A season that held so much promise...

[bender]

At the start we were tipped for a top half finish and that what we'll get. What else did anyone expect?

 

It' the cup exits that have ruined it for me. I'm watching Hull v Brighton right now. We are far better than both these teams and should have cruised past Sunderland reserves. Thats the big shame of this season.

[hypochondriac]

If this is anything like the standard of your posts (which is does seem to be) then, quite frankly, good. Whine, whine, whine, just because others have differing opinions. On an internet forum. Where the point is to express your opinion.

 

Not sure what alpine was expecting more from this season, apart from the FA Cup which was IMO an inexcusable display. But top ten is a good, very good showing for a club like us. We're not going to qualify for Champions League. We likely won't qualify for the Europa League either, except with a cup win.

 

I wonder where people genuinely think we can go from here. We're a club that puts a benchmark on finishing 8th, and a supporter base that laps that up, many of whom prioritise that over a cup win.

 

Good post. I think this will be the high point for us, an eighth place in the prem. Depressing.

[Dalek2003]

Good post. I think this will be the high point for us, an eighth place in the prem. Depressing.

 

Depressing ? Are you mad ? A few years ago we were bumping along in League 1. Depressing is supporting the fishy few near the bottom of League 2.

 

I was far more disappointed to lose to Wham and drop to 9th after Newcastle won. I don't want to drop any further down the league and look forward to hopping back above the Geordies if we beat the Pool. I reckon we are going to have a right old tustle with Newcastle. Given a good run we could still finish 7th !!!!!!! Think of it, 7th in the Premier League !!!!!!

If we buy well in the close season we could even cement our place as say, a top team of the second tier in the Premier League ! We can enjoy giving the big clubs the odd bloody nose at the same time !

[James]

This thread is a shining example of why Alpine still posts on here. He posts some absolute rubbish and then gets two pages of posts calling him a troll. If people didn't react he'd just stop posting.

 

As for his original post it is, as others have said, quite frankly ridiculous. We aren't fighting for our lives, we are on course for our best ever finish and have a team that is playing some of the most exciting stuff I've ever seen when watching Saints. Add to that the number of youngsters we have coming through and I think you have to say that this season could prove one of our most significant.

 

Oh and Alps, yes there are two sides to every argument, but don't be surprised that people disagree with you when things you say are inaccurate. Nobody could cogently argue that sitting with 39 points in the top half of the table is 'fighting to keep our head above water in the PL'. Nobody knows what will happen in the future, but your post is written in the present and we are not fighting for survival at the moment. I don't know what will happen next season but neither do you and I personally feel more positive than negative.

[CB Fry]

Good post. I think this will be the high point for us, an eighth place in the prem. Depressing.

 

I'm okay with it, Hypo. Eighth is lovely for me - there is no next level for us from here, unless we have some kind of miracle season, which I can't see happening.

 

Newcastle did it a couple of seasons back, but even they are a significantly bigger club than we are anyway and couldn't maintain it in the following season. Burley's Ipswich or Sam Allardyce with Bolton are the only other comparable recent examples, but still have to go back a decade or more. Big Sam getting Bolton to 7th (twice), 8th and 6th in four concecutive seasons now seems utterly impossible for any club outside the current top six to achieve these days.

 

Eighth to fourteenth in any given Prem season sounds just dandy for me for the next few years, and I think folk on here are too quick to underestimate what an achievement that would be. The only thing we should be finding space for is a few decent runs in the cups, of course...but I think we all know where we all stand on that now.

[austsaint]

I'm okay with it, Hypo. Eighth is lovely for me - there is no next level for us from here, unless we have some kind of miracle season, which I can't see happening.

 

Newcastle did it a couple of seasons back, but even they are a significantly bigger club than we are anyway and couldn't maintain it in the following season. Burley's Ipswich or Sam Allardyce with Bolton are the only other comparable recent examples, but still have to go back a decade or more. Big Sam getting Bolton to 7th (twice), 8th and 6th in four concecutive seasons now seems utterly impossible for any club outside the current top six to achieve these days.

 

Eighth to fourteenth in any given Prem season sounds just dandy for me for the next few years, and I think folk on here are too quick to underestimate what an achievement that would be. The only thing we should be finding space for is a few decent runs in the cups, of course...but I think we all know where we all stand on that now.

 

You have nailed it for me CB. Watching SFC play good Football and finishing somewhere between 8th and 14th for the forseable future sounds just fine - preferably with a stable ownership, board and manager/coaching staff.

[Shroppie]

Seasons are always more exciting when we start slowly then improve. I remover the good feeling when we rose to 15th last year.

 

We had such a good early season it's taken the pressure off but I agree makes things seem a bit flat.

 

I really hope we can kick on again for a strong finish as end of season form often carries through to the next season.

 

But I'm happily enjoying a stress-free end of season for the first time in years.

[Turkish]

People won't think 8th is as big an achievement as it was because so, so many were sucked into the champions league ambitions and shoot for the moon talk. Those of us who were more realistic, realised what a massive task it was and we weren't on an unstoppable march to the champions league which started in L1 were called negative trolls at the time. Those that took a more sensible approach were sneered at, what is wrong with dreaming? we were told. Those who pointed out the folly of us not taking the cups seriously as this was our only realistic chance of glory were told we were wrong and any injuries and fatigue from these pointless games would impact on our champions league hopes. Some of us are just fine with a finish around 8-10th, the ones who aren't are the ones who were dreaming of champions league or nothing and worshiping at the temple of a chairman, because he told them what they wanted to hear.

[hypochondriac]

I'm okay with it, Hypo. Eighth is lovely for me - there is no next level for us from here, unless we have some kind of miracle season, which I can't see happening.

 

Newcastle did it a couple of seasons back, but even they are a significantly bigger club than we are anyway and couldn't maintain it in the following season. Burley's Ipswich or Sam Allardyce with Bolton are the only other comparable recent examples, but still have to go back a decade or more. Big Sam getting Bolton to 7th (twice), 8th and 6th in four concecutive seasons now seems utterly impossible for any club outside the current top six to achieve these days.

 

Eighth to fourteenth in any given Prem season sounds just dandy for me for the next few years, and I think folk on here are too quick to underestimate what an achievement that would be. The only thing we should be finding space for is a few decent runs in the cups, of course...but I think we all know where we all stand on that now.

I see your point, I just think what's the point if eighth is all we can aspire to. I fully expect a season of struggle next year and that's quite depressing. If I thought we would have a go at the cups then at least that would be something.

[Cascadia Saint]

First world problems.

 

Boo hoo, My team that was 2nd and 4th is now 9th! Barely holding our heads above er, 10th...

 

This is what I was taking about when I relentlessly slagged off our team through 3 years of match threads (when I magically appeared after the first goal was let in, I slept in for victories) in League one and then the Championship. We were useless then and my lord we are useless now. The season is well and truly thrown away.

 

It's not fair! I deserve a team that finishes at least 4th, that's why I support Southampton, oh wait, hang on a minute... etc, etc, misery, idiotry, and more misery.

 

I was expecting no less than... er... anyone? Can anyone tell me exactly what it is that I actually WANT?

 

At least now the season is over, thrown away no less, I can take my leave of this forum and work on my tan, or my hernia. I'm out of here.

 

Tragic.

[david in sweden]

That is the Southampton I am proud of. Fighting against all odds and achieving a run of 27 years in the top flight. Give me that over a few cup runs anytime. As for breaking into the top 6, I never believed we would. Always happy to just dine at the top table. We are having a great season, but if we finish 17th next it will still be a good season.

Well said Dalek.

.....a lot of people on here expect us to be pushing Chelsea and Citeh....even Arsenal as title contenders and are disappointed ..(dare I say appauled)...at the thought that we are only 9th....

if they have any memory...or even some perspective..they'd see that they didn't achieve overnight success...and some of them had to fight a few seasons to even get in the frame, yet alone win something.

 

The only trophy Arsenal have won in the last 9 years is probably the Marcus Liebherr Cup.

 

Looking back a year or two (oh I know-shut up) I'm quite surprised that we are where we are, but thankful that we're not facing the relegation struggle that newly-promoted sides face in the first season or two.

 

Improvement to be made - OF COURSE !....... but it'll take a season or two more before our promising Academy products become the world class stars that everyone seems to be predicting.

Edited 25 February, 2014 by david in sweden

[leithsaint]

http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/2/24/5441832/premier-league-race-for-eighth-southampton-newcastle

 

season not over yet!

[hypochondriac]

Well said Dalek.

.....a lot of people on here expect us to be pushing Chelsea and Citeh....even Arsenal as title contenders and are disappointed ..(dare I say appauled)...at the thought that we are only 9th....

if they have any memory...or even some perspective..they'd see that they didn't achieve overnight success...and some of them had to fight a few seasons to even get in the frame, yet alone win something.

 

The only trophy Arsenal have won in the last 9 years is probably the Marcus Liebherr Cup.

 

Looking back a year or two (oh I know-shut up) I'm quite surprised that we are where we are, but thankful that we're not facing the relegation struggle that newly-promoted sides face in the first season or two.

 

Improvement to be made - OF COURSE !....... but it'll take a season or two more before our promising Academy products become the world class stars that everyone seems to be predicting.

 

I'm quite content with eighth. I'm depressed at the likelihood that this will be as high as we can climb and thus a season like this will most likely be the best we do for a good few years.

[Barry Sanchez]

We will never go higher then 8th/9th the glass ceiling has been reached, we need to spend more money to progress.

[Saint_Tony]

We will never go higher then 8th/9th the glass ceiling has been reached, we need to spend more money to progress.

 

That pretty much sums it up. For me, this season promised an improvement on the last with the potential to finish 9th or 10th. It's starting to fade out though, we simply overperformed in the first 10 games. We were never going to keep up that sort of form. Like I have said before, we need at least another 5 players of the same sort of quality of Lovren, which will be difficult, but will cost a lot. It's the only way if we want to even break into the top 6. let's stop kidding ourselves that every young player we give a debut to (JWP, Reed, Gallagher, Isgrove) is good enough for a team competing at the top level, because they're simply not.

[Saint Billy]

I think NC's dream of pushing for Europe within 5 years convinced many that it would actually happen.

 

Unless you have an owner who is prepared to throw an absolute fortune at us it will never happen, which is why the FA cup should be taken more seriously.

 

A cup here and there and mid table prem survival is ok with me realistically.

[hypochondriac]

I think NC's dream of pushing for Europe within 5 years convinced many that it would actually happen.

 

Unless you have an owner who is prepared to throw an absolute fortune at us it will never happen, which is why the FA cup should be taken more seriously.

 

A cup here and there and mid table prem survival is ok with me realistically.

 

 

And me. Except if we don't give a toss about the cups there is little points.

[david in sweden]

I think NC's dream of pushing for Europe within 5 years convinced many that it would actually happen.

 

Unless you have an owner who is prepared to throw an absolute fortune at us it will never happen, which is why the FA cup should be taken more seriously.

 

A cup here and there and mid table prem survival is ok with me realistically.

 

 

 

I'm not arguing your point here, Saints Billy.......but I thought it was ....get to the Prem. in 5 years.?...or am I wrong ?

 

...if he re-newed the challenge to...Champions League in 5 years, maybe I missed that, but looking back 5 years...I'm amazed at where we were then ....but looking forward 5 years is equally difficult.

 

Can we EVER become that good ?.....However, for the time being ..(and despite those periodically disappointing results)..every time I look at the Prem.table.. I marvel that we survived the first season.

 

But, many of our performances seem to indicate that we are on the right track and are " a bit better " than the average Prem. side in the bottom half who are all struggling for survival, but in some respects

 

getting into the top 4 will be a lot harder than getting out of L1 was.....and we'll need a squad of 25 (with similar qualities) that won't raise a groan from fans when someone needs to be subbed / replaced.

 

That'll be toughest challenge of all.

Edited 25 February, 2014 by david in sweden

[SaintBobby]

I guess that one of the problems is "having moved to the next level" (again!), we are now in a sort of safe, but rather boring, no-man's land.

 

We are several steps ahead of those in the relegation scrap, but a very measurable way behind those with serious Champions League aspirations.

 

I'm not persuaded that we will be able to take the next leap forward and become a top 4 or 6 team, but the upside is that we probably have enough in the tank to avoid a major threat of relegation for a fair few years.

 

Not taking the cups at all seriosuly this year still grates though...

[trousers]

I predicted 4th but will be happy with 7th, 8th or 9th.

 

Similarly, I predicted 8th last year but was content with 14th.

 

Just watch where we finish when I predict us to be champions next season....

[Window Cleaner]

I predicted 4th but will be happy with 7th, 8th or 9th.

 

Similarly, I predicted 8th last year but was content with 14th.

 

Just watch where we finish when I predict us to be champions next season....

 

 

We might even do well to finish top half actually, too many players look sh@gged out or half fit. Several just waiting for their summer moves perhaps, deals are already being done for the summer, whether we're doing that yet though I just couldn't say.

Imagine how shame making it will be if West Ham finish above us.

[trousers]

http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/2/24/5441832/premier-league-race-for-eighth-southampton-newcastle

 

season not over yet!

 

 

Very good

[trousers]

We might even do well to finish top half actually, too many players look sh@gged out or half fit. Several just waiting for their summer moves perhaps, deals are already being done for the summer, whether we're doing that yet though I just couldn't say.

Imagine how shame making it will be if West Ham finish above us.

 

True to say that I'd be disappointed if that happened. Not quite sure I'd be ready to join the 'club in meltdown' brigade though, but give it time...

[Window Cleaner]

True to say that I'd be disappointed if that happened. Not quite sure I'd be ready to join the 'club in meltdown' brigade though, but give it time...

 

What meltdown,for me it would just be the shape of things to come. We had offers for 7 of our players in the January window, whether that included those that have now left or not I couldn't say. From the little I've heard at least one of those players wanted the move but the sum was judged insufficient and a new offer (presumably higher) came too late. No idea who that might be but it will certainly come to pass in the summer.,

[Whitey Grandad]

http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/2/24/5441832/premier-league-race-for-eighth-southampton-newcastle

 

season not over yet!

 

Very good, a multi-chuckle read.

[trousers]

What meltdown

 

The one I mentioned with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek....

[Frank's cousin]

I think NC's dream of pushing for Europe within 5 years convinced many that it would actually happen.

 

Unless you have an owner who is prepared to throw an absolute fortune at us it will never happen, which is why the FA cup should be taken more seriously.

 

A cup here and there and mid table prem survival is ok with me realistically.

 

Sorry this is a misconception. NC did not have any 'dreams'. He was about challenging preconceptions, glass ceilings and 'established' views like this that seem to have become folklore- that without money nothing is possible.

 

His desire was NOT to spend bucket loads of KLs cash as some like to believe, but to ask the question of how progress might be possible without doing so - its the aspiration - that what is POSSIBLE is more important than the pessimistic what is 'PROBABLE' - as the communications from the club said, its not 'IF' we can win, but 'HOW'?

 

Too many fans seem to have become 'institutionalised' by the prem mantra that there is only one way to achieving success - I simply liked the fact that NC did not seem to care about the difficulty or low probabilty, but how could we make it possible.

 

As unliklely as it may be (which is continually pointed out by many on here) youth can be an answer - look at what we have achieved so far with many youngsters - trick now is to keep them for a while longer - so we benefit from our investment in their development, not just in Monetary terms, but in playing terms as well... and that is all about quality of environment we create and whether the leadership can convince players and their agents of the sriousness of our ambitions...

[Sour Mash]

Sorry this is a misconception. NC did not have any 'dreams'. He was about challenging preconceptions, glass ceilings and 'established' views like this that seem to have become folklore- that without money nothing is possible.

 

His desire was NOT to spend bucket loads of KLs cash as some like to believe, but to ask the question of how progress might be possible without doing so - its the aspiration - that what is POSSIBLE is more important than the pessimistic what is 'PROBABLE' - as the communications from the club said, its not 'IF' we can win, but 'HOW'?

 

Too many fans seem to have become 'institutionalised' by the prem mantra that there is only one way to achieving success - I simply liked the fact that NC did not seem to care about the difficulty or low probabilty, but how could we make it possible.

 

As unliklely as it may be (which is continually pointed out by many on here) youth can be an answer - look at what we have achieved so far with many youngsters - trick now is to keep them for a while longer - so we benefit from our investment in their development, not just in Monetary terms, but in playing terms as well... and that is all about quality of environment we create and whether the leadership can convince players and their agents of the sriousness of our ambitions...

Which "preconceptions, glass ceilings and 'established' views" did NC challenge? We achieved in-line with most clubs that spend our sort of money and get 30k at home every other week in the Premier League.

[Saint Billy]

Sorry this is a misconception. NC did not have any 'dreams'. He was about challenging preconceptions, glass ceilings and 'established' views like this that seem to have become folklore- that without money nothing is possible.

 

His desire was NOT to spend bucket loads of KLs cash as some like to believe, but to ask the question of how progress might be possible without doing so - its the aspiration - that what is POSSIBLE is more important than the pessimistic what is 'PROBABLE' - as the communications from the club said, its not 'IF' we can win, but 'HOW'?

 

Too many fans seem to have become 'institutionalised' by the prem mantra that there is only one way to achieving success - I simply liked the fact that NC did not seem to care about the difficulty or low probabilty, but how could we make it possible.

 

As unliklely as it may be (which is continually pointed out by many on here) youth can be an answer - look at what we have achieved so far with many youngsters - trick now is to keep them for a while longer - so we benefit from our investment in their development, not just in Monetary terms, but in playing terms as well... and that is all about quality of environment we create and whether the leadership can convince players and their agents of the sriousness of our ambitions...

 

In my opinion, more often than not a football clubs success is proportionate with the amount of money thrown at it ie Man City.

 

There was nothing wrong in NC setting the bar high and his dream, sorry aim, to be mixing it with the best and pushing for a place in Europe was admirable and you would not expect anything less from a hardened and successful business man. But lets be honest, if I opened a chain of grocery stores I would be doing it with the fact that I would have to throw mega millions at it and it would still not even dent Tesco's share.

 

Where saints are now I am fine with, being realistic I could not hope for anything more but I do not blame NC for aiming high.

 

The only thing that has left a sour taste in my mouth is not throwing everything at FA cup and wasting a golden opportunity to enlarge the coffers, raise saints profile and to show those who have not experienced how it feels to win the FA cup.

[david in sweden]

In my opinion, more often than not a football clubs success is proportionate with the amount of money thrown at it ie Man City.

 

True.......

.... and it could depend on how many oils wells and wives you have to support, but I'm sure we could eventually put a decent squad together without spending a fraction of that, particularly if most of them were Academy graduates.

[CB Fry]

Sorry this is a misconception. NC did not have any 'dreams'. He was about challenging preconceptions, glass ceilings and 'established' views like this that seem to have become folklore- that without money nothing is possible.

 

His desire was NOT to spend bucket loads of KLs cash as some like to believe, but to ask the question of how progress might be possible without doing so - its the aspiration - that what is POSSIBLE is more important than the pessimistic what is 'PROBABLE' - as the communications from the club said, its not 'IF' we can win, but 'HOW'?

 

Too many fans seem to have become 'institutionalised' by the prem mantra that there is only one way to achieving success - I simply liked the fact that NC did not seem to care about the difficulty or low probabilty, but how could we make it possible.

 

As unliklely as it may be (which is continually pointed out by many on here) youth can be an answer - look at what we have achieved so far with many youngsters - trick now is to keep them for a while longer - so we benefit from our investment in their development, not just in Monetary terms, but in playing terms as well... and that is all about quality of environment we create and whether the leadership can convince players and their agents of the sriousness of our ambitions...

 

Looks like you've been "institutionalised" by the Cortese "mantra" that we were going to qualify for the Champions League with a team of academy kids.

 

Just to confirm: total number of glass ceilings, preconceptions and established views challenged successfully: zero.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Sorry this is a misconception. NC did not have any 'dreams'. He was about challenging preconceptions, glass ceilings and 'established' views like this that seem to have become folklore- that without money nothing is possible.

 

His desire was NOT to spend bucket loads of KLs cash as some like to believe, but to ask the question of how progress might be possible without doing so - its the aspiration - that what is POSSIBLE is more important than the pessimistic what is 'PROBABLE' - as the communications from the club said, its not 'IF' we can win, but 'HOW'?

 

Too many fans seem to have become 'institutionalised' by the prem mantra that there is only one way to achieving success - I simply liked the fact that NC did not seem to care about the difficulty or low probabilty, but how could we make it possible.

 

As unliklely as it may be (which is continually pointed out by many on here) youth can be an answer - look at what we have achieved so far with many youngsters - trick now is to keep them for a while longer - so we benefit from our investment in their development, not just in Monetary terms, but in playing terms as well... and that is all about quality of environment we create and whether the leadership can convince players and their agents of the sriousness of our ambitions...

 

Thank God...a voice of reason in a sea of utter drivel. May I say, that's one of the best posts I've seen on here in months. Fact is NC was looking ahead - way ahead - to a time when the fair play rules are introduced...when our academy products will be the saviour of the club and the toast of the Prem. Crying about a cup run at this point in the evolution of the club is extremely short-sighted at best, but probably bordering on the pathetic.

[CB Fry]

Thank God...a voice of reason in a sea of utter drivel. May I say, that's one of the best posts I've seen on here in months. Fact is NC was looking ahead - way ahead - to a time when the fair play rules are introduced...when our academy products will be the saviour of the club and the toast of the Prem. Crying about a cup run at this point in the evolution of the club is extremely short-sighted at best, but probably bordering on the pathetic.

 

 

 

Cortese was thinking so "way ahead" he quit halfway through his second season in the top flight? A little "short sighted" to use your words, no?

 

And you accuse others of writing drivel.

[Frank's cousin]

Looks like you've been "institutionalised" by the Cortese "mantra" that we were going to qualify for the Champions League with a team of academy kids.

 

Just to confirm: total number of glass ceilings, preconceptions and established views challenged successfully: zero.

 

I am not going to argue CB, as this is less about right and wrong, but more about philosophy. You can't win with kids... But if they are quality, develop and mature.... And stay then maybe we can achieve something beyond conventional expectation. Is that really so difficult to appreciate, or even consider to be a decent ideal? The key us creating an environment in which they are convinced to stay a few years ...

 

Football HAS changed in the last 25 years and as a result too many have lost that driver of what makes fans tick... The belief in something better, that success is only a matter of time... Something that the modern game with all it's cash has strived to knock out of us. Cortese had many faults from a fans perspective... But he did try to convince that we should focus on what was possible... Not dwell and be dictated to by what was probable... To me at is a great attitude, no matter what conventional wisdom dictates.

 

Football is NOT my life. It's a part of it, but not the most important. So what does it matter to anyone else if the escapism from the day job etc includes aspirations and dreams of success beyond established views? 'Nasty Nic,' may not have brought that, we will now never know, but it was nice to go along with his ideals - ' ask not if, but how' - irrespective of whether you liked the guy or thought he was a complete fruitcake... It's not a bad mantra for life that.

[CB Fry]

I am not going to argue CB, as this is less about right and wrong, but more about philosophy. You can't win with kids... But if they are quality, develop and mature.... And stay then maybe we can achieve something beyond conventional expectation. Is that really so difficult to appreciate, or even consider to be a decent ideal? The key us creating an environment in which they are convinced to stay a few years ...

 

Football HAS changed in the last 25 years and as a result too many have lost that driver of what makes fans tick... The belief in something better, that success is only a matter of time... Something that the modern game with all it's cash has strived to knock out of us. Cortese had many faults from a fans perspective... But he did try to convince that we should focus on what was possible... Not dwell and be dictated to by what was probable... To me at is a great attitude, no matter what conventional wisdom dictates.

 

Football is NOT my life. It's a part of it, but not the most important. So what does it matter to anyone else if the escapism from the day job etc includes aspirations and dreams of success beyond established views? 'Nasty Nic,' may not have brought that, we will now never know, but it was nice to go along with his ideals - ' ask not if, but how' - irrespective of whether you liked the guy or thought he was a complete fruitcake... It's not a bad mantra for life that.

 

The very fact he used the media to ramp up his Champions League hype just when he realised the money was running out (ie just after his summer hissy fit) shows me he is the opposite of what you say.

 

His primary "ideal" seemed to be "spend as much of the dead guys money to pursue a dream".

 

His vision on the academy was and is the right one but frankly not that revolutionary. Middlesborough doing it a decade back and had a European final to show for it. Cortese's revolution has got us no further than Lowes.

 

He didn't waste the money. That's to his credit.

[Saint Billy]

Crying about a cup run at this point in the evolution of the club is extremely short-sighted at best, but probably bordering on the pathetic.

 

How is wanting your club to be successful and put out their best side in a cup game short sighted and pathetic ffs?

 

Do you not think that the evolution of the club would have benefited from perhaps winning the FA cup?

[AussieDog]

How is wanting your club to be successful and put out their best side in a cup game short sighted and pathetic ffs?

 

Do you not think that the evolution of the club would have benefited from perhaps winning the FA cup?

 

Without getting medical certificates as proof, I thought we pretty much did put out our best side?

According to Pochettino, the players who didn't play weren't fit enough for the full 90 minutes.

Just because you didn't like the team he picked doesn't mean he isn't telling the truth. There could be worse things in life - you could support the current League Champions!

The bottom line is we played cr4p and deservedly got beat. Pretty much everyone was ****ed off with the result, but it was 10 days ago now. Move on.

[Kingsbridge Saint]

We haven't picked up a point since we rested players and rolled over in the FA Cup. It allowed the rot to set in.

[Saint Billy]

Without getting medical certificates as proof, I thought we pretty much did put out our best side?

 

Guly ??? I dont think so, so good that he has been told to leave at end of the season, oh and resting our number 1 goalkeeper, do me a favour.

[farawaysaint]

I'm happy with where we are I think the team has achieved what they set out to do.

[Frank's cousin]

The very fact he used the media to ramp up his Champions League hype just when he realised the money was running out (ie just after his summer hissy fit) shows me he is the opposite of what you say.

 

His primary "ideal" seemed to be "spend as much of the dead guys money to pursue a dream".

 

His vision on the academy was and is the right one but frankly not that revolutionary. Middlesborough doing it a decade back and had a European final to show for it. Cortese's revolution has got us no further than Lowes.

 

He didn't waste the money. That's to his credit.

 

Think that is a bit disingenuous given the reported strength of his friendship with Marcus. A more reasonable explanation is that his plans included spending money that Marcus had agreed to on Prem return, that perhaps his daughter was not in agreement with - which is her right to do so.

 

I don't think his strategy was innovative or new - but the difference was he actually seemed to believe it was possibe

and his drive and enthusiasm was what was infectious... As to whether it amounted to any more than Lowe, well, we will never know now... Which is a shame in my opinion.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Cortese was thinking so "way ahead" he quit halfway through his second season in the top flight? A little "short sighted" to use your words, no?

 

And you accuse others of writing drivel.

 

He didn't quit - he was manipulated out.

[Saint Fan CaM]

How is wanting your club to be successful and put out their best side in a cup game short sighted and pathetic ffs?

 

Do you not think that the evolution of the club would have benefited from perhaps winning the FA cup?

 

Err, no I don't actually. Now if you ask me if I would have liked us to lift the cup, the answer would be different perhaps. But that's the difference between being focused on the now and not the long-term future objectives. It's quite simple - we need to retain our place in the Prem to achieve great things in the future based on an infrastructure that will stand up to a time when investment from a rich owner will be less important. At this point in time this is the prime goal.

 

Beyond that, I am not of the same opinion that many on here hold that the game was thrown or the loss was due to poor selection. Fact is, the players on the pitch including many 1st team heads, put in a very poor shift. Simple as that.

[Sour Mash]

He didn't quit - he was manipulated out.

What have you heard? Something different to what we've seen reported?

[Cascadia Saint]

We haven't picked up a point since we rested players and rolled over in the FA Cup. It allowed the rot to set in.

 

Yeah!

 

We haven't picked up a point in the one league game we've played since then, you're right! Rotten to the core.

[Saint Fan CaM]

What have you heard? Something different to what we've seen reported?

 

Well I can only state what I was told by someone with a contact in the club. NC was presented with the decision to appoint the hockey-man to the Board to 'oversee' matters for KL - he didn't agree with the approach, so after discussions failed, he resigned. He was not sacked and he did not leave entirely voluntarily.

[danner]

A top half finish would be marvellous, well done Saints.

 

Some of you expect too much.

[Sour Mash]

Well I can only state what I was told by someone with a contact in the club. NC was presented with the decision to appoint the hockey-man to the Board to 'oversee' matters for KL - he didn't agree with the approach, so after discussions failed, he resigned. He was not sacked and he did not leave entirely voluntarily.

Fair enough - but he must have been sacked or left voluntarily, they are the only two choices.

[farawaysaint]

A top half finish would be marvellous, well done Saints.

 

Some of you expect too much.

 

Fully agreed, best finish for what? 11 years? Superb effort.

[Window Cleaner]

Well I can only state what I was told by someone with a contact in the club. NC was presented with the decision to appoint the hockey-man to the Board to 'oversee' matters for KL - he didn't agree with the approach, so after discussions failed, he resigned. He was not sacked and he did not leave entirely voluntarily.

 

 

Exactly as I hypothesised yesterday then, didn't need a contact in the club to work that out really.

Toomer has been saying NC was sacked for a couple of weeks now.