bowers-sfc Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 So, MP quoted in his interview that Sunday marks the end of the 5 year plan, and talks about the next plan will begin. I think you will all agree, that it has been an incredible 5 years! What has been your high point? And what has been your low point? Favourite Photos of the past 5 years could be included. My high point: probably, and this was tough, but beating Coventry to get promoted was one of the best days I gave had supporting saints. When big Jos scored the 3rd, I knew that was it. My low point: that goal scored in the dying seconds at st Mary's to make it 2-2. That hurt more then the 4-1 defeat at home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Wolf Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 The 2-2 was a bit of a kick in the teeth but there have been lower. We still went up, they still went down. We still had bragging rights. I'd look at the FA Cup game with Sunderland as a low point. What a wasted oppertunity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 The 2-2 was a bit of a kick in the teeth but there have been lower. We still went up, they still went down. We still had bragging rights. I'd look at the FA Cup game with Sunderland as a low point. What a wasted oppertunity This. For me, it was the first indicator that the drive and ambition was gone, and the peak in our stellar rise had been passed.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThorpG Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 This. For me, it was the first indicator that the drive and ambition was gone, and the peak in our stellar rise had been passed.... I am not sure the drive and ambition is gone because we lost one game. Given we have had nothing to play for and yet have won several games in the last few weeks, it would suggest the drive and ambition is very much there in the squad, they could have just cruised to the end of season and finished 10th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggy Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 I can't believe that on a thread celebrating where we were five years ago and where we are now - which by any standards and I mean any standards of any sport anywhere in the world is an astronomical change - people are banging on about our team against Sunderland in the FA Cup. Some people need some perspective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toon Saint Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 This. For me, it was the first indicator that the drive and ambition was gone, and the peak in our stellar rise had been passed.... Gone from whom? Players and managers suddenly lost any form of drive and ambition after NC left? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suhari Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 It has been one hell of a journey, whatever happens in the next few months. Seriously. The rise up he leagues, the winning more than we lose, the JPT, the breezing through the Championship, the development of the next gen of England stars. Wouldn't change a thing. Whatever happens this summer, the club, the fans and the spirit remains. Love the Saints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 My high point was the end of that L1 season, how we went toe to toe with Huddersfield for the last 6 weeks or so. In any normal season, they'd have got automatic promotion as their run and form was sensational - but we were even better! Some great results in that run-in, including that MK Don's game, the last minute Brighton winner. Great end! And I guess that form just continued into the NPC season, as it allowed us to start the season with some stunning momentum which pretty much set the tone. Low point....probably how we started the PL season when we first got back, we looked so frighteningly out of our depth in the first few weeks and I for one was very worried. It wasn't a nice sight seeing us get whacked every week, especially after the last 3 seasons prior to that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Wolf Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 I can't believe that on a thread celebrating where we were five years ago and where we are now - which by any standards and I mean any standards of any sport anywhere in the world is an astronomical change - people are banging on about our team against Sunderland in the FA Cup. Some people need some perspective. Shall we all hold hands and stand under a rainbow? There HAVE been bad points. It hasn't been 100% bad. He asked what we thought the lowest point was. There are gonna be high points and low points. Said low points might be seen as "low points" in terms of the relatively of the whole 5 year plan but taking everything into account we missed an opportunity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 This. For me, it was the first indicator that the drive and ambition was gone, and the peak in our stellar rise had been passed.... Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. You moaned about not making the L1 play offs in season 1, you merrily wrote off our chances of promotion in season 2 - we were bottling it and Huddersfield were going to pip us easily. Same again the following season, just with West Ham instead. Then in season 4 Wigan had the guts and bottle to stay up and we were definitely relegated. Then during last summer we were as badly run as a seaside hotel. Gash was Gash, you hated Osvaldo, you've moaned extensively about Adkins, Poch, Pardew, Les Reed and Cortese himself. You moaned about not buying players and you moaned about the players we bought. So maybe don't make out you are wistfully looking back at some "stellar rise". From where I'm standing, you hated every minute of it. Except that day the played a match in your village or something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dig Dig Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. You moaned about not making the L1 play offs in season 1, you merrily wrote off our chances of promotion in season 2 - we were bottling it and Huddersfield were going to pip us easily. Same again the following season, just with West Ham instead. Then in season 4 Wigan had the guts and bottle to stay up and we were definitely relegated. Then during last summer we were as badly run as a seaside hotel. Gash was Gash, you hated Osvaldo, you've moaned extensively about Adkins, Poch, Pardew, Les Reed and Cortese himself. You moaned about not buying players and you moaned about the players we bought. So maybe don't make out you are wistfully looking back at some "stellar rise". From where I'm standing, you hated every minute of it. Except that day the played a match in your village or something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggy Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 Shall we all hold hands and stand under a rainbow? There HAVE been bad points. It hasn't been 100% bad. He asked what we thought the lowest point was. There are gonna be high points and low points. Said low points might be seen as "low points" in terms of the relatively of the whole 5 year plan but taking everything into account we missed an opportunity. It hasn't been 100% bad? Are you being funny? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cellone Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. You moaned about not making the L1 play offs in season 1, you merrily wrote off our chances of promotion in season 2 - we were bottling it and Huddersfield were going to pip us easily. Same again the following season, just with West Ham instead. Then in season 4 Wigan had the guts and bottle to stay up and we were definitely relegated. Then during last summer we were as badly run as a seaside hotel. Gash was Gash, you hated Osvaldo, you've moaned extensively about Adkins, Poch, Pardew, Les Reed and Cortese himself. You moaned about not buying players and you moaned about the players we bought. So maybe don't make out you are wistfully looking back at some "stellar rise". From where I'm standing, you hated every minute of it. Except that day the played a match in your village or something. A very valid comment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncanRG Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 It's been absolutely incredible. I can't believe how lucky we are after the position we were in a few years ago. Highlights for me are Brighton, Lambert's England debut and the Etihad on the first day of last season. I also have a special place for Villa Park last year. That was the moment I knew we were staying up. Gallagher's first goal was a wonderful moment as well. It's a shame our current band of academy boys don't score many because it really is a special feeling when they do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Wolf Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 It hasn't been 100% bad? Are you being funny? I meant good. We can't keep living on the fact we've had a great 5 years. All I'm saying is it was a disappointment we put out a weak team and missed the chance of progression. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Didcot Saint Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 It's been an incredible journey. I loved it and am still loving it, Walsall away 3 1 chanting to Villa fans on the train, "your not getting on", Yeovil away 1 nil in the last min standing in the sun, Plymouth away drinking the bar dry on the train and singing all the way home, going top of the Championship away to Barnsley, Peterborough away on a covered terrace packed behind the goal winning and hearing West Ham only drew meaning almost certain promotion, beating Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea at SMS, last season and finishing 8th this season. Awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascadia Saint Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 I feel privileged to be a saints fan. Absolutely love the way the club is run, love the academy, love the way we play. Just hope it continues. Has there ever been a sustained better 5 years to support the club? I'm proud to call myself a saints fan, thats the way it should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpsaint Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 Been one hell of a journey! Far too many high points to name, really enjoyed being a big fish in a small pond in League 1, and had more amazing away days than I ever could in the sterile grounds of the Premier League. That 1-0 at Yeovil on the terraces in the sunshine, winning 4-0 at Brizzle Rovers and exorcising the ghost of the 1-0 loss 2 seasons prior, both trips to Orient, Brighton and Plymouth away.... I actually miss those days is some ways. The JPT run, smashing Leeds on the opening day in the Championship, staying in the top 2 all season, breaking pretty much every win record we'd ever had. They were fun times. Lowest point for me by far was away to Swindon in our first season in League 1. Even though we'd made a few signings that was by far and wide one of the worst performances I'd ever seen from Saints, and for me that really was rock bottom. In fairness everything has been pretty much upwards from that point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascadia Saint Posted 9 May, 2014 Share Posted 9 May, 2014 So, MP quoted in his interview that Sunday marks the end of the 5 year plan, and talks about the next plan will begin. I think you will all agree, that it has been an incredible 5 years! What has been your high point? And what has been your low point? Favourite Photos of the past 5 years could be included. My high point: probably, and this was tough, but beating Coventry to get promoted was one of the best days I gave had supporting saints. When big Jos scored the 3rd, I knew that was it. My low point: that goal scored in the dying seconds at st Mary's to make it 2-2. That hurt more then the 4-1 defeat at home High points: Being bought and saved by a friendly, rich Swiss legend completely out of the blue at the last minute. Something to celebrate every May for the first 3 years running, each better than the year before. Getting reacquainted with wins, and goals, in League 1. Appointing managers that we actually rated, liked and trusted. 3 great years of match day threads and radio solent commentary. I love the fact I can record every game on tv now, but we had a cracking atmosphere in those threads which I miss. Nuns, Weather reports, Air hostesses, Bus hostesses! The lesbian santas! Being constantly rated as a fantastic footballing team doing things 'the right way' throughout the 5 years, but especially this year. 4 Saints players in the England team. Low points: Markus. Obviously. RIP. Being beaten to the post in both promotions. That pompey equaliser. The terrible prem start, despite some of the performances. What a five years. Wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 In the context of everything. .... wow. We are stronger now then any other in living memory. To Markus, I salute you sir. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golac's Iron Gonads Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Not since the early 80s have I had such fun following Saints, I'd argue that if hang on to our youngsters this summer then things could be even better than that golden age. There are so many obvious highpoints, that I'll be frivolous and say the red sash kit, what a fantastic looking kit. I'd love us to wear it again, with our youth and style of football we'd be the dog's ********. Lowpoint, when Adkins got the boot, even though things kicked on with Pochettino, it just felt a bit treacherous, I though Adkins was a loyal and dignified manager and had already turned around the poor start, if Poch leaves us in the summer the Adkins sacking will be even more bitter as he would have left so that a promising young manager could use us as a stepping stone in his career, I honestly don't think Adkins would have left us even if the big boys came knocking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convict Colony Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. You moaned about not making the L1 play offs in season 1, you merrily wrote off our chances of promotion in season 2 - we were bottling it and Huddersfield were going to pip us easily. Same again the following season, just with West Ham instead. Then in season 4 Wigan had the guts and bottle to stay up and we were definitely relegated. Then during last summer we were as badly run as a seaside hotel. Gash was Gash, you hated Osvaldo, you've moaned extensively about Adkins, Poch, Pardew, Les Reed and Cortese himself. You moaned about not buying players and you moaned about the players we bought. So maybe don't make out you are wistfully looking back at some "stellar rise". From where I'm standing, you hated every minute of it. Except that day the played a match in your village or something. hahahahahahahahahahaha f*cking gold, alpine you have been served. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ado Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 As a 26 year old has been the best 5 years I have experienced as a Saints fan. I'll do the highs and lows as individual games which I still think about now Highs Carlisle away - after and 8 hour trek big Jaidi's goal made it so sweet JPT Southern Final MK home - St Marys was rocking that night Ipswich Away 5-2 - even at that early stage of what is probably my favourite season as a Saints fan I thought we could be onto something special This season as a whole has been enjoyable with everyone lauding our style Lows Swindon away everytime I go there we don't perform Losing 2-0 at home to Rochdale took some getting over That home game against Reading in the champ was a sickener But overall what a journey I think the 3-4 years before with Lowe/Wilde/Crouch infighting and the doomed dutch duo made the rise even sweeter. Ldts see what the next 5 years bring. COYRs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckyNumber7 Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 So many high points it's impossible to choose, but the one that sticks most in the mind is the late comeback at Brighton, that's when I knew we were going up. Low point was Adkins' sacking, obviously everything has worked out well since but I really fell out of love with Saints and football in general for a while after that. Closely followed by the 2-2 against P*mpey which was a real kick in the gonads. On the whole though it's been an incredible 5 years, and we need to realise how lucky we actually are and enjoy it while it lasts. Hopefully we can push on again over the summer, rather than see everything dismantled which would be a real shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honk Kong Phooey Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 High points for me Waking up with the knowledge that we still existed and I would have a team to support next season. JPT Final, one year later. This proved the catalyst for all that has happened since. The style of football we play. Getting back to the Premier League. The continued success of the academy. It has produced brilliant players before Walcott and Bale. Working in Portsmouth and enjoying the silence!!!! 4 players in the England squad Low points. Every time there is a forced change and someone leaves. The unknown is always daunting yet here we are with our best ever season in PL. The press, both the Newspaper lies and made up stories and the TV not reflecting how the game really was because we are not one of the Golden teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceandfriendly Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 (edited) Highlights for me.. Bristol Rovers 5-1 away JPT Semi final, one of the best atmospheres at SMS I can remember Wembley, the whole day. London painted red and white. Those last two away games of the L1 season against Brentford & Plymouth. Signing Rickie Lambert. MK Dons away 3-1, just because I saw 'that' goal. Lowlights... Swindon away. Worst I've ever seen us play. Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. You moaned about not making the L1 play offs in season 1, you merrily wrote off our chances of promotion in season 2 - we were bottling it and Huddersfield were going to pip us easily. Same again the following season, just with West Ham instead. Then in season 4 Wigan had the guts and bottle to stay up and we were definitely relegated. Then during last summer we were as badly run as a seaside hotel. Gash was Gash, you hated Osvaldo, you've moaned extensively about Adkins, Poch, Pardew, Les Reed and Cortese himself. You moaned about not buying players and you moaned about the players we bought. So maybe don't make out you are wistfully looking back at some "stellar rise". From where I'm standing, you hated every minute of it. Except that day the played a match in your village or something. Oh and this is ****ing great. Another highlight of the 5 years. Edited 10 May, 2014 by niceandfriendly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goatboy Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. You moaned about not making the L1 play offs in season 1, you merrily wrote off our chances of promotion in season 2 - we were bottling it and Huddersfield were going to pip us easily. Same again the following season, just with West Ham instead. Then in season 4 Wigan had the guts and bottle to stay up and we were definitely relegated. Then during last summer we were as badly run as a seaside hotel. Gash was Gash, you hated Osvaldo, you've moaned extensively about Adkins, Poch, Pardew, Les Reed and Cortese himself. You moaned about not buying players and you moaned about the players we bought. So maybe don't make out you are wistfully looking back at some "stellar rise". From where I'm standing, you hated every minute of it. Except that day the played a match in your village or something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 So, MP quoted in his interview that Sunday marks the end of the 5 year plan, and talks about the next plan will begin. I think you will all agree, that it has been an incredible 5 years! What has been your high point? And what has been your low point? Favourite Photos of the past 5 years could be included. My high point: probably, and this was tough, but beating Coventry to get promoted was one of the best days I gave had supporting saints. When big Jos scored the 3rd, I knew that was it. My low point: that goal scored in the dying seconds at st Mary's to make it 2-2. That hurt more then the 4-1 defeat at home I'd have throught your low point would have been falling on your fat arse in front of an entire stadium? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edprice1984 Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Swindon Away in our first season in League One, dreadful! Before we managed to totally clear all the deadwood and not having any options on the bench... Absolute highlight for me as the Coventry game. Don't think I have cried so much at a sporting event! (I know I'm a big girl). Just a wonderful moment and for someone not old enough for 76, probably the greatest moment as a Saints fan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Saint Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. You moaned about not making the L1 play offs in season 1, you merrily wrote off our chances of promotion in season 2 - we were bottling it and Huddersfield were going to pip us easily. Same again the following season, just with West Ham instead. Then in season 4 Wigan had the guts and bottle to stay up and we were definitely relegated. Then during last summer we were as badly run as a seaside hotel. Gash was Gash, you hated Osvaldo, you've moaned extensively about Adkins, Poch, Pardew, Les Reed and Cortese himself. You moaned about not buying players and you moaned about the players we bought. So maybe don't make out you are wistfully looking back at some "stellar rise". From where I'm standing, you hated every minute of it. Except that day the played a match in your village or something. As has been said, so many highlights it's almost impossible to list them in any meaningful order. But waking up to read THIS post has to be up there with anything else connected with Saints.... An absolute gem of a post.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. You moaned about not making the L1 play offs in season 1, you merrily wrote off our chances of promotion in season 2 - we were bottling it and Huddersfield were going to pip us easily. Same again the following season, just with West Ham instead. Then in season 4 Wigan had the guts and bottle to stay up and we were definitely relegated. Then during last summer we were as badly run as a seaside hotel. Gash was Gash, you hated Osvaldo, you've moaned extensively about Adkins, Poch, Pardew, Les Reed and Cortese himself. You moaned about not buying players and you moaned about the players we bought. So maybe don't make out you are wistfully looking back at some "stellar rise". From where I'm standing, you hated every minute of it. Except that day the played a match in your village or something. Amen to that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. You moaned about not making the L1 play offs in season 1, you merrily wrote off our chances of promotion in season 2 - we were bottling it and Huddersfield were going to pip us easily. Same again the following season, just with West Ham instead. Then in season 4 Wigan had the guts and bottle to stay up and we were definitely relegated. Then during last summer we were as badly run as a seaside hotel. Gash was Gash, you hated Osvaldo, you've moaned extensively about Adkins, Poch, Pardew, Les Reed and Cortese himself. You moaned about not buying players and you moaned about the players we bought. So maybe don't make out you are wistfully looking back at some "stellar rise". From where I'm standing, you hated every minute of it. Except that day the played a match in your village or something. Well, I can kind of understand why you have written that, though it would have been even better if you hadnt included your usual sprinkling of hysterical embellishments such as me moaning about Les Reed. The only time I can remember commenting on him was following his statement a couple of weeks ago, which I described as "reassuring". Yep, I can freely admit to erring on the negative side and setbacks get me really down sometimes. But I am not a WUM or a troll. I love my club, and I am not denying the massive overall improvement over the last 5 years; our standing in English football now is testimony to that. Nevertheless, I stand by my latest opinion; we have peaked; the squad is likely to be eviscerated this summer, MoPo doesnt appear to want to stay, and Ralfie is making soundbites with no action like a footballing equivalent of Barak Obama. The latest shirt sponsor decision to me indicates we are still small-time with limited ambition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Comments like this would have more impact were it not for the fact that throughout every single moment of our "stellar rise", you moaned like a slag. You moaned about not making the L1 play offs in season 1, you merrily wrote off our chances of promotion in season 2 - we were bottling it and Huddersfield were going to pip us easily. Same again the following season, just with West Ham instead. Then in season 4 Wigan had the guts and bottle to stay up and we were definitely relegated. Then during last summer we were as badly run as a seaside hotel. Gash was Gash, you hated Osvaldo, you've moaned extensively about Adkins, Poch, Pardew, Les Reed and Cortese himself. You moaned about not buying players and you moaned about the players we bought. So maybe don't make out you are wistfully looking back at some "stellar rise". From where I'm standing, you hated every minute of it. Except that day the played a match in your village or something. Brilliant and very true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 I've very much enjoyed the rise back up through the leagues, and not just for the success that accompanied it. I know this is going to sound condescending as hell, but getting to go to L1 and Champ grounds was like a pleasant step back into the footballing past. It was very cool to be able to show the kids the various levels of the game, and dissuade them of any notion that football begins and ends in the Premier League. The JPT win was excellent, particularly as a good mate of mine is a Carlisle fan (poor bastard). The pressure that we kept on Huddersfield throughout our League One campaign was pretty special, as was the "out-of-the-blocks" start to the Championship. I cried a little bit when we actually got promoted to the Prem. Last two years have been far too eventful for me to characterise them as smooth sailing over calm seas. We don't really know what the future holds, but we've managed to consolidate ourselves into a position where we can genuinely look at pushing for Europe with a few additions. The England call ups show that under Hodgson at least, the national side is prepared to look at our players, removing a large reason for many of them to leave. On a personal level, it has been very pleasing to move from "being humoured" to supporting a respected football team, especially living with two LFC fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 The highlights for me were L1 and the NPC. Being able to go week after week with my nipper all over the country, easily getting well priced tickets was a joy. Proper fans, proper grounds and proper prices. I can't say I've really enjoyed the BPL and the mongs lapping up the CL bull and believing we should spunk millions trying to be a club that we never can be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Well, I can kind of understand why you have written that, though it would have been even better if you hadnt included your usual sprinkling of hysterical embellishments such as me moaning about Les Reed. The only time I can remember commenting on him was following his statement a couple of weeks ago, which I described as "reassuring". Yep, I can freely admit to erring on the negative side and setbacks get me really down sometimes. But I am not a WUM or a troll. I love my club, and I am not denying the massive overall improvement over the last 5 years; our standing in English football now is testimony to that. Nevertheless, I stand by my latest opinion; we have peaked; the squad is likely to be eviscerated this summer, MoPo doesnt appear to want to stay, and Ralfie is making soundbites with no action like a footballing equivalent of Barak Obama. The latest shirt sponsor decision to me indicates we are still small-time with limited ambition. I apologise for being hysterical and mentioning Les Reed. I know you hate people being hysterical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonjoe Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 I apologise for being hysterical and mentioning Les Reed. I know you hate people being hysterical. And small time people with limited ambition. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabrone Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 In addition to all the highlights mentioned I also particularly enjoyed our 1-0 at Leeds in the champ season. Having been put under the most intense pressure we came through and that was the moment when I thought we could actually get out of that league. I really enjoyed those 3 seasons in lge 1 and the champ - more than the prem if I'm honest. Low points have been few and far between TBH but I guess the initial start in lge 1, the start in the prem and losing to Reading and Sunderland would just about cover it. Any fans that really got into the club in the summer of 2009 have had a real treat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Saint Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 (edited) So many Saints things over the past five years are logged in my head for eternity, the overriding one is that we really have been treated to some of the most exquisite breathtaking football at times and come away from so many games with a stupid grin on my face (which is against the backdrop of trudging over the Northam bridge after yet another suicide inducing game hurtling us to the edge of oblivion all those years ago). High points as I write. JPT regional Semi v Norwich about to go out when in the dying seconds we equalise for penalties, the 3 chaps I sit with are all sensibly middle aged but we were bouncing around like idiots. JPT Final: obviously what a great day. And at last for me having been to our previous 3 finals to finally see us win. Forte scoring 2 quick fire goals to get us back into the game and the promotion race v MK Dons Some might say I am a bit soft on this one, last day of the League 1 promotion season at home to Walsall we are running them ragged and winning with ease, then the stadium announcer in the latter stages of the 2nd half bizarrely gives out the score in the game that decides Walsall's fate, they are staying up, all of a sudden despite them being 3-1 down the whole stadium is rocking with happy fans at the final whistle the Walsall players and staff are on the pitch in celebration Saints are on their toes to the tunnel as the whole pitch is engulfed by jubilant fans. Leeds first day of the following season on the TV early kick off, knackered from driving back from Spain in one go, Hammond running across the box and spanking a great goal to send us on our way to the prem. Never being outside the top 2 all season. The siege of Elland Road Glorious possession football in a league where proper rough and ready football is played. Having that imperious winning feeling that the likes of Arsenal Liverpool and Man U fans have enjoyed down the years week in week out. Coventry last game a packed Stadium, first goal scored and that was it West Ham were noway going to pass us, party on. Once we found our feet in the Prem we were up to our old tricks from years gone by of bloodying the noses of the "big boys" and still playing some exquisite breathtaking football. Bring on the next 5 years. Edited 10 May, 2014 by John Boy Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corky morris Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 It's been brilliant! We loved L1 & The Championship. The PL is not all it's cracked up yo be & this nonsense about B teams just proves the big 6 are a bunch of arrogant tosses. Maybe this season is the peak? Who knows? If we go down, we'd go down. We were never gonna reach the CL with the squad we had & we have always known that we sell the best talent we have. I have said it before - for me it's about lads, dads & grandads talking rubbish & spending time together. It's been great & if players leave, they leave, we can take immense pride in our academy & what we have given English football. Money & trophies talk in this silly game we follow. Unfortunately some teams have a lot more of them than we do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 And small time people with limited ambition. Remember; Tony Pulis era Stoke football is what we should be looking to achieve, even if Tony Pulis isn't interested in it anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 As someone above has said, these last 5 years are as good as the early 80s. (Toe to toe with the big boys and a team full of internationals, characters & flair) & perhaps late 70s (a few trips to Wembley & promotion to the top flight). The highs far outweigh any lows, with the highs almost too numerous to mention. A real high was watching a group of players grow together with a core playing through three divisions. In a game where players are increasingly transient, it was good to see the likes of Lallana, Lambert, Fonte & co grow with the Club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 As someone above has said, these last 5 years are as good as the early 80s. (Toe to toe with the big boys and a team full of internationals, characters & flair) & perhaps late 70s (a few trips to Wembley & promotion to the top flight). The highs far outweigh any lows, with the highs almost too numerous to mention. A real high was watching a group of players grow together with a core playing through three divisions. In a game where players are increasingly transient, it was good to see the likes of Lallana, Lambert, Fonte & co grow with the Club. Yeah, your last point is something that is so special. I don't think it will ever be done again, but to see that spine (you forgot Morgan and Davis too!) move up through the leagues was magic. And how their growth as players mirrored our growth as a club is something you cannot buy, we just got very lucky and everything has fallen into place these last few years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Yeah, your last point is something that is so special. I don't think it will ever be done again, but to see that spine (you forgot Morgan and Davis too!) move up through the leagues was magic. And how their growth as players mirrored our growth as a club is something you cannot buy, we just got very lucky and everything has fallen into place these last few years. Good point. Up until the BPL it really did feel as if we were "all in it together". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncanRG Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Good point. Up until the BPL it really did feel as if we were "all in it together". His point was that core of players is still there in the top flight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 His point was that core of players is still there in the top flight. I'm perfectly aware of his point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graffito Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Signs this group that's taken us so far these 5 years may be broken up. Looking at the photos posted which bring back lots of happy memories. Could be some sad farewells tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Saints Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 A few highlights for me: Ipswich away, a few game into the Championship season. There was a 30 minute spell where we were simply unplayable. The Coventry game. Alot of tension before the game which completely disappeared after the early goals and turned into pure joy. Seeing the rise of Rickie Lambert. He was good enough for the Prem during his first season with us IMO, at times it was silly how much better he was than opposition defenders in that season under Pardew. It's been a privelege to see his journey from then to being an England international. Also special mentions to Orient away, MK Dons at home and Palace away in our promotion seasons. In the Prem, winning at Anfield stands out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rasiak-9- Posted 10 May, 2014 Share Posted 10 May, 2014 Lowest point: Losing 1-0 to Swindon in August 2009. Bottom of the league one a -10, that 1-0 defeat meant that we managed a single point from our opening three matches. Utterly awful game and delays on the trains back to London. Realised that we had to plough through two seasons of that. Oh and add to that our 2-1 defeat at Gillingham when we had nothing to play for. The Pompey equaliser was pretty gross, but I actually think the 2-3 against Man United hurt far more. High points? Pretty much everything else. Every look at the table to see that in every season we've done better than we expected. The praise our players have rightly earned and every time I see some ultra-foreign-named randomer on Facebook or w/e saying how great the football we play is and how amazing an academy we have. Goes to show that we CAN take our rep further and attract enough interest and investment to maintain our position as a top-half team and slowly crank things up to make a top six challenge and from then on? Who knows? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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