Lowe and Porto fallout ??

[Weston Saint]

The post-match press conference was interesting yesterday.

 

Without prompting, and in answer to a question, Jan said how important Surman and Lallana are to the team, how the team is better with them, how he wants to build a team for the future around them, and how he would not want to lose them.

 

Jan was then asked how he felt about the financial situation leaving him facing the prospect of losing them in January.

 

At which point, the accompanying SFC press toady jumped in, and said: "He's not answering that, questions about the financial situation have been fully dealt with elsewhere, if you want information on that, it has all been explained on the club website."

 

The journo stood his ground, and said: "I asked Jan the question of how he felt about possibly losing players, if he chooses not to answer the question, fine, but I want to know whether he will answer the question."

 

It apparently threatened to blow up, at which point Jan gestured to the press flunky to chill, asked the journo: "Sorry, I forgot what the question was, can you repeat it."

 

He did, and Jan answered it, much to the annoyance of the press guy.

 

It was patently obvious to everyone there, that the press guy had been given orders to babysit Jan, and make sure he didn't say anything out of turn when asked potentially awkward questions. It's one of Rupert's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

In fairness to JP, he doesn't dodge questions, but no doubt this was all reported back.

 

The press guy will probably get it in the neck for failing to do his job and prevent Jan from answering questions, and it appears that Jan will not be gagged when it comes to answering.

 

It's as sure a collision course as the Titanic and a big lump of ice.

 

I think I have worked out who this poster is and I respect his comments. He shares the initials of one we often discuss I assume you were not there but have received good reports on this.

 

As a man who understands the media, is it not normal for a press officer to be on hand to make sure a coach/manager keeps within his remit? Why should he comment on financial matters? Would welcome your further comments on this

[manji]

Manky is one of Rupert Lowes original rat pack, don't expect anything different.

Attacked by Stanley and Longshot.I must be doing something right.

[Weston Super Saint]

I think I have worked out who this poster is and I respect his comments. He shares the initials of one we often discuss I assume you were not there but have received good reports on this.

 

As a man who understands the media, is it not normal for a press officer to be on hand to make sure a coach/manager keeps within his remit? Why should he comment on financial matters? Would welcome your further comments on this

 

I think that's the point though isn't it?

 

The Journalist wasn't asking JP to comment on financial matters, merely the implication of those financial matters on the playing side...

[ALWAYS_SFC]

If I'm ever on trial, I sincerely hope you're not on the jury.

 

I made my opinion up about the man long,long ago and have`nt been

offered any credible reason to change it.

 

More and more things come to light about Mr Lowe`s controlling

actions...no smoke without fire...

Edited 7 December, 2008 by ALWAYS_SFC

[FloridaMarlin]

I think I have worked out who this poster is and I respect his comments. He shares the initials of one we often discuss I assume you were not there but have received good reports on this.

 

As a man who understands the media, is it not normal for a press officer to be on hand to make sure a coach/manager keeps within his remit? Why should he comment on financial matters? Would welcome your further comments on this

 

You're quite right, it's very, very rare for a manager not to be accompanied by a press officer, and I don't think I said it wasn't.

 

Their presence is for one reason only, to try and ensure the manager is not asked any potentially embarassing or contentious questions.

 

It's all part of the policy that football has of trying to control the media agenda, and Saints are by no means the only ones to embrace it.

 

Every reporter attending a game in the Prem or FL has to be licenced (by a company set up by the PL and FL), with the obvious inference that if he makes himself too much of a nuisance to a particular club, they can apply to have his licence revoked, thereby threatening his livelihood.

 

But for the Saints press officer to jump in in the manner he did yesterday, tells that he had been given a brief beforehand as to what lines of questioning were not to be allowed to be pursued.

 

That is also not unusual, but does also smack of fear and paranoia.

 

What made yesterday's press conference unusual and enlightening was the fact that the reporter, unlike most other pliant journos when fronted up in such circumstances, stood up to him, and asked if he was denying Jan the opportunity to answer the question.

 

The second, and probably most important aspect from the viewpoint of this thread (in case you had forgotten) was that Jan effectively told the press officer to keep his nose out and proceded to answer the question.

 

That tells me that while Jan might have been aware that certain lines of questioning were considered off limits from the club's official viewpoint (and we know who decides and dictates that!) that he is prepared to go against that and speak his mind.

 

And no, I was not there, but I do get my info first-hand and pretty quickly (there's this thing they have these days called 'the internet') from numerous old buddies in the media, including several who were at the press conference.

 

As to who I am, I'm not sure myself sometimes.

[Saint 76er]

Everyone who cares about Saints and uses this forum should read this post and then read it again. It will tell you everything about where we are as a club and who we have running it.

Thank you Florida Marlin - in one post you have summed up life at SMS under Rupert Lowe.

 

If Jan P has suddenly developed "a pair of cojones" then January could well be interesting as Rupert does not suffer being stood up to.

 

Well LS, I have read the post and it just seems IMO a summation of Lowe's vengeful, dictatorial and failed regime. For what was once such a happy club the dark clouds over St Marys under Lowe have been almost palpable. Unfortunately under any showdown between Lowe and JP there can be only one winner, which is a shame as JP at least has the positive and respectful attitude that was in previous times expected of those in senior positions at our club.

 

You know I can't help comparing us at present to Burnley, which is a relatively small town surrounded by big clubs and they get smaller gates than us and rarely buy anyone expensive but what they are achieving is in stark contrast to life under Lowe for us. So what have they got that we don't... perhaps a chairman who is also a fan and local businessman, who puts in enough cash to pay the bills (but not enough for fancy players) and who can make a very astute managerial decision. Now if only we had someone like that...

 

BTW, a little while ago StanTheMan was telling us that LS was saying to watch this space for possible boardroom changes in early December. Whilst this is only hearsay I notice LS in above post is alluding to Lowe's continued presence in January regarding a potential showdown with JP.

 

As this thread has clearly highlighted the deep despair of so many Saints fans at the continuing Lowe regime and it's perceived negative effect on the club, I wonder LS if you could please post an update as to whether you believe we should still be watching this space for boardroom action or if that was in fact only a red herring all along? Thanx in advance if you can do this...

[Wade Garrett]

Well LS, I have read the post and it just seems IMO a summation of Lowe's vengeful, dictatorial and failed regime. For what was once such a happy club the dark clouds over St Marys under Lowe have been almost palpable. Unfortunately under any showdown between Lowe and JP there can be only one winner, which is a shame as JP at least has the positive and respectful attitude that was in previous times expected of those in senior positions at our club.

 

You know I can't help comparing us at present to Burnley, which is a relatively small town surrounded by big clubs and they get smaller gates than us and rarely buy anyone expensive but what they are achieving is in stark contrast to life under Lowe for us. So what have they got that we don't... perhaps a chairman who is also a fan and local businessman, who puts in enough cash to pay the bills (but not enough for fancy players) and who can make a very astute managerial decision. Now if only we had someone like that...

 

BTW, a little while ago StanTheMan was telling us that LS was saying to watch this space for possible boardroom changes in early December. Whilst this is only hearsay I notice LS in above post is alluding to Lowe's continued presence in January regarding a potential showdown with JP.

 

As this thread has clearly highlighted the deep despair of so many Saints fans at the continuing Lowe regime and it's perceived negative effect on the club, I wonder LS if you could please post an update as to whether you believe we should still be watching this space for boardroom action or if that was in fact only a red herring all along? Thanx in advance if you can do this...

 

Don't hold your breath for any boardroom changes.

 

Good post though.

[Frank's cousin]

I think that's the point though isn't it?

 

The Journalist wasn't asking JP to comment on financial matters, merely the implication of those financial matters on the playing side...

 

Very true, but, the JOurno shhould have been cleverer and posed the question without referring to the finances - which ARE a sensitive issue - I am glad JP answered honestly and have no problem with there being a 'battle of wills' potentially playing out - strong characters(with mutual respect) is what is needed during tough times - afterall what do you expect JP to say? 'no prblem, the prospect of losing my best players fills me with joy'?

 

Remember WGS and LOwe did not always see eye to eye, but as long as the respect is there for WHY certain decisions are taken, even if its not one you would like, then there is no problem...

 

the irony of seeing the JP, whose initial appointmnet was not welcomed by some now being 'supported' because he might also be having a dig at lowe is pretty sad really...

[Wade Garrett]

Very true, but, the JOurno shhould have been cleverer and posed the question without referring to the finances - which ARE a sensitive issue - I am glad JP answered honestly and have no problem with there being a 'battle of wills' potentially playing out - strong characters(with mutual respect) is what is needed during tough times - afterall what do you expect JP to say? 'no prblem, the prospect of losing my best players fills me with joy'?

 

Remember WGS and LOwe did not always see eye to eye, but as long as the respect is there for WHY certain decisions are taken, even if its not one you would like, then there is no problem...

 

the irony of seeing the JP, whose initial appointmnet was not welcomed by some now being 'supported' because he might also be having a dig at lowe is pretty sad really...

 

 

The point of it all though Frank, is that Lowe is going back on things he said to JP. How can there be respect if this is so?

 

Your last paragraph is a bit daft.

[CB Fry]

It was patently obvious to everyone there, that the press guy had been given orders to babysit Jan, and make sure he didn't say anything out of turn when asked potentially awkward questions. It's one of Rupert's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

 

Golly gosh, how awfully evil.

 

It's one of Alex Ferguson's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Arsene Wenger's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Phil Scolari's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Roy Keane's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of David Beckham's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of David Gold's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Harry Redknapp's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Glenn Hoddle's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Peter Keynon's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Daniel Levy's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of SISU's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Lawrie McMenemy's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Paul Ince's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of John Majeski's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

[Mole]

What made yesterday's press conference unusual and enlightening was the fact that the reporter, unlike most other pliant journos when fronted up in such circumstances, stood up to him, and asked if he was denying Jan the opportunity to answer the question.

 

The second, and probably most important aspect from the viewpoint of this thread (in case you had forgotten) was that Jan effectively told the press officer to keep his nose out and proceded to answer the question.

 

That tells me that while Jan might have been aware that certain lines of questioning were considered off limits from the club's official viewpoint (and we know who decides and dictates that!) that he is prepared to go against that and speak his mind.

 

I think Lowes stalinist approach is for two reasons.

 

1) He has a massive ego and thinks of himself as being bigger than Southampton Football Club so he must take all the limelight.

 

2) He has such a low opinion of everyone bar himself he doesn't think anyone else is capable of speaking and if he does allow it he'd only do so under controlled circumstances. I think this is why we hear so little from Wilde and to be fair i don't blame Lowe for keeping Wilde on a short leash.

 

IMO Lowe would love to be a politician and to him SFC is his empire.

Edited 8 December, 2008 by Mole

[OldNick]

I think Lowes stalinist approach is for two reasons.

 

1) He has a massive ego and thinks of himself as being bigger than Southampton Football Club so he must take all the limelight.

 

2) He has such a low opinion of everyone bar himself he doesn't think anyone else is capable of speaking and if he does allow it he'd only do so under controlled circumstances. I think this is why we hear so little from Wilde and to be fair i don't blame Lowe for keeping Wilde on a short leash.

 

IMO Lowe would love to be a politician and to him SFC is his empire.

It is good that Jan will speak honestly and openly. As for being cute and commercially savvy that is a different thing. The chairman /club have a rseponsibility to to everyone from shareholders to the fans to make sure a statement by one of its employees does not cost us as a club/business as in make it look as though we need money and so that in turnmakes our bargaining position weaker.

That is why i believe that financial questions were off limit.Not everyoe understands the politics of these things and also where Jan speaks his mind would suggest to me he is not RL's lapdog like some like to make out.

[Mole]

Jan speaks his mind would suggest to me he is not RL's lapdog like some like to make out.

 

Would you say the same of Michael Wilde?

[OldNick]

Would you say the same of Michael Wilde?

I dont know because Im not behind the scenes and seeing what is really going on.

I thought you had gone to sunny climbs

[Mole]

I dont know because Im not behind the scenes and seeing what is really going on.

I thought you had gone to sunny climbs

 

Tomorrow wooohooo!

[OldNick]

Tomorrow wooohooo!

I hope its from Stanstead

[Mole]

I hope its from Stanstead

 

No.

[Weston Saint]

You're quite right, it's very, very rare for a manager not to be accompanied by a press officer, and I don't think I said it wasn't.

 

Their presence is for one reason only, to try and ensure the manager is not asked any potentially embarassing or contentious questions.

 

It's all part of the policy that football has of trying to control the media agenda, and Saints are by no means the only ones to embrace it.

 

Every reporter attending a game in the Prem or FL has to be licenced (by a company set up by the PL and FL), with the obvious inference that if he makes himself too much of a nuisance to a particular club, they can apply to have his licence revoked, thereby threatening his livelihood.

 

But for the Saints press officer to jump in in the manner he did yesterday, tells that he had been given a brief beforehand as to what lines of questioning were not to be allowed to be pursued.

 

That is also not unusual, but does also smack of fear and paranoia.

 

What made yesterday's press conference unusual and enlightening was the fact that the reporter, unlike most other pliant journos when fronted up in such circumstances, stood up to him, and asked if he was denying Jan the opportunity to answer the question.

 

The second, and probably most important aspect from the viewpoint of this thread (in case you had forgotten) was that Jan effectively told the press officer to keep his nose out and proceded to answer the question.

 

That tells me that while Jan might have been aware that certain lines of questioning were considered off limits from the club's official viewpoint (and we know who decides and dictates that!) that he is prepared to go against that and speak his mind.

 

And no, I was not there, but I do get my info first-hand and pretty quickly (there's this thing they have these days called 'the internet') from numerous old buddies in the media, including several who were at the press conference.

 

As to who I am, I'm not sure myself sometimes.

 

Thanks for the reply FloridaMarlin, I see your point.

[The Rover]

So does anyone know how Jan actually answered the question on finances and keeping players?

 

I certainly don't share Weston's optimism about keeping Surman and Lallana. If you heard the Solent interview with Lowe he clearly avoided a direct answer to the question of keeping the pair.

 

He very definitely didn't say they would be staying which would have been the easy reply if true.

 

My opinion is that we're in such financial sh*t, particularly with our ongoing lower than projected attendances, that the bank will force us to sell anyone who we receive half decent offers for, even if it does greatly increase the likelihood of relegation.

[Long Shot]

Golly gosh, how awfully evil.

 

It's one of Alex Ferguson's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Arsene Wenger's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Phil Scolari's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Roy Keane's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of David Beckham's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of David Gold's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Harry Redknapp's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Glenn Hoddle's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Peter Keynon's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Daniel Levy's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of SISU's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Lawrie McMenemy's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Paul Ince's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of John Majeski's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

 

 

As a matter of interest do you happen to know whether when these chaps were in charge they had a photograph of a train in their board room?

[slickmick]

I hope its from Stanstead

 

 

I hope it one way.

[carljack]

Golly gosh, how awfully evil.

 

It's one of Alex Ferguson's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Arsene Wenger's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Phil Scolari's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Roy Keane's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of David Beckham's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of David Gold's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Harry Redknapp's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Glenn Hoddle's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Peter Keynon's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Daniel Levy's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of SISU's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Lawrie McMenemy's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Paul Ince's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of John Majeski's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

 

You must be on Acid if you think Rupert Lowe should be mentioned in the same breath as the people on the above list FFS.

[Long Shot]

Well LS, I have read the post and it just seems IMO a summation of Lowe's vengeful, dictatorial and failed regime. For what was once such a happy club the dark clouds over St Marys under Lowe have been almost palpable. Unfortunately under any showdown between Lowe and JP there can be only one winner, which is a shame as JP at least has the positive and respectful attitude that was in previous times expected of those in senior positions at our club.

 

You know I can't help comparing us at present to Burnley, which is a relatively small town surrounded by big clubs and they get smaller gates than us and rarely buy anyone expensive but what they are achieving is in stark contrast to life under Lowe for us. So what have they got that we don't... perhaps a chairman who is also a fan and local businessman, who puts in enough cash to pay the bills (but not enough for fancy players) and who can make a very astute managerial decision. Now if only we had someone like that...

 

BTW, a little while ago StanTheMan was telling us that LS was saying to watch this space for possible boardroom changes in early December. Whilst this is only hearsay I notice LS in above post is alluding to Lowe's continued presence in January regarding a potential showdown with JP.

 

As this thread has clearly highlighted the deep despair of so many Saints fans at the continuing Lowe regime and it's perceived negative effect on the club, I wonder LS if you could please post an update as to whether you believe we should still be watching this space for boardroom action or if that was in fact only a red herring all along? Thanx in advance if you can do this...

 

 

"Stanthe man" or whatever his name is was being a little too looselipped. However at the time I did tell him there were moves afoot to try and buy M Wilde's shares in time to use them at the AGM but those moves foundered and to the best of my knowledge that will mean Lowe, Cowen etc etc's stewardship will be confirmed on the 23rd December. Considering Wilde is prepared to let his shares go for around £1.6m it means anyone with that sort of spare cash can become "kingmaker" in the perennial battle to control the deckchairs on the Titanic but it seems no one wants to cough up. That means we are stuck with Rupert and Co.

 

I did have high hopes that Salz and friends might be tempted but either Wilde will not sell to them (because they are Crouch friendly) or they do not want to get involved. I know Anthony Salz has had no contact with the powers to be since the season started so I can only assume he is deliberately keeping his head down. I know he has no love for Lowe.

 

Your comparisons with Burnley are spot on. They have had their ups and downs but are now reaping the rewards with what looks like a good young manager - let's hope they manage to keep him.

 

To be fair I have been impressed with the work JP has done with the youngsters and I think he is a straight talking honest sort of guy but even he must realise now we lack the killer instinct so vital to win matches. I also think he is beginning to wake up to what sort of man his employer really is. OK when things are going well and OK when you obey his every word but when you don't - you had better watch out. January will be a very interesting time. If Lowe manages to keep all our players and avoid administration then he will rise in my estimation but I really do think his priorities are not what I, for one, want them to be. His ego and wealth definately come before the club wellbeing imo. For me the pettiness over LM's photo removal somes it all up - I mean if he didn't want to look at his old adversary as he sipped his HT sherry he surely could have got the kit man to run up a pair of curtains.

[up and away]

Originally Posted by up and away

Let's just explain how things work in the real world. If we lose the confidence of the bank, that is the end of the matter an in comes administration.

If we try and keep an expensive striker when it is possible to get his wages off the bill the bank will not support us. They will not be considering whether we are relegated, they will see a club out of control with little regard for controlling costs. So if we insist on keeping that striker the bank puts us into administration before he has a chance of kicking a ball, let alone scoring. Do you really think that would help?

 

Any other plc would have been placed into administration ages ago. I don't know what it is with the reluctance of banks to pull the plug on football clubs, but in nigh on any other industry it would be academic now.

Not true.

 

Norwich Union, the major secured creditor are still being paid what they are owed. No point them trying to wind us up.

 

Barclays - are they even a secured creditor? Even if they are they will have a subordinated priority position. No point them demanding repayment of the overdraft.

 

The most likely people to place the club into administration are not the banks, they are the directors.

 

It will be the one simple act from the bank of failing to honour our cheques which will instigate administration. Once we lose the support of the bank, that’s it unless you can find someone else to allow us to keep trading.

What was acceptable at the beginning of the season has been seriously eroded by worsening economic factors, both nationally and as an individual business. We have a very tenuous link of faith with the bank for their continued support, because of these worsening financials. Should the bank not be happy with the direction we are taking or actually go against their advice, I doubt anymore would be required.

The worse things get, it can just take the smallest of actions to lose the confidence of the bank. They have to be given the belief that by sticking with the club, they can recuperate more of the debt than by taking the action that places us in administration.

I imagine the bank will be looking at the January window and see where we are after that ends, or unless someone has / or is prepared to underwrite losses

[FloridaMarlin]

Golly gosh, how awfully evil.

 

It's one of Alex Ferguson's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Arsene Wenger's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Phil Scolari's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Roy Keane's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of David Beckham's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of David Gold's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Harry Redknapp's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Glenn Hoddle's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Peter Keynon's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Daniel Levy's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of SISU's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Lawrie McMenemy's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of Paul Ince's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

It's one of John Majeski's oldest devices, to try and control the media agenda.

 

 

In the word of Professor Henry Higgins (so memorably played by Rex Harrison) in My Fair Lady: "I think he's got it, by George, he's got it!"

 

It's very early, but I don't recollect saying Lowe was the only person in football who tries to control the media.

 

Of course he's not alone, but it doesn't disguise the fact that he does it, which is what concerns me as far as our club goes.

 

I think the point I'm trying to make, which is why perhaps some people are finding it difficult to take in, is that Saturday's presser was out of the ordinary because Jan decided to reject the press officer's advice and answer the question.

 

Most managers are happy to use a press officer's intervention as a device to get them out of a tight spot. When the press officer butts in, the manager will shrug his shoulders and theatrically raise his eyebrows as if to say: "Sorry, what can I do? I was ready to answer the question, but I've been stopped."

 

The thread set out to ask whether there was a falling out between the chairman and his head coach.

 

All I've tried to do is indicate that if Saturday's press conference was any yardstick, their relationship may not be so lovey-dovey as Peter Andre and Jordan.

[The Rover]

So did Porto actually say anything worth hearing or is this all a mountain out of a molehill?

[saintwarwick]

So did Porto actually say anything worth hearing or is this all a mountain out of a molehill?

 

It was a rumour that started out on 606 and that's where it should be left. If something like this had happened it would of made the papers by now but all we have is a rumour from a site where anyone can post. The only poster on this thread to post anything neutral of the normal anti/pro brigade (and anti Lowe is the biggest contributor to this thread) is Weston Saint imo.

[Saint Bones]

 

All I've tried to do is indicate that if Saturday's press conference was any yardstick, their relationship may not be so lovey-dovey as Peter Andre and Jordan.

 

Is this the "Off Mic" press conference ?

[Long Shot]

It was a rumour that started out on 606 and that's where it should be left. If something like this had happened it would of made the papers by now but all we have is a rumour from a site where anyone can post. The only poster on this thread to post anything neutral of the normal anti/pro brigade (and anti Lowe is the biggest contributor to this thread) is Weston Saint imo.

 

 

I think you could put Florida Marlin amid the neutrals. Plus he speaks a lot of sense and is well connected. I would hazard this is quite a big deal in the light of how important it is that the Chairman and a manager see eye to eye.

[Saint 76er]

"Stanthe man" or whatever his name is was being a little too looselipped. However at the time I did tell him there were moves afoot to try and buy M Wilde's shares in time to use them at the AGM but those moves foundered and to the best of my knowledge that will mean Lowe, Cowen etc etc's stewardship will be confirmed on the 23rd December. Considering Wilde is prepared to let his shares go for around £1.6m it means anyone with that sort of spare cash can become "kingmaker" in the perennial battle to control the deckchairs on the Titanic but it seems no one wants to cough up. That means we are stuck with Rupert and Co.

 

I did have high hopes that Salz and friends might be tempted but either Wilde will not sell to them (because they are Crouch friendly) or they do not want to get involved. I know Anthony Salz has had no contact with the powers to be since the season started so I can only assume he is deliberately keeping his head down. I know he has no love for Lowe.

 

Your comparisons with Burnley are spot on. They have had their ups and downs but are now reaping the rewards with what looks like a good young manager - let's hope they manage to keep him.

 

To be fair I have been impressed with the work JP has done with the youngsters and I think he is a straight talking honest sort of guy but even he must realise now we lack the killer instinct so vital to win matches. I also think he is beginning to wake up to what sort of man his employer really is. OK when things are going well and OK when you obey his every word but when you don't - you had better watch out. January will be a very interesting time. If Lowe manages to keep all our players and avoid administration then he will rise in my estimation but I really do think his priorities are not what I, for one, want them to be. His ego and wealth definately come before the club wellbeing imo. For me the pettiness over LM's photo removal somes it all up - I mean if he didn't want to look at his old adversary as he sipped his HT sherry he surely could have got the kit man to run up a pair of curtains.

 

Thanks for this info LS and for clarifying the situation as you see it.

 

I would be disappointed for Lowe and his cabal to get an armchair ride at the AGM. Some opposition would have made things interesting, but no doubt Mr 5% will be telling the world how grateful shareholders have re-elected him to his rightful position in the scheme of things. It really does seem as if he has hijacked the entire club and no one can challenge him without stumping up shedloads of dosh (which Lowe never has) to buy off the weakest link.

 

Still, good luck to Jan though, in any future battle of wills he may have with the dark lord. Funny how from being seen as the very symbol of Lowe's control, Jan may perhaps end up as a cult figure for those opposed to that very situation!

[Weston Saint]

I think you could put Florida Marlin amid the neutrals. Plus he speaks a lot of sense and is well connected. I would hazard this is quite a big deal in the light of how important it is that the Chairman and a manager see eye to eye.

 

Agree about FloridaMarlin.

 

I was saying that the 606 piece was not backed up with any evidence I was aware of. FM has kindly indicated that there was evidence of some kind. It does not indicate a rift as such but that JP in not taking all this without comment and making it clear what he, as coach, expects as far as future playing staff is concerned.