Being a Saints fan rather than one of the elite

[OldNick]

I was wandering around Salisbury wearing my Saints baseball hat and saw a fellow saints fan in a Saints top, we acknowledged each other with a smile and a nod.

There is a bond being a Saints fan that the big clubs fans dont have, their fans would knock each other over in a supermarket queue.

Probably as we have a civic pride, wheras most of the big club fans are only drawn by winning.

[Sergei Gotsmanov]

You are more likely to start a conversation with a supporter of a team like Southampton. If I see a Chelsea fan or a Man U or Liverpool I have no urge to talk football because they have nothing to contribute to a conversation that I would be interested in. 

[Turkish]

There are few more distressing sights than that of an Englishman in a baseball cap.

[Colinjb]

Many fans of those bigger clubs support them because they personally want to be seen as successful, not because of a genuine love for them.

The support you get for a club based on it being home, through shared experiences with friends seeing the difference it makes everyday to the community around you when they do well really is something special.

[OttawaSaint]

Saints have a baseball team? Didn't know that. 

[Sunglasses Ron]

The amount of Liverpool shirts you see in Devon all year round is mental.

I did laugh the other day though, as there was a boy (who was probably 10 years old) wearing a Man City shirt and sporting a perfect mini Haaland hairdo.

[Turkish]

6 minutes ago, Colinjb said:

Many fans of those bigger clubs support them because they personally want to be seen as successful, not because of a genuine love for them.

The support you get for a club based on it being home, through shared experiences with friends seeing the difference it makes everyday to the community around you when they do well really is something special.

I laugh at these bellends like Liverpool fans for example, who seem to attract them more than most, who describe themselves as "a massive red". You can spot them a mile off talk in soundbites off of stuff they've heard on talksport, watch every game on the telly, all over their facebook after a win, every player they sign is amazing, it goes on and on. 

[Sunglasses Ron]

7 minutes ago, Turkish said:

I laugh at these bellends like Liverpool fans for example, who seem to attract them more than most, who describe themselves as "a massive red". You can spot them a mile off talk in soundbites off of stuff they've heard on talksport, watch every game on the telly, all over their facebook after a win, every player they sign is amazing, it goes on and on. 

I always enjoy the stories of why they ended up supporting Liverpool.

It's usually something like "My late grandad was a massive reds fan and I used sit on his knee whilst we watched them (on the TV)". 

It's like their way of becoming immune from being called a glory hunter as you'd come across as a heartless *~#tard if you did that.

[OldNick]

27 minutes ago, Turkish said:

There are few more distressing sights than that of an Englishman in a baseball cap.

Crikey, if that distresses you I doubt you leave home. Thinking about it, that may be best for society if you dont

[OldNick]

25 minutes ago, OttawaSaint said:

Saints have a baseball team? Didn't know that. 

shows how little you know, are you a member of CoT to be so badly informed

[sfc4prem]

I oft reflect on this matter as a teacher. Children very frequently support the big teams, often because they aren't exposed to regular live football at local clubs by their parents.

Instead they get their 'football fix' from football video games, Sky Sports, Match of the Day and so on.

They like to see goals and wins, so support the 'best' clubs. As a result, there is very little loyalty or meaning behind their support.

That's why us Saints fans are dye-in-the-wool steadfasts who feel a real affinity for our club and fellow fans.

[Turkish]

15 minutes ago, OldNick said:

Crikey, if that distresses you I doubt you leave home. Thinking about it, that may be best for society if you dont

tiz but a lyric from a 20 or so year old song from the post golden era of British music.

Although i dont often leave the bedroom of my bedsit either.

[St Louis]

It's so true, I will always say hello to a Saints fan when I see them abroad or out of town
Last year we were on a family holiday and at breakfast I'd always say 'hello' to another family who's lads were wearing Saints shirts, and we'd talk Saints (it was full pre-season and lots of signings being made).
We started to bump into them in the evenings too and have a few beers and talk more... and he'd kept it quiet for the first week, but it turned out the Dad was one of the senior coaching team under Hassenhutl. He had just left the club, so when the beer flowed he was quite happy to give me some insight into the club (what the 3 managers were like in our relegation season, what each player was like, etc) so it was unbelievably interesting for me as a fan. Had he been a Liverpool fan, I would not have even said 'Good Morning' 😆

[OldNick]

3 minutes ago, Turkish said:

tiz but a lyric from a 20 or so year old song from the post golden era of British music.

Although i dont often leave the bedroom of my bedsit either.

Ahh, I never listened to the Wurzels, although im sorry to say my music knowledge is very poor, music has not been part of my life and rarely listen to it. I know that will be seen as mad but I'd rather go and see a comedian. My friend travels the world to watch Springsteen, even paid to meet him!!! I dont get it.

[OldNick]

5 minutes ago, St Louis said:

It's so true, I will always say hello to a Saints fan when I see them abroad or out of town
Last year we were on a family holiday and at breakfast I'd always say 'hello' to another family who's lads were wearing Saints shirts, and we'd talk Saints (it was full pre-season and lots of signings being made).
We started to bump into them in the evenings too and have a few beers and talk more... and he'd kept it quiet for the first week, but it turned out the Dad was one of the senior coaching team under Hassenhutl. He had just left the club, so when the beer flowed he was quite happy to give me some insight into the club (what the 3 managers were like in our relegation season, what each player was like, etc) so it was unbelievably interesting for me as a fan. Had he been a Liverpool fan, I would not have even said 'Good Morning' 😆

Now you will be pestered for info.............so tell us more 😀

[Rebel]

Man Utd, Liverpool are probably the worst - but Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal are almost as bad - and maybe Spurs!

I always think it shows someone of 'low moral fibre and low character' and someone you couldn't rely on if times get tough - unless they have a genuine connection to the 'big' club like they were born there and all their family support them - not just their Grandad/Uncle used to watch them on TV.

The sooner they all leave for a European Super League - and take Newcastle with them - the better

[trousers]

11 minutes ago, St Louis said:

It's so true, I will always say hello to a Saints fan when I see them abroad or out of town
Last year we were on a family holiday and at breakfast I'd always say 'hello' to another family who's lads were wearing Saints shirts, and we'd talk Saints (it was full pre-season and lots of signings being made).
We started to bump into them in the evenings too and have a few beers and talk more... and he'd kept it quiet for the first week, but it turned out the Dad was one of the senior coaching team under Hassenhutl. He had just left the club, so when the beer flowed he was quite happy to give me some insight into the club (what the 3 managers were like in our relegation season, what each player was like, etc) so it was unbelievably interesting for me as a fan. Had he been a Liverpool fan, I would not have even said 'Good Morning' 😆

 

 

Edited July 29 by trousers

[franniesTache]

Always chuckle at the irony/hypocrisy of people from places with their own teams but support smaller teams like us moaning about fans from elsewhere supporting big clubs like united or liverpool.

I mean how is it any different if you support Saints when you're from Salisbury than it is if you support Man U but are from Cornwall?

[Lee On Solent Saint]

23 minutes ago, franniesTache said:

Always chuckle at the irony/hypocrisy of people from places with their own teams but support smaller teams like us moaning about fans from elsewhere supporting big clubs like united or liverpool.

I mean how is it any different if you support Saints when you're from Salisbury than it is if you support Man U but are from Cornwall?

I think it's more a location thing. Salisbury you could say is still in a Saints catchment area, but it seems that a supporter who needs an overnight night stay to watch their team is ridiculed. 

 

[St Louis]

1 hour ago, OldNick said:

Now you will be pestered for info.............so tell us more 😀

- Didn't particularly like Ralph on a personal level, and neither did many of the squad towards the end.
- Jones and Selles were both really impressive coaches, brilliant on the training ground and were a breath of fresh air when they came in, both were well liked by the squad. he felt they would both be successful elsewhere (which is looking true already), but inherited a sinking ship and shambles of a squad and there was nothing anyone could do to save us. Club were disappointed with how bad Jones was with media duties and was making himself and the club look stupid (they had to speak to him about it a few times), but said he was great away from the camera and liked by all.
- He worked with Russell Martin for a short time when he started to do some analysis work behind the scenes (before it was official) and he said he was a top bloke and was convinced he would do a good job and get us promoted.
- There were some really bad apples in the squad (a couple of overseas centre backs were the main culprits - and I'm not talking Bednarek, Lyanco or Caleta-Car) with rumours of them refusing to play and fight being 100% true, players were picking up imaginary injuries, refusing to train, etc. He said there was no harmony in the squad and they just didn't get on, cliques everywhere and literally all of them wanted to leave, the place was rotten and the worst dressing room environment he'd known.
- Also discussed the Jimmy-Jay Morgan move to Chelsea, and how disappointed the club were, but the money Chelsea gave him to move and the wage he is on are just ridiculous and mind blowing. He said he's an amazing prospect and will be amazed if he doesn't reach the top eventually, but was gutted that he's ended up at Chelsea with very few opportunities for young players.
- He didnt speak highly of Sport Republic (but I would expect that given he and many coaches were kicked out when they took over) but he said they were so cold in how they did it, and just sacked them by sliding them a letter across a table with no pleasantries. Many of them had been at the club a while and really cared.
- Loads of other bits and pieces that I cant think of now, mainly around players and what they were like. JWP being a top bloke and professional, etc and he also being sick of the mercenary players we'd been bringing in who just didn't care.

If I remember anything else I'll post it.

Edited July 29 by St Louis

[revolution saint]

Since when have we been allowed to pick the club we support, and why wasn't I told?  Fucks sake, it's probably too late now.

[spyinthesky]

1 hour ago, Turkish said:

There are few more distressing sights than that of an Englishman in a baseball cap.

I tend to agree.

Bucking the rend a bit, I have been looking to buy one of those caps with the peak at the back.

Are they only sold in the good old US of A?

[Colinjb]

1 hour ago, Sunglasses Ron said:

I always enjoy the stories of why they ended up supporting Liverpool.

It's usually something like "My late grandad was a massive reds fan and I used sit on his knee whilst we watched them (on the TV)". 

It's like their way of becoming immune from being called a glory hunter as you'd come across as a heartless *~#tard if you did that.

There was a kid I used to teach, from a family of Chelsea fans. He supported Liverpool. 

His reason? 'They win more.' 

I could respect his honesty at least. Far better then the contrived b*locks you describe that most of those twats come out with. 

Edited July 29 by Colinjb

[OldNick]

51 minutes ago, franniesTache said:

Always chuckle at the irony/hypocrisy of people from places with their own teams but support smaller teams like us moaning about fans from elsewhere supporting big clubs like united or liverpool.

I mean how is it any different if you support Saints when you're from Salisbury than it is if you support Man U but are from Cornwall?

Im not from Salisbury

[franniesTache]

5 minutes ago, OldNick said:

Im not from Salisbury

Didn't say you were i was just asking what the difference was. Because personally i've always seen it as a bit hypocritical for people to have a go at people supporting the big clubs when they're not from there, but celebrating not from Southampton supporting saints.

Edited July 29 by franniesTache

[John B]

I often meet Saints fans although I do not live near Southampton they all seem quite positive and hardly ever moan unlike members of this forum.

Apart from a nephew I have never met another forum member.

I also support Hampshire at cricket and it is a much better experience as we are one of the best and regularly experience success and it costs very little

 

 

[VectisSaint]

I always thought being a Saints "fan" was being one of the elite.

[Graffito]

40 minutes ago, spyinthesky said:

I tend to agree.

Bucking the rend a bit, I have been looking to buy one of those caps with the peak at the back.

Are they only sold in the good old US of A?

Get a bucket hat. You’ll be recognised as an Englishman the world over in a bucket hat.

[Sheaf Saint]

2 hours ago, Sunglasses Ron said:

I always enjoy the stories of why they ended up supporting Liverpool.

It's usually something like "My late grandad was a massive reds fan and I used sit on his knee whilst we watched them (on the TV)". 

It's like their way of becoming immune from being called a glory hunter as you'd come across as a heartless *~#tard if you did that.

I had a mate from Hedge End who was a Man U fan because his dad (who also wasn't from Manchester) was a lifelong fan. 

All well and good, but I would often ask him who he would be supporting if his dad was a fan of Port Vale or Grimsby Town. He obviously had no answer.

[Saint86]

43 minutes ago, franniesTache said:

Didn't say you were i was just asking what the difference was. Because personally i've always seen it as a bit hypocritical for people to have a go at people supporting the big clubs when they're not from there, but celebrating not from Southampton supporting saints.

I know its a running joke, but the catchment area for Southampton FC fan's is is pretty large - and mean for matchgoing fans.

There was a thread on it recently this season where (some) people on here were actually looking down on saints fan's from outside the city... And i still think its mad that that outlook exists tbh. Do people actually walk around thinking the traffic through Millbrook and down the avenue on matchdays is for Ikea? All that should matter is we've got dedicated fans that attend matches. I grew up 15min from salisbury but have supported Saints my entire life, lived in the city for a bit, but then moved to Bristol and kept a season ticket going until Puel.... he (and kids) was the final straw for the season ticket. My eldest is 6 now, took him to 4 games last year including the play off final, and he's been in to Staplewood... (i'm doing my best to get him hooked before he picks a glory club), whereas pretty much all his mates at school support arsenal/city/liverpool etc. (🤮), and they'll likely never go and see a game...

Also, when travelling up to Wembley we were sat near saints fans from Taunton and Devon that had been going to see saints all season (which following the dreadful relegation season is some effort). And yet we have fans that look down on them for being outside the city, weird.

As for meeting saints fans out and about, we're generally great. There used to be a bloke on the bristol bath cycle ride that would yell "up the saints" etc when we'd go past each other on our commutes, and i'll always remember chatting to a fan in old Rhodes town many years ago. That atmosphere doesn't exist with the bigger plastic clubs, whereas saints are just big enough to have fans all over the place, but don't have glory fans (because we don't win anything 😅🤣🤘). Plus we benefited from the boon in 90's football and having someone like Le Tissier being broadcast all around the world showing of spectacular goals.

Edited July 29 by Saint86

[Sunglasses Ron]

3 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

I had a mate from Hedge End who was a Man U fan because his dad (who also wasn't from Manchester) was a lifelong fan. 

All well and good, but I would often ask him who he would be supporting if his dad was a fan of Port Vale or Grimsby Town. He obviously had no answer.

A kid at my athletics track the other day was wearing a West Ham shirt.

I asked him if he liked James Ward-Prowse and his response was that he didn't like West Ham and that his dad makes him wear the shirt!

I guess he's showing him some tough love! 

[Midfield_General]

1 hour ago, St Louis said:

Jones and Selles were both really impressive coaches, brilliant on the training ground and were a breath of fresh air when they came in, both were well liked by the squad. Club were disappointed with how bad Jones was with media duties and was making himself and the club look stupid (they had to speak to him about it a few times), but said he was great away from the camera and liked by all.

That's really interesting about Jones. Obviously his football was awful, so whatever good he was doing behind the scenes wasn't translating to PL-level results. I do wonder though how much longer he would have lasted if he could have just kept his mouth shut and given bland, media-trained interviews like everyone else, rather than blurting out the mad stuff he came out with which quickly lost him any remaining respect and turned him into a joke figure with the fans and the media. 

1 hour ago, St Louis said:

There were some really bad apples in the squad (a couple of overseas centre backs were the main culprits - and I'm not talking Bednarek, Lyanco or Caleta-Car) with rumours of them refusing to play and fight being 100% true, players were picking up imaginary injuries, refusing to train, etc. 

That's illuminating, given how much speculation there was at the time over the 'injuries'. Pretty sure that was what that non-league manager - Paul Doswell? - was driving at when he gave the Solent interview that Jones then went barrelling into afterwards to defend himself. Also explains why there appears to have been absolutely no attempt to reintegrate the other one, who presumably is the one still at the club but just back from loan, back into the squad. Just get rid and move on from that toxic chapter. 

Thanks for sharing the insights. 

[Ex Ringwood Saint]

Was lucky enough to be in Seattle last month for work and wore my saints t shirt out and about. Got tickets to a Sounders game at Lumen field (amazing stadium..) and was befriended by several locals in bars and at the game chatting about return to premier league etc.. Most have big clubs they follow in UK but a couple have random cities they adopted after visits in the past. Lots of respect and knowledge about Southampton... Similarities with Seattle as a port city.. Although Seattle slightly more attractive!  Weirdest thing is the number of Wrexham shirts and fans😂😂.. That Ryan Reynolds has a lot to answer for!

[Toadhall Saint]

3 hours ago, Turkish said:

There are few more distressing sights than that of an Englishman in a baseball cap.

Lycra

[goodymatt]

2 hours ago, franniesTache said:

Always chuckle at the irony/hypocrisy of people from places with their own teams but support smaller teams like us moaning about fans from elsewhere supporting big clubs like united or liverpool.

I mean how is it any different if you support Saints when you're from Salisbury than it is if you support Man U but are from Cornwall?

It’s different because there is usually a good reason for supporting Saints if you’re not from Southampton, and it’s not just a default selection due to a team winning everything at the time. Nobody could call any Saints fan a glory hunter. You have to be a ‘proper fan’ to support us through league one and back etc.

For me it’s a family thing and it’s nice to share this hobby across generations.

 

[St Louis]

1 hour ago, Ex Ringwood Saint said:

Was lucky enough to be in Seattle last month for work and wore my saints t shirt out and about. Got tickets to a Sounders game at Lumen field (amazing stadium..) and was befriended by several locals in bars and at the game chatting about return to premier league etc.. Most have big clubs they follow in UK but a couple have random cities they adopted after visits in the past. Lots of respect and knowledge about Southampton... Similarities with Seattle as a port city.. Although Seattle slightly more attractive!  Weirdest thing is the number of Wrexham shirts and fans😂😂.. That Ryan Reynolds has a lot to answer for!

My best mate is a big Saints fan who now lives in Seattle, he's been there just over 10 years now.
He often takes this flag to Seahawks and Sounders games, would have been brilliant if you'd randomly seen this in the crowd!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm1fR64jQ7y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[hypochondriac]

Guessing the bad apples were ABK and Salisu.

[John Boy Saint]

2 hours ago, spyinthesky said:

I tend to agree.

Bucking the rend a bit, I have been looking to buy one of those caps with the peak at the back.

Are they only sold in the good old US of A?

What - like the one this chap is sporting?

I like the chap to his right who’s mum told him to wrap up warm for the match

[Turkish]

2 hours ago, Saint86 said:

I know its a running joke, but the catchment area for Southampton FC fan's is is pretty large - and mean for matchgoing fans.

There was a thread on it recently this season where (some) people on here were actually looking down on saints fan's from outside the city... And i still think its mad that that outlook exists tbh. Do people actually walk around thinking the traffic through Millbrook and down the avenue on matchdays is for Ikea? All that should matter is we've got dedicated fans that attend matches. I grew up 15min from salisbury but have supported Saints my entire life, lived in the city for a bit, but then moved to Bristol and kept a season ticket going until Puel.... he (and kids) was the final straw for the season ticket. My eldest is 6 now, took him to 4 games last year including the play off final, and he's been in to Staplewood... (i'm doing my best to get him hooked before he picks a glory club), whereas pretty much all his mates at school support arsenal/city/liverpool etc. (🤮), and they'll likely never go and see a game...

Also, when travelling up to Wembley we were sat near saints fans from Taunton and Devon that had been going to see saints all season (which following the dreadful relegation season is some effort). And yet we have fans that look down on them for being outside the city, weird.

As for meeting saints fans out and about, we're generally great. There used to be a bloke on the bristol bath cycle ride that would yell "up the saints" etc when we'd go past each other on our commutes, and i'll always remember chatting to a fan in old Rhodes town many years ago. That atmosphere doesn't exist with the bigger plastic clubs, whereas saints are just big enough to have fans all over the place, but don't have glory fans (because we don't win anything 😅🤣🤘). Plus we benefited from the boon in 90's football and having someone like Le Tissier being broadcast all around the world showing of spectacular goals.

Remember in the early years at St Marys and some fans would hold their season tickets in the air whilst chanting "loyal supporters"? Tragic

[OttawaSaint]

4 hours ago, OldNick said:

shows how little you know, are you a member of CoT to be so badly informed

Not a member, read the fine print and the followers have to blow Turkish twice a week! 

Not my bag, baby!

[franniesTache]

25 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Remember in the early years at St Marys and some fans would hold their season tickets in the air whilst chanting "loyal supporters"? Tragic

Wasn't that after promotion? Really strange behaviour that

1 hour ago, goodymatt said:

It’s different because there is usually a good reason for supporting Saints if you’re not from Southampton, and it’s not just a default selection due to a team winning everything at the time. Nobody could call any Saints fan a glory hunter. You have to be a ‘proper fan’ to support us through league one and back etc.

For me it’s a family thing and it’s nice to share this hobby across generations.

 

2 hours ago, Saint86 said:

I know its a running joke, but the catchment area for Southampton FC fan's is is pretty large - and mean for matchgoing fans.

There was a thread on it recently this season where (some) people on here were actually looking down on saints fan's from outside the city... And i still think its mad that that outlook exists tbh. Do people actually walk around thinking the traffic through Millbrook and down the avenue on matchdays is for Ikea? All that should matter is we've got dedicated fans that attend matches. I grew up 15min from salisbury but have supported Saints my entire life, lived in the city for a bit, but then moved to Bristol and kept a season ticket going until Puel.... he (and kids) was the final straw for the season ticket. My eldest is 6 now, took him to 4 games last year including the play off final, and he's been in to Staplewood... (i'm doing my best to get him hooked before he picks a glory club), whereas pretty much all his mates at school support arsenal/city/liverpool etc. (🤮), and they'll likely never go and see a game...

Also, when travelling up to Wembley we were sat near saints fans from Taunton and Devon that had been going to see saints all season (which following the dreadful relegation season is some effort). And yet we have fans that look down on them for being outside the city, weird.

As for meeting saints fans out and about, we're generally great. There used to be a bloke on the bristol bath cycle ride that would yell "up the saints" etc when we'd go past each other on our commutes, and i'll always remember chatting to a fan in old Rhodes town many years ago. That atmosphere doesn't exist with the bigger plastic clubs, whereas saints are just big enough to have fans all over the place, but don't have glory fans (because we don't win anything 😅🤣🤘). Plus we benefited from the boon in 90's football and having someone like Le Tissier being broadcast all around the world showing of spectacular goals.

I'm not judging anyone, just pointing out it's basically the same thing. I'm sure most big club fans not from there will have some sort of story about why they have a connection. So surely if you're ok with one you're ok with the other right?

[goodymatt]

13 minutes ago, franniesTache said:

I'm not judging anyone, just pointing out it's basically the same thing. I'm sure most big club fans not from there will have some sort of story about why they have a connection. So surely if you're ok with one you're ok with the other right?

You’re right that there are similarities supporting a team that isn’t local to you. I’m just suggesting the reasons for supporting that team can be very different when you are comparing the big clubs and Saints. Ultimately people can support whoever they like though.

[OldNick]

53 minutes ago, OttawaSaint said:

Not a member, read the fine print and the followers have to blow Turkish twice a week! 

Not my bag, baby!

ohhhhhh, nasty. 

[Disco Stu]

5 hours ago, franniesTache said:

Always chuckle at the irony/hypocrisy of people from places with their own teams but support smaller teams like us moaning about fans from elsewhere supporting big clubs like united or liverpool.

I mean how is it any different if you support Saints when you're from Salisbury than it is if you support Man U but are from Cornwall?

I think if you live close enough to come and support them every week then I don't  see the problem (Obviously those that have since moved further away have made their bed).

I personally don't understand those that choose teams they're too far away to support if they have options closer by but then my joy of football comes from attending the game and enjoying the occasion with other fans. I'm sure some have good reasons and certainly those choosing clubs like Saints could never be labelled "glory hunters" but there's little doubt the majority are choosing to favour success over the ability to go to a game. Not a mindset I understand. I'd feel too detached from it all.

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, OttawaSaint said:

Not a member, read the fine print and the followers have to blow Turkish twice a week! 

Not my bag, baby!

that' the reward for breaking news, the more correct they are the more times they are allowed.

[Tamesaint]

2 hours ago, franniesTache said:

Wasn't that after promotion? Really strange behaviour that

I'm not judging anyone, just pointing out it's basically the same thing. I'm sure most big club fans not from there will have some sort of story about why they have a connection. So surely if you're ok with one you're ok with the other right?

I don't think it is the same thing. People from say Devon wbo support say Liverpool  presumably do it to support a team that often wins, that features often on tv, that has Champions League football and goes on to win trophies. Anyone who supports Saints has a much harder time and imo needs to be applauded. 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

7 hours ago, trousers said:

 

 

Oh, come on.  Give him some credit. He's hardly going to divulge lots of gossip on the back of the first bit of pester...

6 hours ago, St Louis said:

- Didn't particularly like Ralph on a personal level, and neither did many of the squad towards the end.
- Jones and Selles were both really impressive coaches, brilliant on the training ground and were a breath of fresh air when they came in, both were well liked by the squad. he felt they would both be successful elsewhere (which is looking true already), but inherited a sinking ship and shambles of a squad and there was nothing anyone could do to save us. Club were disappointed with how bad Jones was with media duties and was making himself and the club look stupid (they had to speak to him about it a few times), but said he was great away from the camera and liked by all.
- He worked with Russell Martin for a short time when he started to do some analysis work behind the scenes (before it was official) and he said he was a top bloke and was convinced he would do a good job and get us promoted.
- There were some really bad apples in the squad (a couple of overseas centre backs were the main culprits - and I'm not talking Bednarek, Lyanco or Caleta-Car) with rumours of them refusing to play and fight being 100% true, players were picking up imaginary injuries, refusing to train, etc. He said there was no harmony in the squad and they just didn't get on, cliques everywhere and literally all of them wanted to leave, the place was rotten and the worst dressing room environment he'd known.
- Also discussed the Jimmy-Jay Morgan move to Chelsea, and how disappointed the club were, but the money Chelsea gave him to move and the wage he is on are just ridiculous and mind blowing. He said he's an amazing prospect and will be amazed if he doesn't reach the top eventually, but was gutted that he's ended up at Chelsea with very few opportunities for young players.
- He didnt speak highly of Sport Republic (but I would expect that given he and many coaches were kicked out when they took over) but he said they were so cold in how they did it, and just sacked them by sliding them a letter across a table with no pleasantries. Many of them had been at the club a while and really cared.
- Loads of other bits and pieces that I cant think of now, mainly around players and what they were like. JWP being a top bloke and professional, etc and he also being sick of the mercenary players we'd been bringing in who just didn't care.

If I remember anything else I'll post it.

Never mind... 🙂

[Rut]

3 hours ago, John Boy Saint said:

What - like the one this chap is sporting?

I like the chap to his right who’s mum told him to wrap up warm for the match

Where the hell did you find this picture?

I only ask because I took it. It's from just over 10 years ago. Palace v Saints March 2014. Final score was 1-0 to Saints.

As for glory supporters? I don't care if your gran's cat had an arse that looked like Kenny Dalglish. I ain't talking to you about football.

 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

6 hours ago, VectisSaint said:

I always thought being a Saints "fan" was being the elite.

Fixed that.

6 hours ago, revolution saint said:

Since when have we been allowed to pick the club we support, and why wasn't I told?  Fucks sake, it's probably too late now.

Southampton calls to you. You don't get to pick your club. Across oceans and continents, it's siren call captures your heart and you will forever follow the Saints. Anyway, the support group is every second Tuesday. Bring some biscuits.  And we'll pop up the helpline number in a bit. 🙂

[Holmes_and_Watson]

8 minutes ago, Rut said:

Where the hell did you find this picture?

I only ask because I took it. It's from just over 10 years ago. Palace v Saints March 2014. Final score was 1-0 to Saints.

As for glory supporters? I don't care if your gran's cat had an arse that looked like Kenny Dalglish. I ain't talking to you about football.

 

Never mind the coincidence about the photo. How did you know about my gran's cat? 🙂