MLT - Cortese has an ego problem

[Sour Mash]

So how come a number of people - far better connected than you or I - have said that Adkins knew it was coming from the day we were promoted? How come Nigel sat us all back in our seats when, in his moment of greatest triumph, he seemed quite morose and said that he knew his job at Southampton wouldn't last? How come the rumours have been bouncing around for months that his days were numbered?

 

And I'm still waiting for you to answer Delldays question on the other thread - "do you think adkins gave billy sharp daily updates upon signing his replacement in Jay Rodriguez....?"

Stop twisting your principles - and the facts - to suit your agenda. I'm not happy with Cortese either but you don't need to be a hypocrite in order to find the grounds to criticize him.

Every manager knows their job won't be there for ever, apart from Alex Ferguson. That is completely different to be working away while your boss has lined up a replacement, especially one that is working away doing parts of the job while you're in situ. So what if there were rumours, I'm sure Adkins knew he was under pressure and needed to improve - which he did - do you really think he would continue to work while he knew his boss had no intention of keeping him on in the next couple of weeks, regardless of how good his performance was. And why does any update need to be day to day? You make it clear you're looking to improve in the position, so nothing changes until that happens or a statement to the contrary is made. Adkins was never told that his boss was looking to bring in a new manager, so its not the same at all I'm afraid.

[Greenridge]

New managers are lined up ahead of departing managers time and time again. If you think that's not the case you are being romantically naive about the yesteryear of football I'm afraid.

[Sour Mash]

New managers are lined up ahead of departing managers time and time again. If you think that's not the case you are being romantically naive about the yesteryear of football I'm afraid.

The difference is it sounds like this chap was in place for the last couple of weeks, has been watching our players, possibly scouting new targets. We had a 14 day gap of no games in December and have got 9 days without a game after tomorrow - could have sacked Adkins then and then sorted a replacement comfortably in time for the next game.

[S-Clarke]

In my line of work I am around high flying director/executive types all day. They're all the same.

 

They don't care two hoots about you, they are only driven to securing the results they want. If that means pushing people out of the way to do it, then they do it. That's why they're successful and that's why they're very, very rich.

 

None of these high-flying types are likeable people really, and I wouldn't' want to have a pint with them as I think they're all morons - but they do get results, so for that you have to say they know what they're doing.

 

So far, NC has got results, although the result of his biggest gamble yet remains to be seen.

[stthrobber]

 

But I ask again WHY do people feel they NEED to hear a press conference on the subject if he’s already said why he’s made the decision? What more is there to say?

.

 

I would think it customary for the Chairman to introduce the new manager to the press at the conference.

 

For him to sack Adkins and appoint the new man and allow that new man to attend his own press conference when he doesn't speak English is gutless.

 

People seem to think that because he came in with Markus to buy the club, that he's beyond reproach. He isn't.

 

The fact is he's sacked a popular, decent man who did a great job for us, at a very odd time, then replaced him with someone who can't speak directly to most of the team, then allowed the poor sod to attend a press conference on his own. That is cowardly.

 

It may be true that thus far he's done all the right things, but the law of averages suggests he'll get one wrong eventually and if it's this one, it'll be Pochettino that pays the price, not Cortese.

[colehillsaint]

In my line of work I am around high flying director/executive types all day. They're all the same.

 

They don't care two hoots about you, they are only driven to securing the results they want. If that means pushing people out of the way to do it, then they do it. That's why they're successful and that's why they're very, very rich.

 

None of these high-flying types are likeable people really, and I wouldn't' want to have a pint with them as I think they're all morons - but they do get results, so for that you have to say they know what they're doing.

 

So far, NC has got results, although the result of his biggest gamble yet remains to be seen.

 

If you don't mind me saying, that is a bit simplistic. What industry do you work in? I think that different sectors have different characteristics. Banking and retail are pretty crude. My brother in law worked as a Tesco manager for years and they just appeared to treat each other like **** ad infinitum. You just need people at the bottom to follow orders, and the dealing at the top is just that, hard nosed negotiation, with little regard for sentiment. It's not complicated. You don't depend on people to think or create so much on your behalf so you just get stuck in and bully people. To take an opposite extreme, I doubt if the top man at NASA just kicks ass all day. OK that is not private sector, but the point is that some sectors, are much more dependant on team building, and nurturing talent, where just being a **** bag doesn't prove so effective. My business is civil engineering, which you would think would be appalling, but my experience is that people often treat each other pretty well. Because work is a series of complex problems to be solved, that are all different on a daily basis, people need to work together in strong teams, with a bit of trust and respect. Obviously there are exceptions, but I have met people that run £200 or £300 million businesses, and they are resilient but often very charming and fair-minded. Some have long since got over the idea that they're just doing it for the money, and are just more interested in people and the journey.

 

My point; Is banking really applicable to running a football club or not?

[trousers]

I would think it customary for the Chairman to introduce the new manager to the press at the conference.

 

For him to sack Adkins and appoint the new man and allow that new man to attend his own press conference when he doesn't speak English is gutless.

 

People seem to think that because he came in with Markus to buy the club, that he's beyond reproach. He isn't.

 

The fact is he's sacked a popular, decent man who did a great job for us, at a very odd time, then replaced him with someone who can't speak directly to most of the team, then allowed the poor sod to attend a press conference on his own. That is cowardly.

 

 

How do we know that Cortese didn't suggest fronting the press conference but Pochittino felt happier doing it on his own to avoid a media bun fight?

 

Granted, suggesting that Cortese decided not to attend without giving Pochittino the option is a valid assumption, but that's all it is...a valid assumption.

[hypochondriac]

How do we know that Cortese didn't suggest fronting the press conference but Pochittino felt happier doing it on his own to avoid a media bun fight?

 

Granted, suggesting that Cortese decided not to attend without giving Pochittino the option is a valid assumption, but that's all it is...a valid assumption.

 

Seems unlikely considering what we know about clotese.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Seems unlikely considering what we know about clotese.

 

Please carry on...I for one am intrigued to know what YOU KNOW about Cortese that leads you to that conclusion. No assumptions, no making stuff up mind...just pure hard fact please. Oh and by the way, I'll not be holding my breath for an answer!

[Halo Stickman]

Using words like 'coward' never clever - the piction cap also suggests many major mistakes - not sure I can think of too many 'major' mistakes and the Jury is still out on this one... Love Matty for what he did for us' date=' but sometimes you do have to question if HE ever gets advice or listens to it - [b']he does not always present himelf as the brightest[/b]...

 

At least Matt has earned the right to an opinion, which is more than you’ve done with that condescending sneer

[dubai_phil]

Question.

 

What the **** difference would a Press Conference appearance from NC have made?

 

So he would have been bombarded by questions such as

Did you conspire behind Nigel's back. FFS we know the answer to that

Why did you conspire behind Nigel's back - What the HELL else is there to say?

 

Guys, say it as it is. You don't want a press conference you want him in the stocks so you can throw rotten eggs and general piles of excrement in his direction.

 

NC has delivered us a sh1t sandwich. It really doesn't matter how thick the bread is, we still have to eat sh1t

[Frank's cousin]

At least Matt has earned the right to an opinion, which is more than you’ve done with that condescending sneer

 

LOL. You really believe that you have to 'earn' the right to an opinion? EVERYONE is entitled to one, and just because Matty was a genius on the pitch and loyal servant does not give him any more right to have one - he just has teh advantage of a wider platform and a bunch of sycophants who lap up everyword as gospel.

[Halo Stickman]

LOL. You really believe that you have to 'earn' the right to an opinion? EVERYONE is entitled to one' date=' and just because Matty was a genius on the pitch and loyal servant does not give him any more right to have one - he just has teh advantage of a wider platform and a bunch of sycophants who lap up everyword as gospel.[/quote']

 

I don’t have a problem with people having opinions; I do have a problem with people making snide remarks about how ‘bright’ someone is. Question his decision making, question his judgement if you like, but cut out the implication that the guy is unintelligent. Unless, of course you want to judge people by their IQ levels, which, in my opinion, is little different from judging them by their skin colour

[CB Fry]

LOL. You really believe that you have to 'earn' the right to an opinion? EVERYONE is entitled to one' date=' and just because Matty was a genius on the pitch and loyal servant does not give him any more right to have one - he just has teh advantage of a wider platform and a bunch of sycophants who lap up everyword as gospel.[/quote']

 

 

 

It makes his opinion at least four hundred times more valid than yours. And billion times less tedious.

 

And you sneer about how bright he is but I bet he can spell the word "the" which you fail to do every effing day.

[Frank's cousin]

I don’t have a problem with people having opinions; I do have a problem with people making snide remarks about how ‘bright’ someone is. Question his decision making, question his judgement if you like, but cut out the implication that the guy is unintelligent. Unless, of course you want to judge people by their IQ levels, which, in my opinion, is little different from judging them by their skin colour

 

Now that is OTT - People are judged by their actions and behaviour as they should be. I happen to question whether Matts behaviour and action is the most intelligent and you play this card? Whether he is ill advised or just goes for it, I dont know, but you criticise me for 'daring' to call question Matty's Decision making and the same time think its fine for him to call Cortese a coward? Hypocrissy...

[Frank's cousin]

It makes his opinion at least four hundred times more valid than yours. And billion times less tedious.

 

And you sneer about how bright he is but I bet he can spell the word "the" which you fail to do every effing day.

 

Ah the self appointed king of odious and vindictive BS returns... If you really believe a football player's opinion is more valid than an ordinary fan on the street, so be it, but its suggests you are also one of the aforementioned sychophants - as to the 'teh', typos etc - well I have explained that in previous posts and if you find it amusing, that that says even more about you.

[hypochondriac]

Ah the self appointed king of odious and vindictive BS returns... If you really believe a football player's opinion is more valid than an ordinary fan on the street' date=' so be it, but its suggests you are also one of the aforementioned sychophants - as to the 'teh', typos etc - well I have explained that in previous posts and if you find it amusing, that that says even more about you.[/quote']

 

Put it this way. Matt's opinion carries infinitely more weight than yours.

[Frank's cousin]

Put it this way. Matt's opinion carries infinitely more weight than yours.

 

Care to explain the logic behind this? Had you said Einstein, Ghandi, Proust, Socretes (the greek one, not the 1982 Brazilian World Cup team star), I would agree, but a footballer has played football, kicked a ball around albeit with some skill, as such he he is entitled to an opinion as are the rest of us, and on actual football I would bow to his superior knowledge, but not in other matters.

[Halo Stickman]

Now that is OTT - People are judged by their actions and behaviour as they should be. I happen to question whether Matts behaviour and action is the most intelligent and you play this card? Whether he is ill advised or just goes for it' date=' I dont know, but you criticise me for 'daring' to call question Matty's Decision making and the same time think its fine for him to call Cortese a coward? Hypocrissy...[/quote']

 

You may think it’s OTT, that’s fine; but in the sense that intelligence levels and skin colour are things we are born with, I think I’ve made a valid comparison and that sneering at either is obnoxious. I’m not saying you’re a racist, but remarks like the one I highlighted makes me suspect that you ARE an intellectual snob.

[stthrobber]

Question.

 

What the **** difference would a Press Conference appearance from NC have made?

 

So he would have been bombarded by questions such as

 

It would have shown that he has the guts to stand up and account for his actions.

 

There was bound to be a huge backlash to the sacking of a man who has done wonders at the club, and if that's the case, so be it.

 

Whatever happened Cortese is the villain of the piece by not attending and letting Pochettino cop the flak without being able to speak the lingo. Cortese knew full well that there would be some difficult questions to answer, and he wimped out of answering them.

 

He's ruthless, he has high hopes and ambitions for the club, I get that, but he should still have the guts to stand up for what he believes in, even if it is unpopular. If he isn't prepared to attend press conferences because he's shy or whatever, then someone should attend to be able to answer those difficult questions, and even deflect them to the agenda that he wants

 

The whole thing has been handled very poorly and shows Cortese up as spineless.

[alpine_saint]

Who has the biggest ego problem - NC or MLT ?

[alpine_saint]

It would have shown that he has the guts to stand up and account for his actions.

 

There was bound to be a huge backlash to the sacking of a man who has done wonders at the club, and if that's the case, so be it.

 

Whatever happened Cortese is the villain of the piece by not attending and letting Pochettino cop the flak without being able to speak the lingo. Cortese knew full well that there would be some difficult questions to answer, and he wimped out of answering them.

 

He's ruthless, he has high hopes and ambitions for the club, I get that, but he should still have the guts to stand up for what he believes in, even if it is unpopular. If he isn't prepared to attend press conferences because he's shy or whatever, then someone should attend to be able to answer those difficult questions, and even deflect them to the agenda that he wants

 

The whole thing has been handled very poorly and shows Cortese up as spineless.

 

I thought this at first, but now I think even this was an NC masterstroke.

 

By letting MP take the conference himself, the target of ire was not present, combined with the language issue (I actually think MP can speeeeka da Eeenglish better than he let on) meant that his first conference was totally defused of confrontation and aggression.

 

Therefore I consider it unlikely that NC will show his face tonight either.

[Frank's cousin]

You may think it’s OTT, that’s fine; but in the sense that intelligence levels and skin colour are things we are born with, I think I’ve made a valid comparison and that sneering at either is obnoxious. I’m not saying you’re a racist, but remarks like the one I highlighted makes me suspect that you ARE an intellectual snob.

 

Questioning the intelligence of decisions is eaxctly what most on here, the media etc are doing about NC... what is the difference?

[KelvinsRightGlove]

I thought this at first, but now I think even this was an NC masterstroke.

 

By letting MP take the conference himself, the target of ire was not present, combined with the language issue (I actually think MP can speeeeka da Eeenglish better than he let on) meant that his first conference was totally defused of confrontation and aggression.

 

Therefore I consider it unlikely that NC will show his face tonight either.

 

Have to say Mr Alpine, I am inclined to agree with you here.

 

As for MLT, can he just pipe down now, please. Yes, the guy is a legend. He was a fantastic player, and should be remembered as such.

 

What does the guy know about running a football club? The guy has had one venture into running a business, a restaurant with his mate. This venture lost him about £100k according to an interview he gave a while back.

 

Maybe we should leave running the club to the man that has bought a lot of success to the club since he has been running it.

[Greenridge]

Who has the biggest ego problem - NC or MLT ?

 

Blasphemy! Burn him at the stake.

[Halo Stickman]

Questioning the intelligence of decisions is eaxctly what most on here' date=' the media etc are doing about NC... what is the difference?[/quote']

 

You’re just playing with words now, FC. I clearly stated in a previous post that I don’t have a problem with you questioning his decision making; it’s your slur on his intelligence I take issue with. People make good or poor decisions regardless of their intelligence.

[Frank's cousin]

You’re just playing with words now, FC. I clearly stated in a previous post that I don’t have a problem with you questioning his decision making; it’s your slur on his intelligence I take issue with. People make good or poor decisions regardless of their intelligence.

 

Jeez... I suspect you are being over sensitive here to make a point - there are Countless other posters who have said exactly the same thing, have you comented on them all? Go back and read the exact quote again, i'll repeat it here for you; 'he does not always present himself as the brightest' I would argue that this is quite different form questioning his intelligence, but commenting on the fact that IMHO, his comments do not ALWAYS seem to be well reasoned or thought out... to most its obvious, but as always on here most are quick to repsond in anger before they READ a full post and reflect on what it actually being said....

[St Matty]

Nothing new really from Le Tiss' date=' is basically waht he said on the radio. Given that Le Tiss is always quick to add his twopenneth (especially as he has a long standing gripe with NC) its a bit hypocritical to suggest NC is alone in having an ego problem - maybe he should take a leaf out Nige's book and look at the glass?[/quote']

 

I think MLT has been very restrained considering the way the club has been run by a dictator since Marcus died. MLT had a real go at merson on saturday for suggesting we deserve relegation. I personally am surprised we still have the MLT suite at SMS - that will be next to go - along with the programme sellers and anyway else who puts club before profit.

[St Matty]

LOL. You really believe that you have to 'earn' the right to an opinion? EVERYONE is entitled to one' date=' and just because Matty was a genius on the pitch and loyal servant does not give him any more right to have one - he just has teh advantage of a wider platform and a bunch of sycophants who lap up everyword as gospel.[/quote']

 

he stayed with us through thick and thin, knows everyone at the club, his opinion therefore carries a great deal of weight.

[saint_sinner]

i still find it hilarious that MLT calls it a #laughingstock when he fronted a consortium bid with no money to buy the club and become chairman?

When it comes to egos, there's only one soapbox with a megaphone I can hear!

[stthrobber]

I thought this at first, but now I think even this was an NC masterstroke.

 

By letting MP take the conference himself, the target of ire was not present, combined with the language issue (I actually think MP can speeeeka da Eeenglish better than he let on) meant that his first conference was totally defused of confrontation and aggression.

 

Therefore I consider it unlikely that NC will show his face tonight either.

 

It's a fair point, but even then the press were asking when he was approached etc, and he said he'd been researching the players for weeks, so there's only one conclusion to be drawn from that, but although the target of the ire wasn't there, there were still difficult questions.

 

As for biggest ego, I've met MLT on a couple of occasions and he came out on a night with us in Cardiff a few years back and a more down to earth guy you couldn't ask for.

[alpine_saint]

It's a fair point, but even then the press were asking when he was approached etc, and he said he'd been researching the players for weeks, so there's only one conclusion to be drawn from that, but although the target of the ire wasn't there, there were still difficult questions.

 

As for biggest ego, I've met MLT on a couple of occasions and he came out on a night with us in Cardiff a few years back and a more down to earth guy you couldn't ask for.

 

I've spoken to him briefly, once, back in the mid 90s when he was often to be found after home games at Simons Wine Bar. And I agree, he was very down to earth. But his persistent b*tching about the current regime has made me wonder if his pundit role has gone to his head a bit, and I do question his judgement over various issues (Celebration Plaza, Pinnalce, feuding with NC, etc.)

[david in sweden]

Is Cortese in the country? I only ask cos there's talk of phone calls to Lallana and such. So, does anyone know that he's here?

 

..perhaps out in Europe tying up new deals before Jan.31st. ?

[david in sweden]

i still find it hilarious that MLT calls it a #laughingstock when he fronted a consortium bid with no money to buy the club and become chairman?

When it comes to egos, there's only one soapbox with a megaphone I can hear!

 

sad, but true.

[Frank's cousin]

I have also spoken albeit briefly with Matt - who hasn't - and yes he was down to earth and decent - and to be fair to him, I dont hold it against him that he was at least willing to front the pinnacle bid as he saw it as one way to do something when we were at our lowest ebb - and DESERVES credit for that rather than scorn. However, it was surprizing that he did not at least do SOME due diligence as to the validity of the bid and teh characters behind it - think the nutjobs on here discovered MFs background in 5 minutes, so I am not talking full scale DD. That seems naive at best and potentially damaging at worst, as I am sure his figurehead status to taht bid would have lent credibilty to it in Crouch's eys who stumped up the £500k for exclusivity, as well as in the eyes of the administrator.

 

I dont belive it really had any impact on the Liebherr bid - the swiss rumour was there from the start and they had the patience to do things right and in confidence - other than perhaps pish them off.

 

But Pinnacle would not have needed 'Exclusivity' if they did not know about the Swiss bid and its should have been clear as day that in comparison the swiss bid was by the better for the club - Matt could and perhaps should in hindsight persuded those involved with Pinnacle that the Swiss bid was the way to go as a result - who knows NC and MLT could then have been friends...

[Tomobz]

 

These are some tweets from Punch from last January, everyone slated him at the time but do we now think there may have been more to it? For example, a chairman getting too involved in team selection?

[Lord Duckhunter]

Lets face it, NC could have given Nigel a 10 year contract or even employed SAF and Le Tiss would still find something to run to the press to moan about .

 

I get the feeling he wont be happy until he's made honorary president and Franny team Manager.

[Halo Stickman]

Jeez... I suspect you are being over sensitive here to make a point - there are Countless other posters who have said exactly the same thing' date=' have you comented on them all? Go back and read the exact quote again, i'll repeat it here for you; 'he [b']does not always present himself [/b]as the brightest' I would argue that this is quite different form questioning his intelligence, but commenting on the fact that IMHO, his comments do not ALWAYS seem to be well reasoned or thought out... to most its obvious, but as always on here most are quick to repsond in anger before they READ a full post and reflect on what it actually being said....

 

‘he does not always present himself as the brightess….’

 

You can spend all day selectively highlighting the above, any which way you like, accuse me of being ‘over sensitive…to make a point’, or of not reading posts in their entirety, but you’re not going to dissuade me from thinking that you are doing anything other than sneering at his intelligence with that comment.

 

We could waste each others time all day like this, so, how about you just carry on besmirching MLT and I’ll give up reading your bile.

[Frank's cousin]

‘he does not always present himself as the brightess….’

 

You can spend all day selectively highlighting the above, any which way you like, accuse me of being ‘over sensitive…to make a point’, or of not reading posts in their entirety, but you’re not going to dissuade me from thinking that you are doing anything other than sneering at his intelligence with that comment.

 

We could waste each others time all day like this, so, how about you just carry on besmirching MLT and I’ll give up reading your bile.

 

Please do, you are adding nothing anyway if you cant see the difference...its not a difficult concept, but you are free to have your own opinion naturally. Just wish you took some time to think about it first. Which is kind of nice as it comes full circle - it is what I wish MLT would do.

[Winchester Red]

I see a bit of Matt, not a friend as such, but we have friends in common so we end up in the same place at the same time quite at bit.

 

I like the guy but I really don't get his stance on NC at all. Don't get me wrong, I respect his view (although I don't agree with it), but I don't get why he keeps trying to hammer the same nail into the same coffin. I've discussed it with him several times and it always come back to the same old stuff.

 

He doesn't seem to want to let go and yet his justification for going on about it is that he doesn't want people to blame him later when the world works out what a 'not very nice person' NC is. When I argue that everyone is aware of his views already and he's making himself unpopular and and not helping the club / fans, it just falls on deaf ears.

 

I'm starting to think it's just an opportunity to keep himself in the media spotlight. All quite sad really.

 

His main income is Sky and I don't expect they're disappointed in him stirring it up a bit more.

[saint_sinner]

next stop celebrity big brother or dancing on ice!

[Turkish]

I see a bit of Matt, not a friend as such, but we have friends in common so we end up in the same place at the same time quite at bit.

 

I like the guy but I really don't get his stance on NC at all. Don't get me wrong, I respect his view (although I don't agree with it), but I don't get why he keeps trying to hammer the same nail into the same coffin. I've discussed it with him several times and it always come back to the same old stuff.

 

He doesn't seem to want to let go and yet his justification for going on about it is that he doesn't want people to blame him later when the world works out what a 'not very nice person' NC is. When I argue that everyone is aware of his views already and he's making himself unpopular and and not helping the club / fans, it just falls on deaf ears.

 

I'm starting to think it's just an opportunity to keep himself in the media spotlight. All quite sad really.

 

His main income is Sky and I don't expect they're disappointed in him stirring it up a bit more.

 

Eh? He's already in the meida spotlight due to his work on sky. Of course he's going to be asked for his view on events at the club, he's a media pundit and our greatest ever player!!!

 

MLT is entitled to his view more than anyone given the service he gave to the club. And whilst he has made it clear he doesn't like Cortese he is also on record as saying he wont lift the lid fully as it's not in the best interests of the club.

 

I find it really odd how some of our fans and i can only assume its ones that didn't know him as a player, as slagging him off.

[Turkish]

i still find it hilarious that MLT calls it a #laughingstock when he fronted a consortium bid with no money to buy the club and become chairman?

When it comes to egos, there's only one soapbox with a megaphone I can hear!

 

He was taken in by them, cant blame him for that. I remember plenty of people on here were as well. Ultimately he was willing to do something for the club and had the clubs interest at heart, even if he did back the wrong horse. I am truely amazed so called Saints fans are slagging off our greatest ever player and supporting the chairmans treatment of him. It's wierd. Can you imagine the uproar if the glaziers treated Bobby Charlton like it? Yet Saints fans slag him off such is their desperation to back their hero and get a sniff of the champions league. Seriously wierd.

[trousers]

I thought this at first, but now I think even this was an NC masterstroke.

 

By letting MP take the conference himself, the target of ire was not present, combined with the language issue (I actually think MP can speeeeka da Eeenglish better than he let on) meant that his first conference was totally defused of confrontation and aggression.

 

 

That's twice I've agreed with you over the last few days

[Frank's cousin]

Eh? He's already in the meida spotlight due to his work on sky. Of course he's going to be asked for his view on events at the club, he's a media pundit and our greatest ever player!!!

 

MLT is entitled to his view more than anyone given the service he gave to the club. And whilst he has made it clear he doesn't like Cortese he is also on record as saying he wont lift the lid fully as it's not in the best interests of the club.

 

I find it really odd how some of our fans and i can only assume its ones that didn't know him as a player, as slagging him off.

 

So in your eyes he should be entitled to say an do whatever he wants because of his past? Where does it stop? What would Matty need to say or do, before you yourself would be critical of him?

[aintforever]

I have also spoken albeit briefly with Matt - who hasn't - and yes he was down to earth and decent - and to be fair to him, I dont hold it against him that he was at least willing to front the pinnacle bid as he saw it as one way to do something when we were at our lowest ebb - and DESERVES credit for that rather than scorn. However, it was surprizing that he did not at least do SOME due diligence as to the validity of the bid and teh characters behind it - think the nutjobs on here discovered MFs background in 5 minutes, so I am not talking full scale DD. That seems naive at best and potentially damaging at worst, as I am sure his figurehead status to taht bid would have lent credibilty to it in Crouch's eys who stumped up the £500k for exclusivity, as well as in the eyes of the administrator.

 

I dont belive it really had any impact on the Liebherr bid - the swiss rumour was there from the start and they had the patience to do things right and in confidence - other than perhaps pish them off.

 

But Pinnacle would not have needed 'Exclusivity' if they did not know about the Swiss bid and its should have been clear as day that in comparison the swiss bid was by the better for the club - Matt could and perhaps should in hindsight persuded those involved with Pinnacle that the Swiss bid was the way to go as a result - who knows NC and MLT could then have been friends...

 

I'm pretty sure Crouch wouldn't have stumped up 500k of his own cash to pay the wages if he knew there was a billionaire wanting to buy the club.

[trousers]

I see a bit of Matt, not a friend as such, but we have friends in common so we end up in the same place at the same time quite at bit.

 

I like the guy but I really don't get his stance on NC at all. Don't get me wrong, I respect his view (although I don't agree with it), but I don't get why he keeps trying to hammer the same nail into the same coffin. I've discussed it with him several times and it always come back to the same old stuff.

 

He doesn't seem to want to let go and yet his justification for going on about it is that he doesn't want people to blame him later when the world works out what a 'not very nice person' NC is. When I argue that everyone is aware of his views already and he's making himself unpopular and and not helping the club / fans, it just falls on deaf ears.

 

I'm starting to think it's just an opportunity to keep himself in the media spotlight. All quite sad really.

 

His main income is Sky and I don't expect they're disappointed in him stirring it up a bit more.

 

That last sentence is probably closest to the truth. It wouldn't surprise me if his employers are 'exerting some influence' on what he says about Cortese. I'm sure the Sky Sports News viewing figures go up a tad the day after one of the panel makes a controversial comment to the media. TalkSport operate in the same way.

 

(Of course, the above could be utter nonsense so ignore or explode into a rage as anyone sees fit)

Edited 21 January, 2013 by trousers

[Window Cleaner]

I'm pretty sure Crouch wouldn't have stumped up 500k of his own cash to pay the wages if he knew there was a billionaire wanting to buy the club.

 

I don't think Liebherr was a billionaire at all, perhaps in Swiss francs. Rich man but the wealth attributed to him was probably overstated ten fold. The figure that is often attributed to him refers to the whole Liebherr family from which he seemed to be a bit estranged .

 

All of his businesses have fallen under the spell of Cortese and a lawyer liquidator from Zurich. That wouldn't happen if billions were involved.

Edited 21 January, 2013 by Window Cleaner

[Frank's cousin]

He was taken in by them, cant blame him for that. I remember plenty of people on here were as well. Ultimately he was willing to do something for the club and had the clubs interest at heart, even if he did back the wrong horse. I am truely amazed so called Saints fans are slagging off our greatest ever player and supporting the chairmans treatment of him. It's wierd. Can you imagine the uproar if the glaziers treated Bobby Charlton like it? Yet Saints fans slag him off such is their desperation to back their hero and get a sniff of the champions league. Seriously wierd.

 

First up Bobby Charlton is on the MU board and had been long before the Glaziers came in - and to my knowledge he has not slagged the Glaziers in public, whatever his personal thoughts may be. In additional Matt took a media role not associated with club so he has a platform to express his opinion, and as such he is also judged in that MEDIA role as to whether his public comments are based on personnal or professional opinion, both or sour grapes - as we tend to do with most journos and pundits who express a view - and we have the right to reply and disagree - so a slightly different scenario to BC at Manchester.

 

See above, I am more than happy to applaud Matt for doing something, anything when he thought it would help - but still feel he was naive in not at least trying to find out what he was heading up. Especially as Crouch then agreed to stump up and lose £500k...

 

... this has NOTHING to do with your asseertation 'such is their desperation to back their hero and get a sniff of the champions league' which is BS anyway, and completely irrelevent to discussing whether Matt is overstepping the mark as a media figure - he is not being criticised as a footballer or a 'saints hero' but as a media pundit.

[Lord Duckhunter]

I am truely amazed so called Saints fans are slagging off our greatest ever player and supporting the chairmans treatment of him. It's wierd. Can you imagine the uproar if the glaziers treated Bobby Charlton like it? Yet Saints fans slag him off such is their desperation to back their hero and get a sniff of the champions league. Seriously wierd.

 

What's weird about it?

 

Are ex players allowed to go round saying what they want without forum members commenting on it?

 

How good a player do you need to be for your views to be unchangeable. What about Terry Paine, was he good enough or are we allowed to challenge his views.

 

Do we have to agree with great players, simply because they were good at kicking a football around.Remember we are not talking about playing football for a club, but running a club. If Paul McCartney paints a shiete picture, do critics say he's a great songwriter therefore we cant slag his painting off.

 

Matt is as qualified to run our football club as Nicola is qualified to play up front tonight. Therefore if he wants to comment on the running of the club, why is it weird to disagree with what he said on the basis of his playing career.