Avenue Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Take a moment gents, A little over 2 years ago, relegation from England's 2nd division and then to have the screw turned on us even further by having the burden of -10 hanging around our necks... We currently sit 10 games away from what (hopefully) could be a return to England's top league and that from the platform of topping the division! How blessed have we truly been to come BACK to this point? I am so truly grateful to God first and foremost but after that, who is to thank or applaud?? Who do we truly thank for our magnificent recovery? A 'happy clappy' thread this is hoped to most definitely be Up the MAGIC Saints!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 we got here by (at last) buying the right players at the right time and getting a manager on the up and backing him...... when you take into the money from OxO...I suspect our net spend on player transfers is not that big.. wages on the other hand....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintmatt Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 We need people to remember this, regardless of the outcome of this season! Four signatures have been fundamental to getting us where we are now (and I realise they're obvious): Markus Liebherr's, Nicola Cortese's, Nigel Adkins's and Rickie Lambert's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 We need people to remember this, regardless of the outcome of this season! Four signatures have been fundamental to getting us where we are now (and I realise they're obvious): Markus Liebherr's, Nicola Cortese's, Nigel Adkins's and Rickie Lambert's. Maybe five... last Xmas with Adam signing a new long-term deal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Author Share Posted 11 March, 2012 we got here by (at last) buying the right players at the right time and getting a manager on the up and backing him...... when you take into the money from OxO...I suspect our net spend on player transfers is not that big.. wages on the other hand....... You compare us to any of our competitors and you truly sense an air of overwhelming professionalism running through every layer of the functioning club. Loving it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Jonny Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Isn't it 3 years since we were staring League One -10 in the face? Anyway, it does seem that a lot of this success is going over my head, and I do have to pinch my self whenever I think that we could actually get promoted this season - I'm just waiting for the bubble to burst! We have to thank Saint Markus and Don Cortese. Mr Adkins and Mr Pardew. Mr Lambert will go down in history as a legendary Saint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintmatt Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Maybe five... last Xmas with Adam signing a new long-term deal? I knew I'd forgotten one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericb Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 It's absolutely nothing to do with God and everything to do with money and being run well (though some would argue the former is God). Long way to go yet so let's not count our chickens, and equally let's not forget what happened before and always question all areas of our club even when things are seemingly going well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 I knew I'd forgotten one! Haha... but you're spot on, pretty much. 5 most significant contributions and a fantastic team effort from the rest. I might even add Pardew as a significant contributor too - his signings (including RL) and turning round an ingrained losing mentality was also quite an achievement. He really did have a lot to contend with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Author Share Posted 11 March, 2012 It's absolutely nothing to do with God and everything to do with money and being run well (though some would argue the former is God). Long way to go yet so let's not count our chickens, and equally let's not forget what happened before and always question all areas of our club even when things are seemingly going well. Let's not try and correct each other on our individual takes on life ;-) Respect is important as is recognition in this situation my fellow... Even if we didn't go up this season, we are at a very happy place right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericb Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Let's not try and correct each other on our individual takes on life ;-) Respect is important as is recognition in this situation my fellow... Even if we didn't go up this season, we are at a very happy place right now. Agreed that it's a happy place and the respect is important but also think there's no need for the comment, if that's your belief keep it to yourself mush and let's get on with talking about football Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Author Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Agreed that it's a happy place and the respect is important but also think there's no need for the comment, if that's your belief keep it to yourself mush and let's get on with talking about football Let's try not to tell people what they can and can't say either. We live in a free world. Something floats my boat may not yours' and vice versa. But Respect is a special thing in many different forms. Me n you are alike in the sense that we have shared goals, SAINTS! If we looked for differences or forced opinions on each other, this isn't helpful. Feel free to post what you want, I may not agree but will forever respect it my man. Thank God and may Saints prosper further! Up the Saints Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperm_john Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 It certainly is a golden age to be a saints fan, I really dont think it will get much better than this, even if we do go ...the prem is such a different culture, I think the journey is more exciting than the destination Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint lard Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Alan Pardew picked up this club by it's boot laces and played a major part in turning it's fortunes around. As well as others mentioned,his efforts should be singled out and applauded as role as manager. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Author Share Posted 11 March, 2012 It certainly is a golden age to be a saints fan, I really dont think it will get much better than this, even if we do go ...the prem is such a different culture, I think the journey is more exciting than the destination Golden age, sounds right! You can't buy the feel good factor that's around the club right now. I could count on one hand how many times I've felt this upbeat prior to relegation... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asaint4ever Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Winning? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acersaint Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Take a moment gents, A little over 2 years ago, relegation from England's 2nd division and then to have the screw turned on us even further by having the burden of -10 hanging around our necks... We currently sit 10 games away from what (hopefully) could be a return to England's top league and that from the platform of topping the division! How blessed have we truly been to come BACK to this point? I am so truly grateful to God first and foremost but after that, who is to thank or applaud?? Who do we truly thank for our magnificent recovery? A 'happy clappy' thread this is hoped to most definitely be Up the MAGIC Saints!!! What has god got to do with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acersaint Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Nige's On the Bus analogy is so true. It is a Journey that in some ways began with the return of Rupert and the despair of that season. However it happened, our Admin came at the exact right moment in the Hand of Fate that we were found by Nicola & Markus. A lot of people have come and gone behind the scenes some we know about some who's influence we don't. AP, Les Read and the team at Staplewood, the coaches & scouts who found and made the case for us to buy players - Fonte, Hammond, Cork, Richardson et al. The Sports Science team that turned our players around. Hell even us lot were sceptical and still divided at times, and still go "off the boil" during matches, but we ARE getting better. Many more will come and go as the bus carries on it's way. And you know what? I think the set-up is right and a few nudges on the steering wheel, I don't think we need to be afraid of the PL either. Respect it of course but we are so much better set up than say Blackburn or Wigan, or even Reading if they go up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Author Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Nige's On the Bus analogy is so true. It is a Journey that in some ways began with the return of Rupert and the despair of that season. However it happened, our Admin came at the exact right moment in the Hand of Fate that we were found by Nicola & Markus. A lot of people have come and gone behind the scenes some we know about some who's influence we don't. AP, Les Read and the team at Staplewood, the coaches & scouts who found and made the case for us to buy players - Fonte, Hammond, Cork, Richardson et al. The Sports Science team that turned our players around. Hell even us lot were sceptical and still divided at times, and still go "off the boil" during matches, but we ARE getting better. Many more will come and go as the bus carries on it's way. And you know what? I think the set-up is right and a few nudges on the steering wheel, I don't think we need to be afraid of the PL either. Respect it of course but we are so much better set up than say Blackburn or Wigan, or even Reading if they go up. We definitely have a set up which will help us with every chance of being successful long term. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jam Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Let's try not to tell people what they can and can't say either. We live in a free world. Something floats my boat may not yours' and vice versa. But Respect is a special thing in many different forms. Me n you are alike in the sense that we have shared goals, SAINTS! If we looked for differences or forced opinions on each other, this isn't helpful. Feel free to post what you want, I may not agree but will forever respect it my man. Thank God and may Saints prosper further! Up the Saints This is very true. Lets thank God for saving the Saints. And for all the suffering and murder in the world. Good one, God! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulsfc Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 It's been an unbelievable achievement so far. Money has played a massive part but it has for the most part been spent well. Look at Leicester for how not to do it. Trying to blend short term success with long term plans is no mean feat and credit has to go to Cortese for getting the balance right so far. The most significant thing to have happened in the last 3 years was getting rid of Pardew (who did a great job of getting things going again) and getting Adkins in. I had massive doubts and it seemed a strange one at the time but I honestly don't think we'd be sitting where we are with anyone else at the helm. Whatever happens this season it's been brilliant and exciting, lots of goals, some outstanding football and plenty of wins to boot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 We need people to remember this, regardless of the outcome of this season! Four signatures have been fundamental to getting us where we are now (and I realise they're obvious): Markus Liebherr's, Nicola Cortese's, Nigel Adkins's and Rickie Lambert's. plus Kelvin for committing himself to the club plus Pardew for signing all the core players that have underpinned our progress plus Adam Lallana for committing himself to the club plus the best supporters in the UK who have bought into the vision (and don't forget the Romans!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noodles34 Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Golden age, sounds right! You can't buy the feel good factor that's around the club right now. I could count on one hand how many times I've felt this upbeat prior to relegation... For God's sake, please! I am sure the Skates felt just as good when they were up there, along with every other club at a certain point in time. This is ludicrous, top of the league, of course we are happy, just as we were in 2003, but then things changed... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 What has god got to do with? Well although I am not religious, in our specific case God, whether or not you believe, is relevant to Southampton, since our Club was formed by the St Mary's Church of England Young Men's Association. If it had not been for the belief in God there would have been no St Mary's Church, and while there may still have been a top class professional football team in Southampton today, it would be somewhat different to the club we recognise and associate with today. We probably would not be called The Saints for a start. Here endeth the first lesson :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Alan Pardew picked up this club by it's boot laces and played a major part in turning it's fortunes around. As well as others mentioned,his efforts should be singled out and applauded as role as manager. Agree with that. He installed a winning mentality which Adkins has been able to just pick up and carry on running with. Pardew kept saying the players had forgotten how to win. He deserves a hell of a lot more credit than I'm sure he will get here. But of course without Markus and Nicola none of this would have happened. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noodles34 Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Agree with that. He installed a winning mentality which Adkins has been able to just pick up and carry on running with. Pardew kept saying the players had forgotten how to win. He deserves a hell of a lot more credit than I'm sure he will get here. But of course without Markus and Nicola none of this would have happened. Or God by the sound of it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 5 year plan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 We also owe Burley some thanks imho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_saints Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 plus the best supporters in the UK What do Pompey fans have to do with this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiamSFC Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 I would say our incredible rise is all down to God. It's so lucky that he supports a medium-sized English south coast football club. Sure, most of the planet is in dire poverty and global economic collapse is just around the corner, but clearly God is too preoccupied with our promotion charge to sort all that out, and we must thank him for that. I bet he's responsible for all of Pompey's current problems, too, as opposed to terrible financial mismanagement. What a great bloke. Thanks God! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stud mark of doom Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Well although I am not religious, in our specific case God, whether or not you believe, is relevant to Southampton, since our Club was formed by the St Mary's Church of England Young Men's Association. If it had not been for the belief in God there would have been no St Mary's Church, and while there may still have been a top class professional football team in Southampton today, it would be somewhat different to the club we recognise and associate with today. We probably would not be called The Saints for a start. Here endeth the first lesson :-) Not to mention scoring the last ever goal at the dell and moving in mysterious ways by attempting to buy the club out of administration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the saint in winchester Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 This is all very nice but it reads like an Oscar acceptance speech, when we really are just one of the nominees. Can we park the tributes until the season is over. Whether we make the autos, the play-offs or miss out completely this time around, then I would be more than happy to direct praise to key parties. Right now, we are still a work in progress, making that 5 year plan look more than achievable. But yes, it's great to be a Saints fan again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Munster Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Alan Pardew picked up this club by it's boot laces and played a major part in turning it's fortunes around. As well as others mentioned,his efforts should be singled out and applauded as role as manager. This. Not to mention playing a large part in giving Markus, in his final year (R.I.P.), that special moment at Wembley. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dellman Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Burley? Yes, we do owe Burley thanks--for taking the Scotland job. Where is he now by the way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 When are we allowed to stop thanking Pardew and concentrate on those actually at the club? It's been nearly 18 months FFS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 We also owe Burley some thanks imho Go on, just for entertainment value, do tell how ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 When are we allowed to stop thanking Pardew and concentrate on those actually at the club? It's been nearly 18 months FFS. The title of the thread is "How have we got here?" and he is part of how we got here so get over it because using your "logic" we cant mention Markus cos he is no longer here either ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooney Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Pardew immediately recognised what we wanted and what we had been crying out for for years: a great big bloke at CH (Jahidi) and a similar one up front, Rickie. That set us on our way, Firstly though, Nicola for having the forsight and Markus for having the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintmatt Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Agree with that. He installed a winning mentality which Adkins has been able to just pick up and carry on running with. Pardew kept saying the players had forgotten how to win. He deserves a hell of a lot more credit than I'm sure he will get here. But of course without Markus and Nicola none of this would have happened. Of course Pardew deserves credit, but I do believe we've moved onto another level with Adkins. Let's not forget Pardew's start to 2010-11: 0-1 vs Plymouth at home and 1-1 vs Leyton Orient at home isn't impressive whichever way you spin it (the oft-quoted 4-0 win at Bristol Rovers didn't do anything to recover those lost points). And even if you disagree with this, the above is massively underplaying Adkins' achievements. Taking over a side that has achieved success with a previous manager can, in many ways, be as difficult as taking over a side in a rut. If it was that easy, why did Dean Wilkins lose all three games he took charge of? And taking it to the extreme, I'm not sure many will fancy succeeding Fergie at United! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuel Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 I would say our incredible rise is all down to God. It's so lucky that he supports a medium-sized English south coast football club. Sure, most of the planet is in dire poverty and global economic collapse is just around the corner, but clearly God is too preoccupied with our promotion charge to sort all that out, and we must thank him for that. I bet he's responsible for all of Pompey's current problems, too, as opposed to terrible financial mismanagement. What a great bloke. Thanks God! My question is, who the hell was he supporting when we got relegated? And presumably he also supports Man City, so what happens when we're both on at the same time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Of course Pardew deserves credit, but I do believe we've moved onto another level with Adkins. Let's not forget Pardew's start to 2010-11: 0-1 vs Plymouth at home and 1-1 vs Leyton Orient at home isn't impressive whichever way you spin it (the oft-quoted 4-0 win at Bristol Rovers didn't do anything to recover those lost points). And even if you disagree with this, the above is massively underplaying Adkins' achievements. Taking over a side that has achieved success with a previous manager can, in many ways, be as difficult as taking over a side in a rut. If it was that easy, why did Dean Wilkins lose all three games he took charge of? And taking it to the extreme, I'm not sure many will fancy succeeding Fergie at United! I dont disagree with you at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 The title of the thread is "How have we got here?" and he is part of how we got here so get over it because using your "logic" we cant mention Markus cos he is no longer here either ! Yea I know the title of the thread thanks. The way some go on about Pardew and still believe that he's responsible for where we are is embarrassing. Despite the -10 he had the biggest budget in the division and the best facilities available. He was always going to use as a stepping stone as he needed to rebuild his career. He did a decent job but could have found more consistently and desire to make the play offs. And no it's not my "logic" re ML. As far as I'm aware we are still owned by his estate and still bankrolled by him so it's not the same is it. The players, NA and his coaching staff are the ones who deserve the acclaim. They have reached a level of consistency and togetherness which has been growing over the last 18 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Author Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Yea I know the title of the thread thanks. The way some go on about Pardew and still believe that he's responsible for where we are is embarrassing. Despite the -10 he had the biggest budget in the division and the best facilities available. He was always going to use as a stepping stone as he needed to rebuild his career. He did a decent job but could have found more consistently and desire to make the play offs. And no it's not my "logic" re ML. As far as I'm aware we are still owned by his estate and still bankrolled by him so it's not the same is it. The players, NA and his coaching staff are the ones who deserve the acclaim. They have reached a level of consistency and togetherness which has been growing over the last 18 months. Have to say, agree with a lot of this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjwills Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 I believe that the -10 points we received after administration in the long run did us a power of good. We had a season to rebuild with a trip to Wembley to boot, last year we continued to build confidence and got into the winning mindset and were promoted. This year we have continued and hopefully Premiership next year. The -10 may have turned out to be one of the best that ever happened to the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Author Share Posted 11 March, 2012 My question is, who the hell was he supporting when we got relegated? And presumably he also supports Man City, so what happens when we're both on at the same time. Seriously...? I know we have some thickos in the fanbase, but you seriously take the biscuit!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuel Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Yeah, seriously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintmatt Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 I believe that the -10 points we received after administration in the long run did us a power of good. We had a season to rebuild with a trip to Wembley to boot, last year we continued to build confidence and got into the winning mindset and were promoted. This year we have continued and hopefully Premiership next year. The -10 may have turned out to be one of the best that ever happened to the club. Very good point, without the -10 there'd have been massive pressure on us to go up at the first ask. Without that pressure, achieving all of the above was made far easier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 11 March, 2012 Author Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Or God by the sound of it! Find it difficult to take someone with a Branfoot avatar seriously, even if they were an undercover skate. Lose the branfoot mug, come to me and we'll talk education... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 (edited) Very good point, without the -10 there'd have been massive pressure on us to go up at the first ask. Without that pressure, achieving all of the above was made far easier So basically, it is all thanks to Rupert then. I jest of course. Actually this is a really good point. The minus ten season helped take off some pressure, and also add in a "us against the world" attitutude which no doubt helped forge the squad together. Edited 11 March, 2012 by CB Fry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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