Meeting Today

[alpine_saint]

Sorry Alpine, but PR plant or not, this is as far as I am aware an open forum for all views to be expressed - yes even those you dont agree with. I am flumuxed as to why posters find the idea of 'PR Plants' so odd on these sites anyway - if nothing else they provide an insight into how the club is thinking and thuis it provides information.

 

The above post is not without its emotional content - a hint of bitterness which suggest its closer to the the club than a simple PR scripted post - but that does not mean its all invalid as some of you are dismissing. There is a definate atmosphere of 'intimidation' towards those that dont want to be 'bullied' into taking the 'forum line', or suggest middle ground and offer mor 'balanced' views - and what are our posts anyway? Whatever side of the line you stand on, posts are in effect all 'PR' from that perspective - communicating your vuiewsand opinions and hoping that there are folk that will listen and possibley see the merit in what you say?

 

Only you can turn a suggestion made in order to temper irate responses to this person into a f**king soapbox speech.

 

Ignore him or dont, I couldnt give a f**k.

 

Of course your "balance" means you will hang on every word...

[Master Bates]

Can I suggest to everyone that Nineteen Canteen is ignored ?

 

I have been reliably informed that he is an old "friend" of ours....

 

Ignore list.

[dubai_phil]

Meanwhile, give the newbie it's due, it made me think - a conundrum.....

Taking out the "emotive bit" for a moment and also the bleedin' obvious...

 

The club has a Football management structure of coaches

 

It has a DoF with even less expereince of football than our Chairman

 

Results on the pitch are horrific

 

We demand that the Chairman stays away from the football team

 

It appears that the players are unfit/uncoached

 

Just who at the club do we expect to actually go to Staplewood and find out what the fook ACTUALLY goes on up there during training?

 

I get a horrid feeling that the Dutch system is not just lacking on the Pitch on match day but somehow they've got this whole horrid kindergarten playground thing going on up there and our dear DoF wouldn't even know what he was looking at...

 

Perhaps somebody should have popped up to Staplewood to check things out a little bit earlier, like end of November

 

It will be interesting to see what happens. Anybody on here with mates who actually play footie tried to talk to them of late?

[slickmick]

Out of interest, has anyone heard feedback from the players as to what they think about JP or Lowe.

Seems to be very little info of them critising management. Sure there were a few during Burleys reign.

[Wes Tender]

Sorry Alpine, but PR plant or not, this is as far as I am aware an open forum for all views to be expressed - yes even those you dont agree with. I am flumuxed as to why posters find the idea of 'PR Plants' so odd on these sites anyway - if nothing else they provide an insight into how the club is thinking and thuis it provides information.

 

The above post is not without its emotional content - a hint of bitterness which suggest its closer to the the club than a simple PR scripted post - but that does not mean its all invalid as some of you are dismissing. There is a definate atmosphere of 'intimidation' towards those that dont want to be 'bullied' into taking the 'forum line', or suggest middle ground and offer mor 'balanced' views - and what are our posts anyway? Whatever side of the line you stand on, posts are in effect all 'PR' from that perspective - communicating your vuiewsand opinions and hoping that there are folk that will listen and possibley see the merit in what you say?

 

Several valid points and sensibly argued, Frank.

 

But if this fellow is indeed a PR plant, then it is totally dispicable that he posts on here pedalling propaganda on behalf of the club for money.

 

Yes, this is a forum of opinions and you argue that opinions are therefore welcome whatever end of the spectrum they represent, but those opinions should be honestly held by proper Saints fans, not some individual that has been paid to pedal propaganda as his job. Yes, it does give us an insight into how the club is thinking. It suggests to me that they have a siege mentality and are becoming ever more desperate again. It also demonstrates that if this is a PR plant, Lowe has learned nothing from the previous debacle, but that would be par for the course. Lowe doesn't make mistakes, does he? The whole World would be wrong before he was.

 

If Nineteen Canteen is one of the directors or a toady of theirs, why doesn't he post as himself and have the balls to express the view on behalf of the club? That would at least have more credibility than the OS, which is a joke.

[INFLUENCED.COM]

I'm with Frank on this one, let them come on and post, what does it really matter, read it digest it believe it, or not, relate to it, or not, if its that convincing be influenced by it, most on here are adults and wear long trousers so it is up to that individual what, if any, impact someone posting their opinion or indeed that of others has upon them.

 

Due to the style and content, more likely someone banned making a return on this occassion.

[Pilchards]

I have a sneeky feeling that Lowe is looking for our new manager as we speak.

Its the way he works.

At the moment and he knows it too that this team is going backwards very fast.

 

Will our new man be in the stands at our next few games?

[Scummer]

 

Will our new man be in the stands at our next few games?

 

I'm not sure we've got a few games to be honest. If we are going to do anything, it needs to happen now.

[saint1977]

I have a sneeky feeling that Lowe is looking for our new manager as we speak.

Its the way he works.

At the moment and he knows it too that this team is going backwards very fast.

 

Will our new man be in the stands at our next few games?

 

Interesting you should say that Pilchards as Rupert's favourite newspaper the Mail (and probably his favourite journalist Charles Sale) say today that JP looks to be on his way. I reckon either Hockaday promoted and JP dismissed due to "communication issues with the players" or something out of leftfield as a last desperate gamble.

[Weston Saint]

I wondered how long it would be before Sundance Beast would be back posting

[Wes Tender]

I'm with Frank on this one, let them come on and post, what does it really matter, read it digest it believe it, or not, relate to it, or not, if its that convincing be influenced by it, most on here are adults and wear long trousers so it is up to that individual what, if any, impact someone posting their opinion or indeed that of others has upon them.

 

Due to the style and content, more likely someone banned making a return on this occassion.

 

It just ocurred to me that this bloke reminds me a lot of the guy who got up at the AGM as the first questioner and proceeded to spout his praises of what a great job Lowe was doing and how it was dispicable that he didn't get the support of everybody at the meeting and the stadium.

 

The very twit probably in his 40s or perhaps early 50s, who faced up to Ted Sainty afterwards and when told that Ted had been following Saints for 65 years which was a damned sight longer than him, responded by asking how we knew that. :yawinkle:

[trousers]

The saving grace is despite your efforts I understand very very few in Itchen south stood up with you.

 

You "understand"? Were you not there to witness it then?

 

Still, you're in good company on the non-attendee front....

 

p.s. enjoying Utah and the film festival?

 

[Pilchards]

I'm not sure we've got a few games to be honest. If we are going to do anything, it needs to happen now.

 

We have plenty of time.

 

Three wins on the bounce and that would leave us out of the zone.

 

Then you will reach a period (last month of the season) where every team at the bottom fight for there lifes and somehow start to get loads of points.

Thats where we need to make sure the team is fighting because the club always has the inner spirit to survive in the end.

[gjphilsaint]

My concern as well.

 

I'm worried that the spirit has gone, the youngsters have been blooded too early & their progress set back, the transfer window wasted etc etc etc.

 

That said, other teams have managed to turn things around, Forest are 5th in the 8 game Current Form Table and Doncaster 9th, so here's hoping.

 

yes thats because they had the great fortune to play us!!!

[gjphilsaint]

We have plenty of time.

 

Three wins on the bounce and that would leave us out of the zone.

 

Then you will reach a period (last month of the season) where every team at the bottom fight for there lifes and somehow start to get loads of points.

Thats where we need to make sure the team is fighting because the club always has the inner spirit to survive in the end.

 

we cant beat doncaster we cant beat forest both at home!!!!

 

look at the next set of fixtures... any gleam of hope? Confidence sky high....? I didnt think so...

[Pilchards]

we cant beat doncaster we cant beat forest both at home!!!!

 

look at the next set of fixtures... any gleam of hope? Confidence sky high....? I didnt think so...

 

My point is if you are following my earlier comments are a new manager can still get us out of this mess even if he came in mid Feb.

 

JP will never achieve that because the players have become clueless as he is ****ing crap.

[SaintRobbie]

We have plenty of time.

 

Three wins on the bounce and that would leave us out of the zone.

 

Then you will reach a period (last month of the season) where every team at the bottom fight for there lifes and somehow start to get loads of points.

Thats where we need to make sure the team is fighting because the club always has the inner spirit to survive in the end.

 

Which I believe is true but needs a catalyst to spark it. JP needs to resign now and Lowe needs to stand down.

 

At least remove these two defeatists. 90% of fans seem to be content to see them go. Lose the 2 and we have a chance of getting the fans behind the team again... maintain them and singing abuse will just continually get worse.

 

Those who advocate getting behind the team... take a pramagtic tablet. Fans are NOT going to get behind the team now. They just are not. It will send us down quicker but protests and minor violence will not now go away.

 

The only way to stop this and induce fight and support is to SACK JP and his coaching staff and SEND LOWE ON GARDENING LEAVE NEVER TO RETURN.

 

Then and only then will we see the fans getting behind the team and fighting this relegation battle with the Spirit of Southampton coming to the fore once again.

 

3 wins may see us on a safe path. We are not going to get that with JP and Lowe... just February administration and JP back to operating at 50% of his capacity.

[OldNick]

So, nickh, can we assume you've well-and-truly withdrawn your support for Lowe, then ??

Talking as a PR plant of course, I support the club as I myself see the best way forward for the clubs longterm health.RL's financial decisions from where |i stand has kept us SO FAR from administration. In turn that has earned us 10+ points.All that being said i have stated that if RL kept the reckless appopintment of Jan at the top I would then become vocal against RL's tenure on that alone.If Jan leaves then I will still support the financial prudence.

To me keeping a bad manager is not financial prudence and so on that issue RL is making a foolish error similar to the one with Wigley.

I reserve my right to supprt any chairman who is showing responsible stewardship whether it be RL, LC or Alpine Saint.

[OldNick]

Only you can turn a suggestion made in order to temper irate responses to this person into a f**king soapbox speech.

 

Ignore him or dont, I couldnt give a f**k.

 

Of course your "balance" means you will hang on every word...

Alpine posters like FC put their heart and soul into their posts and givew insights into how they feel.I cannot ever recall you making a post that really shows your love or affection of our club.In the main they are just negative snipes without showing any emotion or construtive plan.

Do not take this too personally as it is an observation against an attack/snipe at a poster who tries to be even handed.

[ART]

I have a sneeky feeling that Lowe is looking for our new manager as we speak.

Its the way he works.

At the moment and he knows it too that this team is going backwards very fast.

 

Will our new man be in the stands at our next few games?

 

Here, here! THoroughtly agree. I have been thinking this myself from the indications coming from this so called crisis meeting. He'll have learnt from past errors on drifting in a void and set up everything ready to move before hand. I have suspicions that Lowe is going to try to retain JP (to save face) on the coaching side whilst taking in someone of the calibre of Glenn Hoddle until the end of the season. With Hoddle's Academy off the ground Glenn would be able to offer his trainees a great practical opportunity to play up against our current squad in training.

 

With the squad as it stands we are failing because our players and reserves are unable to realistically compete in training because all they have are even less experienced Academy players to practice against. I seem to recall in his early days Strachan overcoming this by organising a closed doors game against Charlton duing a two week layoff period.

[trousers]

I have a sneeky feeling that Lowe is looking for our new manager as we speak.

Its the way he works.

 

Hmmm....Perhaps that would explain his whereabouts at the weekend? Where did he go again....? Scotland...?

 

2+2=?

[dubai_phil]

Here, here! THoroughtly agree. I have been thinking this myself from the indications coming from this so called crisis meeting. He'll have learnt from past errors on drifting in a void and set up everything ready to move before hand. I have suspicions that Lowe is going to try to retain JP (to save face) on the coaching side whilst taking in someone of the calibre of Glenn Hoddle until the end of the season. With Hoddle's Academy off the ground Glenn would be able to offer his trainees a great practical opportunity to play up against our current squad in training.

 

With the squad as it stands we are failing because our players and reserves are unable to realistically compete in training because all they have are even less experienced Academy players to practice against. I seem to recall in his early days Strachan overcoming this by organising a closed doors game against Charlton duing a two week layoff period.

 

Glad I wasn't the only one thinking this.

I wonder if any behind closed doors friendlies have been arranged

Like on Friday?

[gjphilsaint]

My point is if you are following my earlier comments are a new manager can still get us out of this mess even if he came in mid Feb.

 

JP will never achieve that because the players have become clueless as he is ****ing crap.

 

i understand BUT as i have said in another thread we wont get another manager and lets face it we cant afford the calibre that would help us... so for the sake of another upheaval lets just leave it all to bottom out... sadly and i cant believe iam saying this... the obvious conclusion is now INEVITABLE

[trousers]

You are basing your comments on perception and assumption and not fact unless you were in the meeting don't believe what you read or the rhetoric as what would have been said will stay (rightly) behind closed doors.

 

Will what was said be kept as private as the player's wages were?

[forever a red and white]

shouldn't wilde, as football chairman, being dealing with this is some way rather than Lowe, who shoulsd stick to the business of balancing the books, and wilde having more influence over who is manager?

 

whats the point of him as chairman otherwise, just put on the obard by lowe to keep him happy!

[OldNick]

On balance I think we may well all be culpulable for the club's demise. The article in the Express concerning our drop in attendances is purely down to us unfortunately having a fan base of which a significant majority only want to watch Premiership Football.

 

It's no longer about supporting Lowe, Crouch, Wilde but supporting the team. Any demonstration in the stadium is counter productive especially when you see supposedly intelligent men (judged by their posts on this forum) alledgedly behaving in a threatening and violent way towards older fans and those accompanied by chiildren.

 

Mob rule by the excessively vocal minority will IMO send this club over the edge long before any further action by the current board. I have read the threads at length awaiting my registration and Nickh, AdrianSFC and a fair few others abused for their support of the club and thereby deemed 'Lowe -luvvies' are those who seem to have the most fair and balanced view on matters.

 

When these users register a genuine concern then we should listen and act but without confirming Rupert's long held belief we do indeed have a lunatic fringe, with some even masquerade on here as decent citizens don't they Um Pahars. The reality despite your explanation that you all had a good laugh with your 'victims' afterwards remains a total disgrace and any further contribution from you treated with the contempt it deserves. Your actions and those of your mate were memorable for all the wrong reasons and I don't believe it was that easy for anyone to 'laugh off'. The saving grace is despite your efforts I understand very very few in Itchen south stood up with you.

A new poster always breeds suspiction at these emotional times.I also am sceptical of your posts even though it is nice to see your recognition.

A vey eloquent post and from what I can assertain is that you may well be close to 'Rupert' at least as a aquaintance.

I have been a long standing supporter of the 'idea' of beingfinanciallly prudent and some of the posters on here confuse that with downright support.This is not the case and as I have stated elsewhere RL is making a massive mistake not riding us of the very nice person Jan.

this comimng from somebody who took tremendous abuse after supporting HR and GB and wanting them not to be sacked.

So perhaps you can see this is a major jump for me ,and I can see the disaster unfolding in front of our eyes as this is left to drift.

Mr Lowe should be aware if fans of the club who have gone along with many unsavoury decisions and being understanding to now becoming anti then things are going to spiral down very quickly.

[trousers]

I have suspicions that Lowe is going to try to retain JP (to save face) on the coaching side whilst taking in someone of the calibre of Glenn Hoddle until the end of the season. With Hoddle's Academy off the ground Glenn would be able to offer his trainees a great practical opportunity to play up against our current squad in training.

 

Indeed. Have been bandying around that theory for a while now. It could be structured such that Hoddle doesn't actually become an employee per se (and therefore doesn't become the straw that breaks the camel's back in term of debts/costs/administration) as his academy would get mutual benefit from a tie in with a (relatively) major football club.

 

All fits in logically....

[OldNick]

Glad I wasn't the only one thinking this.

I wonder if any behind closed doors friendlies have been arranged

Like on Friday?

You obviously have heard we are playing behind closed doors friday agaainst a foreign team Upest Dozier or something like that

[Victor]

Indeed. Have been bandying around that theory for a while now. It could be structured such that Hoddle doesn't actually become an employee per se (and therefore doesn't become the straw that breaks the camel's back in term of debts/costs/administration) as his academy would get mutual benefit from a tie in with a (relatively) major football club.

 

All fits in logically....

 

Not to me it doesn't.

 

Are you saying Glenda trains our players at the same time as his trainees? Without additional pay? Without his own trainees suffering? While JP sits around doing nothing?

Without our players being even more confused who they listen to - JP, RL, MW, GH?

[Frank's cousin]

Several valid points and sensibly argued, Frank.

 

But if this fellow is indeed a PR plant, then it is totally dispicable that he posts on here pedalling propaganda on behalf of the club for money.

 

Yes, this is a forum of opinions and you argue that opinions are therefore welcome whatever end of the spectrum they represent, but those opinions should be honestly held by proper Saints fans, not some individual that has been paid to pedal propaganda as his job. Yes, it does give us an insight into how the club is thinking. It suggests to me that they have a siege mentality and are becoming ever more desperate again. It also demonstrates that if this is a PR plant, Lowe has learned nothing from the previous debacle, but that would be par for the course. Lowe doesn't make mistakes, does he? The whole World would be wrong before he was.

 

If Nineteen Canteen is one of the directors or a toady of theirs, why doesn't he post as himself and have the balls to express the view on behalf of the club? That would at least have more credibility than the OS, which is a joke.

 

I totally agree that the board should have the guts to stand up and express their views properly - They should stand by their actions and decisons and be prepared to defend them against any criticism... BUt the purpose of PR in this case is probably because they (mistakingly?) believe that should they come on here under their own name, they would not really be listened to by the majority, or shot down in flames ?

 

Can you see the likes of Alpine saying ' Thanks Andrew for taking the time to respond to our concerns, however I disagree....' when a simple 'feck off' will suffice...?

[Wes Tender]

Nineteen Canteen:

Mob rule by the excessively vocal minority will IMO send this club over the edge long before any further action by the current board. I have read the threads at length awaiting my registration and Nickh, AdrianSFC and a fair few others abused for their support of the club and thereby deemed 'Lowe -luvvies' are those who seem to have the most fair and balanced view on matters.

 

When these users register a genuine concern then we should listen and act

 

Nickh:

This is not the case and as I have stated elsewhere RL is making a massive mistake not riding us of the very nice person Jan.

this comimng from somebody who took tremendous abuse after supporting HR and GB and wanting them not to be sacked.

So perhaps you can see this is a major jump for me ,and I can see the disaster unfolding in front of our eyes as this is left to drift.

 

There you are, Nineteen. Do you want me to spell it out to you? Go and tell Lowe that even the more sensible supporters have rebelled against his bizarre experiment. JP must go and Lowe too for appointing one failure too many.

[Frank's cousin]

Only you can turn a suggestion made in order to temper irate responses to this person into a f**king soapbox speech.

 

Ignore him or dont, I couldnt give a f**k.

 

Of course your "balance" means you will hang on every word...

 

Sorry Alps ...wrong again...

 

My 'balance' if thats what you want to call it simply means I READ every word rather than hang on it, engage a brain and respond - I merely questioned the purpose of being so irate about an obvious plant?

[alpine_saint]

Sorry Alps ...wrong again...

 

My 'balance' if thats what you want to call it simply means I READ every word rather than hang on it, engage a brain and respond - I merely questioned the purpose of being so irate about an obvious plant?

 

Oooo. I suggested to ignore him. Very irate...

[Frank's cousin]

Nineteen Canteen:

 

Nickh:

 

There you are, Nineteen. Do you want me to spell it out to you? Go and tell Lowe that even the more sensible supporters have rebelled against his bizarre experiment. JP must go and Lowe too for appointing one failure too many.

 

Wes, I know we dont always agree but you do always present a valid, logical argument for you POV. My response to this would be that yes even 'senseible' supporters feel JP should go and that includes me (but I dont take any pleasure from seeing someone lose their job, especially someone like JP who has always conducted himself well and with dignity and intelligence), but I dont agree it was a Bizarre appointment at the start - more a risky experiment that has unfortunately failed. No more risky that when Lowe appointed Wigley or Gray - or when Crouch apointed that unknown Pearson (hindsight makes judging these decisions easy ;-)).

 

Its at the crux really, I just struggle to explain sometimes that for whatever reason, I have no problem with some of the approaches and ideas the club has tried in the past and have tried to remain optimistic about their chances of success - for me thats what is important to ME as a fan, afterall it IS only a game when alls said and done. Naturally, having this appraoch with Lowe at the helm means for not just dissapointment in their failure, but being ridiculded for supporting the IDEA in the first place - as some simply cant distinguish between the idea and who had it! In some cases I also get the perception that because LOwes record seems so utterly sh!te in the footballing side of things, that nothing will get past the starting gate if his name is attached to it... and I can understand that to some extent... We know football is a workld of IFs, buts and Maybes - We like to believe that Pearson would have worked better. maybe he would, we simply dont know... sure educated guesses can be made, but their is no certainty,especially as he was untried, and untested and we were only 1 game away from relegation - would he and Crouch be viewed differently now had that happened? I think they would in some quarters and that is all I am trying to convey.

[Nineteen Canteen]

I totally agree that the board should have the guts to stand up and express their views properly - They should stand by their actions and decisons and be prepared to defend them against any criticism... BUt the purpose of PR in this case is probably because they (mistakingly?) believe that should they come on here under their own name, they would not really be listened to by the majority, or shot down in flames ?

 

Can you see the likes of Alpine saying ' Thanks Andrew for taking the time to respond to our concerns, however I disagree....' when a simple 'feck off' will suffice...?

 

Difficult to know where to start but the vast majority of responses to my posts last night are not exactly unexpected but once again NickH seems geniune, realistic and balanced in his support. To that end it seems Frank's Cousin has an extremely level -headed approach without any prejudical agenda. Unfortunately, many have been indoctrinated into the intimidating and bullying style of the most vocal whose violent protest on Saturday whilst ugly in the extreme didn't achieve anything like a majority of support from the rest of the crowd but the damage done to our reputation and future harmony was significant and inflamed an already difficult situation.

 

We as supporters had our 'wishes' granted nearly 3 years ago with the removal of Lowe. Lowe had delivered success to the club and raised its profile to far above previous levels of recognition and personally I was proud to be a Saint supporting a club with a very modern profile and forward thinging approach, a blueprint for others to follow. However, mistakes were made post 2003 that led to Rupert having to step down regardless of his or our own opinion of those mistakes. Certainly, in this environment we now find ourselves, those mistakes would barely register with the fanbase and pass us by as a chairman simply trying to save the club hamstrung by a lack of money. It maybe even ironic that many are calling for the sacking of the manager after just 6 months when Rupert's propensity in the past to change managers was seen as a major flaw.

 

We chastise Wilde for the way he took the club forward and the arrival of Jim Hone and co. For all the negative perception about Michael Wilde he acted with the best intentions and should be respected as being able and strong enough to change direction when he recognised the need, as was the case last May. Creativity and forward thinking are fundamental if you are to build a thriving business but creativity is not without risk and we as a football club and a business (the two cannot be untangled) like many other clubs and businesses away from the game have suffered as a result of many factors including like us some calculated (readily understood) risks.

 

The outlook is grim and if that requires the removal of our manager and coaching staff then I am sure those decisions will be made as Rupert Lowe has never shied from doing what he believes is in the best interests of the club. No doubt there will be a time for a change again in the future but at the moment we need stability and another round of musical chairs will really have the financiers twitching. If Lowe has their backing and we as fans can resolve ourselves to accept that he didn't need to come back and is simply trying to save something to which he is very close and proud of his connection not unlike all our fan then we need to show unity and support.

 

Our crowd numbers have dwindled far beyond what relegation would deliver and if we compare ourselves to our peers it is clear we either have a much smaller genuine fanbase than we accept or there are other other reasons at work. In the past Southampton has always felt like a big club with a poor ground and then Rupert and his team delivered and we had a big club playing on a stage that really reflected the achievement and the forward thinking approach. For every upturn their is usually an equal and opposite reaction, hense the need for tight fiscal policy, and now we feel like a tatty club with some notably undesirable fans coming out of the woodwork intent on pulling apart the club as oppose to supporting and unifying it in its hour of need. Lets face it it has given us many good times and memories and yet we rail against it as if we were a bunch of 16 year olds rebelling againts our parents to use an anlogy from the news today.

 

These are grim times and our concerted efforts should be in rallying support not trying to organise more intimidating, violent and ultimately feckless, bordering on the ridiculous demonstrations. Many of you see Lowe as some kind of tyrant from where I was sitting the real tyrants were acting in a far more ugly way on Saturday offering to take outside a few thousand fans who didn't agree with their call to stop supporting and demonstrate against the club we love.

 

[snippet removed by admin]

So no not a PR plant just someone who finally decided to overcome their aversion to forums and phone ins and stand up for their own opinions. I'm using a pseudonym? So what, if I want to protect myself by some people capable of throwing fists just because someone has a diferent opinion. With that in mind is it not more sinister that those who post on here with a more colourful language, that would indicate perhaps violent tendancies, should post under false names. Works both ways.

Edited 21 January, 2009 by stevegrant
Libellous and untrue allegations

[Weston Saint]

No problem with a pseudonym, most of us do it, and your last 3 have been quite good. Your style cannot be hidden though which suggests your are speaking with your head and heart in sync.

[alpine_saint]

Difficult to know where to start but the vast majority of responses to my posts last night are not exactly unexpected but once again NickH seems geniune, realistic and balanced in his support. To that end it seems Frank's Cousin has an extremely level -headed approach without any prejudical agenda. Unfortunately, many have been indoctrinated into the intimidating and bullying style of the most vocal whose violent protest on Saturday whilst ugly in the extreme didn't achieve anything like a majority of support from the rest of the crowd but the damage done to our reputation and future harmony was significant and inflamed an already difficult situation.

 

We as supporters had our 'wishes' granted nearly 3 years ago with the removal of Lowe. Lowe had delivered success to the club and raised its profile to far above previous levels of recognition and personally I was proud to be a Saint supporting a club with a very modern profile and forward thinging approach, a blueprint for others to follow. However, mistakes were made post 2003 that led to Rupert having to step down regardless of his or our own opinion of those mistakes. Certainly, in this environment we now find ourselves, those mistakes would barely register with the fanbase and pass us by as a chairman simply trying to save the club hamstrung by a lack of money. It maybe even ironic that many are calling for the sacking of the manager after just 6 months when Rupert's propensity in the past to change managers was seen as a major flaw.

 

We chastise Wilde for the way he took the club forward and the arrival of Jim Hone and co. For all the negative perception about Michael Wilde he acted with the best intentions and should be respected as being able and strong enough to change direction when he recognised the need, as was the case last May. Creativity and forward thinking are fundamental if you are to build a thriving business but creativity is not without risk and we as a football club and a business (the two cannot be untangled) like many other clubs and businesses away from the game have suffered as a result of many factors including like us some calculated (readily understood) risks.

 

The outlook is grim and if that requires the removal of our manager and coaching staff then I am sure those decisions will be made as Rupert Lowe has never shied from doing what he believes is in the best interests of the club. No doubt there will be a time for a change again in the future but at the moment we need stability and another round of musical chairs will really have the financiers twitching. If Lowe has their backing and we as fans can resolve ourselves to accept that he didn't need to come back and is simply trying to save something to which he is very close and proud of his connection not unlike all our fan then we need to show unity and support.

 

Our crowd numbers have dwindled far beyond what relegation would deliver and if we compare ourselves to our peers it is clear we either have a much smaller genuine fanbase than we accept or there are other other reasons at work. In the past Southampton has always felt like a big club with a poor ground and then Rupert and his team delivered and we had a big club playing on a stage that really reflected the achievement and the forward thinking approach. For every upturn their is usually an equal and opposite reaction, hense the need for tight fiscal policy, and now we feel like a tatty club with some notably undesirable fans coming out of the woodwork intent on pulling apart the club as oppose to supporting and unifying it in its hour of need. Lets face it it has given us many good times and memories and yet we rail against it as if we were a bunch of 16 year olds rebelling againts our parents to use an anlogy from the news today.

 

These are grim times and our concerted efforts should be in rallying support not trying to organise more intimidating, violent and ultimately feckless, bordering on the ridiculous demonstrations. Many of you see Lowe as some kind of tyrant from where I was sitting the real tyrants were acting in a far more ugly way on Saturday offering to take outside a few thousand fans who didn't agree with their call to stop supporting and demonstrate against the club we love.

 

So no not a PR plant just someone who finally decided to overcome their aversion to forums and phone ins and stand up for their own opinions. I'm using a pseudonym? So what, if I want to protect myself by some people capable of throwing fists just because someone has a diferent opinion. With that in mind is it not more sinister that those who post on here with a more colourful language, that would indicate perhaps violent tendancies, should post under false names. Works both ways.

 

couldnt give as shiny one about the pseudonym, but you ARE a PR plant.

 

I especially like the bit in bold. Never seen relegation from the PL and the gravy train involved as being described as trivial before....

[Frank's cousin]

Difficult to know where to start but the vast majority of responses to my posts last night are not exactly unexpected but once again NickH seems geniune, realistic and balanced in his support. To that end it seems Frank's Cousin has an extremely level -headed approach without any prejudical agenda. Unfortunately, many have been indoctrinated into the intimidating and bullying style of the most vocal whose violent protest on Saturday whilst ugly in the extreme didn't achieve anything like a majority of support from the rest of the crowd but the damage done to our reputation and future harmony was significant and inflamed an already difficult situation.

 

We as supporters had our 'wishes' granted nearly 3 years ago with the removal of Lowe. Lowe had delivered success to the club and raised its profile to far above previous levels of recognition and personally I was proud to be a Saint supporting a club with a very modern profile and forward thinging approach, a blueprint for others to follow. However, mistakes were made post 2003 that led to Rupert having to step down regardless of his or our own opinion of those mistakes. Certainly, in this environment we now find ourselves, those mistakes would barely register with the fanbase and pass us by as a chairman simply trying to save the club hamstrung by a lack of money. It maybe even ironic that many are calling for the sacking of the manager after just 6 months when Rupert's propensity in the past to change managers was seen as a major flaw.

 

We chastise Wilde for the way he took the club forward and the arrival of Jim Hone and co. For all the negative perception about Michael Wilde he acted with the best intentions and should be respected as being able and strong enough to change direction when he recognised the need, as was the case last May. Creativity and forward thinking are fundamental if you are to build a thriving business but creativity is not without risk and we as a football club and a business (the two cannot be untangled) like many other clubs and businesses away from the game have suffered as a result of many factors including like us some calculated (readily understood) risks.

 

The outlook is grim and if that requires the removal of our manager and coaching staff then I am sure those decisions will be made as Rupert Lowe has never shied from doing what he believes is in the best interests of the club. No doubt there will be a time for a change again in the future but at the moment we need stability and another round of musical chairs will really have the financiers twitching. If Lowe has their backing and we as fans can resolve ourselves to accept that he didn't need to come back and is simply trying to save something to which he is very close and proud of his connection not unlike all our fan then we need to show unity and support.

 

Our crowd numbers have dwindled far beyond what relegation would deliver and if we compare ourselves to our peers it is clear we either have a much smaller genuine fanbase than we accept or there are other other reasons at work. In the past Southampton has always felt like a big club with a poor ground and then Rupert and his team delivered and we had a big club playing on a stage that really reflected the achievement and the forward thinking approach. For every upturn their is usually an equal and opposite reaction, hense the need for tight fiscal policy, and now we feel like a tatty club with some notably undesirable fans coming out of the woodwork intent on pulling apart the club as oppose to supporting and unifying it in its hour of need. Lets face it it has given us many good times and memories and yet we rail against it as if we were a bunch of 16 year olds rebelling againts our parents to use an anlogy from the news today.

 

These are grim times and our concerted efforts should be in rallying support not trying to organise more intimidating, violent and ultimately feckless, bordering on the ridiculous demonstrations. Many of you see Lowe as some kind of tyrant from where I was sitting the real tyrants were acting in a far more ugly way on Saturday offering to take outside a few thousand fans who didn't agree with their call to stop supporting and demonstrate against the club we love.

 

So no not a PR plant just someone who finally decided to overcome their aversion to forums and phone ins and stand up for their own opinions. I'm using a pseudonym? So what, if I want to protect myself by some people capable of throwing fists just because someone has a diferent opinion. With that in mind is it not more sinister that those who post on here with a more colourful language, that would indicate perhaps violent tendancies, should post under false names. Works both ways.

 

Several intelligent ans well reasoned arguments 'nineteen'. In response, however, firstly I am happy to confirm I use virtually my full name on here as in Frank Cousins, but thats purely because I believe I have nothing to hide from my opinions. You are entitled in y eyes to your opinion on the actions of Rupert Lowe in running SFC. I will even go along with you and support that up until 2004 the efforts by Lowe and the board had indeed seen the club progress - but we cant underestimate the impact of the huge increases in TV revenues during those years of his tenure - I also, in the minority, appreciate ant accept that we also needed to live within our means if we were to avoid teh pitfalls of debt that was common in premiership sides.

 

It was at that time alot easier to defend Mr Lowe's decisons as a fan - the positives under his tenure were still fresh in the memory - the sea of yellow at Cardiff, even close to 33000 in a friendly against Micheal Ballack's Bayern - gates opened to avoid crowd problems!

 

I would even argue that and defend the fact that despite what in hindsight was an error, the appointmnet of Steve Wigley who for all his loyalty was not ready for such a challenge, as part of the responsibuilty of a decent employer - providing opportunity - but what most fans found difficult to reconcile was that nothing seemed to have been learnt from a similar appointmnet of Stuart Gray - yes we know financial consideration must have influenced the decisionsm,, but why repeat the error? and why did Lowe not admit to that major blunder as being a major factor in relegation? Its this lack of humility and perceived arrogance that prevents many fans from acknowledging the positives and maintains a strong feeling of resentment, even amongst more sensible fans.

 

This is compounded by posts such as yours that offer an almost unflinching loyalty toards Rupert irresepctive of the decisions made that turn out to be misguided...

 

I will skip the invening years because as fans these now become irrelevenat to our current predicament. Fans are struggling to understand WHY a perfectly decent intelligent coach such as JP was given and still holds the managers role. An honest man who many on here respect but who simply is too naive of the culture of the CCC to see us progress - indeed the current danger of relegation is naturally causing resentment and anger to a fanbase already at the end of its tether after the turmaoil of recent years. Its not JPs fault we know that, but we can not understand how/why Mr lOwe is once again refusing to act early enough - sorry but this thing is standard in football and is not really likely to unsettle banks - the dwindling crowds will have more an effect on that - and a new manager may see that change.

 

Its Mr Lowes perceived arrogance once again that it will be 'OK' or his unfliching belief in his idea that is preventing the common sense solution - so is it any wonder there is a continued backlash. I would never condone what happened on Saturday, nor do I appreciate teh abuse and verbal bullying that fan such as myself get, on here just for supporting an idea, let alone a person. but you have to appreciate that Lowe in his ackward and often dismissive communication with fans makes him at this time almost impossible to defend.

 

I know hes not the devil, I know he probably does have an affection for SFC and a desire to see it rise from the ashes, but surely the best way of demonstraing that is humilty... focus on what he is experienced and good at in the CEO role and seek advice and help on the footballing side of things and review the manager situation. Otherwise, I cant see a way back for this club.

[Gingeletiss]

WS go's on about style......if this post hadn't had a name associated with it, I would off said, that this was written by Rupert himself. I have read, and re-read his posts, and there is something about them.......style, um!!!!

[trousers]

couldnt give as shiny one about the pseudonym, but you ARE a PR plant.

 

 

With the pieces of jigsaw at my disposal (although admittedly I have lost the lid to the box....literally), I suspect that 'he' is not a "PR plant" in the sense that they are 'under instructions' from anyone....but along similar lines I suspect.....but, that's only a guess and/or an opinion of course....what do I know....?

[saint1977]

Difficult to know where to start but the vast majority of responses to my posts last night are not exactly unexpected but once again NickH seems geniune, realistic and balanced in his support. To that end it seems Frank's Cousin has an extremely level -headed approach without any prejudical agenda. Unfortunately, many have been indoctrinated into the intimidating and bullying style of the most vocal whose violent protest on Saturday whilst ugly in the extreme didn't achieve anything like a majority of support from the rest of the crowd but the damage done to our reputation and future harmony was significant and inflamed an already difficult situation.

 

We as supporters had our 'wishes' granted nearly 3 years ago with the removal of Lowe. Lowe had delivered success to the club and raised its profile to far above previous levels of recognition and personally I was proud to be a Saint supporting a club with a very modern profile and forward thinging approach, a blueprint for others to follow. However, mistakes were made post 2003 that led to Rupert having to step down regardless of his or our own opinion of those mistakes. Certainly, in this environment we now find ourselves, those mistakes would barely register with the fanbase and pass us by as a chairman simply trying to save the club hamstrung by a lack of money. It maybe even ironic that many are calling for the sacking of the manager after just 6 months when Rupert's propensity in the past to change managers was seen as a major flaw.

 

We chastise Wilde for the way he took the club forward and the arrival of Jim Hone and co. For all the negative perception about Michael Wilde he acted with the best intentions and should be respected as being able and strong enough to change direction when he recognised the need, as was the case last May. Creativity and forward thinking are fundamental if you are to build a thriving business but creativity is not without risk and we as a football club and a business (the two cannot be untangled) like many other clubs and businesses away from the game have suffered as a result of many factors including like us some calculated (readily understood) risks.

 

The outlook is grim and if that requires the removal of our manager and coaching staff then I am sure those decisions will be made as Rupert Lowe has never shied from doing what he believes is in the best interests of the club. No doubt there will be a time for a change again in the future but at the moment we need stability and another round of musical chairs will really have the financiers twitching. If Lowe has their backing and we as fans can resolve ourselves to accept that he didn't need to come back and is simply trying to save something to which he is very close and proud of his connection not unlike all our fan then we need to show unity and support.

 

Our crowd numbers have dwindled far beyond what relegation would deliver and if we compare ourselves to our peers it is clear we either have a much smaller genuine fanbase than we accept or there are other other reasons at work. In the past Southampton has always felt like a big club with a poor ground and then Rupert and his team delivered and we had a big club playing on a stage that really reflected the achievement and the forward thinking approach. For every upturn their is usually an equal and opposite reaction, hense the need for tight fiscal policy, and now we feel like a tatty club with some notably undesirable fans coming out of the woodwork intent on pulling apart the club as oppose to supporting and unifying it in its hour of need. Lets face it it has given us many good times and memories and yet we rail against it as if we were a bunch of 16 year olds rebelling againts our parents to use an anlogy from the news today.

 

These are grim times and our concerted efforts should be in rallying support not trying to organise more intimidating, violent and ultimately feckless, bordering on the ridiculous demonstrations. Many of you see Lowe as some kind of tyrant from where I was sitting the real tyrants were acting in a far more ugly way on Saturday offering to take outside a few thousand fans who didn't agree with their call to stop supporting and demonstrate against the club we love.

 

So no not a PR plant just someone who finally decided to overcome their aversion to forums and phone ins and stand up for their own opinions. I'm using a pseudonym? So what, if I want to protect myself by some people capable of throwing fists just because someone has a diferent opinion. With that in mind is it not more sinister that those who post on here with a more colourful language, that would indicate perhaps violent tendancies, should post under false names. Works both ways.

 

I don't need the club's regime telling me how to think thank you very much. As FC rightly says, these totally mypioc posts aimed at spinning the board out of trouble are not assisting rational debate on the club's future one iota. Do you then admit that JP was a huge mistake when we needed a manager that had a good knowledge of gems in the CCC/League 1/League 2? Was it wise to leave a bunch of raw 17 year old lads who cannot compete in key games. Did you go to the game on Saturday? I paid my cash and saw lads out of their depth and demotivated - young careers could go to waste.

 

There is no recognition here of the blatant mistakes from Lowe and Wilde since 2004 and there are plenty of them. Crouch didn't cover himself in glory either but it is harder to judge his tenure fully in a shorter space of time. Mike Wilde and Rupert Lowe abused S4E as a PR machine in different ways, have made shockingly bad decisions and then expect trust and respect? Sorry, it "works both ways".

[Tamesaint]

Several intelligent ans well reasoned arguments 'nineteen'. In response, however, firstly I am happy to confirm I use virtually my full name on here as in Frank Cousins, but thats purely because I believe I have nothing to hide from my opinions. You are entitled in y eyes to your opinion on the actions of Rupert Lowe in running SFC. I will even go along with you and support that up until 2004 the efforts by Lowe and the board had indeed seen the club progress - but we cant underestimate the impact of the huge increases in TV revenues during those years of his tenure - I also, in the minority, appreciate ant accept that we also needed to live within our means if we were to avoid teh pitfalls of debt that was common in premiership sides.

 

It was at that time alot easier to defend Mr Lowe's decisons as a fan - the positives under his tenure were still fresh in the memory - the sea of yellow at Cardiff, even close to 33000 in a friendly against Micheal Ballack's Bayern - gates opened to avoid crowd problems!

 

I would even argue that and defend the fact that despite what in hindsight was an error, the appointmnet of Steve Wigley who for all his loyalty was not ready for such a challenge, as part of the responsibuilty of a decent employer - providing opportunity - but what most fans found difficult to reconcile was that nothing seemed to have been learnt from a similar appointmnet of Stuart Gray - yes we know financial consideration must have influenced the decisionsm,, but why repeat the error? and why did Lowe not admit to that major blunder as being a major factor in relegation? Its this lack of humility and perceived arrogance that prevents many fans from acknowledging the positives and maintains a strong feeling of resentment, even amongst more sensible fans.

 

This is compounded by posts such as yours that offer an almost unflinching loyalty toards Rupert irresepctive of the decisions made that turn out to be misguided...

 

I will skip the invening years because as fans these now become irrelevenat to our current predicament. Fans are struggling to understand WHY a perfectly decent intelligent coach such as JP was given and still holds the managers role. An honest man who many on here respect but who simply is too naive of the culture of the CCC to see us progress - indeed the current danger of relegation is naturally causing resentment and anger to a fanbase already at the end of its tether after the turmaoil of recent years. Its not JPs fault we know that, but we can not understand how/why Mr lOwe is once again refusing to act early enough - sorry but this thing is standard in football and is not really likely to unsettle banks - the dwindling crowds will have more an effect on that - and a new manager may see that change.

 

Its Mr Lowes perceived arrogance once again that it will be 'OK' or his unfliching belief in his idea that is preventing the common sense solution - so is it any wonder there is a continued backlash. I would never condone what happened on Saturday, nor do I appreciate teh abuse and verbal bullying that fan such as myself get, on here just for supporting an idea, let alone a person. but you have to appreciate that Lowe in his ackward and often dismissive communication with fans makes him at this time almost impossible to defend.

 

I know hes not the devil, I know he probably does have an affection for SFC and a desire to see it rise from the ashes, but surely the best way of demonstraing that is humilty... focus on what he is experienced and good at in the CEO role and seek advice and help on the footballing side of things and review the manager situation. Otherwise, I cant see a way back for this club.

 

 

Hi Sundance. Its Nineteen Canteen this time ?? Not Sundance Beast, Flashman at the Charge or the Third Bear. Do you change your name every January ??

 

I see though that you still cannot afford a fiver and are limited to 3 posts a day so your posts ramble on and on and on and ......... They are certainly a cure for insomnia.

 

Pity you couldn't make it to SMS on saturday. I would have thought that a good fan of Southampton Football Club like you would have made it there. You weren't with Rupert by any chance were you ????

[Wes Tender]

Difficult to know where to start but the vast majority of responses to my posts last night are not exactly unexpected but once again NickH seems geniune, realistic and balanced in his support. To that end it seems Frank's Cousin has an extremely level -headed approach without any prejudical agenda.

 

And as I pointed out, you stated that if such people perceived to be sensible had turned their opinions against your stance then you'd be forced to admit that changes needed to be made. Well, now both of them have stated opinions that JP is out of his depth and drastic measures need to be made. So where do you stand now?

 

Unfortunately, many have been indoctrinated into the intimidating and bullying style of the most vocal whose violent protest on Saturday whilst ugly in the extreme didn't achieve anything like a majority of support from the rest of the crowd but the damage done to our reputation and future harmony was significant and inflamed an already difficult situation.

 

Contradictory, surely? If it wasn't well supported, surely it would have been dismissed as what you and Lowe would call the lunatic fringe and not have done much harm to our reputation. Everybody acknowledges that there is such an element that attends matches in all sectors of the game. And arrogant to state that some had been indoctrinated, as if you assume that they don't have a mind of their own.

 

We as supporters had our 'wishes' granted nearly 3 years ago with the removal of Lowe. Lowe had delivered success to the club and raised its profile to far above previous levels of recognition

 

What? Above the levels of recognition under Lawrie McMenemy whose team won the FA Cup and finished a season second in the old First Division after the great Liverpool of that era? Ah, yes. Don't want to be reminded of success under him, do we?

 

and personally I was proud to be a Saint supporting a club with a very modern profile and forward thinging approach, a blueprint for others to follow.

 

Like Crewe for example? We will soon be playing against them if the current slump continues.

 

However, mistakes were made post 2003

 

And pre-2003

 

that led to Rupert having to step down regardless of his or our own opinion of those mistakes. Certainly, in this environment we now find ourselves, those mistakes would barely register with the fanbase and pass us by as a chairman simply trying to save the club hamstrung by a lack of money. It maybe even ironic that many are calling for the sacking of the manager after just 6 months when Rupert's propensity in the past to change managers was seen as a major flaw.

 

It was a major flaw and still is, his inability to pick a decent manager and keep him here. Possibly he's a bad judge of character, or perhaps too difficult to work with as Wiseman documented in the Echo. Not good traits for a Chairman regrettably. And what's even more ironic is that he didn't give Pearson a chance, but feels able to give the out of his depth Dutchman plenty of time when the ship is taking on loads of water.

 

We chastise Wilde for the way he took the club forward and the arrival of Jim Hone and co. For all the negative perception about Michael Wilde he acted with the best intentions and should be respected as being able and strong enough to change direction when he recognised the need, as was the case last May.

 

Respect due to him for doing a total about face, betraying all those who had faith in his broken promies? You jest, surely? Would you still say the same thing about him were he to change his mind again and dessert Lowe now?

 

Creativity and forward thinking are fundamental if you are to build a thriving business but creativity is not without risk and we as a football club and a business (the two cannot be untangled) like many other clubs and businesses away from the game have suffered as a result of many factors including like us some calculated (readily understood) risks.

 

I agree with you. Unfortunately Lowe has never realised that we are a business and a football club. He only sees us as a business, seemingly not realising that in order to succeed we need to get value for money and entertainment in order to continue paying the revenues needed to continue successfully.

 

The outlook is grim and if that requires the removal of our manager and coaching staff then I am sure those decisions will be made as Rupert Lowe has never shied from doing what he believes is in the best interests of the club.

 

Or indeed himself.

 

No doubt there will be a time for a change again in the future but at the moment we need stability and another round of musical chairs will really have the financiers twitching. If Lowe has their backing and we as fans can resolve ourselves to accept that he didn't need to come back and is simply trying to save something to which he is very close and proud of his connection not unlike all our fan then we need to show unity and support.

 

Firstly, our bankers had given their backing to Crouch, so your argument about them becoming twitchy about change holds no water. Secondly, most feel that he came back out of personal and selfish financial motives rather than some altruistic feelings for the club he loved. Thirdly, you obviously cannot see that as the most devisive person ever to have been connected with this club, his return in consort with the second most devisive person was never going to unite the fans unless it brought about some measure of success. As it has resulted in ignominious failure, it is a bit rich imploring us to unite behind the two of them. We can only be united once they have departed.

 

Our crowd numbers have dwindled far beyond what relegation would deliver and if we compare ourselves to our peers it is clear we either have a much smaller genuine fanbase than we accept or there are other other reasons at work. In the past Southampton has always felt like a big club with a poor ground and then Rupert and his team delivered and we had a big club playing on a stage that really reflected the achievement and the forward thinking approach.

 

Having failed to gain us the stadium at Stoneham and having been bailed out by Southampton City Council, by the way.

 

For every upturn their is usually an equal and opposite reaction, hense the need for tight fiscal policy, and now we feel like a tatty club with some notably undesirable fans coming out of the woodwork intent on pulling apart the club as oppose to supporting and unifying it in its hour of need. Lets face it it has given us many good times and memories and yet we rail against it as if we were a bunch of 16 year olds rebelling againts our parents to use an anlogy from the news today.

 

These are grim times and our concerted efforts should be in rallying support not trying to organise more intimidating, violent and ultimately feckless, bordering on the ridiculous demonstrations. Many of you see Lowe as some kind of tyrant from where I was sitting the real tyrants were acting in a far more ugly way on Saturday offering to take outside a few thousand fans who didn't agree with their call to stop supporting and demonstrate against the club we love.

 

So no not a PR plant just someone who finally decided to overcome their aversion to forums and phone ins and stand up for their own opinions. I'm using a pseudonym? So what, if I want to protect myself by some people capable of throwing fists just because someone has a diferent opinion. With that in mind is it not more sinister that those who post on here with a more colourful language, that would indicate perhaps violent tendancies, should post under false names. Works both ways.

 

Another very good post by Frank under yours. Explains everything very well.

[JustMike]

RL cares only for what he can line his pockets with. Has made too many big, noticable mistakes over the years and does not learn from them. He has / will continue to drag this club down if he carries on with this current joke of an experiment.

 

Rupert Lowe..if you want to medal in team affairs and run the club in this way the please buy a PC and Football Manager 2009 but leave the real football to someone who a) gives a toss, and b) knows what they are doing

[EastleighSoulBoy]

On balance I think we may well all be culpulable for the club's demise. The article in the Express concerning our drop in attendances is purely down to us unfortunately having a fan base of which a significant majority only want to watch Premiership Football.

 

It's no longer about supporting Lowe, Crouch, Wilde but supporting the team. Any demonstration in the stadium is counter productive especially when you see supposedly intelligent men (judged by their posts on this forum) alledgedly behaving in a threatening and violent way towards older fans and those accompanied by chiildren.

 

Mob rule by the excessively vocal minority will IMO send this club over the edge long before any further action by the current board. I have read the threads at length awaiting my registration and Nickh, AdrianSFC and a fair few others abused for their support of the club and thereby deemed 'Lowe -luvvies' are those who seem to have the most fair and balanced view on matters.

 

When these users register a genuine concern then we should listen and act but without confirming Rupert's long held belief we do indeed have a lunatic fringe, with some even masquerade on here as decent citizens don't they Um Pahars. The reality despite your explanation that you all had a good laugh with your 'victims' afterwards remains a total disgrace and any further contribution from you treated with the contempt it deserves. Your actions and those of your mate were memorable for all the wrong reasons and I don't believe it was that easy for anyone to 'laugh off'. The saving grace is despite your efforts I understand very very few in Itchen south stood up with you.

 

Aaah! There you are. Welcome back and already needing the Mods attention!

 

Seen Scooby of late? Or his mate, Somedunce :yawinkle: ?

[Oz]

lowe out!

[ericofarabia]

Did this meeting really take place?

 

No mention of it on The OS :cool:, so maybe The Echo just made it up

 

:smt044

[eelpie]

I still don't understand how someone with such a relatively small stake in the club (I.e. £300k or 5% of capital ?) maintains such a grip on the running of this club. Can anyone explain this to me? Ta

 

Rupert and his cronies only paid £1 a share for the club as we know, and have all made their million or two out of SFC. So money isn't an issue with them. It is all about ego. Lowe isn't a fan of SFC, so our demise is not an issue with him either. He is rid of dissenters in the Board (since he was last Chairman) and his cronies have proxied their shares in his favour.

 

Wilde's investment cost him a fortune, and fear brought him into Lowe's camp. They still hate each other, I am sure.

 

Crouch walked out of the EGM and did not cast his vote. (Silly impetuous man for letting Lowe wind him up - so Lowe gets what he wants again.) The date of the EGM so close to Christmas made it difficult for many smaller shareholders to attend, who did not vote. Hence the reported 90% + vote in Lowe's favour.

 

So the world at large believe that Lowe has an impregnable 90% support.

 

That's how to manipulate the impression of power.

 

(Hollow laughter.)

[Window Cleaner]

 

So the world at large believe that Lowe has an impregnable 90% support.

 

That's how to manipulate the impression of power.

 

(Hollow laughter.)

 

 

Made possible by the fact that looking into the shareholding of SLH PLC is like looking into a pond of thick treacle covered by a mirror and trying to tell what's at the bottom..

[eelpie]

The article in the Express concerning our drop in attendances is purely down to us unfortunately having a fan base of which a significant majority only want to watch Premiership Football.

 

Any demonstration in the stadium is counter productive especially when you see supposedly intelligent men (judged by their posts on this forum) alledgedly behaving in a threatening and violent way towards older fans and those accompanied by chiildren.

 

Mob rule by the excessively vocal minority will IMO send this club over the edge long before any further action by the current board.

 

So there we have it. The official line IS that we the fans are responsible.

Teflon Lowe, through his PR plants (no doubt paid for out of SLH funds) is making sure the media know he is blameless.

 

Expect a lot of stories in the press and TV along these lines.