Daily Mail on Cortese

[Guan 2.0]

I wonder who gave him this spin on things? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2230118/Nicola-Cortese-Southamptons-Saint-iron-fist.html

 

[h=1]He saved Southampton from oblivion but here's why Ted Bates' statue means fans can't accept... the Saint with an iron fist!

[/h]Ted Bates braves the wet wind that whips off the Solent and buffets St Mary’s Stadium. He waves and smiles genially in the general direction of the concrete works. ‘Mr Southampton’ they called him, an emblem of loyalty and devotion who spent his wedding night watching Saints play Charlton at The Dell.

Bates served the club for 66 years of their 126-year history as a player, manager, director and president and this statue was unveiled in 2008, five years after his death.

An earlier statue, unveiled four years after his death, had to be removed because supporters were horrified that it appeared to be a cross between Jimmy Krankie and (worse still) former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric.

 

 

It goes on.....

[SaintRobbie]

Can't deny NC's focus, drive and ambition.

 

I know who I prefer between him and Lowe.

 

Good reminder that our chairman might be a hard bloke but he has gotten results. And its a reminder that our manager is outstanding too.

 

Good article for the Mail.

[The Kraken]

Negative article alert. All of the Cult of Cortese will be along shortly to decry this piece of heresy.

 

How sad that we have to have these stories come out in the first place. No point in examining much further; our own desperate souls on here will be quick to renounce this as awful journalism, and say that its not worth the paper it wasn't written on etc etc. What a terrible agenda. "The Daily Mail", I'm sure they'll shriek.

 

For shame.

[Saint Keith]

pretty fair article to be honest. too many people want it both ways, and too many others think they should be running the club. let the businessman manage the business. if you dont want that, get back to life in league 1

[LostBoys]

I think it is one of the better things the Daily Fail (ing) have done.

 

Most of the stories have appeared on this forum - the TVs being turned off when MLT is on but the story I heard was that the Ex Saints or was it Ex Directory declined the box price increase on promotion rather than having been kicked out.

[Pilchards]

The hate from the press towards Cortese will either drive him on more or drive him away.

[Saint_clark]

"The friend was then escorted to the ticket office and asked for identification to prove he was ‘Matt Le Tissier’, the name on the ticket."

 

Don't see what's wrong with that.

 

Seems to be a decent article, if a little unbalanced - nothing about the improvements made to the stadium, training ground or the fantastic work the saints foundation does - and of course we don't really know the accuracy of the stories about TVs being switched etc.

 

The version of events above about the ex-saints not liking the price increase seems more likely to me.

 

Fact is that Cortese is a man who will deliver on his promises, and take the club forward.

[Frank's cousin]

Kraken, the problem I have with these 'negative' stories, is NOT that they appear, but in the fact lack of any real 'evidence' - only Le Tiss is named, the rest is the same rumour, gossip and speculatin that apprears so frequently on here - stories of 'tearful staff' etc - wo are they and if this is true, hy are we not hearing their stories?

 

The second, is 'what purpose do they serve'? - When we have issues on the pitch that need resolving quickly, why would anyone with a strong affinity for the club look to try and add further nagativity to the situation? I would imagine most would have have a pretty good idea where this comes from and this is what makes no sense - people who say they love the club, yet dont seem to be able to diferntiate between their own personal issues with the chairman, and what is good for the club as a whole, especially at a time when we need a collective spirit for than any.

 

Cortese is always going to be chalk and cheese - most can recognise that ambition and drive need to be tempered with pragmatism and a realisation that for most fans a club is more than just its success or otherwise in the league. Most will also understand that the drive and determination necessary to pick up a failing club and turn it around was less accepting of compromise and needed the 'iron fist' - yet once turned around the approach could soften and become closer to the mix we as fans would like to see.

 

Its not happened (allegedly) and this is causing some to be very publically critical. Now we all have our own opinions on what is expected of a chairman both in terms of behaviour, action and direction - and rightly so. But the fact remains that certain voices dessented from day 1 as they found that cushy roles and freebies stopped - and they have not been able to get over it since... Some fans have never felt comfortable with anyone like this, and seem stuck in their ideals of fan based influence or nothing... The question to ask is do they think it has helpd the club they love to put their own interests ahead of those of the club and keep banging on about it in public?

 

Criticism is a good thing - IF it helps find solutions to problems. The problem with most of the critiscism to date is that its personal and based on opinion - without any direct evidence and is not focusd on problems nor does it offer any pragmatic solutions that HELP improve the situation...its simply mud slinging because some folk are upset...that is why I have a problem with it, not that with criticism itself.

[doddisalegend]

Kraken' date=' the problem I have with these 'negative' stories, is NOT that they appear, but in the fact lack of any real 'evidence' - only Le Tiss is named, the rest is the same rumour, gossip and speculatin that apprears so frequently on here - stories of 'tearful staff' etc - wo are they and if this is true, hy are we not hearing their stories?[/color']

 

The second, is 'what purpose do they serve'? - When we have issues on the pitch that need resolving quickly, why would anyone with a strong affinity for the club look to try and add further nagativity to the situation? I would imagine most would have have a pretty good idea where this comes from and this is what makes no sense - people who say they love the club, yet dont seem to be able to diferntiate between their own personal issues with the chairman, and what is good for the club as a whole, especially at a time when we need a collective spirit for than any.

 

Cortese is always going to be chalk and cheese - most can recognise that ambition and drive need to be tempered with pragmatism and a realisation that for most fans a club is more than just its success or otherwise in the league. Most will also understand that the drive and determination necessary to pick up a failing club and turn it around was less accepting of compromise and needed the 'iron fist' - yet once turned around the approach could soften and become closer to the mix we as fans would like to see.

 

Its not happened (allegedly) and this is causing some to be very publically critical. Now we all have our own opinions on what is expected of a chairman both in terms of behaviour, action and direction - and rightly so. But the fact remains that certain voices dessented from day 1 as they found that cushy roles and freebies stopped - and they have not been able to get over it since... Some fans have never felt comfortable with anyone like this, and seem stuck in their ideals of fan based influence or nothing... The question to ask is do they think it has helpd the club they love to put their own interests ahead of those of the club and keep banging on about it in public?

 

Criticism is a good thing - IF it helps find solutions to problems. The problem with most of the critiscism to date is that its personal and based on opinion - without any direct evidence and is not focusd on problems nor does it offer any pragmatic solutions that HELP improve the situation...its simply mud slinging because some folk are upset...that is why I have a problem with it, not that with criticism itself.

 

Well I'm guessing if they are out right lies and the paper can't back up it's claims NC will see them in court.....

[doddisalegend]

pretty fair article to be honest. too many people want it both ways, and too many others think they should be running the club. let the businessman manage the business. if you dont want that, get back to life in league 1

 

Lets hope people remember that if NC pulls the trigger.....

[um pahars]

"The friend was then escorted to the ticket office and asked for identification to prove he was ‘Matt Le Tissier’, the name on the ticket."

 

Don't see what's wrong with that.

 

Really???

 

I thought that tickets are allowed to be transferable, as long as not for profit (mate has tickets In company name and takes different customers each week, another shares a ticket with a friend alternating games, and others pass on if they can't make the game).

 

Im sure you can refer to section 4.7a of the season ticket charter where it states they are for sole individual use, but as an ex accountant, I would use the term, substance over form.

 

It happens, we know it happens, there's nothing wrong with it happening, (unless of course it's part of a bigger btichfest).

 

 

 

 

 

And that's not taking one side or the other in this immature battle of egos, just suggesting that the application of your "dont see what's wrong with that" has everything wrong with it if you can't pass a ticket on to a mate when you can't make a game.

[alpine_saint]

I just find it a crying shame that it has come to this.

 

Under NC we have achieved things that Rupert Lowe could only have dreamed of (though he was more likely to dream about sizeable share dividends anyway). Hes had a tough job achieving this, imo; my impression is that we were a lazily-run club with an air of familiarity, complacency and decay. NC has undoubtedly shaken this up and put noses out of joint. For me its no coincidence that MLT is one of his biggest critics; a player with ability and potential by the bucketful, but utterly bone-idle.

 

Forgetting that we have (hopefully) temporarily lost our way this season, we are a much more professionally-run outfit nowadays that just needs an injection of a bit more quality in the squad and both on- and off-field management; I just hope we have the time still to correct this.

 

All those drawing comparisons between Cortese and Joe Stalin need to remember that actually NA is still in charge of the team and has his chance to turn things around.

[Wade Garrett]

Why would they print this now. I remember a season or so ago, when we were warned that 'dark forces' were trying to undermine the club.

 

Can they smell blood?

 

I'm sure Cortese's not a nice bloke. I don't agree with his treatment of the Ex-Saints, if that is true. His management style is probably not to my liking. But he has been a major figure in bringing us back from the point of oblivion to where we are now.

 

To be fair, he's the best chairman we've had since Woodford.

[KK the 2nd]

I am still to hear any hard evidence that Cortese is an evil tyrant. All seems to be "according to sources", heresay or MLT's grudge. He appears to me to be nothing other than a focused and driven CEO.

[Turkish]

Negative article alert. All of the Cult of Cortese will be along shortly to decry this piece of heresy.

 

How sad that we have to have these stories come out in the first place. No point in examining much further; our own desperate souls on here will be quick to renounce this as awful journalism, and say that its not worth the paper it wasn't written on etc etc. What a terrible agenda. "The Daily Mail", I'm sure they'll shriek.

 

For shame.

 

I think you mean 'the daily fail'

 

Why do these newspapers continue to peddle these lies? Surely Cortesee can sue if it's not true?

Edited 9 November, 2012 by Turkish

[Turkish]

The hate from the press towards Cortese will either drive him on more or drive him away.

 

And that's the problem, it didn't have to be like this. There was such good will from everyone when he came to the club. Some still dismiss it as lies and rumours, clearly it isnt.

[Patrick Bateman]

I am still to hear any hard evidence that Cortese is an evil tyrant. All seems to be "according to sources", heresay or MLT's grudge. He appears to me to be nothing other than a focused and driven CEO.

 

Agree!

[Turkish]

I am still to hear any hard evidence that Cortese is an evil tyrant. All seems to be "according to sources", heresay or MLT's grudge. He appears to me to be nothing other than a focused and driven CEO.

 

Again, what do you want? Names? Stories of people telling how they left the club? Maybe the sun will run an exclusive tomorrow "Corporate Sales manager quits premier league club because of chairman" wow! That will shift a few copies!! Beleive it or not fella, some people who will post on here will know people who work or worked at the club!

[Smirking_Saint]

I do hate the Mail tbf

 

But very dissapointing that it has come down to more reporting in the press, the nan can be a bit of a maniac though it has to be said, and obviously is a bit of a hard taskman.

 

He has made some massive mistakes, and I myself have been on the wrong side of some of his strange decisions putting me professionally in an awkward situation.

 

Wary of where we have come from and where we are now though I struggle to think of how I would want it any different, obviously Id rather the ex saints and NC inc MLT would get along as that is a sad situation.power hungry ? Yes I think he is but this is a results driven industry and you can hardly argue with his track record ?

[Roger]

"The friend was then escorted to the ticket office and asked for identification to prove he was ‘Matt Le Tissier’, the name on the ticket."

 

Don't see what's wrong with that.

 

Seems to be a decent article, if a little unbalanced - nothing about the improvements made to the stadium, training ground or the fantastic work the saints foundation does - and of course we don't really know the accuracy of the stories about TVs being switched etc.

 

The version of events above about the ex-saints not liking the price increase seems more likely to me.

 

Fact is that Cortese is a man who will deliver on his promises, and take the club forward.

 

Don't see what's wrong with that? Jesus. You have never given ur ticket to someone else then?

[Roger]

I just find it a crying shame that it has come to this.

 

Under NC we have achieved things that Rupert Lowe could only have dreamed of (though he was more likely to dream about sizeable share dividends anyway). Hes had a tough job achieving this, imo; my impression is that we were a lazily-run club with an air of familiarity, complacency and decay. NC has undoubtedly shaken this up and put noses out of joint. For me its no coincidence that MLT is one of his biggest critics; a player with ability and potential by the bucketful, but utterly bone-idle.

 

Forgetting that we have (hopefully) temporarily lost our way this season, we are a much more professionally-run outfit nowadays that just needs an injection of a bit more quality in the squad and both on- and off-field management; I just hope we have the time still to correct this.

 

All those drawing comparisons between Cortese and Joe Stalin need to remember that actually NA is still in charge of the team and has his chance to turn things around.

 

Le tiss utterly bone idle. You have just lost any respect I ever had for you. Do go away you ungrateful man.

[alpine_saint]

Le tiss utterly bone idle. You have just lost any respect I ever had for you. Do go away you ungrateful man.

 

Ungrateful ? I am fully aware of the significance of his contribution to our clubs history. But I am not going to rose-tint the bloke. For heaven sake, grow up.

[itchen]

It's all a bit vague though, isn't it? "One ex-employee has taken legal action" with no clue as to who, when or why this was or any indication of the outcome. If it got as far as court it would be in the public domain. And a glance at Private Eye would indicate that the Daily Mail is probably the subject of proportionately many more lawsuits from ex-employees.

 

I don't doubt that Cortese is probably not the most pleasant of men and that he has sometimes unnecessarily upset ex-players and their hangers on. If there's hard evidence that he has treated employees unfairly then they have the ability to seek redress through the courts but I have not seen any reports that any have.

 

But I don't really care what happens in the boardroom unless it negatively impacts what happens on the pitch. Without the current regime we may well have been in Pompey's position, had we even survived that long. I'm willing to overlook a lot of gossip in exchange for still having a club to support. The fact that that club is back in the top flight is a welcome but not essential bonus.

[dubai_phil]

OK, so having read this again, it is actually a good attempt at an article. This thread has (as usual) gone off on one

 

It is not attempting to bash NC for the sake of it, but it is trying to come as a report on WHY there seems to be a division at Saints.

 

Look obviously WE know that there is "a division" but that on it's own would not warrant a story in a National paper, the Journo is clearly trying to explain the status to a wider audience.

 

So what do supporters prefer? A cosy old-fashioned club with a friendly smile and a family feel who sometimes get the statues wrong? Or a control freak who streamlines the business and leads them back to the Promised Land while making life uncomfortable for many inside the club?

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2230118/Nicola-Cortese-Southamptons-Saint-iron-fist.html#ixzz2Bi5NL5gB

Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

Is it the classic clash of football and business? Or is that old football and new football? It can seem a peculiar industry, nurturing the past and indulging those with the club in their blood when it does not always make economic sense.

Yet for many here lies the charm. For them it is important that Ted Bates does not look like Milan Mandaric as he waves at the concrete works. Just as it is important the Saints were saved and led back to the Premier League.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2230118/Nicola-Cortese-Southamptons-Saint-iron-fist.html#ixzz2Bi5VxWFI

Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

He's done some research, asked some questions and no doubt read this forum. Clearly he has found plenty of negative angles and rumours and opinions, BUT he does counter them with the "But is this what Modern Football needs to be?" type arguments.

 

As fans, while we were climbing the leagues the consensus was that NC is a cvnt but is our cvnt, and that was countered by myriad opinions of "it will all end in tears I tell you"

 

Now, 10 games in to a season we clearly screwed up our preparation for we now have the we told you so.

 

We are all questioning the club right now. Other fans would be sitting there wondering why we are such a bunch of moaning minnies. Now they know.

 

The story at Saints is not SIMPLY that NA is under pressure for losing games this is not a bad attempt to show both sides, and with NC staying quiet (thank God) he only has "What have the Romans ever done for us" to fall back on

 

A good attempt to be even handed, could have been much better.

 

Worth a 4/10

[Frank's cousin]

Well I'm guessing if they are out right lies and the paper can't back up it's claims NC will see them in court.....

 

That is where these articals are very clever, they are in effect reporting on rumour and gossip - not on what they consider to be facts, so there is nothing in that article that could be refuted in a court - as the Mail merely state they have said nothing, merely reported heresay. Had they quoted an ex employee who 'left with tears' - then if this was factually inaccurate the club would have something to claim against if it believed it untrue.

 

The problem with this rumour peddeling is that a) no one ever provides any details or evidence, b) it achieves nothing but division - which is why those peddling it are accuse dof having Agenda's of their own and c) as already mentioned, criticism is always welcomed where there is an opportunity to provide a solution and improve things, but this kind of article (as with many of the posts on here) does nothing of that kind. It is merely divisive and some could argue vindictive in a personal sense so WTF is anyone who contributes to such an article hoping to achieve? Especialy when they express such love for the club... It simply smacks of a personal grievence and where someone with that grievence has the benefit of being able to play it out in public due to their media connnections - it harms the club so is at odds with the professed love for it.

[trousers]

Remember the SaintsWeb Forum

Thought Police Rules before posting.

 

As a reminder:

 

If you hate the Daily "Fail" (#chortle) and they post an article you agree with, you start your post with: "Not a bad article for the Daily Fail..." whereas, if you hate the Daily Fail and they post an article you disagree with you start your post with: "What a load of old tosh from the Daily Fail again..."

 

Thanks.

[Frank's cousin]

OK, so having read this again, it is actually a good attempt at an article. This thread has (as usual) gone off on one

 

It is not attempting to bash NC for the sake of it, but it is trying to come as a report on WHY there seems to be a division at Saints.

 

Look obviously WE know that there is "a division" but that on it's own would not warrant a story in a National paper, the Journo is clearly trying to explain the status to a wider audience.

 

 

 

 

 

He's done some research, asked some questions and no doubt read this forum. Clearly he has found plenty of negative angles and rumours and opinions, BUT he does counter them with the "But is this what Modern Football needs to be?" type arguments.

 

As fans, while we were climbing the leagues the consensus was that NC is a cvnt but is our cvnt, and that was countered by myriad opinions of "it will all end in tears I tell you"

 

Now, 10 games in to a season we clearly screwed up our preparation for we now have the we told you so.

 

We are all questioning the club right now. Other fans would be sitting there wondering why we are such a bunch of moaning minnies. Now they know.

 

The story at Saints is not SIMPLY that NA is under pressure for losing games this is not a bad attempt to show both sides, and with NC staying quiet (thank God) he only has "What have the Romans ever done for us" to fall back on

 

A good attempt to be even handed, could have been much better.

 

Worth a 4/10

 

Sorry DP have to disagree - whilst it superficially gives a nod to trying to be fair and balanced, its pretty clear from teh overall tone on which side of the fence it is coming from. But importantly, as others have said, what is to be gained by it anyway - no one really gives a toss about us except us - the only thing these articles do is divide - they dont unite or explain anything, but repeat the same vague rumours that some fans seem to have placed their faith in... then what about the timing?

[Frank's cousin]

Remember the SaintsWeb Forum

Thought Police Rules before posting.

 

As a reminder:

 

If you hate the Daily "Fail" (#chortle) and they post an article you agree with, you start your post with: "Not a bad article for the Daily Fail..." whereas, if you hate the Daily Fail and they post an article you disagree with you start your post with: "What a load of old tosh from the Daily Fail again..."

 

Thanks.

 

Where that was written is irrelevent to the discussion really - the point is that what is it hoping to achieve for thsoe that contributed to it?

[alpine_saint]

OK, so having read this again, it is actually a good attempt at an article. This thread has (as usual) gone off on one

 

It is not attempting to bash NC for the sake of it, but it is trying to come as a report on WHY there seems to be a division at Saints.

 

Look obviously WE know that there is "a division" but that on it's own would not warrant a story in a National paper, the Journo is clearly trying to explain the status to a wider audience.

 

 

 

 

 

He's done some research, asked some questions and no doubt read this forum. Clearly he has found plenty of negative angles and rumours and opinions, BUT he does counter them with the "But is this what Modern Football needs to be?" type arguments.

 

As fans, while we were climbing the leagues the consensus was that NC is a cvnt but is our cvnt, and that was countered by myriad opinions of "it will all end in tears I tell you"

 

Now, 10 games in to a season we clearly screwed up our preparation for we now have the we told you so.

 

We are all questioning the club right now. Other fans would be sitting there wondering why we are such a bunch of moaning minnies. Now they know.

 

The story at Saints is not SIMPLY that NA is under pressure for losing games this is not a bad attempt to show both sides, and with NC staying quiet (thank God) he only has "What have the Romans ever done for us" to fall back on

 

A good attempt to be even handed, could have been much better.

 

Worth a 4/10

 

No it hasnt, phil. Roger threw a hissy fit. Its over and done with.

 

Agree with the rest of your comments though.

[Roger]

No it hasnt, phil. Roger threw a hissy fit. Its over and done with.

 

Agree with the rest of your comments though.

 

As opposed to you who has one every two minutes.

[RedWillie]

Spot on.....

 

I am still to hear any hard evidence that Cortese is an evil tyrant. All seems to be "according to sources", heresay or MLT's grudge. He appears to me to be nothing other than a focused and driven CEO.

[sandwichsaint]

On a complete tangent, my ST is just a few seats away from the 'bone idle' MLT - as you know he was at the Spurs game - I've never seen him looking so FIT!

 

He's about half the size he was towards the end of his career - looked like he could put his boots on and play.

 

For all the pies-and-burgers stuff he looked pretty trim for someone his age (early forties?)

[Graffito]

We must be nice to Nicola or we'll lose him to AC Milan.

[dubai_phil]

Sorry DP have to disagree - whilst it superficially gives a nod to trying to be fair and balanced' date=' its pretty clear from teh overall tone on which side of the fence it is coming from. But importantly, as others have said, what is to be gained by it anyway - no one really gives a toss about us except us - the only thing these articles do is divide - they dont unite or explain anything, but repeat the same vague rumours that some fans seem to have placed their faith in... then what about the timing?[/quote']

 

Actually, a lot of my mates who support other teams DO give a toss

 

Whether something is wrong at Saints? they have asked similar questions to those raised on threads on here.

 

They think we should all be sweetness and light and cannot understand why there are rumours niggles & moans. Obviously they don't see The Echo or know who Adam Blackmore is but they cannot understand what the fuss is about.

 

I stick with my point. There is virtually sod all that NC says or does that any reporter could find to balance an article like that. It is my opinion that he has tried to do a good job with what is available

[sammysaint]

Too many NC lovers stick up for him, for me he seems a arrgoant ****, but as long as he dont act like that with us fans and make loads of bad decisions that ruin this club, i don't care these former employees who say there went home crying need to grow a pair, il take demanding work load from NC if i worked at Southampton Football Club, people in direct line with him must be on at worse 35-38k a year with benefits like free STs and discount at the shop.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I just find it a crying shame that it has come to this.

 

Under NC we have achieved things that Rupert Lowe could only have dreamed of (though he was more likely to dream about sizeable share dividends anyway). Hes had a tough job achieving this, imo; my impression is that we were a lazily-run club with an air of familiarity, complacency and decay. NC has undoubtedly shaken this up and put noses out of joint. For me its no coincidence that MLT is one of his biggest critics; a player with ability and potential by the bucketful, but utterly bone-idle.

 

Forgetting that we have (hopefully) temporarily lost our way this season, we are a much more professionally-run outfit nowadays that just needs an injection of a bit more quality in the squad and both on- and off-field management; I just hope we have the time still to correct this.

 

All those drawing comparisons between Cortese and Joe Stalin need to remember that actually NA is still in charge of the team and has his chance to turn things around.

 

 

I was no supporter of Lowe but to be fair he was not backed by Liebherr's millions.

[Hedgehog]

Is NC our Alex Fergusson? What he wants he gets. If someone in Fergussons case upsets him they are gone from the club. Ditto with NC. I know ones a manager the other a chairman, but with Manure Fergusson is that focal point. If you get my drift with this.

[Ewell]

I think it is a very balanced article and one of the better researched articles about Saints I have read in a long time. I also think the journalists conclusions are spot on, basically saying you can you have your cake and eat it. What amazes me though is how the folk of this forum dismiss it out of hand due to lack of evidence and accuse the journalists of misreporting.

 

Do you really think a Daily Mail journalist is that bothered about Southampton Football Club that he will make up a load of lies and unsubstantiated rumours and then put them in the paper with little research or evidence put before him. Too many people still have their heads buried in the sand.

[hypochondriac]

Is NC our Alex Fergusson? What he wants he gets. If someone in Fergussons case upsets him they are gone from the club. Ditto with NC. I know ones a manager the other a chairman, but with Manure Fergusson is that focal point. If you get my drift with this.

 

No. No he is not.

[CB Fry]

I was no supporter of Lowe but to be fair he was not backed by Liebherr's millions.

 

 

 

....and we stayed up for six seasons under him without those millions and with MLT a bit part player or retired.

 

Let's see Wonga Cortese beat that first.

[disintegration87]

It’s a shame to have a manager with bad people skills and that must not be much fun at all for employees however as long as he is managing the club from a financial side successfully and he delivers on his ambition – no one can argue that he is not doing a successful job.

 

It’s also a shame that those associated with the club might not get the recognition they deserve however it’s 2012 and businesses run differently now than in the past. There is no need for excess fat, costs, etc that’s just the nature of business today.

 

At the end of the day Cortese is stopping no one (apart from perhaps Nick Illingsworth I presume but didn’t he do something a little strange at Wembley one time?) from watching Saints play, whereas Lowe almost brought us to the point where Saints might not even play another game ever again and there would be no employees left at the club… capito?

[alpine_saint]

I was no supporter of Lowe but to be fair he was not backed by Liebherr's millions.

 

No, he wasnt. But NC hasnt failed yet either (although its looking a bit forlorn at the 'mo)

 

Perhaps its abit of a tangent, but can you shed some light on whether Lowe ever really tried to attract investment/funding, or was he always worried about his power base being diluted ? I still cant forget how he effectively prevented Wilde being on the board after he bought that large tranche of shares.

[Thedelldays]

....and we stayed up for six seasons under him without those millions and with MLT a bit part player or retired.

 

Let's see Wonga Cortese beat that first.

true...lowe was a resounding success in getting back to the prem.....lowe did inherit a prem team and manages to do both good and the horrific in the space of 10 years

[Wes Tender]

Daily Mail:-

He is answerable to no-one....

 

Not even the Liebherrs on whose behalf he runs the club?

 

But as Frank says, most of the article is based on rumour and inuendo, which typically is believed to be fact by those who want to believe it. Cortese's forthright manner has ruffled some feathers and these people have friends in the media who are prepared to rock the boat on their behalf.

 

Who cares about tittle-tattle? What is important to most is how we are doing as a club and our rise from the ashes following our rebirth after the Lowe regime has been spectacular. If there was somebody out there who had the naked ambition and focussed drive to achieve this success, but who was also a warm and cuddly human being too, then that would have been great. But I suspect that people with drive and ambition aren't generally blessed with people skills.

[Frank's cousin]

I think it is a very balanced article and one of the better researched articles about Saints I have read in a long time. I also think the journalists conclusions are spot on, basically saying you can you have your cake and eat it. What amazes me though is how the folk of this forum dismiss it out of hand due to lack of evidence and accuse the journalists of misreporting.

 

Do you really think a Daily Mail journalist is that bothered about Southampton Football Club that he will make up a load of lies and unsubstantiated rumours and then put them in the paper with little research or evidence put before him. Too many people still have their heads buried in the sand.

 

.... Most articles in ALL papers are full of rumour, gossip and speculation - its the only way to get interest in a story - that does not mean there should not be a demand for detail if making insinuations: Quite rightly many fans have had a dig at Pompey fans for not questioning what is happening at thier club, whilst celebrating their success. And quite rightly if we have concerns or issues with our club we should be prepared to dig deeper and understand what is happening - its a viligance that our history and that of may other clubs demands. Many of us would be hypocritical if we did not. But you cant have it both ways. If you feel that its right and proper to question the club, then at the very least if those asking those questions want to be taken seriously by all, those questions need to be based on some evidence, not 3rd hand gossip and rumour - especially so when its also clear that many of those asking teh questions DO have personal grievences that could be argued are distorting tehir opinions - if there is no factual evidence being presented, or solutions being offered.

[Thedelldays]

Daily Mail:-

 

Not even the Liebherrs on whose behalf he runs the club?

 

.

do they really own the club..?

 

I dont really think so...this is NC toy and its all him

[CB Fry]

true...lowe was a resounding success in getting back to the prem.....lowe did inherit a prem team and manages to do both good and the horrific in the space of 10 years

 

Indeed.

 

But we have yet to see The Loan Arranger turn round a decline. It might be horrific too.

 

Relegation from the Prem is a hammer blow that is difficult for many to reover from, ask people in Bradford, Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby etc.

[Thedelldays]

Indeed.

 

But we have yet to see The Loan Arranger turn round a decline. It might be horrific too.

 

Relegation from the Prem is a hammer blow that is difficult for many to reover from, ask people in Bradford, Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby etc.

well, if we avoid going into administration...then he would win that one......not really a a small margin for error in comparing to lowe....

 

 

IMO

[manji]

As A Cortese Cultist I am not that bothered by the article. It credits NC and his contribution to our rise and then repeats various bits of tittle tattle we have all heard before. Some of its probably true. He is harsh on under performing staff. So what there were a lot of people on various levels working at St Marys that treated the place as a holiday camp so he chopped them. From lazy office staff to parasitic Saints "legends" and dodgy hanger on D list local "celebs".

I have heard the Illingsworth story is true as well,so what the guys been a pompous schitt stirring self important "voice of the fans" for years.

I suspect a lot of it has been fed to the Mail by one of the bitter Saints legends who lost out on a massive pay check for doing **** all before NC took over.

[Frank's cousin]

do they really own the club..?

 

I dont really think so...this is NC toy and its all him

 

Why is this a problem, if the 'TOY' is progressing. Ok so now we are only 2 places higher in the country than in May, but its still higher

 

Lots of ups and downs yet and many quirks and strange results will happen - losing hope, giving up, gettig angry and bitter does not make us feel any better as fans or the club imporve results - too often, some fail to understand that 'Passion' does have to mean misery, anger or other negative emotions - it can be equally and perhaps more vaild in a positive and embracing sense.