Johannes Spors

[EBS1980]

It’s a shame no interviews have been done with him tbh, even club released one of from Media, would be good to know his thoughts on the situation and his plans

[SuperSAINT]

50 minutes ago, EBS1980 said:

It’s a shame no interviews have been done with him tbh, even club released one of from Media, would be good to know his thoughts on the situation and his plans

I agree, but I’m sure one will happen - and it’s good to let him get a little bit of time in the building beforehand. 

[Guest]

I think they’ll be one released after the season/as we enter the summer.

Probably get a take on the new manager (hopefully), I’m sure he’ll relay long term aspirations for SR as a bit of a poster boy etc.

There’s no benefit in doing that now when it’s all down the shitter.

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

7 minutes ago, FarehamSaintJames said:

Probably get a take on the new manager (hopefully), I’m sure he’ll relay long term aspirations for SR as a bit of a poster boy etc.

There’s no benefit in doing that now when it’s all down the shitter.

Agreed. Once the season is over, I'm hoping Spors goes in to turbo mode and makes his presence felt and wouldn't be surprised if one of the first things he does is to drive up to Sheffield and bring Rohl to Southampton.

[Dr. Kucho]

He should be allowed to bring in a team of people to help him sort this rubbish out. Also bring in a ‘player sales manager’, someone who’s trying to sell our players. Bit like these annoying door to door salesmen 😉

[Gloucester Saint]

12 hours ago, OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint said:

Agreed. Once the season is over, I'm hoping Spors goes in to turbo mode and makes his presence felt and wouldn't be surprised if one of the first things he does is to drive up to Sheffield and bring Rohl to Southampton.

I’d re-set his sat nav for the East Midlands and get Steve Cooper. We need tried and tested. I like Rohl if SR will pay up, but Cooper won’t be fazed by the scale of the task by what he did at Forest.

[Saint Billy]

21 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

I’d re-set his sat nav for the East Midlands and get Steve Cooper. We need tried and tested. I like Rohl if SR will pay up, but Cooper won’t be fazed by the scale of the task by what he did at Forest.

Leicester?

[Holmes_and_Watson]

3 hours ago, Dr. Kucho said:

He should be allowed to bring in a team of people to help him sort this rubbish out. Also bring in a ‘player sales manager’, someone who’s trying to sell our players. Bit like these annoying door to door salesmen 😉

A dedicated cold call team, phoning every club on the planet. Repeatedly, until 1 caves in. 🙂

[Saint Fan CaM]

3 hours ago, Dr. Kucho said:

He should be allowed to bring in a team of people to help him sort this rubbish out. Also bring in a ‘player sales manager’, someone who’s trying to sell our players. Bit like these annoying door to door salesmen 😉

Agree with the sentiment, but I think the players agents will have something to say about the matter TBF.

I’m trying to imagine the last team meeting of the season…

Spors: “Rambo, KWP, Welington, Fernandes and Archer - have a good holiday. The rest of you - you’re stinking the place out so start looking for another club and fuck off”.

🤣🤣🤣

[Gloucester Saint]

1 hour ago, Saint Billy said:

Leicester?

He should never have joined Leicester with the rivalry, was never going to get any time/patience and they’ve been a lot worse under RVN.

[Appy]

2 hours ago, Saint Billy said:

Leicester?

Had them outside the bottom three in fairness, the Leicester fans are just entitled morons. 

[gio1saints]

From what I understand ( and no big surprise either) he is going to have a lot of work to do.

Juric only fancies 5 or 6 in the current squad. Would not be surprised to see 15 + out and 10+ incoming during post season. That may or may not include the manager and his sidekicks. I think the latter will largely depend on what Spors thinks if Ivan’s ability in these last few matches and his assessment of wether he has got what it takes to get us out the Championship. 
It seems ever more apparent that we may need one team, including management, to get us out the championship, and another, probably including management, to make us competitive in the EPL.. Hell of a lot of buying and selling and inducting and integrating -ahead. 

[Toadhall Saint]

1 hour ago, gio1saints said:

From what I understand ( and no big surprise either) he is going to have a lot of work to do.

Juric only fancies 5 or 6 in the current squad. Would not be surprised to see 15 + out and 10+ incoming during post season. That may or may not include the manager and his sidekicks. I think the latter will largely depend on what Spors thinks if Ivan’s ability in these last few matches and his assessment of wether he has got what it takes to get us out the Championship. 
It seems ever more apparent that we may need one team, including management, to get us out the championship, and another, probably including management, to make us competitive in the EPL.. Hell of a lot of buying and selling and inducting and integrating -ahead. 

IJ is crap - I wouldn’t back him end of - our squad might not be the best but his lunatic line ups have not helped. All he needed to do was make us more defensive and not leak goals but he hasn’t/cant. 

[Turkish]

21 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

IJ is crap - I wouldn’t back him end of - our squad might not be the best but his lunatic line ups have not helped. All he needed to do was make us more defensive and not leak goals but he hasn’t/cant. 

I was giving him so slack given he got an impossible job to keep us up but he crazy decision to play Aribo at centre back has tipped me very much against him. 5 at the back with a full back and attacking midfielder as your 2 of 3 centre backs is so weird you'd think it was a 6 year old picking the team

[ally_uk]

I'd put Rusk and Lallana in charge rest of season with the aim of Getting Rohl in summer for project rebuild. 

[Wade Garrett]

I don’t understand the clamour for Rohl.  What has he achieved that makes him a suitable choice for us.

Im not saying he isn’t, I just don’t see what he’s achieved to justify that.

[obelisk]

4 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

I don’t understand the clamour for Rohl.  What has he achieved that makes him a suitable choice for us.

Im not saying he isn’t, I just don’t see what he’s achieved to justify that.

Just seen Nathan Jones in the telly getting some praise. Picking someone from the lower leagues has not worked all that well for Saints. Rohl would be another shot in the dark from a management team that ought to have been shown the door by now.

[Matthew Le God]

2 minutes ago, obelisk said:

Just seen Nathan Jones in the telly getting some praise. Picking someone from the lower leagues has not worked all that well for Saints. Rohl would be another shot in the dark from a management team that ought to have been shown the door by now.

They have. We have a new chairman and new sporting director. They will pick future managers.

[obelisk]

3 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

They have. We have a new chairman and new sporting director. They will pick future managers.

I should have said "shown the door long before now".

[woodsaint1]

2 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

I don’t understand the clamour for Rohl.  What has he achieved that makes him a suitable choice for us.

Im not saying he isn’t, I just don’t see what he’s achieved to justify that.

Exactly. Wednesday will likely finish 13th-15th. The whole argument that hes turned them around is wearing thin. Hes steadied them, but thats all.

RM got slated because he had achieved nothing when we appointed him, yet some are advocating that we do the same again.

I doubt we'd have as much interest but for him previously being Ralph's assistant

[Fitzhugh Fella]

2 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

I don’t understand the clamour for Rohl.  What has he achieved that makes him a suitable choice for us.

Im not saying he isn’t, I just don’t see what he’s achieved to justify that.

It's certainly not worth paying his £10m release cause.

[Turkish]

31 minutes ago, woodsaint1 said:

Exactly. Wednesday will likely finish 13th-15th. The whole argument that hes turned them around is wearing thin. Hes steadied them, but thats all.

RM got slated because he had achieved nothing when we appointed him, yet some are advocating that we do the same again.

I doubt we'd have as much interest but for him previously being Ralph's assistant

Yep wouldn’t even get a mention if he’d not worked here before. This myth that was created on here about how he was responsible for for everything good when he was here and the brains behind Ralph. Left under a cloud too

[Lee On Solent Saint]

3 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

I don’t understand the clamour for Rohl.  What has he achieved that makes him a suitable choice for us.

Im not saying he isn’t, I just don’t see what he’s achieved to justify that.

Agree with this. If he'd not been here before we'd probably be thinking about another SR managerial nobody 

[2Morrow]

Who then?

[Dark Munster]

3 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

They have. We have a new chairman and new sporting director. They will pick future managers.

I hope you're right. But, unlike Kraft, Rasmus hasn't gone and is still lurking in the shadows.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

1 hour ago, Dark Munster said:

I hope you're right. But, unlike Kraft, Rasmus hasn't gone and is still lurking in the shadows.

I'm not here to defend Rasmus. Undoubtedly he has made mistakes (and then some). But I was at Staplewood a couple of weeks ago and was introduced to him. He was very polite and friendly. Means nothing I hear you say and fair enough. Later when I was watching the first team train he was there also watching intently. It was pointed out to me that - percentage wise - he has invested more of his personal wealth than anyone else in SR. Again so what. But its worth considering that while his errors have led to us all feeling anger and pain he has a lot of his personal wealth wrapped up in our future and when it goes pear shaped - as it is currently doing - then he is not exactly popping champagne corks.

I've given all this some thought and I still think as investors or owners go, SR are on the face of it genuine and committed. They have certainly screwed up big time by their contorted philosophy, but that has hurt them financially and reputation-wise as well. They are not going anywhere so, like it or not, its still in our interest to back them, even though they have no right to request our loyalty. We have no other choice at the end off the day, they are our club's owners. I wish they would communicate more frequently and more openly (and while I was there I did say that to them). Their heart is still in it, there's a lot of work going on off the field to increase our revenue which is getting unfair criticism owing to the poor showing on the pitch. But it is bringing in revenue and no one else has done it. I think they will bring a lot of positive things to the city in general, fingers crossed.

This season is undoubtedly the worst in our history (albeit in the top flight) but their desire to right things is genuine and they are still highly motivated. I think they should be given the chance to make amends. Probably going to be shot down in flames for this post and be asked how much I have been paid but in my opinion its time for us all to take a deep breath and keep the faith for a while longer. Thanks for reading this.

[trousers]

14 minutes ago, Fitzhugh Fella said:

I wish they would communicate more frequently and more openly (and while I was there I did say that to them).

That's the key point to me.... I reckon people would be less hacked off with them if they were more candid with fans. Here's hoping they listened to you FF!

[Gloucester Saint]

14 minutes ago, Fitzhugh Fella said:

I'm not here to defend Rasmus. Undoubtedly he has made mistakes (and then some). But I was at Staplewood a couple of weeks ago and was introduced to him. He was very polite and friendly. Means nothing I hear you say and fair enough. Later when I was watching the first team train he was there also watching intently. It was pointed out to me that - percentage wise - he has invested more of his personal wealth than anyone else in SR. Again so what. But its worth considering that while his errors have led to us all feeling anger and pain he has a lot of his personal wealth wrapped up in our future and when it goes pear shaped - as it is currently doing - then he is not exactly popping champagne corks.

I've given all this some thought and I still think as investors or owners go, SR are on the face of it genuine and committed. They have certainly screwed up big time by their contorted philosophy, but that has hurt them financially and reputation-wise as well. They are not going anywhere so, like it or not, its still in our interest to back them, even though they have no right to request our loyalty. We have no other choice at the end off the day, they are our club's owners. I wish they would communicate more frequently and more openly (and while I was there I did say that to them). Their heart is still in it, there's a lot of work going on off the field to increase our revenue which is getting unfair criticism owing to the poor showing on the pitch. But it is bringing in revenue and no one else has done it. I think they will bring a lot of positive things to the city in general, fingers crossed.

This season is undoubtedly the worst in our history (albeit in the top flight) but their desire to right things is genuine and they are still highly motivated. I think they should be given the chance to make amends. Probably going to be shot down in flames for this post and be asked how much I have been paid but in my opinion its time for us all to take a deep breath and keep the faith for a while longer. Thanks for reading this.

Thanks for sharing Duncan. Did you get a sense that they understand what the mistakes are eg left field manager hires, wildly contrasting styles and too-cheap players at the level we’re at with too high a volume and seeing each one as a single transition, rather than building a solid spine and core with pace and physical power?

[Fabrice29]

19 minutes ago, Fitzhugh Fella said:

I'm not here to defend Rasmus. Undoubtedly he has made mistakes (and then some). But I was at Staplewood a couple of weeks ago and was introduced to him. He was very polite and friendly. Means nothing I hear you say and fair enough. Later when I was watching the first team train he was there also watching intently. It was pointed out to me that - percentage wise - he has invested more of his personal wealth than anyone else in SR. Again so what. But its worth considering that while his errors have led to us all feeling anger and pain he has a lot of his personal wealth wrapped up in our future and when it goes pear shaped - as it is currently doing - then he is not exactly popping champagne corks.

I've given all this some thought and I still think as investors or owners go, SR are on the face of it genuine and committed. They have certainly screwed up big time by their contorted philosophy, but that has hurt them financially and reputation-wise as well. They are not going anywhere so, like it or not, its still in our interest to back them, even though they have no right to request our loyalty. We have no other choice at the end off the day, they are our club's owners. I wish they would communicate more frequently and more openly (and while I was there I did say that to them). Their heart is still in it, there's a lot of work going on off the field to increase our revenue which is getting unfair criticism owing to the poor showing on the pitch. But it is bringing in revenue and no one else has done it. I think they will bring a lot of positive things to the city in general, fingers crossed.

This season is undoubtedly the worst in our history (albeit in the top flight) but their desire to right things is genuine and they are still highly motivated. I think they should be given the chance to make amends. Probably going to be shot down in flames for this post and be asked how much I have been paid but in my opinion its time for us all to take a deep breath and keep the faith for a while longer. Thanks for reading this.

It's a perfectly reasonable post tbh. The desire from some to get rid of owners who seem intent on investing and have shown themselves to listen to fans with at least two managerial sackings now has always baffled me a bit. Obviously they have to make some serious improvements in regards to recruitment and who they put in charge of that though.

[Maggie May]

5 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

I don’t understand the clamour for Rohl.  What has he achieved that makes him a suitable choice for us.

Im not saying he isn’t, I just don’t see what he’s achieved to justify that.

I got laughed off the forum for suggesting Russell Martin will achieve more in his career than Rohl will in his.

[Fabrice29]

3 hours ago, woodsaint1 said:

Exactly. Wednesday will likely finish 13th-15th. The whole argument that hes turned them around is wearing thin. Hes steadied them, but thats all.

RM got slated because he had achieved nothing when we appointed him, yet some are advocating that we do the same again.

I doubt we'd have as much interest but for him previously being Ralph's assistant

Rohl has shown himself to be part of at least two managerial teams that have galvanised a low in confidence squad both here with Ralph and at Sheffield Wednesday himself. That's a pretty good starting basis for our next managerial appointment for me. It's exactly what we got right last year appointing Martin and we will need to do again next season. 

No issues with his record at Sheffield Wednesday. The idea that your qualities as a manager are judged ONLY on how your team is performing in a league is strange and doesn't cater for any context. I'm not convinced his football style is particularly great though but that's subjective and it appears to fit with our new technical director so makes sense on that level.

It's interesting you phrase this comment above negatively though, RM got us promoted, so yeah I'm advocating we get someone in who will produce that again.

[Badger]

49 minutes ago, Fitzhugh Fella said:

I'm not here to defend Rasmus. Undoubtedly he has made mistakes (and then some). But I was at Staplewood a couple of weeks ago and was introduced to him. He was very polite and friendly. Means nothing I hear you say and fair enough. Later when I was watching the first team train he was there also watching intently. It was pointed out to me that - percentage wise - he has invested more of his personal wealth than anyone else in SR. Again so what. But its worth considering that while his errors have led to us all feeling anger and pain he has a lot of his personal wealth wrapped up in our future and when it goes pear shaped - as it is currently doing - then he is not exactly popping champagne corks.

I've given all this some thought and I still think as investors or owners go, SR are on the face of it genuine and committed. They have certainly screwed up big time by their contorted philosophy, but that has hurt them financially and reputation-wise as well. They are not going anywhere so, like it or not, its still in our interest to back them, even though they have no right to request our loyalty. We have no other choice at the end off the day, they are our club's owners. I wish they would communicate more frequently and more openly (and while I was there I did say that to them). Their heart is still in it, there's a lot of work going on off the field to increase our revenue which is getting unfair criticism owing to the poor showing on the pitch. But it is bringing in revenue and no one else has done it. I think they will bring a lot of positive things to the city in general, fingers crossed.

This season is undoubtedly the worst in our history (albeit in the top flight) but their desire to right things is genuine and they are still highly motivated. I think they should be given the chance to make amends. Probably going to be shot down in flames for this post and be asked how much I have been paid but in my opinion its time for us all to take a deep breath and keep the faith for a while longer. Thanks for reading this.

An interesting insight and thought out post. 
 

The indication that Kraft has been removed/marginalised or whatever is encouraging, and I’d be onboard with the renewed Dragan lead era next season, involving Spores and new manager. But Dragan will be judged on  the results, and (to a degree) the people he puts in post. Rightly or wrongly, Rasmus has lost credibility with the fanbase as he (as Mr Football) has to some degree been seen as the face of SR.

Any comments made at the time of your visit regarding Kraft ? 

[Badger]

39 minutes ago, trousers said:

That's the key point to me.... I reckon people would be less hacked off with them if they were more candid with fans. Here's hoping they listened to you FF!

To a point, but don’t see how better communication would ‘sugarcoat’ or make the clusterfuck appointments and decision making more palatable. (Not to mention results). 

[Badger]

31 minutes ago, Maggie May said:

I got laughed off the forum for suggesting Russell Martin will achieve more in his career than Rohl will in his.

Time may prove you correct, although I doubt it.

Martin has yet to be part of a title winning (Bundesliga) or cup winning management team, nor a World Cup squad for one of the larger national team squads.
 

It seems he’s already got a bit of catching up to do, would you agree ? 

[trousers]

1 hour ago, Maggie May said:

I got laughed off the forum for suggesting Russell Martin will achieve more in his career than Rohl will in his.

At least Rohl doesn't play "clueless football" though...?

 

[trousers]

1 hour ago, Badger said:

To a point, but don’t see how better communication would ‘sugarcoat’ or make the clusterfuck appointments and decision making more palatable. (Not to mention results). 

Yeah, agree, but I was merely saying that people might be "less hacked off"... Multiple levels of hacked-off-ness are available of course....

[woodsaint1]

3 hours ago, Fabrice29 said:

Rohl has shown himself to be part of at least two managerial teams that have galvanised a low in confidence squad both here with Ralph and at Sheffield Wednesday himself. That's a pretty good starting basis for our next managerial appointment for me. It's exactly what we got right last year appointing Martin and we will need to do again next season. 

No issues with his record at Sheffield Wednesday. The idea that your qualities as a manager are judged ONLY on how your team is performing in a league is strange and doesn't cater for any context. I'm not convinced his football style is particularly great though but that's subjective and it appears to fit with our new technical director so makes sense on that level.

It's interesting you phrase this comment above negatively though, RM got us promoted, so yeah I'm advocating we get someone in who will produce that again.

I had no issue with RMs limited managerial record and was actually happy with his appointment as Wilcox had a clear plan on how we should play and RM fitted the bill. But that inexperience (and of couse his stubborness) was his undoing, therefore I'd be keen that we appoint a manager with a bit more success/experience than Rohl. We need somebody who can get us promoted but also play a style of football sustainable in the PL

 

[CB Fry]

12 hours ago, Maggie May said:

I got laughed off the forum for suggesting Russell Martin will achieve more in his career than Rohl will in his.

Yeah, I'd put your open top bus parade on hold for now.

Danny Rohl has been coaching at the absolute highest level in football while Russell Martin watching his MK Dons dribbling into 13th place in League One.

 

[Fitzhugh Fella]

13 hours ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Thanks for sharing Duncan. Did you get a sense that they understand what the mistakes are eg left field manager hires, wildly contrasting styles and too-cheap players at the level we’re at with too high a volume and seeing each one as a single transition, rather than building a solid spine and core with pace and physical power?

I got the impression that HK was the man who has been blamed although I wasn't told that in as many words. I think there is a belief that there had been too many "differing opinions".

[Fabrice29]

12 hours ago, woodsaint1 said:

I had no issue with RMs limited managerial record and was actually happy with his appointment as Wilcox had a clear plan on how we should play and RM fitted the bill. But that inexperience (and of couse his stubborness) was his undoing, therefore I'd be keen that we appoint a manager with a bit more success/experience than Rohl. We need somebody who can get us promoted but also play a style of football sustainable in the PL

 

Danny Rohl has experience of being part of a management team that has kept Southampton up in the PL, which is exactly the experience you want.

[Harry_SFC]

37 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

Danny Rohl has experience of being part of a management team that has kept Southampton up in the PL, which is exactly the experience you want.

Also had a very big influence that season according to Stu Armstrong. 

[gio1saints]

On 02/03/2025 at 10:40, Fitzhugh Fella said:

I got the impression that HK was the man who has been blamed although I wasn't told that in as many words. I think there is a belief that there had been too many "differing opinions".

Krafts badly handled resignation(s) occurred in just the same way he has overseen the club. Not handled it particularly well. Resigns as Chairman in January then steps down from the Board in February. WTF?

Chairmen usually are primus inter pares when it comes to decision making voting so this seasons rubbish decisions OFF the pitch (especially not replacing JW imo) must in large part be laid at his door. Our recruitment strategy pre season being a fundamental error. My impression is that Krafts has done the right thing in leaving - but sadly that's not going to help us this season. Spors seems to have the cred for his role but do we have a new chair lined up yet because surely it cannot be Dragan next season? I'd absolutely prefer a footballing industry professional with mucho league experience rather than the money man.   

[Saint Fan CaM]

We shall be able to judge the Dragan / Spors era in two distinct parts - firstly during the summer with respect to managerial / coaching appointments and the re-shaping of the first team, then secondly the deployment of pre-season training on the pitch resulting in renewed performances and positive results. It’s a big ask, but essential to get right to stop further decline.

[Patrick Bateman]

On 01/03/2025 at 20:21, Fitzhugh Fella said:

I'm not here to defend Rasmus. Undoubtedly he has made mistakes (and then some). But I was at Staplewood a couple of weeks ago and was introduced to him. He was very polite and friendly. Means nothing I hear you say and fair enough. Later when I was watching the first team train he was there also watching intently. It was pointed out to me that - percentage wise - he has invested more of his personal wealth than anyone else in SR. Again so what. But its worth considering that while his errors have led to us all feeling anger and pain he has a lot of his personal wealth wrapped up in our future and when it goes pear shaped - as it is currently doing - then he is not exactly popping champagne corks.

I've given all this some thought and I still think as investors or owners go, SR are on the face of it genuine and committed. They have certainly screwed up big time by their contorted philosophy, but that has hurt them financially and reputation-wise as well. They are not going anywhere so, like it or not, its still in our interest to back them, even though they have no right to request our loyalty. We have no other choice at the end off the day, they are our club's owners. I wish they would communicate more frequently and more openly (and while I was there I did say that to them). Their heart is still in it, there's a lot of work going on off the field to increase our revenue which is getting unfair criticism owing to the poor showing on the pitch. But it is bringing in revenue and no one else has done it. I think they will bring a lot of positive things to the city in general, fingers crossed.

This season is undoubtedly the worst in our history (albeit in the top flight) but their desire to right things is genuine and they are still highly motivated. I think they should be given the chance to make amends. Probably going to be shot down in flames for this post and be asked how much I have been paid but in my opinion its time for us all to take a deep breath and keep the faith for a while longer. Thanks for reading this.

Thanks Duncan, I enjoyed reading that weirdly, I take some comfort from the fact that they do actually seem to care, there is some investment and there do appear to be the right changes happening.

Too many mistakes; senior management hiring, first team management hiring, ridiculous player transfers - but hopefully that can be started to put right from NOW (not next season, NOW) with the right senior management getting the right manager and sorting out the transfers.  But the key is now, we need to hit the ground running when the players come back from their summer break.

Next season I want to return to St Marys seeing a committed team, playing good football, up in the top 6 - perfect. 

The nail on the head you hit was communication, it has been poor and that is something that can be improved today. I don't mean posting marketing guff on LinkedIn (which seems to happen a lot), I mean proper communication with the actual fan base. Statements of intent, a high level strategy and how they'll action it. 

We march on?? (I hope)

[SNSUN]

On 02/03/2025 at 00:58, woodsaint1 said:

I had no issue with RMs limited managerial record and was actually happy with his appointment as Wilcox had a clear plan on how we should play and RM fitted the bill. But that inexperience (and of couse his stubborness) was his undoing, therefore I'd be keen that we appoint a manager with a bit more success/experience than Rohl. We need somebody who can get us promoted but also play a style of football sustainable in the PL

 

Welcome to the club Sean Dyche. 😛

[Convict Colony]

On 01/03/2025 at 9:48 PM, Maggie May said:

I got laughed off the forum for suggesting Russell Martin will achieve more in his career than Rohl will in his.

narcissistic injury, yellow card.

[spyinthesky]

6 hours ago, Patrick Bateman said:

Thanks Duncan, I enjoyed reading that weirdly, I take some comfort from the fact that they do actually seem to care, there is some investment and there do appear to be the right changes happening.

Too many mistakes; senior management hiring, first team management hiring, ridiculous player transfers - but hopefully that can be started to put right from NOW (not next season, NOW) with the right senior management getting the right manager and sorting out the transfers.  But the key is now, we need to hit the ground running when the players come back from their summer break.

Next season I want to return to St Marys seeing a committed team, playing good football, up in the top 6 - perfect. 

The nail on the head you hit was communication, it has been poor and that is something that can be improved today. I don't mean posting marketing guff on LinkedIn (which seems to happen a lot), I mean proper communication with the actual fan base. Statements of intent, a high level strategy and how they'll action it. 

We march on?? (I hope)

Patrick and Duncan,
As a card carrying pessimist of many (many!!!) years standing, I am really heartened by your posts.
The state of our club and the issues across the world, plus at my age, I seem to be going to far more funerals than weddings, makes me realise that there are many things to be concerned about for all you youngsters who post on here.
In such challenging times, I reflect on our win at Wembley in 1976.
I never, ever, expected the team I first supported in Division 3 South would ever get to Wembley, let alone win.
When the final whistle went, an older chap in front of me raised his hands aloft and said 'Thank you Lord, you can take me now, thank you for answering my prayer'.
I have no idea if he was religious but, to me, the gesture was relevant.
We are not a big club and, as such, there will be times of despair, such as we are going through now.
I really do hope that Sports Republic have our best interests at heart, have learned from their mistakes, which have been significant, and can guided us to a better future.
UP THE SAINTS!!!!!!!!!

[manji]

On 03/03/2025 at 14:49, gio1saints said:

Krafts badly handled resignation(s) occurred in just the same way he has overseen the club. Not handled it particularly well. Resigns as Chairman in January then steps down from the Board in February. WTF?

Chairmen usually are primus inter pares when it comes to decision making voting so this seasons rubbish decisions OFF the pitch (especially not replacing JW imo) must in large part be laid at his door. Our recruitment strategy pre season being a fundamental error. My impression is that Krafts has done the right thing in leaving - but sadly that's not going to help us this season. Spors seems to have the cred for his role but do we have a new chair lined up yet because surely it cannot be Dragan next season? I'd absolutely prefer a footballing industry professional with mucho league experience rather than the money man.   

All Dragan has said is he takes full responsibility now. That doesn’t mean he picks the team he’s just going to being a close eye on his money. It’s obvious from what he has already said there were too many people trying to influence things and from what Fitzhugh has suggested Rasmus unfairly copped all the flak but he was an easy target a bit of a flash git with his Ted Talks but that doesn’t mean he’s crapnd  at his job he and as I’ve already said have had thier reps damaged and that makes them the best people to sort. 
I cannot make any sense out of the idea of trying to bid rid of SR we have the rest of this season and the summer to prepare no excuses now and again I’m going to suggest Ivan is changing team set ups on purpose just trying things out sure he wants to win but is that his priority ? Not brilliant news if you have a season ticket but  I can’t understand why anyone thought we would do well this season. But honest we were likely to get relegated from the first match if we get it right this time there’s no reason why we can’t have a really good championship season and have plenty of time to be ready for a proper go at the PL we are set up much better already what do we pay these people for I’m convinced Dragan is thinking the same thing.

[manji]

7 hours ago, spyinthesky said:

Patrick and Duncan,
As a card carrying pessimist of many (many!!!) years standing, I am really heartened by your posts.
The state of our club and the issues across the world, plus at my age, I seem to be going to far more funerals than weddings, makes me realise that there are many things to be concerned about for all you youngsters who post on here.
In such challenging times, I reflect on our win at Wembley in 1976.
I never, ever, expected the team I first supported in Division 3 South would ever get to Wembley, let alone win.
When the final whistle went, an older chap in front of me raised his hands aloft and said 'Thank you Lord, you can take me now, thank you for answering my prayer'.
I have no idea if he was religious but, to me, the gesture was relevant.
We are not a big club and, as such, there will be times of despair, such as we are going through now.
I really do hope that Sports Republic have our best interests at heart, have learned from their mistakes, which have been significant, and can guided us to a better future.
UP THE SAINTS!!!!!!!!!

Nice post with a great sense of perspective  I really get what you are saying. and Use thie season as prep and let’s have em next season UTS.

[Oisin]

For all the talk of laying all the blame at Kraft and cutting Rasmus some slack, wasn’t it Rasmus who personally owned the pursuit of Nathan Jones and our January 2023 transfer window? More than anything it was these two debacles that caused our relegation and current plight.

This season has been a shit-show for sure, but SR have miss-managed us from day 1, when Rasmus was very definitely up to his neck in the decision making.

Hes a self-inflated moron.