Meeting Thurs 23rd with Trust, SISA, Saveoursaints, 2 MPs, LM and MC

[StuRomseySaint]

Here we go again - "I won`t set foot in SMS while Lowe is there", "I won`t set foot in SMS if the Trust are running it, "I won`t set foot in SMS until.............":(

 

Exactly, and I no I wouldn't be alone.

 

We need change, a fresh start with fresh faces, front to back.... this is out chance to start again, I don't want any of the old usual suspects there for the ride.

[Foxstone]

A very commendable approach from Derry - A poster who I have great respect for.

 

However, I am really struggling to see how such a disparate group of interests can create a cohesive and unifying plan to run this football club.

 

The successive boardrooms of this club over the past 6 or 7 years have been riven with division, dis-unity, did-harmony and give the impression they could not agree on what biscuits to put on the corporate box plates never mind what is best for Soton FC.

 

What I am desperate to see is a wholly fresh, professional and united boardroom that knows what it is doing and can stop the rot and build constaructively towards a brighter future.

 

I really do not think this can happen with the current proposed set up and the number of differing interested parties involved.

[Guided Missile]

Many apologies for this, but this thread reminds me of an old Red Dwarf sketch, in which a polymorphic alien sucks an emotion out of each of the characters. Rimmer has all of his anger sucked out of him. I think the administrator, (who, in my mind, is a polymorphic alien parasite), has sucked out all of the anger from Chorley, and I think the meeting could well go like this episode:

 

CHORLEY is wearing a T-shirt which reads, "GIVE QUICHE A CHANCE." He also wears shorts and is smoking a pipe. His face ports a goatee and black spectacles. He speaks with a lot of hand movements, fingers together, outstretched.

CHORLEY: Look, just because it's an armour-plated alien killing machine that salivates unspeakable slobber, doesn't mean it's a bad person. What we've got to do is get it round a table, and put together a solution package -- perhaps over tea and biscuits.

ILLINGSWORTH: (In CROUCH's bunk) Look at him! You can't trust his opinion -- he's got no anger. He's a total dork!

CHORLEY: Good point,Nick. Let's take that on board, shall we? Erm, Leon? Leon, do you have anything you want to bring to this forum?

CROUCH: (Carrying a bazookoid on his shoulder and holding the baseball bat) Well, yes, I have, actually, Richard. Why don't we go down to the ammunition stores, get the nuclear warheads and then strap one to my head? I'll nuke the smegger to oblivion! (Makes a butting motion with his head.)

CHORLEY: Right, well, that's very nice, Leon. Let's put that on the back burner, shall we? Erm, Mary, let's have your contribution ... come on.

CORBETT: Hey, don't ask me my opinion -- I'm nobody. Just pretend I'm not here.

CHORLEY: That's lovely. Thank you very much. Erm, moving on a step --and I hope no-one thinks that I'm setting myself up as a self-elected chairperson ... just see me as a facilitator -- erm, Nick, what's your view? Don't be shy.

ILLINGSWORTH: Well, I think we should send Crouch in as a decoy, and, while it's busy eating him alive, we could creep up on it unawares and blast it into the stratosphere.

CROUCH: (Enthusiastic) Good plan! That's the best plan yet! Let it get knackered eating me to death, then you guys could just, like, catch it unawares!

CHORLEY: Well, that's certainly an option, Leon, yes. Erm, but here's my proposal: Let's get tough. The time for talking is over. Call it extreme if you like, but I propose we hit it hard and hit it fast with a major -- and I mean major -- leaflet campaign, and while it's reeling from that, we'd follow up with a whist drive, a car boot sale, some street theatre and possibly even some benefit concerts. OK? Now, if that's not enough, I'm sorry, it's time for the T-shirts: "Mutants Out" ... "Chameleonic Life Forms, No Thanks" ... and if that's not enough, well, I don't know what will be.

ILLINGSWORTH: Has anyone ever told you that you are a disgusting, pus-filled bubo who has all the wit, charm and self-possession of an Alsatian dog after a head-swap operation?

CROUCH: Listen, you bunch of tarts, it's clobbering time! (Hits the bat against his head.) There's a body bag out there with that scuzzball's name on it, and I'm doing up the zip. Anyone who gets in my way gets a napalm enema!

CORBETT: I think everybody's right, except me, so just forget I spoke, all right?

CHORLEY: Erm, I think we're all beginning to lose sight of the real issue here, which is: what are we going to call ourselves?

Erm, and I think it comes down to a choice between "The League Against Salivating Monsters" or, my own personal preference, which is "The Committee for the Liberation and Integration of Terrifying Organisms and their Rehabilitation Into Society." Erm, one drawback with that -- the abbreviation is "C.L.I.T.O.R.I.S."

CROUCH: Look, it needs killing! If that means I have to sacrifice my life in some stupid pointless way, then all the better!

ILLINGSWORTH: Yes! Why not? I mean, even if it doesn't work, it'll still be a laugh!

CROUCH: Right, so let's just cut all of this business (He moves his fingers around the bat in a mouth-talking way) and get on with it! Last one alive's a wet ponce. Who's with me?

CHORLEY: Well, the car stickers aren't ready until Thursday, but sometimes one just has to act spontaneously. People, let's go. (Follows CROUCH out.)

[trousers]

Give yourselves a new name and find a new figurehead and you may have a chance

 

[70's Mike]

No! It would be like letting John Westwood Run Pompey? We need a person who can rally the troops - someone who can unite the fan base and there is only one man that can do that - MLT

 

 

interesting you mentioned the skates, many years ago i believe they had a fan on the board, guy called John Moore. Think it is was just after Mandick got involved or it could have been Deacon's era but the idea was to attract the average punter back.

 

Some of the comments on here are a bit harsh because trying to do something , however ill conceived, must be better than sitting on your backside doing nothing.

Only concern i have is that they should announce who is going to the meeting not just SAints Trust and SISA, let the Echo publish the INDIVIDUALS details , not hide behinf organisations.

I have made my pledge on here but the paying of it could be effected if i am not sure as to who is going to use it.

Many will knock Rich Chorley and others like Chris Newman, although i think Chris is a regular at Eastleigh now, but without their behind the scenes work we would have been watching League One football already at The Dell because SMS would not have happened.

[Rational Rich]

It's got to be time to forget what's gone before, the personalities and the grudges and join together. The trust has a constitution and a framework in place which could make this work.

 

Think of the Trust as a shell organisation which can have a steering committee in the short term (I would like to think this could be populated by mostly by qualified and knowledgeable fans (e.g Salz), and perhaps a couple of the clubs elder statesmen) and then votes, appointments etc can follow.

 

Also, in the eyes of the media, the trust has gravitas and a profile, no matter what some posters on here think. IMHO, this has to be done under the Trust's flag.

 

There is no point having rival "Save Our Saints" campaigns. We need one fans campaign for everyone to unite behind, in case we are not bought out, and we need to move quickly. As I have mentioned to Derry in the past, the Trust is the ideal vehicle, provided that all previous petty squabbles can be forgotten. It's time to look at the bigger picture.

[70's Mike]

Exactly, and I no I wouldn't be alone.

 

We need change, a fresh start with fresh faces, front to back.... this is out chance to start again, I don't want any of the old usual suspects there for the ride.

 

So outside of Chorley, Illingsworth, Lawrie And Mary Corbett would you welcome anyone else, you do not know me say i said i was involved would you support it or just kick me

[Marsdinho]

Can't you read???????

Have you listened to anything that SOS has said on here or in the press?

They don't want to buy, take over or run the club, they are putting something together in the event that no one else does.

Gobbing off and having a pop without even understanding what they are trying to do.

 

Right, You obviously have some sort of issue with me because you have singled me out twice on here in recent days. So, to answers you questions,

1) Yes I can read (and write / type as well)

2) Yes, have read 90% of the posts on this forum over the years and have recently read up on S.O.S etc. You'll remember that I had a few questions concerning Saints Aid, which came about from me reading their new web site.

You say that they don’t want to buy, take over or run the club, so what is it exactly they propose to do should no bids materialise.

For you to suggests that I’m "gobbing off without understanding what they are trying to do" is immature and a little naive to be honest.

I'll gladly meet up with you so we can chat about these issues you have.

[StuRomseySaint]

So outside of Chorley' date=' Illingsworth, Lawrie And Mary Corbett would you welcome anyone else, you do not know me say i said i was involved would you support it or just kick me[/quote']

 

Depends what your reasons for getting involved was.

 

If you just wanted to be involved in the running of your football club at board level, then I would kick you.

 

If you just wanted to help but had not skills, I would say thanks, but no thanks.

 

If you had relevent skills and knowledge to make a difference, then I would support you.

 

With regards to Chorley, I would rather have him looking in at the club than any of the others, I would certainly trust him to oversee what's going on more than any of the Trust put together.

[eelpie]

Derry

 

The club is in this mess because of our recent history.

 

The Trust and SISA are, unfortunately a part of that history.

 

The club must make a fresh start, unity is crucial, but anything in terms of naming, branding, leadership that harks back to recent history rather than New Beginning will not unite the fan base.

 

Sisa, Crouch, The Trust, MP's, councillors, LM and all the rest should unite but should put ALL their weight behind a new group, a new name and a new start.

 

That means they have to find a spokesperson and a leader who is not sullied by past association with the failed club or any of the failed incarnations of leadership in the past 5 years. Watching Chorley, Crouch et al trying to lead us to a new future will not work for the fan base.

 

Give yourselves a new name and find a new figurehead and you may have a chance

 

The first sensible post on this thread. We need a completely new and professionally run beginning and structure. A complete rebirth, not a patchwork of old parts (like my ancient car).

[ItchenRob]

I would also like to say fair play to Derry for putting time and effort into trying to make a difference. Nothing personal against SaveOurSaints, great initiative.... just a shame Saints Trust and SISA have bullied their way in there....

 

My thoughts exactly. I would not have pledged £5k if I thought these organisations would be involved as well. SISA - 5 members. That's a 150% exagerration surely. Do Lawrie and Leon realise not realise what they are dealing with?

[70's Mike]

Depends what your reasons for getting involved was.

 

If you just wanted to be involved in the running of your football club at board level, then I would kick you.

 

If you just wanted to help but had not skills, I would say thanks, but no thanks.

 

If you had relevent skills and knowledge to make a difference, then I would support you.

 

With regards to Chorley, I would rather have him looking in at the club than any of the others, I would certainly trust him to oversee what's going on more than any of the Trust put together.

 

but that is my point other than Illingsworth does anyone know anything about the Trust leaders?

the orginal trust leadership had some highly qualified professional people on it but were led up the garden path by MW and basically used.the current leadership needs to come out of the shadows and give the details you say you would need to know.

just out of interest i am 55 a chartered accountant working in industry, mainly helping ailing companies that my bosses like to buy and turn round, i asked them to bid for SFC but , i am sorry to say they send are you mad

[Kingsland Red]

Referring to the original question, whilst it's great to unite the fans it is big money investors that are required for our club.

Fans funding and running a club is OK below Div 2, but not viable where we currently sit.

 

It is the number of interested parties that must be holding up the administrators in moving forward to an announcement, with too many not really having the wherewithall to sustain a Championship club. Any fans group would be in this category.

[eelpie]

I'm against it too, BUT, if it comes down to this idea or no club, I'll back it and help all I can.

 

I think we will all back whatever is the last resort in the end in last ditch hope. Even those who are and have been poles apart in their opinions.

 

That means that all options should be discussed first.

We are not hearing all of them yet.

[aintforever]

I see the usual plebs are moaning.

 

Of course it's far from ideal but if it's a choice between no club or a club run by a trust it's hardly a choice is it?

 

lets hope they can organise something that may save the club just in case. All true Saints fans should want this as well.

[eelpie]

but that is my point other than Illingsworth does anyone know anything about the Trust leaders?

 

If a group of potential leaders were to emerge from wherever, there should be a properly election of SFC members, as approved by the Electoral Reform Society, imo so that they can operate with a concensus that would come with that. Certainly they would need to detail who they are and what they stand for as part of the process.

[Frank's cousin]

Kind of a little sad to see the reaction =- like many I had little faith in the individual set ups and factions, because they were all ighting against each other, and precisely because these things will always remain ineffective when disjointed. Unify behind a SINGLE group nd you have a serious and unifying force, even if you dont agree with all thsoe involved, or have believe they have baggae etc - as long as this is about a positive drivie froward FORGETTING the past it cant be a bad thing... dont worry about ego or characters you dont like being in the board room, They do a good job, tehy get reelected, they provve iunpopular they dont, its quite simple.

[hypochondriac]

I see the usual plebs are moaning.

 

Of course it's far from ideal but if it's a choice between no club or a club run by a trust it's hardly a choice is it?

 

lets hope they can organise something that may save the club just in case. All true Saints fans should want this as well.

 

But that isn't the choice though. The Trust can be involved by all means if it helps to get funds but why unite under "The Trust" banner when it is obvious that this is going to turn large amounts of people off? It's mostly because people will believe that the people involved from th Trust are doing it for themselves and not for the benefit of the club (I'm honestly not sure I could stomach the trust owning the club myself.)

[hypochondriac]

Kind of a little sad to see the reaction =- like many I had little faith in the individual set ups and factions' date=' because they were all ighting against each other, and precisely because these things will always remain ineffective when disjointed. Unify behind a SINGLE group nd you have a serious and unifying force, even if you dont agree with all thsoe involved, or have believe they have baggae etc - as long as this is about a positive drivie froward FORGETTING the past it cant be a bad thing... dont worry about ego or characters you dont like being in the board room, They do a good job, tehy get reelected, they provve iunpopular they dont, its quite simple.[/quote']

 

Of course but why unite together under the trust banner?

[hypochondriac]

At least the fans Parliament idea is dead in the water...

[Frank's cousin]

Of course but why unite together under the trust banner?

 

Why not? whats really in a name? and the Trust do havethe experience of the legals with the whole 'trsut' issue.... but if its just the name that can be easily changed how about:

 

the SSU - Saints Supporters UNITED ;-)

[Frank's cousin]

At least the fans Parliament idea is dead in the water...

 

cynic ;-)

[jonah]

Of course it's far from ideal but if it's a choice between no club or a club run by a trust it's hardly a choice is it?

 

Where has the point about it only being a last resort come from in this thread? The opening post doesn't say that, it just says "The idea is to essentially to set up a bid for the club and have the trust own it"? Surely you can't submit a bid to administrators as a "last resort" anyway, either your bid is the highest or it's not - it sounds to me like someone trying to half-backtrack on what they are really trying to do here in order to make it sound more acceptable... We already know there are over 30 bids, so why do we need one more as a "last resort"? Someone please explain...

[Trumush]

I'm just a Saints fan,I support the team and have done since 1966,I don't get involved in the politics and don't personally know the people involved in these organisations.

I really can't understand why some people on here are so anti.What has the Trust done to upset people like SRS for example?

Surely we are all Saints fans,if we cant leave the past in the past now and unite we may never get another chance.

I'll be there on Saturday screaming them on ,it ain't over 'till its over !!!

[aintforever]

Where has the point about it only being a last resort come from in this thread? The opening post doesn't say that, it just says "The idea is to essentially to set up a bid for the club and have the trust own it"? Surely you can't submit a bid to administrators as a "last resort" anyway, either your bid is the highest or it's not - it sounds to me like someone trying to half-backtrack on what they are really trying to do here in order to make it sound more acceptable... We already know there are over 30 bids, so why do we need one more as a "last resort"? Someone please explain...

 

The administrator will accept the bid that offers the most money, if that is a bunch of fans with buckets then there is obviously no other credible bids out there - hence it being a last resort.

[Marsdinho]

Where has the point about it only being a last resort come from in this thread? The opening post doesn't say that, it just says "The idea is to essentially to set up a bid for the club and have the trust own it"? Surely you can't submit a bid to administrators as a "last resort" anyway, either your bid is the highest or it's not - it sounds to me like someone trying to half-backtrack on what they are really trying to do here in order to make it sound more acceptable... We already know there are over 30 bids, so why do we need one more as a "last resort"? Someone please explain...

 

+ 1

[trousers]

The administrator will accept the bid that offers the most money, if that is a bunch of fans with buckets then there is obviously no other credible bids out there - hence it being a last resort.

 

Indeed.

 

And this philosophy has been explained on here before, although, to be fair to Jonah, on other threads.

[hypochondriac]

Why not? whats really in a name? and the Trust do havethe experience of the legals with the whole 'trsut' issue.... but if its just the name that can be easily changed how about:

 

the SSU - Saints Supporters UNITED ;-)

 

I just don't understand why The Trust feel it should be done in their name. Do they want the kudos of helping the club? People associate the Trust with having agendas and self interest and for that reason it should be given a different name and kept separate from the Trust.

[Marsdinho]

The administrator will accept the bid that offers the most money, if that is a bunch of fans with buckets then there is obviously no other credible bids out there - hence it being a last resort.

 

You and I both know that its not as clear cut as that....

[Saint Fan CaM]

Why not? whats really in a name? and the Trust do havethe experience of the legals with the whole 'trsut' issue.... but if its just the name that can be easily changed how about:

 

the SSU - Saints Supporters UNITED ;-)

 

 

Anyone moaning about the name just doesn't get it. The valid objection surely is that these groups are getting their focus ENTIRELY wrong at this point in time. IF they were truly engaged in trying to save the club rather than trying to set themselves up for a power trip, they would stop worrying about consitutions and similar nonsense and do something practical and worthwhile in a financial sense to keep the club afloat until the end of the season when the clubs fate will be known and hopefully a buyer makes a play. Lobby the Administrator to keep the process moving and healthy perhaps. This is what supporters groups should do.

 

IF the club is NOT sold THEN expand the group to attempt to save it. In the meantime, let the process of selling the club be conducted by the people best placed to do just that.

Edited 22 April, 2009 by Saint Fan CaM
typo

[John Smith]

It was announced in the Echo yesterday that there is a meeting of the above groups tomorrow evening.

 

The trust's idea is to unite all the groups under one heading, the trust.

 

I have spoken to Nick Illingsworth at length and am meeting him this afternoon to talk about where we both are.

 

There are plusses and minuses and I have flagged up the public concern and perception of the trust etc.

 

The idea is to essentially to set up a bid for the club and have the trust own it. How that would sit with those that are being asked to contribute and raise the necessary funds I'm not sure. I personally am open minded.

 

Unless there is a visual reform of the trust I can't see this having public appeal.

 

The proposed bid is for the club and I presume Staplewood, leaving the council to pick up the stadium and letting Jackson's farm go.

 

I think that any bid should include the stadium and keep the farm intact for the future. The price of the stadium and the farm would never be as low again.

 

The reason for the thread is to canvass your opinions, so if I am representing the members at the meeting I have an idea where you are coming from warts and all.

 

I would say in conclusion, just keep the opinions sensible and leave personal abuse and opinions of people unless relevant, prejudices etc for another day please.

 

OK, an opinion, warts and all.

 

Firstly, we've been here before, so instead of announcing that here will be a meeting to discuss whatever, if action needs to be taken and it's a last ditch effort, then just do it. Have the meeting and set it up. The viewpoints on this forum are meaningless without something concrete to get behind or criticise. From a neutrals perspective, I can't see what there is to debate, the various groups haven't yet united, we don;t know what sort of bid they want to put forward, I don't see any framework, the SMS and Jacksons farm stuff is confusing and if I was to pledge my backing, I wouldn't, at this stage, be able to identify what I'm backing. And if I was to send money, I wouldn;t know what that money would be used for.

 

Again, from a neutrals perspective, the major issue I have with the trust is this - where have they been all season? We have been desperate for money and desperate for support, but they have been silent on the matter. I would like a detailed explanation for their inactivity. Why? Because if they can't act when they are on the outside looking in, how the Hell would they cope on the inside and all that pressure. If they can;t organise a campaign to Save Our Saints this season, prior to administration, how on earth are they going to rally enough support and cash to buy the club? Bizarre!

 

And so, to conclude, from a neutrals perspective it does very much appear to be about back slapping and look at me. IF they want to form a group that takes action, do it, if they continously have meetings about meetings that meet to discuss the next meeting, then no bid will be placed anyway.

 

My opinion, there is nothing to get behind (yet?), and if we discuss it on an open forum about possibilities, I want to know why there was so much in action this season, it doesn't look good.

[OldNick]

well done Derry your love of the club shows through.I would respectfully suggest that the plans your group make is not for saving what we had but starting over a new AFCSaints as however well meaning you are the costs we have will never get near making.Unless we have a backer with real funds it is costing you time and if a bid is made costing our club valuable funds as the administrator will be bound to go and spend time getting the bid looked at.

It is time for the timewasters to STEP BACK and lets see if there really is any substance to any bigger playerws if there are any.

Iam slowing getting to the realisation that some of the things I was accused of 'scaremongering' pre administration may be coming to pass. Please be it Im so wrong, it will make me very happy to be so.

[Frank's cousin]

What we see again and again though is this knocking of those trying to do something - anything even if not perhaps in your opinion ideal, at least its something. Why the need to criticise these guys anyway - so what if indeed they were ego driven - aren't we all to some extent, and if teh spin off is that the club is aided then I can live with that.

 

The very fact that they are trying to unite the different factions si a bloody good start - as has beens said before the first step is to achieve this unity, the second to be prepared to do what they can should no one else step forward... I am not sure why. I dont like what rent a gub chorley says or does, but he does at least do something.

 

IF and its a very big IF this group did need to step in and we did not like those at teh top, the simple beauty is that at least we could vote them out later - something we cant do with a new owner should they not come up to our expectations.

[John Smith]

What we see again and again though is this knocking of those trying to do something - anything even if not perhaps in your opinion ideal, at least its something. Why the need to criticise these guys anyway - so what if indeed they were ego driven - aren't we all to some extent, and if teh spin off is that the club is aided then I can live with that.

 

The very fact that they are trying to unite the different factions si a bloody good start - as has beens said before the first step is to achieve this unity, the second to be prepared to do what they can should no one else step forward... I am not sure why. I dont like what rent a gub chorley says or does, but he does at least do something.

 

IF and its a very big IF this group did need to step in and we did not like those at teh top, the simple beauty is that at least we could vote them out later - something we cant do with a new owner should they not come up to our expectations.

 

Frank, I think what you've said is correct, "The very fact that they are trying to unite the different factions si a bloody good start" - However, until they unite and form a body, there is nothing to 'get behind'. Chorley has been down this road before and it faded off into obscurity, probably through no fault of his own, but he can;t come back with the same idea and after 6-8 months, have made no progress whatsoever. Nick I, ok, don't know the guy, but the Trust, where has it been this season? I don;t believe all this, 'it's a legal entity, recognised by the...' because I've heard it time and time again and yet, nothing, nop action, no fan on the board, no protests, no flyers etc etc. If it is going to get together with X Y and Z, then what do they stand for? What is their policy, how do we join, what do we get for joining, where do I sign up, where's the website, where's the literature, where's the spokesperson, who's in charge?

 

And I think that those that criticise on here are right to, equally, those that support it are right to, but Derry did ask for opinions, and he got them, he asked for opinions based on the knowledge that a few people, that some like (LM and MC) may get together with some other people (NI and RC) whom some like and some dislike. They have nothing more than that to go on, so 'opinions' are going to be wide and varied, I think Derry has to accept that.

 

What I say is, if they have convictions to do this, go ahead and do it. Then they can ask people to join. Build it and they will come! If they don't, what have they lost? They tried, they failed? They tried they succeeded? Surely, at this stage, a 50-50 gamble is worth a go? But until they give it a go, what is there to get behind and support? At present, a meeting between some people, some that we've heard of and some that we don't know about, that's all.

[derry]

I think many of you have missed the point. This initiative is not an alternative to a bid from another party, it is a last ditch back up if no bids are made to save Southampton Football Club.

 

It is a case of drawing all active parties together and pooling ideas, experience and resourses in the unhappy event that there is not an alternative.

 

Why the Saints Trust? Because it is a vehicle that has legal trust status and has the backing of the national supporters association. Forget the past. This needs to be a united effort or all will fail.

 

TO REPEAT, THIS IS NOT AN ALTERNATIVE. IT IS NOT BEING SET UP TO CHALLENGE ANY OTHER BID. IT IS THE FALL BACK SHOULD ALL ELSE FAIL.

 

On that basis if you do not support the idea you do not support Southampton Football Club when all other avenues fail.

 

They are serious in their own minds Ron about trying to get the fans to buy the club. Not as you and I see it as giving it a go if all else fails.

[derry]

Who the hell are you to tell me if I support the club or not?

 

I am sure ( correct me if I am wrong ) , that you are involved in the meeting tommorow, which is obvious by the chip you have inherited on your shoulder.

 

I would rather SFC are liquidated and start all over in the non-leagues than have the Saints Trust running the show..... doesn't mean I am not a Southampton supporter, it just means I won't set foot anywhere near St Marys if they were running it.

 

Neither Ron or Duncan are involved in the meeting but I will be talking to them after the event.

[Frank's cousin]

Think RCs problem was his attitude, - put folk off, I have met NI SG and Derry for example and they are simply ordinary fans really, we assume NI is media hungry because he is one of only a handful who get called up the moment the media have a story and he seems a perfectly ordinary dedicated fan to me, dont agree with everything he says, but can respect waht he believes in and can respect him, Stevie G as well, cares has strong opinions and gets of his 'Skinny' arse ;-) to do something - cant always say i agree either, but I could support him in all this because he is doing his bit for teh right reasons - Derry, a true gent with a very sound footballing brain - whinges like feck about lack of width mind ;-)

 

Seriously guys, these folk give a sh** and whilst we might not agree with EVERYTHING they believe in, you can trust that they care - and if they do bad, vote em out if it ever came to that.

 

For me the only concern is that this needs tobe about the future NOT the past, LOwe was rightly criticised for his recent media preseence, but we shouldalso try and keep teh likes of LM talking about the future, not gloating about the demise of teh previous, its just childish and divisive..

[dubai_phil]

What we see again and again though is this knocking of those trying to do something - anything even if not perhaps in your opinion ideal, at least its something. Why the need to criticise these guys anyway - so what if indeed they were ego driven - aren't we all to some extent, and if teh spin off is that the club is aided then I can live with that.

 

The very fact that they are trying to unite the different factions si a bloody good start - as has beens said before the first step is to achieve this unity, the second to be prepared to do what they can should no one else step forward... I am not sure why. I dont like what rent a gub chorley says or does, but he does at least do something.

 

IF and its a very big IF this group did need to step in and we did not like those at teh top, the simple beauty is that at least we could vote them out later - something we cant do with a new owner should they not come up to our expectations.

 

 

Frank

 

Derry asked for opinions. I think it is pretty clear that there are some opinions don't you?

 

Now, Derry is keen, motivated and at the moment able to do something positive to help the club, I don't think anybody deep down has any problem with having an emergency back-up plan, after all, we've all seen this season what "having no plan B" actually means.

 

Now the point that should be taken on board by wise people is that there are some critical parts that need to be addressed for an SOS structure

 

1) It should have some form of legal entity status

2) It should unite the fan base

3) It should have a LEADER and a spokesperson that is non-political and would unite us all

4) It should avoid any reminders of our horrid past

5) It should be set up to act FAST to help try and keep our club alive IF all else fails

 

I think it is pretty clear from here that all the "delegates" mentioned in Derry's Op MUST play a part in helping make this happen. they all in some ways have skills or structure that is needed.

 

However, it is very clear that the delegates need to work together so that they Appoint a LEADER with a professional team supporting him that does NOT include any political types.

 

It simply needs something like a Lawyer, an Accountant, POSSIBLY a local businessman (NOT Crouch) from (for example) one of the clubs Box holders or sponsors and MLT.

 

Then there is nothing to be complaining about, clear simple mandate and a team that everyone can see is about saving the club, NOT about appearing on TV

 

Dead simple and I believe Derry is wise enough to have heard that message

[hypochondriac]

They are serious in their own minds Ron about trying to get the fans to buy the club. Not as you and I see it as giving it a go if all else fails.

 

Then they are fools and I will fight and oppose them all the way.

[hypochondriac]

What we see again and again though is this knocking of those trying to do something - anything even if not perhaps in your opinion ideal, at least its something. Why the need to criticise these guys anyway - so what if indeed they were ego driven - aren't we all to some extent, and if teh spin off is that the club is aided then I can live with that.

 

The very fact that they are trying to unite the different factions si a bloody good start - as has beens said before the first step is to achieve this unity, the second to be prepared to do what they can should no one else step forward... I am not sure why. I dont like what rent a gub chorley says or does, but he does at least do something.

 

IF and its a very big IF this group did need to step in and we did not like those at teh top, the simple beauty is that at least we could vote them out later - something we cant do with a new owner should they not come up to our expectations.

 

FC sometimes you are rather quick to jump on people. Derry has now said that their intentions are for the fans to own the club not as a last resort. Do you support it now?

[jonah]

The administrator will accept the bid that offers the most money, if that is a bunch of fans with buckets then there is obviously no other credible bids out there - hence it being a last resort.

 

OK, so now you need to define "credible" - you seem to be implying that the existing 30+ bids will not contain a single "credible" bid, yet a dozen fans with no money behind them will knock something up without any lawyers or bankers which is "credible" and acceptable to the administrator and creditors? You've got to be joking? Somebody can hold out a fiver at the last minute if that's the case and that will be the only offer...

 

The first, most important issue, is to get the club to fulfill its fixtures this season so it doesn't have to drop out of the league - surely that's what needs concentrating on and is something reasonable for the Trust to get off its arse and help address? Once that has happened, the club is in a state where (ignoring the 10 points penalty issue) the administrator and creditors can choose from the 30+ bids in order to wind up SLH. The rest of this is just muddying the waters as far as I can see - I'm just left wondering why?

 

I'm sorry it's not a happy-clappy "well done" response, but sometimes doing something badly is worse than leaving things how they are. Look at Darlington's situation just now - no bids received (I imagine their structure for the FC is more complex and includes the debts), so the administrator extends the deadline. It's not like Fry has said there aren't any bids, so why not focus energies on keeping the club alive for the next 2 weeks rather than all this?

[qwertySFC]

The Trust, SISA, saveoursaints.

 

What about the Judean Peoples Front, or the Peoples Front of Judea.

 

 

 

How true , it's all talk , talk and talk again ...Biggest load of cods wallop posted on here since"when we run the club" fiasco

 

I'm voting for REG

[Frank's cousin]

FC sometimes you are rather quick to jump on people. Derry has now said that their intentions are for the fans to own the club not as a last resort. Do you support it now?

 

In principle I would support any democratic ownership - not in some chorleyesque cooperative Ragged trousered philantropist ideal, but a modern democratic system suchas at Barca could in theory work - the key is the democracy. For me anyone who has held a ST or membership in the last 5 years gets 1 vote, and is a member, anyone who then pays a tenner a year get in effect 2 votes.... the problem i had with Derry's original plan if I understood it correctly is that it could resulted in fewer richer fans who could afford the big donations having all biggest say - sure they stumped up the cash, but what of those that have paid their money to the club these last 5, 10, 20 years but cant afford £500 as a one off donation, should they not count as voting members with the freedom to stand in teh future?

 

Its those details that make a difference in folks attitudes. If you exclude a huge majority on the grounds of non affordability - it will be elitist anncliquey, you simply open it up to everyone and you get a greater chance of unity

[MarkSFC]

The Save Our Saints "group" (yes, just 5 people) have only one main aim driving us.....the secure and stable future of Southampton Football Club.

None of us think that a fans ownded SFC is the ideal solution. Its a good one and a workable one in theory, but in a perfect world a very wealthy benefactor will buy the company and plough millions and millions into guiding us back to the Premiership and to future glories in a short time period.

In reality this MAY NOT happen. The purpose of my group is to have in place a plan, in case all else fails. We have this.

From a completly neutral standpoint, "other" saints fans groups, are tainted in one way or another...rightly or wrongly, but all of them split the opinion of fans.

 

At this moment in time, all I care about is "my football club" and I use the word "my" in the sense that I would use it to say "my girlfriend". I do not wish to own or run the life of my girlfriend, merely that I love her. The same applies to Southampton Football Club.

Anything I have done so far and will do in the coming weeks or months is entirely about making sure that;

1) We have a Football team to support (albeit in L1!)

2) The furture is as secure as it possibly can be

3) It promotes "my team" proudly and positively, as opposed to those that are eternally negative and diversive. Negative comments without reason are not what we need at the moment.

 

The meeting tomorrow night should be viewed as positive yet no expectation should be set on the outcome. As people have said on here, politics has ruled, but now politics should and MUST be put aside and if at all possible a united group, with a new name, should be formed to initiate two things;

1)A fundraising project team for SFC, with money raised put aside until it is absolutely neccessary to handover. The reason why I am against people just handing over donations is that if say £250K IS donated, the club may still go under. So people will have wasted their cash. Also, by donating, you are possibly just saving the "new owner" money. If they are that serious about the club and effectively that is us, the fans, then why would you start by ripping fans off?

2) An IF ABSOLUTELY NECCESSARY plan to create a fans consortium and takeover.

Any "united group" should do this with no ego and with no desire to be part of the New Board. ALL people involved in running any Fans owned CLub should be entirely fit to do the job/sit on the board.

The "reward" for me would be the self satisfaction that I was able to do my bit to help save "my club".

 

I hope that even if a benefactor comes along and therefore no Fans Consortium is needed that the "unified fans body" can work and become a body that represents the majority of fans and works entirely for the benefit of the majority of fans in the future.

 

It is time for unity not diversity. Action not words. Open minds not prejudice. Stability not insecurity. Positivity not negativity. Hope not despair. The future not the past.

[Redondo Saint]

I don't like the idea.

 

We need a financially sustainable owner with professional people running the day to day business.

[MarkSFC]

In principle I would support any democratic ownership - not in some chorleyesque cooperative Ragged trousered philantropist ideal, but a modern democratic system suchas at Barca could in theory work - the key is the democracy. For me anyone who has held a ST or membership in the last 5 years gets 1 vote, and is a member, anyone who then pays a tenner a year get in effect 2 votes.... the problem i had with Derry's original plan if I understood it correctly is that it could resulted in fewer richer fans who could afford the big donations having all biggest say - sure they stumped up the cash, but what of those that have paid their money to the club these last 5, 10, 20 years but cant afford £500 as a one off donation, should they not count as voting members with the freedom to stand in teh future?

 

Its those details that make a difference in folks attitudes. If you exclude a huge majority on the grounds of non affordability - it will be elitist anncliquey, you simply open it up to everyone and you get a greater chance of unity

 

You make a very good point, and may I just say that its not Derry's plan, its mostly mine!! Derry has made a very helpful contribution to our campaign and should be applauded but the plan was around before he came on board!!

The voting system would not allow for "BIG" contributors to have the power.

[OldNick]

You make a very good point, and may I just say that its not Derry's plan, its mostly mine!! Derry has made a very helpful contribution to our campaign and should be applauded but the plan was around before he came on board!!

The voting system would not allow for "BIG" contributors to have the power.

you are not Saintmarc I hope...lol

[lordswoodsaints]

'the lunatics have taken over the asylum'

 

I am a fan and have been for the best part of 40 years but I have no desire to run the club and I don't like the idea of any other fans/supporters trying to either.

Our job is to support through thick and thin,paying for the privelage and passing the illness onto our offspring.

[MarkSFC]

you are not Saintmarc I hope...lol

 

Who's Saintmarc?

[70's Mike]

I don't like the idea.

 

We need a financially sustainable owner with professional people running the day to day business.

 

and if one does not exist ?