We dont belong in the PL

[alpine_saint]

The people? I don't get what you mean. if you mean the players; I disagree, I think we should have enough ability to stay up. Les Reed and the manager; that's another story and I've come around to the thinking they need to be replaced with PL quality. Which our infrastructure would quite easily allow us to do.

 

Decision making; well that's not really an infrastructure is it? And goes back to people. Who can easily be replaced.

 

Scouting? What are you saying here; that the extent of our scouting network is Championship level? That the players we've brought in haven't been fit for purpose? Our problem with transfers this summer was that we neglected to strengthen in the right areas; the players we did bring in are largely of PL quality.

 

Guly must-play clause??!! Really?? Where was this clause when he didn't make the 18 against Arsenal? or when he made the bench but didn't come on against Villa and Everton? Delving into wanton speculation tehre I feel.

 

There you go again. I carefully used the word "operation" in my post and you quoted it in your question.

 

Do pay better attention.

[saintalan]

Have some sympathy with the view, must admit I miss regular Saturdays and a few evening matches BUT

 

...what would be our aim every season, playing for a play-off spot and hoping to lose in the final!

[The Kraken]

There you go again. I carefully used the word "operation" in my post and you quoted it in your question.

 

Do pay better attention.

 

Sorry, what? I was directly responding to your post here:

 

Oh, go on then....

 

The people ?

 

The decision making ?

 

The scouting ?

 

The contract negotiations (were we so desperate to get GULY to renew that he has a "must play" clause) ?

 

The non-playing employee relations ?

 

I could go on...

 

Where did you mention operation in that? i must really not be paying attention, as I can't see it even now.

[alpine_saint]

Sorry, what? I was directly responding to your post here:

 

 

 

Where did you mention operation in that? i must really not be paying attention, as I can't see it even now.

 

Jesus.

 

If you are going to troll, at least focus on it properly. You quoted my use of the word "operation" in the question, and I answered it with that post.

 

Are you behaving deliberately stupid ?

[the stain]

To say we don't belong in the PL is nonsense. We do belong here. We were top flight for years, one of the longest serving clubs. We had a brief time away and are back where we belong. It's just not going very well, thats all.

[Noodles34]

This is what the PL is all about, talking ****** and being a complete bell end, hats off to you AS

[The Kraken]

Jesus.

 

If you are going to troll, at least focus on it properly. You quoted my use of the word "operation" in the question, and I answered it with that post.

 

Are you behaving deliberately stupid ?

 

Ah no, I've got it now. Yes. It was where you said this bit, wasn't it: "We have a PL-representative stadium, and a competitve academy. The rest of the infrastrucutre and operation is championship level at best. Les Reed is heading up our scouting network, FFS. I'd rather have Lord Baden Powell, and hes dead".

 

I must admit, I must have been confused. Since you started off this thread by saying: "This isnt a quality issue about players, executive management, team manager. Even if we bought Messi, Ronaldo and got Guardiola in, I still would think the same."

 

Les Is "executive management", you see. He is an Exec Director. so I'm a bit confused why it isn't a quality issue about executive management, but then it is.

[Colinjb]

To say we don't belong in the PL is nonsense. We do belong here. We were top flight for years, one of the longest serving clubs. We had a brief time away and are back where we belong. It's just not going very well, thats all.

 

 

 

And to suggest Fulham are a bigger club. Before Al Fayeds money they were floating between the bottom two leagues. Some interesting signings in the 70's not withstanding they are at most a club on the scale of Notts County. Their trump card is simply their location.

Edited 6 November, 2012 by Colinjb

[alpine_saint]

Ah no, I've got it now. Yes. It was where you said this bit, wasn't it: "We have a PL-representative stadium, and a competitve academy. The rest of the infrastrucutre and operation is championship level at best. Les Reed is heading up our scouting network, FFS. I'd rather have Lord Baden Powell, and hes dead".

 

I must admit, I must have been confused. Since you started off this thread by saying: "This isnt a quality issue about players, executive management, team manager. Even if we bought Messi, Ronaldo and got Guardiola in, I still would think the same."

 

Les Is "executive management", you see. He is an Exec Director. so I'm a bit confused why it isn't a quality issue about executive management, but then it is.

 

The results of their efforts were highly successful for a couple of seasons, so I am not screaming for it to change even though it isnt currently working. Who Knows ? It may click next week and we avoid relegation.

 

But I will still feel that we would be happier back in the Championship

[Whitey Grandad]

And to suggest Fulham are a bigger club. Before Al Fayeds money they were floating between the bottom two leagues. Some interesting signings in the 70's not withstanding they are at most a club on the scale of Notts County. They're trump card is simply their location.

 

Very perceptive. It's all about money and how much is spent.

[the stain]

But I will still feel that we would be happier back in the Championship

 

Yes, I remember you being very happy in the Championship

[The Kraken]

The results of their efforts were highly successful for a couple of seasons, so I am not screaming for it to change even though it isnt currently working. Who Knows ? It may click next week and we avoid relegation.

 

But I will still feel that we would be happier back in the Championship

 

Well I don't really understand that, but ok, lets leave it there.

 

On the second point we can finally agree. I don't like the PL; but despite that we are without doubt capable of establishing ourselves in this division, and capable of consistently being a mid-table side. If that's our realistic aim, count me out, taking huge success from finishing 9th isn't really for me. Neither is the lack of 3pm games, the prices, the over-rated hype and all that. But that's a completely discussion.

[alpine_saint]

And to suggest Fulham are a bigger club. Before Al Fayeds money they were floating between the bottom two leagues. Some interesting signings in the 70's not withstanding they are at most a club on the scale of Notts County. Their trump card is simply their location.

 

3 promotions in 5 years after arrival of Al-Fayed's cash - very similar to us.

 

OK, their attendances are a bit below ours so far this season, but they have more recent PL pedigree than us.

 

For me its a score-draw. Neither is bigger than the other.

[alpine_saint]

Well I don't really understand that, but ok, lets leave it there.

 

On the second point we can finally agree. I don't like the PL; but despite that we are without doubt capable of establishing ourselves in this division, and capable of consistently being a mid-table side. If that's our realistic aim, count me out, taking huge success from finishing 9th isn't really for me. Neither is the lack of 3pm games, the prices, the over-rated hype and all that. But that's a completely discussion.

 

Actually, its not. Those factors were part of the thinking behind my OP.

[alpine_saint]

Yes, I remember you being very happy in the Championship

 

Everything's relative. It was good being in the top 2 all season, but we spent far too much time looking over our shoulder, giving sub-standard performances to fellow top 6 sides, and we blew the title.

[The Kraken]

Actually, its not. Those factors were part of the thinking behind my OP.

 

I see them differently. Are we capable of being a regular PL side? Absolutely. Do we have the infrastructure to do it? Of course.

 

We're not good enough to win this league, and I predict never will be in my lifetime. Finsishing top 4 once would be an incredible success. Finishing in the European spots, in time, a fairly realistic ambition for the odd season. Given our resources, we should never really be relegated, and should always hover around mid-table; our default finsihing position is probably anywhere between 8th and 12th. Do I want that? No, not really. I'd rather prioritise some cup success, get relegated every now and then, get promoted every now and then. Ideally win the Championship every year and decline promotion, but that's never going to happen. Football is about having a laugh IMO, whatever division we're in, 27 years in the top flight before and we did f*ck all with it. That's my point, anyway, the PL is bland and overpriced.

[alpine_saint]

I see them differently. Are we capable of being a regular PL side? Absolutely. Do we have the infrastructure to do it? Of course.

 

We're not good enough to win this league, and I predict never will be in my lifetime. Finsishing top 4 once would be an incredible success. Finishing in the European spots, in time, a fairly realistic ambition for the odd season. Given our resources, we should never really be relegated, and should always hover around mid-table; our default finsihing position is probably anywhere between 8th and 12th. Do I want that? No, not really. I'd rather prioritise some cup success, get relegated every now and then, get promoted every now and then. Ideally win the Championship every year and decline promotion, but that's never going to happen. Football is about having a laugh IMO, whatever division we're in, 27 years in the top flight before and we did f*ck all with it. That's my point, anyway, the PL is bland and overpriced.

 

Agree about the PL, and our last tenure.

 

But think you over-rate our potential.

[The Kraken]

Agree about the PL, and our last tenure.

 

But think you over-rate our potential.

 

Just looking at stadium size, fanbase, and infrastructure. We're (potentially) alot better off than many clubs in this division. And much worse off than the big clubs.

[sunrise]

If you don't like it Alpine, go and support another club or just don't support anyone. That fact is we've spent more than 13 other premier league teams so the money is there, the simple fact is the team isn't good enough. As for the Championship being the mutts nuts, fear not as we'll be experiencing that again next season.

[Give it to Ron]

If Stoke and Fulham are Premiership clubs, so are we.

 

What we need is a change of tactics and QUICK.

 

Our defence (as you identified Alpine) was woefully neglected in the summer.

 

Truth is we started the seaon without a Number One goalkeeper and settled back four.

 

Criminal with a capital F!

 

And not putting it right will probably cost us Premiership status.

 

That is exactly it and no-one can argue with any of that...well on this forum they can.

I was embarrassed with that defending and tactics last night....I have coached boys and girls for over 10 years and if any of them

had turned their back.... and how you can have a defence that is so narrow a winger constantly has 10 yards with no-one anyone near him beats me.

So easy to play against.

[KelvinsRightGlove]

Hear me out.

 

This isnt a quality issue about players, executive management, team manager. Even if we bought Messi, Ronaldo and got Guardiola in, I still would think the same.

 

The PL has changed massively since we were last in it, and even then we struggled most seasons. We simply dont have the infrastructure, money, and most importantly, the mindset as fans and club for the PL. Our fans are loyal, passionate, and not fair-weather. Yes, I frequently pull a massive strop and portray everything as negative, but I love this club of ours and could never follow another; its just an emotional, perhaps even childish outburst in response to events. I swear that we care more about our club than most PL teams, and I couldnt give a sh*t waht the media portrays about fanaticism from clubs like Newcastle.

 

Be honest, last season, riding high in the Championship, was the mutts nuts compared to this. Winning most weeks, smiles on faces round town, better atmosphere in the bars on Saturday night. Look forward to the next game with excitement, not fear.

 

Oh, and we played regular-as-clockwork on Saturday and mid-week.

 

The PL, it just doesnt feel right. It feels shallow, hollow, emotionally cold, petty.

 

I think this is a good, honest OP.

 

I don't really agree with much of it, but that's my prerogative.

 

As I have said in discussion with you in other threads, I want my club to be amongst the best competing with the best.

 

For me, I would rather be 16th (for example) in the best league in the world, than higher in a lesser league.

 

I guess both are legitimate, albeit differing, views of what one wants from their team.

[Saint Without a Halo]

Couldn't agree more. All of last season I was saying that we weren't good enough to go up. Looking back we obviously were, the league doesn't lie. However, upon reflection I think what I was getting at was that if we did go up we wouldn't be good enough to stay up. You could see that there was a huge gulf between us and a Premiership team.

 

I can't believe Nigel still has a job. How many managers keep their job after a string of results and stats like we've had?

 

Mark Hughes?

[alpine_saint]

Not belonging in the top flight is the other side of the 'we belong in the top flight' argument of arrogant fans when their team is in the lower leagues. Neither side of it makes any sense. If you get to the top flight you deserve to be there, if you don't stay there that's probably deserved too. We deserved to be there for a hell of a long time and then thoroughly deserved our time out of it.

 

Still get people saying Wigan don't deserve to be there, or Leeds, Forest, Sheff Weds deserve to be there. All based on historical perceptions, city size etc, not merit.

 

One things I really don't understand, is if someone truly believe the club is going down, there's no hope etc., don't you stop worrying about it? No point criticising, moaning, wanting change and so on. You'd just be relaxed and acceptant wouldn't you? Unless of course it's just blind panic and empty words. Always tends to be the way if you obsess about the short term. Never seen a short term club do well yet, in anything other than the short term of course. But no-one ever learns. Sunderland is a good example from last year. They were safe enough under Bruce, nothing special, usually had a slump despite spending lots. O'Neill comes in and there's short term form, 'he's turned the club around' people shout. But even medium term, it really doesn't seem that much different. You can only really judge it over a number of seasons. Surely fans who've seen 5, 10, 15+ seasons realise that? Clubs change manager and it's deemed a success if it saves them once or has a small upturn in form, but what about a few years down the line? Whose to say a club won't be stronger for going up and down a couple of times?

 

Just seems like a lot of talk to me. People 'happy' with relegation or expecting it, happy to take the money, build longer-term, but then at the same time being angry that we lose and wanting huge changes. Bizarre logic.

 

Its a good point. In fairness, I oscillate between wanting NA out with wholsale changes in January for lots of money (if its not too late), and voting for the status quo and letting fate take us to where we are going. Compared to some of my crusades on here in the previous 2 season, I reckon I've been pretty low-key about our predicament since the transfer window shut.

[Whitey Grandad]

Its a good point. In fairness, I oscillate between wanting NA out with wholsale changes in January for lots of money (if its not too late), and voting for the status quo and letting fate take us to where we are going. Compared to some of my crusades on here in the previous 2 season, I reckon I've been pretty low-key about our predicament since the transfer window shut.

To be honest, I was not too hopeful for this season once the window had been shut and I have been resigned to relegation for some time now. Now that we have reached this situation it would need a big turn round in performances to drag ourselves up the table and I can see no sign of that happening with the current set-up. The question then is whether replacing Nigel will achieve enough improvement in performances to rescue us from this predicament and that depends on who replaces him. It won't be pretty but anyone who can tighten up the defence and get back to clean sheets or no more than one goal against might stand a chance. Any takers?

[alpine_saint]

To be honest, I was not too hopeful for this season once the window had been shut and I have been resigned to relegation for some time now. Now that we have reached this situation it would need a big turn round in performances to drag ourselves up the table and I can see no sign of that happening with the current set-up. The question then is whether replacing Nigel will achieve enough improvement in performances to rescue us from this predicament and that depends on who replaces him. It won't be pretty but anyone who can tighten up the defence and get back to clean sheets or no more than one goal against might stand a chance. Any takers?

 

Glenn Hoddle.

[david in sweden]

Why. Look at WBA. 5th in the table with a squad thy costs nowhere near ours

 

 

yeah we lost 0-2 .. was it just coincidence that they are now 5th..when they were near relegation two / three years ago.

 

but when we scored two goals against Man.City AND Man Utd.......they had players who cost almost as much as our entire team.

[Colinjb]

Curious choice of words.

 

'Belonging in the premier league.'

 

No-one belongs in the Premier League, you have to earn the right to be in it. Last year we did.

 

If we make a hash of this chance then we fight for the right to have another go, and another go.

[The Kraken]

Glenn Hoddle.

 

Good lord no. A few years back then maybe, but not now. Although to be fair I doubt we'd be any worse off with him in charge.

 

The problem now is similar to when Burley was getting towards the end of his tenure here. Pretty much everyone knew he wasn't good enough; that wasn't difficult to see. What was difficult to see was what was the solution; who was suitable and available to come in and hit the ground running and get us to perform? The answer was; well, nobody really. We didn't have anyone lined up when he left so resorted to Dodd and Gormanm which was a disaster. When we finally found a full time manager he took so long to get going that we survived only by virtue of victory on the final day and other results going our way.

 

There are simply no other likely candidates I can see that would do a better job than Adkins. And simply replacing the manager would not in any way address all of the currnt problems we have, not by a long way.

[alpine_saint]

Curious choice of words.

 

'Belonging in the premier league.'

 

No-one belongs in the Premier League, you have to earn the right to be in it. Last year we did.

 

If we make a hash of this chance then we fight for the right to have another go, and another go.

 

We've earnt the right to be here, but it doesnt feel right

[david in sweden]

We don't belong in the PL....QUOTE]

 

Did I read that correctly Alpine?

 

You mean you prefer us to be playing in the Championship every year?.....that you don't want us to be in consideration for PL ....even if we were to win that League in the future, but refuse promotion?

 

You want the FA /PL to change the whole promotion / relegation structure so as to exclude us. Would that also mean we also demand exemption from relegation to L1... if we have a really bad season?

 

Offer potential new players a lifetime career in the Championship with no hope of ever playing at a higher level?....or continue to develop our Academy sides with the promise that we would transfer them to a PL club should they be good enough.....whilst we continue to dominate The Championship with second-rate journeyman footballers and young lads who are " not quite good enough " ?

 

I'm sorry ...maybe it's late and I'm tired but... WHAT DO ON EARTH DO YOU MEAN?

[Chez]

we don't like the championship or the lower leagues, we just like winning. If we were winning most weeks then this would be the best league in the world. In don't recall a single fan saying how much they enjoyed it when we were getting beaten most weeks in the championship.

 

Oh and the idea that we play at 3pm on a Saturday every week in the championship was false as we regularly had games moved for TV.

[Dalek2003]

The only way I can see this improving is if the big 4-6 do break away into a Euro Super League and leave the rest of us to get on with it.

 

I wonder what fans of the likes of Norwich and Swansea really think about the PL...

 

I live in Norwich and know lots of Canaries. They luv the premier league and especially last season. Similar sized club to the Saints as well.

[Dalek2003]

Glenn Hoddle.

 

I am staying loyal to NA and yes i am very relaxed this season as my expectations were very low. I do genuinely believe that we have a yoyo straegy in place so feel confident we can bounce back !

 

If NA decides to go, Glenn Hoddle really could get club buzzing again, so yes a good choice !

[Faz]

I love the Pl. it's great to be back mangle big boys. I'd prefer it o be goung better but, hey, I'm a Saints fan. I never expected it to be easy. If we go down, so be it. Rebuild and come back. All part of life's rich pageant.

 

I hope the "Southampton way" is to stick with NA, give him and the team time, and reap the longer term rewards.

[Dalek2003]

I love the Pl. it's great to be back mangle big boys. I'd prefer it o be goung better but, hey, I'm a Saints fan. I never expected it to be easy. If we go down, so be it. Rebuild and come back. All part of life's rich pageant.

 

I hope the "Southampton way" is to stick with NA, give him and the team time, and reap the longer term rewards.

 

Another yoyo convert !

[Matthew Le God]

We simply dont have the infrastructure or money

 

Utter nonsense as usual Alpine.

 

Money...

 

- Saints were the 7th biggest net spenders in Europe this summer.

 

Infrastructure...

 

- St Mary's is the 12th biggest stadium in the Premier League and it is only 11 years old

- Saints were awarded the highest marks in England in the category one academy audit

- Staplewood training ground is currently undergoing a £15 million+ development

Edited 6 November, 2012 by Matthew Le God

[hypochondriac]

I love the Pl. it's great to be back mangle big boys. I'd prefer it o be goung better but, hey, I'm a Saints fan. I never expected it to be easy. If we go down, so be it. Rebuild and come back. All part of life's rich pageant.

 

I hope the "Southampton way" is to stick with NA, give him and the team time, and reap the longer term rewards.

 

I respect your opinion but personally I think that's a really defeatist attitude.

[Legod Third Coming]

we don't like the championship or the lower leagues, we just like winning. If we were winning most weeks then this would be the best league in the world. In don't recall a single fan saying how much they enjoyed it when we were getting beaten most weeks in the championship.

 

Oh and the idea that we play at 3pm on a Saturday every week in the championship was false as we regularly had games moved for TV.

 

Bingo. Amazing how quickly people fall out of love with a league when we're getting hammered. I bet these muppets hated every minute of leading at the Etihad... feckwits.

[Chez]

This isnt a quality issue about players, executive management, team manager. Even if we bought Messi, Ronaldo and got Guardiola in, I still would think the same.

no you wouldn't. No, what am I saying, you would probably moan.

 

We simply dont have the infrastructure, money, and most importantly, the mindset as fans and club for the PL.

we have the infrastructure and now Cortese has mortgaged future earning we have the money. After 27 years in the top flight the fans have a premiership mindset.

 

Our fans are loyal, passionate, and not fair-weather.

Not sure that is true. Our fans are poretty much the same as every other club. Some hardcore, many passionate and many fair-weather. As one of the paltry13k watching us lose the Sheff United on a Tuesday in February 2009 I can testify to this.

 

swear that we care more about our club than most PL teams, and I couldnt give a sh*t waht the media portrays about fanaticism from clubs like Newcastle.

they have more fanatics. Each might be slightly less fanatical than you, but hard to make that assessment.

 

Be honest, last season, riding high in the Championship, was the mutts nuts compared to this. Winning most weeks, smiles on faces round town, better atmosphere in the bars on Saturday night. Look forward to the next game with excitement, not fear.

Winning = happiness. And?

 

 

Oh, and we played regular-as-clockwork on Saturday and mid-week.

Games were moved all over the place for TV.

 

The PL, it just doesnt feel right. It feels shallow, hollow, emotionally cold, petty.

no idea what this means. It feels harsh and expensive, but if we should get it together at some point and we beat someone decent it will feel ****ing great. Edited 6 November, 2012 by Chez

[S-Clarke]

we don't like the championship or the lower leagues, we just like winning. If we were winning most weeks then this would be the best league in the world. In don't recall a single fan saying how much they enjoyed it when we were getting beaten most weeks in the championship.

 

Oh and the idea that we play at 3pm on a Saturday every week in the championship was false as we regularly had games moved for TV.

 

That's it, basically. Summed up nicely and is exactly how I see it.

 

I can't see our fans would be enjoying the NPC if we were losing away at Wednesday and Hull 5-0. Oh, we did that didn't we.

[The Kraken]

That's it, basically. Summed up nicely and is exactly how I see it.

 

I can't see our fans would be enjoying the NPC if we were losing away at Wednesday and Hull 5-0. Oh, we did that didn't we.

 

I do enjoy hearing from posters who feel qualified to tell others fans how they should think, and what they should prefer. It is most bizarre though.

[The Kraken]

we don't like the championship or the lower leagues, we just like winning. If we were winning most weeks then this would be the best league in the world. In don't recall a single fan saying how much they enjoyed it when we were getting beaten most weeks in the championship.

 

Oh and the idea that we play at 3pm on a Saturday every week in the championship was false as we regularly had games moved for TV.

 

Ah, another one who claims to speak for all other fans and how they think. There are plenty of reasons why some fans prefer life in the Championship; its not just about winning games (though it probably largely is).

 

But also:

- there are more games per season, 46 instead of 38.

- there are less games put back to Saturday 5.30pm/Sunday/Monday for Sky.

- there are plenty of midweek games on offer.

- games are cheaper.

- its easier to get a ticket, there's more often than not the possibility to choose to attend on the day.

- its overall a much more competitive league; on any day one club can and often does beat any other club, its much more open than the PL and therefore more unpredictable and exciting.

- away games are more fun as there's a higher chance of getting a result.

- we actually have a chance of winning the league (perhaps the major plus point of it IMO).

- away days and away fans seem better than the sterile environment the Premier League has become.

- the league is kept fresh by having 6 clubs leave every season and six new teams replace them.

 

There's just 10 reasons why football is more enjoyable to some in the league below, in addition to the fact that, yes, we'd likely win more games. Disagree with it all you like, its not for everyone of course, and natural ambition states we should aspire to play in the highest league possible. But for God's sake, accept that some people don't feel the same as you and don't presume to tell others what they should be thinking, or what they should be preferring.

[alpine_saint]

Ah, another one who claims to speak for all other fans and how they think. There are plenty of reasons why some fans prefer life in the Championship; its not just about winning games (though it probably largely is).

 

But also:

- there are more games per season, 46 instead of 38.

- there are less games put back to Saturday 5.30pm/Sunday/Monday for Sky.

- there are plenty of midweek games on offer.

- games are cheaper.

- its easier to get a ticket, there's more often than not the possibility to choose to attend on the day.

- its overall a much more competitive league; on any day one club can and often does beat any other club, its much more open than the PL and therefore more unpredictable and exciting.

- away games are more fun as there's a higher chance of getting a result.

- we actually have a chance of winning the league (perhaps the major plus point of it IMO).

- away days and away fans seem better than the sterile environment the Premier League has become.

- the league is kept fresh by having 6 clubs leave every season and six new teams replace them.

 

There's just 10 reasons why football is more enjoyable to some in the league below, in addition to the fact that, yes, we'd likely win more games. Disagree with it all you like, its not for everyone of course, and natural ambition states we should aspire to play in the highest league possible. But for God's sake, accept that some people don't feel the same as you and don't presume to tell others what they should be thinking, or what they should be preferring.

 

Good post. Articulates the reasons much better than my efforts.

[RedAndWhite91]

From Swansea forum:

 

"Just had a good read on the Saints forum.

They re all a it down specially after last nite. No positive comments to be found anywheres , they all seem to be resigned to the fact their going back down.

4 points from 10 games is hard for any manager to keep his job from.

 

A lot of them reckon they were much happier in thenChampionship and don t belong in the PL as it s all changed radically sincemtheymweremhere last."

 

Well done Alpine. Now people think your negative views represent our whole fan base...

[alpine_saint]

From Swansea forum:

 

"Just had a good read on the Saints forum.

They re all a it down specially after last nite. No positive comments to be found anywheres , they all seem to be resigned to the fact their going back down.

4 points from 10 games is hard for any manager to keep his job from.

 

A lot of them reckon they were much happier in thenChampionship and don t belong in the PL as it s all changed radically sincemtheymweremhere last."

 

Well done Alpine. Now people think your negative views represent our whole fan base...

 

What a ridiculous accusation. That poster refers on several occasion to multiple posters on here.

 

Besides, what do we care what they think ? Even better if the fans attending this weekend show theres a bit lof life left in the old dog yet, and get our team up.

 

For heavens sake, grow up a bit, please.

[Turkish]

From Swansea forum:

 

"Just had a good read on the Saints forum.

They re all a it down specially after last nite. No positive comments to be found anywheres , they all seem to be resigned to the fact their going back down.

4 points from 10 games is hard for any manager to keep his job from.

 

A lot of them reckon they were much happier in thenChampionship and don t belong in the PL as it s all changed radically sincemtheymweremhere last."

 

Well done Alpine. Now people think your negative views represent our whole fan base...

 

Hang on. Only a few weeks ago, when people said other fans were taking the p*ss out of our fans for having so many bulbs in fancy dress people were very indignant and insisted that they didn't give a f*ck what other clubs thought of us. So why do we care what Swansea fans think about us?

[Whitey Grandad]

From Swansea forum:

 

"Just had a good read on the Saints forum.

They re all a it down specially after last nite. No positive comments to be found anywheres , they all seem to be resigned to the fact their going back down.

4 points from 10 games is hard for any manager to keep his job from.

 

A lot of them reckon they were much happier in thenChampionship and don t belong in the PL as it s all changed radically sincemtheymweremhere last."

 

Well done Alpine. Now people think your negative views represent our whole fan base...

My initial thought is.... so what?

[stmusicdude]

I'm in Austria, not Australia.

 

I talk to people regularly back in Soton.

 

Its my impression from a variety of sources.

 

Its not just about winning. There is no "fun" and little enjoyment in the PL, it seems to me.

 

I am getting prepared for relegation. I just wish we were putting up a fight.

 

I think most WANT a fight. I think most think relegation is the most likely now too. No enjoyment etc? I can't think why there would be when it feel like we just under the cosh all the time?

However I do think a fight is coming. I do think improvements are already there . just feels like not enough yet. I think there are some issues behind the scences of some nature or other that are undermining our attempts to step forward.

I think when Cork is back we may realise many underestimate his postion within the team . Will it save us? I have no idea . But it's football I love the club . just because we enjoy going ( yes we feel sh1t after a game if we have lost) dosent make us that want Nigel to stay happy clappy, just makes us a lil less shallow & fickle than you.& all this harping on you.

 

I don't have the skills you have re posting & admit it. but you devalue your own opinion but being so forcefuly negative, by reg contradicting yorself, but putting the opinions of those who go regually to the games & see first hand whats happening down IF they dont agree with you.

 

It is Ironic that almost without fail when things had been going right you suddenly post far less especially after games (because your busy)& yet if we lose your free. You whinge about insults but it's the thing you do most consistantly.

[Chez]

Ah, another one who claims to speak for all other fans and how they think. There are plenty of reasons why some fans prefer life in the Championship; its not just about winning games (though it probably largely is).

 

But also:

- there are more games per season, 46 instead of 38.

- there are less games put back to Saturday 5.30pm/Sunday/Monday for Sky.

- there are plenty of midweek games on offer.

- games are cheaper.

- its easier to get a ticket, there's more often than not the possibility to choose to attend on the day.

- its overall a much more competitive league; on any day one club can and often does beat any other club, its much more open than the PL and therefore more unpredictable and exciting.

- away games are more fun as there's a higher chance of getting a result.

- we actually have a chance of winning the league (perhaps the major plus point of it IMO).

- away days and away fans seem better than the sterile environment the Premier League has become.

- the league is kept fresh by having 6 clubs leave every season and six new teams replace them.

 

There's just 10 reasons why football is more enjoyable to some in the league below, in addition to the fact that, yes, we'd likely win more games. Disagree with it all you like, its not for everyone of course, and natural ambition states we should aspire to play in the highest league possible. But for God's sake, accept that some people don't feel the same as you and don't presume to tell others what they should be thinking, or what they should be preferring.

 

calm down dear, when I used the royal `we', I was generalising and besides you even agreed with my sentiment. Mind you don't ever fall off that horse, it looks terribly high.

 

For your interest I agree with all those reasons and personally enjoyed the Championship greatly and perhaps even more our time in League 1. However, don't kid yourself that all those reasons to like would go out the window for the vast majority if we were getting stuffed. I was at St Marys with the 13k others watching Sheff United rob us in a dour midweek game and it was plain for all to see that losing most weeks puts many fans off, no matter how cheap the tickets are.

[alpine_saint]

I think most WANT a fight. I think most think relegation is the most likely now too. No enjoyment etc? I can't think why there would be when it feel like we just under the cosh all the time?

However I do think a fight is coming. I do think improvements are already there . just feels like not enough yet. I think there are some issues behind the scences of some nature or other that are undermining our attempts to step forward.

I think when Cork is back we may realise many underestimate his postion within the team . Will it save us? I have no idea . But it's football I love the club . just because we enjoy going ( yes we feel sh1t after a game if we have lost) dosent make us that want Nigel to stay happy clappy, just makes us a lil less shallow & fickle than you.& all this harping on you.

 

I don't have the skills you have re posting & admit it. but you devalue your own opinion but being so forcefuly negative, by reg contradicting yorself, but putting the opinions of those who go regually to the games & see first hand whats happening down IF they dont agree with you.

 

It is Ironic that almost without fail when things had been going right you suddenly post far less especially after games (because your busy)& yet if we lose your free. You whinge about insults but it's the thing you do most consistantly.

 

I've commented on this frequently.

 

Of course there is more to say when things are going wrong. Thats just human nature. There are only so many ways to say "Well Done, This is Great, I am Happy", whereas things may have gone wrong in a multitude of different ways.

 

Have you ever tried posting any sort of criticism, even constructive criticism, of a player or the team on here followng a good win ? If there is one reaction more violent than criticising after a bad defeat, its the reaction when criticising following a good win.