be that he has a real problem with 2 or 3 individuals and then anything they put their names to!!!!!

[dune]

I'm honest enough to admitt that my thoughts on the person who made these quotes dictate my response to them. Had Lowe made these I would be up in arms about what a ****** he is. As I think Cortese is doing a great job, I tend to overlook the quotes. Most people if they were honest, are the same.

 

Journo's tend to put a spin on things to get a better story, they manipulte situations and rearrange quotes in particular oredr for effect. However, Cortese would have known this and the fact that he mischievously asked for Newcastle in the cup, shows that he was looking to settle a few scores in this interview.

 

Whether we like it or not, the modern Chairman/owner is not interested in the past, I doubt if the Glazier's give a shiny shiete about George Best or Denis Law. That's the way the games gone and it's sad, but there's nowt we can do about it. We could be led by a Eddie Mitchell or Leon Crouch type, a supporter with a bit more money than the average fan. But if we want to move forward in the modern game, we need people like Cortese involved. It comes at a cost and the cost appears to be a lack of respect for the past,but as sad as it is, that's football in the 21st Century.

 

That's all very well, but it sterilises the whole fan, club relationship. Instead of being fans and supporters we become customers with diminished loyalty. With costs of attending now so high - ticket, ticket tax, transport etc - and with disposable incomes being squeezed, to me it doesn't seem very intelligent for a chairman to be so aloof and so dismissive of the fabric and tradition of the club. In these times of austerity good PR is more important than ever. The silly spat between the Liebherrs representative and club legends is not goiong to encourage more people to attend or buy merchandise, quite the opposite. In this instance ego is overiding sense.

[Lord Duckhunter]

 

But I don't think it has to be that way, in that I think a Club should always celebrate, honour and even exploit its past. Its a part of what makes football clubs so special to their supporters and cornerstone of the community they serve.

 

 

I agree, I find Liverpool a fantastic football city, because of the respect for the past from both red and blue parts of the city.If I was running the club I'd have Lawrie sat in the most important seat in the stadium and let him have whatever he wants for free. However, I'd be more like Eddie Mitchell and the first "LD out" chant and I'd be over offering the fans outside.I would love the club to do a lot more to honour the past, but you can't expect foregin busnessmen to feel as passionate about it as we do.

[Wes Tender]

Got to disagree with you on that point Wes, if the comments are showing as direct quotes I would fully expect Stelling to react to them as he did. Why should he ask Cortese? They're direct quotes...

Another point, that appears to have been ignored on here, was Jeff's opening line

"Mr Cortese, I do hope you haven't been misinterprepted..."

Which I think answers your point.

The fact is that Cortese is no fool, he hasn't been "misquoted" or "ambushed" in his comments. He mentioned Le Tiss and Lawrie and then mentions "Freebies here, freebies there.." directly afterwards... It's pretty clear who he's talking about.

Everyone was on the bus, everyone was being positive about the club and then this whole fiasco puts us back at square one again...

This isn't a question of Stelling escalating matters, it's a case of him responding to an inflamatory article... No article, no reply...

 

It's a shame as we seem to be talking about this rather than the success on the pitch... and that's far more important.

 

You say that the fact that the "quotes" were direct quotes because they were in inverted commas somehow validates them, but it does not show the context in which they were made, or the questions that were asked to gain those responses. In the absence of those questions from the Sun journo, I'll have a stab at the sort of question that could have led to those responses and hopefully show how it could appear that the subject was in fact instigated by the Sun, not NC.

===============================================================================================================================

Cortese says he is not "confrontational" but he has also clashed with former Saints manager McMenemy and legend Le Tissier.

 

Journo: I hear that there has been some discord amongst certain factions who were involved with the club before you arrived, notably there has been criticism aimed at you by MLT and Lawrie Mac?

 

NC: "Yes, Lawrie McMenemy and Matt Le Tissier have criticised me but they should know no one is more important than the club.

 

Journo: I understand that part of that criticism arose because some of those formerly in positions of influence at the club felt that they should be accorded privileges, such as free tickets to home matches. Is that right?

 

NC: "I simply couldn't accept all these people trying to get freebies here, freebies there.

 

Journo: Surely they have given enough to the club in the past to warrant some special treatment?

 

NC: "Listen, if I pay for my season ticket then I expect everyone to pay for their ticket too.

 

Journo: I suspect that that is a position that will not be popular with the fans. After all, these people were and probably still are revered by most fans for what they contributed to the club's history.

 

NC: "And I'm not interested in being popular, I'm focused on making this club successful."

 

After which he might well have added that it was the history of the club that had brought it to the attention of him and then ML, but that in more recent times, financial profligacy had taken the club into administration and tighter control was now required. to ensure that the club had a more successful future.

===================================================================================================================================

 

You say that this isn't a question of Stelling escalating matters, but I agree with Um Pahars; Stelling did go steaming in wearing his size 12 boots and that his intervention was unwaranted and unecessary.

[hypochondriac]

I don't think that is a fair judgement really.

 

Cortese has done a lot of things with/for past Saints players. The legends day against United where there were lots of old boys there including a lot of the 76 cup winners. The recent Terry Paine thing is another example. The Dean Richards tribute at Molyneux and donation to St Gemma's Hospice etc

 

I think a lot of people use the MLT and LM thing to say he forgets the history when in reality it is only 2 people he has a problem with. And those 2 people have a problem with him.

 

It is sad for the fans of the club that there is this split as i am sure we would all like to be on the same page with all of us enjoying our current success. It takes two to have a slanging match and MLT and LM have both said their things.

Having all three of them using the media as their stage to do it is the worst part of it all. All three of them should shut up and keep it to themselves. None of them come out of this with any credit.

 

If Matt is upset that he doesn't get freebies then he needs to chill out, when i was at uni in Sunderland a semi-retired old lady who cleaned the campus worked 40 years at Tescos. She can't walk in and just help herself to stuff. The same logic needs to be given to footballers, especially modern ones who earn more in a week then we do in 10 years. Matt is and was a legend, some great memories. Just accept you won't get free tickets and move on. The same goes for Cortese. He should not be giving interviews like that in the first place.

 

Dont forget benali.

[hypochondriac]

Wes, if cortese felt he had been misquoted, do you not think he would say something about it to the sun? The fact he has not suggests that what was printed was entirely what he meant.

[once_bitterne]

You say that the fact that the "quotes" were direct quotes because they were in inverted commas somehow validates them, but it does not show the context in which they were made, or the questions that were asked to gain those responses. In the absence of those questions from the Sun journo, I'll have a stab at the sort of question that could have led to those responses and hopefully show how it could appear that the subject was in fact instigated by the Sun, not NC.

===============================================================================================================================

Cortese says he is not "confrontational" but he has also clashed with former Saints manager McMenemy and legend Le Tissier.

 

Journo: I hear that there has been some discord amongst certain factions who were involved with the club before you arrived, notably there has been criticism aimed at you by MLT and Lawrie Mac?

 

NC: "Yes, Lawrie McMenemy and Matt Le Tissier have criticised me but they should know no one is more important than the club.

 

Journo: I understand that part of that criticism arose because some of those formerly in positions of influence at the club felt that they should be accorded privileges, such as free tickets to home matches. Is that right?

 

NC: "I simply couldn't accept all these people trying to get freebies here, freebies there.

 

Journo: Surely they have given enough to the club in the past to warrant some special treatment?

 

NC: "Listen, if I pay for my season ticket then I expect everyone to pay for their ticket too.

 

Journo: I suspect that that is a position that will not be popular with the fans. After all, these people were and probably still are revered by most fans for what they contributed to the club's history.

 

NC: "And I'm not interested in being popular, I'm focused on making this club successful."

 

After which he might well have added that it was the history of the club that had brought it to the attention of him and then ML, but that in more recent times, financial profligacy had taken the club into administration and tighter control was now required. to ensure that the club had a more successful future.

===================================================================================================================================

 

You say that this isn't a question of Stelling escalating matters, but I agree with Um Pahars; Stelling did go steaming in wearing his size 12 boots and that his intervention was unwaranted and unecessary.

 

I would be shocked if Stelling has size 12 feet. He's only about 5 foot 6.

[um pahars]

However, I'd be more like Eddie Mitchell and the first "LD out" chant and I'd be over offering the fans outside.

 

LOL, there's a part of me that likes Eddie Mitchell giving as good as he gets (only a small part mind!!!).

 

I would love the club to do a lot more to honour the past, but you can't expect foregin busnessmen to feel as passionate about it as we do.

 

Well perhaps whoever is advising him needs to step up their game, plus the Italians are aware of how important history is to their clubs (I loved the fact that Juventus played Notts County to open their new ground when they could have played any host of more famous clubs).

Edited 26 September, 2011 by um pahars

[Wes Tender]

That's all very well, but it sterilises the whole fan, club relationship. Instead of being fans and supporters we become customers with diminished loyalty. With costs of attending now so high - ticket, ticket tax, transport etc - and with disposable incomes being squeezed, to me it doesn't seem very intelligent for a chairman to be so aloof and so dismissive of the fabric and tradition of the club. In these times of austerity good PR is more important than ever. The silly spat between the Liebherrs representative and club legends is not goiong to encourage more people to attend or buy merchandise, quite the opposite. In this instance ego is overiding sense.

What affects the buying of merchandise or attendance more than anything else, is success on the pitch. Which we do seem to be achieving at the moment.

[St Marco]

Dont forget benali.

 

Yeah but Benali and Cortese have a problem about the supposed damage to a house. It isn't actually anything to do with the club or history of the club etc. If i remember right it was Benali refusing to give the deposit back. Seeing as it has been 2 years and they have not gone to court you have to wonder how true it was in the first place.

[Gingeletiss]

Wes, if cortese felt he had been misquoted, do you not think he would say something about it to the sun? The fact he has not suggests that what was printed was entirely what he meant.

 

Or, he can't be assed to get into another slagging match with the sun.

 

You are one of those on here, that turn rumour and inuendo, into fact, without the slightest idea of what was said or happend. As others have said, it suits your agenda to perpetuate something that knocks the club, and in that, you are a past master.

[70's Mike]

What affects the buying of merchandise or attendance more than anything else, is success on the pitch. Which we do seem to be achieving at the moment.

 

Agree with that Wes although some have moaned about the attendances, however my fear is what happens if we have a bad run.As we all know football fans are fickle and we do not need a split between club legends and owners to fuel discontent.

[Daren W]

Or, he can't be assed to get into another slagging match with the sun.

 

You are one of those on here, that turn rumour and inuendo, into fact, without the slightest idea of what was said or happend. As others have said, it suits your agenda to perpetuate something that knocks the club, and in that, you are a past master.

 

In hypos defence the facts are the ones printed by the Sun. As it has been previously said, if he was misquoted I'm sure Cortese would be on the phone to the Sun pdq.

Right now the facts are, unless we are told otherwise, in the Sun and those defending Cortese are the ones looking for an alterior explanation for his words.

[JackFrost]

In hypos defence the facts are the ones printed by the Sun. As it has been previously said, if he was misquoted I'm sure Cortese would be on the phone to the Sun pdq.

Right now the facts are, unless we are told otherwise, in the Sun and those defending Cortese are the ones looking for an alterior explanation for his words.

 

Any newspaper (especially tabloids) don't print facts, they print sensationalist journalism which are designed to resemble facts. Any paper's number one goal is to sell copies and they don't let honesty and/or accuracy get in the way of that.

 

Besides, the last time I saw anything printed in The Sun that was true was either 1982 or 1983

[bender]

I'm not sure what its got to do with Stelling. Anyway, I remember a similar rant defending Middlesboro when people were saying it is a sh1t town, when it is in fact a sh1t town.

[The Kraken]

Any newspaper (especially tabloids) don't print facts, they print sensationalist journalism which are designed to resemble facts. Any paper's number one goal is to sell copies and they don't let honesty and/or accuracy get in the way of that.

 

Besides, the last time I saw anything printed in The Sun that was true was either 1982 or 1983

 

Well that's a bit far-fetched; otherwise why do newspapers get sued for libel? There are laws in place to stop newspapers printing any rubbish they want, especially when it comes to direct quotes from individuals.

 

Like it or not, the article in the Sun contained a number of direct quotes from Nicola Cortese. As others have previously said, if Mr Cortese believes that the quotes in writing are not an accurate representation of what he said and do not match what he actually said, then he has a cause for libel. That he hasn't made a subsequent public statement denying the quotes used would suggest that the quotes are an accurate representation of what he actually said.

[hypochondriac]

What affects the buying of merchandise or attendance more than anything else, is success on the pitch. Which we do seem to be achieving at the moment.

 

And so none of the other stuff matters? I think all the other stuff is just as important, especially when going through a lean spell in terms of performances and results.

[St Marco]

In hypos defence the facts are the ones printed by the Sun. As it has been previously said, if he was misquoted I'm sure Cortese would be on the phone to the Sun pdq.

Right now the facts are, unless we are told otherwise, in the Sun and those defending Cortese are the ones looking for an alterior explanation for his words.

 

How do you know he hasn't been in contact with TheSun about it?

 

To say it must be true because he has not contacted them seems a bit silly given the fact none of us would know if he had or not...

 

On top of that how can you say what is printed in the sun is "fact"?

[hypochondriac]

How do you know he hasn't been in contact with TheSun about it?

 

To say it must be true because he has not contacted them seems a bit silly given the fact none of us would know if he had or not...

 

On top of that how can you say what is printed in the sun is "fact"?

 

Why would he bother to contact them if not to seek some sort of clarification in a future edition? Otherwise it would be pointless.

[St Marco]

Why would he bother to contact them if not to seek some sort of clarification in a future edition? Otherwise it would be pointless.

 

That isn't how it works.....They don't print an article then someone rings them up saying "change it or pull it". As others have mentioned there is no way to know if the article was as open as it sounds or if it is in even in the correct order. If you look at it. it says

 

He said: "Yes, Lawrie McMenemy and Matt Le Tissier have criticised me but they should know no one is more important than the club.

 

Seeing as the word "yes" starts the sentance he was obviously asked a question. We don't know what that question was. It could of been "MLT and LM have been quite vocal about their opinion on you haven't they?". Something like that. Which if that was the case then what he says is an honest response as they have been. They have taken shots at him in the media lots of times. Remember this one http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/football-league/1011/6/le-tissier-i-wouldnt-be-too-much-rush-work-cortese where MLT pretty much makes it sound like Adkins is not a good choice and who would want to work for NC? Roll on 12 months and we got promoted and sit 1st in the championship.

 

My point is that we don't know in which context Cortese meant his comments. But in comparison to what MLT and LM have said about him in the past it is pretty mild....

[JackFrost]

Well that's a bit far-fetched; otherwise why do newspapers get sued for libel? There are laws in place to stop newspapers printing any rubbish they want, especially when it comes to direct quotes from individuals.

 

Like it or not, the article in the Sun contained a number of direct quotes from Nicola Cortese. As others have previously said, if Mr Cortese believes that the quotes in writing are not an accurate representation of what he said and do not match what he actually said, then he has a cause for libel. That he hasn't made a subsequent public statement denying the quotes used would suggest that the quotes are an accurate representation of what he actually said.

 

If a newspaper printed a libellious statement about me I don't personally think making a public comment is the best way to do it. I would personally be consulting lawyers privately which for all we know is what Cortese may be doing now.

 

End of the day, anything I see printed in The Sun I take with a pinch of salt. PR is clearly not Cortese's strong point and whilst journalists are always going to print inaccuracies to sell papers he doesn't appear to do himself many favours in the media regardless, coming across as brash and fairly petty on occasions. Handling the media and making yourself coming across in a favourable way is a skilled job and Cortese isn't very good at it.

 

To be perfectly honest I don't think Cortese gives a damn about this whole debate anyway (even if he does foolishly poke the dragon on occasions). I gather he is far more interested in running the club and fulfilling it's newly found potential which let's face it, without Cortese and Liebherr the club could well not have. Under Cortese we are achieving success on the field and Cortese is the sort of bloke that is determined to achieve this and not be afraid of upsetting people along the way with his approach. Not to everyone's taste but I personally don't have a problem with it.

 

Cortese has made mistakes during his time here but at the end of the day it was he who first recommended us to Markus and it was he who managed the Pardew-Adkins transition, a set of decisions that plenty of people (myself included) rightly questioned as it was potentially the biggest threat to our new found momentum. Adkins has already proved IMO that Cortese got that right.

[Surman4no7shirt]

This is getting boring. There are over 1000 registered users on the forum right? Why don't we all put in £1 to buy them both a ST if we want them to be let in the ground without paying? As I understand it the problem was with tickets for other people and not for them anyway.

[Chin Strain]

In hypos defence the facts are the ones printed by the Sun. As it has been previously said, if he was misquoted I'm sure Cortese would be on the phone to the Sun pdq.

Right now the facts are, unless we are told otherwise, in the Sun and those defending Cortese are the ones looking for an alterior explanation for his words.

 

I think the point is that these quotes will almost certainly be what he said, but the questions relating to them may have been 15 minutes apart in the actual interview. When edited to fit the few column inches they can spare, they miraculously come together to make it read that he's having a direct pop at MLT and LM. Context is everything here.

 

I just wish they'd sort it out. It wouldn't hurt NC to offer an olive branch, and it wouldn't hurt MLT to, for once, admit he was mugged and backed the wrong horse in the takeover. I accept he was only ever doing it in what he honestly believed was the best for the club but I'm not sure how he honestly thought Micky Fialka was the man to rescue us. In his book he still maintains that they had the money. Cringe.

[hypochondriac]

That isn't how it works.....They don't print an article then someone rings them up saying "change it or pull it". As others have mentioned there is no way to know if the article was as open as it sounds or if it is in even in the correct order. If you look at it. it says

 

He said: "Yes, Lawrie McMenemy and Matt Le Tissier have criticised me but they should know no one is more important than the club.

 

Seeing as the word "yes" starts the sentance he was obviously asked a question. We don't know what that question was. It could of been "MLT and LM have been quite vocal about their opinion on you haven't they?". Something like that. Which if that was the case then what he says is an honest response as they have been. They have taken shots at him in the media lots of times. Remember this one http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/football-league/1011/6/le-tissier-i-wouldnt-be-too-much-rush-work-cortese where MLT pretty much makes it sound like Adkins is not a good choice and who would want to work for NC? Roll on 12 months and we got promoted and sit 1st in the championship.

 

My point is that we don't know in which context Cortese meant his comments. But in comparison to what MLT and LM have said about him in the past it is pretty mild....

 

Well the newspaper puts it into a context. If that context is incorrect and he has been misquoted or his quotes used to insinuate something that was incorrect, then if Cortese contacts them they could quite easily print a clarification. Cortese could even print something on the OS if he feels his quotes have been taken out of context. Either he isn't bothered about how he comes across (which seems unlikely seeing as he did the article in the first place) or the article is accurate IMO.

[trousers]

Can someone briefly explain why all this is important? It's only football.

[hypochondriac]

This is getting boring. There are over 1000 registered users on the forum right? Why don't we all put in £1 to buy them both a ST if we want them to be let in the ground without paying? As I understand it the problem was with tickets for other people and not for them anyway.

 

Nobody is asking for that.