Surman Joins Wolves As Wotte Remains Manager
Andrew Surman has left Saints and joined Premiership Wolverhampton Wanderers. The deal is said to be around £1.2m with additional appearance money. It will be interesting to see how he copes in the Premiership as many have him down as being a bit lightweight. No news on Kelvin Davis going to West Ham and Wright-Phillips is also another player now out of contract. The players will now continue to be coached by Mark Wotte. His appointment following Poortvliet's sacking ran out yesterday. He would of reverted back to his Academy director role. But the Club have decided to keep Wotte in the main manager's role. That move does try and keep some sort of continuity at the training ground. But many fans are not sure he has the ability and contacts to mount a League One campaign going forward. The hope would be that following a new owner. They in time would introduce their own manager.
01 July |
So What Happens Now At Saints ?
There are still claims with no actual proof that two parties remain interested in buying Saints. Both groups are supposedly overseas with one based in Switzerland. The sale of McGoldrick to Nottingham Forest will allow the players and staff to now be paid. It's likely that other players will be sold who are not keen on League One football. Certainly Andrew Surman's departure seems imminent. Kelvin Davis is now out of contract and can go where he likes. We can only hope that someone emerges from the smoke to rescue the club. We simply want some sort of professionalism in the boardroom and something of note to start the season with on the pitch. Fans delusions need to be cut down from multi-millionaires and open cheque books. Administrator Statement
30 June |
Total Disgrace As Pinnacle Withdraw Offer To Buy Saints
Saints fans have been dealt a massive blow and insult as the Pinnacle consortium have pulled out of being interested in buying Southampton FC. They claim it's down to 'league issues', but that appears to be total garbage. Rumours have been around for a couple of weeks now that the main backers originally in the group had long left. That former Chairman Leon Crouch was bankrolling their affairs. The amateurish appearance of this plum called Michael Fialka more or less proved they where dead men walking. Fans will also rightly point the finger at Administrator Mark Fry who has had weeks to check the viability of the parties. He though seems to live in a world of PR. It's hard to tell how much Matt Le Tissier has been duped in all this stuff. Tony Lynam of Pinnacle though has been shown to be a complete time waster.
30 June |
Is Michael Fialka Worth Several Hundred Million ?
Tony Lynam of Pinnacle claimed that his client was worth several hundred million. But fans are now questioning that fact after some very simple online searching. It is being alleged that Michael Fialka lives in a semi-detached house in Barnet. He works as a letting agent and drives a company car. All that took a number of fans minutes to find out on google. That said he must have passed some sort of criteria that Begbies Traynor had put in place. He or someone has coughed up £500,000 for the exclusivity period. If you add other costs its probably heading towards at least £800,000. The creditors also appear to be happy and that needs anything up to £14 million. So clearly someone is bankrolling his efforts, but who ? It has been reported that another consortium from Switzerland have been in talks with the adminisrator all week. Any new buyer will have to complete the deal straightaway.
26 June |
Pinnacle Reveal Backer As Michael Fialka
Saints fans now know the identity of one of the mystery Pinnacle backers who wants to buy Saints. Michael Fialka broke cover on Skysports News this evening. He described why he wants to buy the club and having total faith in Matt Le Tissier to be the football Chairman. However he also stated that the situation with the Football League still remains unresolved. The deal delay has now seen the players and staff at the Club go unpaid today. I think most fans are now saying forget the points appeal and get on with it. But is it that simple or is there other issues regarding further points deductions ? Many fans are now wondering if a lack of CVA will mean a further 15 points deduction. If that is not the case then everyone is wondering why the deal has not been done.
25 June |
Pinnacle Get Ready To Buy Southampton FC
Despite the Football League supposedly maintaining their stance on the points deduction non-appeal. Tony Lynam of Pinnacle has stated tonight that they still intend to buy Saints. Only the media grapevine speculates that today's Football League board meeting upheld their non-appeal stance on the points deduction. Certainly their Statement makes no mention of this at all. Tony Lynam who is representing the new owner in waiting has said there are a couple of things that need cross assessing as they move forward. The anti-climax of last Friday is now really starting to grate on fans. They want Pinnacle in the boardroom sorting out the manager, players, season tickets etc. The shambolic Football League has clearly now been shown that they merely make up the rules as they go along. The situation they have created is nothing less than undemocratic blackmail.
22 June |
Le Tissier Confident That Deal Will Be Done
Matt Le Tissier is still confident that his group will buy Saints in the coming days. Speaking on SkySports he said, "It's been a frustrating time for us despite several attempts for clarity over the Football League's position over the license-related matter. Which we still have no answer. "It's not a new issue. But it has to be resolved to our satisfaction in order to conclude the takeover. "Despite continual outside interference with our bid we're committed to completing a deal as we feel it's in the best long-term interests of Southampton football club, which is obviously what I care about. "We're hoping that we can get this resolved shortly and the next announcement that we make will be to confirm the takeover." Tony Lynam of Pinnacle, who is the agent to the buyer, has also again stated today that he hopes the outstanding issues will be sorted very quickly.
20 June |
Legal Issues Stop Pinnacle From Buying Saints
Saints fans are going to have to wait a little longer before a deal is done to buy Saints from the administrators. Despite today being the final day for the Le Tissier's Pinnacle Consortium to conclude. There have been a couple of legal issues that could not be resolved. In particular it's being speculated that the Football League will not grant the club its annual 'golden share'. Until Pinnacle sign paperwork that states it will not contest the ten point deduction this coming season. Advisors for Pinnacle and the administrators have always made it clear that the Club has never been in admin but the holding company only. Tony Lynam representing Pinnacle has this evening stated he hoped the deal would still be done. But he now faces the prospect of other bidders coming into the fray. Its' possible they too might have the same legal issues though. The Football league has announced they will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the situation.
19 June |
Kevin Keegan New Manager Of Saints ?
Kevin Keegan has been holding talks with Matt Le Tissier and the club's prospective new owner over the last couple of days. It's not known whether any agreement has been made or what role Keegan might take at Saints. This comes as the Le Tissier led consortium finalise the remaining paperwork to announce the deal has been completed. We are now on day 20 out of 21 given by the administrator for the consortium to complete the deal. Amazingly there has been many a rumour, but the actual name of the owner has yet to of been leaked/announced. All that will be known though as formal notification of the new Club board has been sent to the Football League. Official statements are expected in the next 48hrs to announce all the details.
18 June |
Administrator Announces Preferred Bidder
The state of play regarding the sale of Southampton FC has now reached preferred bidder status. A deal being brokered by Tony Lynam of Pinnacle Property Consultants on behalf of a client has been excepted by the main creditors. Over the last couple of weeks there has been little movement with misleading PR rubbish appearing in the local media. The issue of valuation now seems to have been resolved. Matt Le Tissier a friend of Tony Lynam has been backing this bid. It's thought he will take a pivotal role in any new set up. The preferred status now sees the final routine details being ironed out. Pinnacle's client has paid a significant non-refundable deposit to get to this stage. It means Club staff that went unpaid yesterday will now be paid. As for the identity of the Client who Lynam has been working for that remains unknown at the moment. But rumour wise the person linked has what's required to move the Club forward. Administrator Statement
29 May |
Saints Lose At Forest And Offers Made To Buy The Club
One of the worst seasons in the Club's 124yr history ended with a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest. Despite Saints taking an early first half lead through Wright-Phillips. They crumbled towards the end with Forest equalizing on 73 minutes and then scoring two goals in the final five minutes. But it's Mark Wotte's post match comments that have set tongues wagging. He disclosed to reporters that the administrators are looking at two firm offers made to buy the Club. That is a significant move as up until the last couple of days no talk of offers had been made. So can we expect a new owner by the end of the week ? That is highly possible because as it stands there is no money to pay any of the bills. Several more days of no movement could well see a rash of player sales at cut price values. A new owner could at least see players revalued if they still want away. It's thought the two interested parties have been haggling with creditors. To get the right value they see worthy of paying following relegation. Let's just pray and keep everything crossed that we are bought by worthy people. Keep The Faith ! UTS
03 May |
Outrage As Rupert Lowe Heads To Notts Forest
Saints fans have reacted with total disgust that Rupert Lowe will be attending the Nottingham Forest match on Sunday. The worst Chairman in the Club's entire history is again showing utter contempt towards fans and sticking two fingers up to them. Lowe has gained his tickets from Nottingham Forest and will be accompanied with his sad Judas luvvie mate Mike Richards. The match is a sell out and 2000 Saints fans will be in attendance. Notts Forest now have no fear of relegation as the last spot will go to either Barnsley or Norwich.
01 May |
Relegation Confirmed As 2-2 Draw Sends Saints Down
Saints will definitely be starting next season in League 1 as they took the lead twice. But they failed to finish off Burnley and the match ended in a 2-2 draw. The results elsewhere meant Saints where relegated before the ten points deduction is added. It means unless there is any successful appeal, they will start with minus ten points next season. Wright-Phillips opened the scoring on ten minutes as he dinked the ball over the keeper from close range. Saints should have increased the lead on twenty minutes but Gillet clean through shot straight at the Burnley keeper. The Clarets equalized on the half hour mark as Saeijs reckless challenge saw a penalty which Alexander converted. It was end to end stuff and Saints took the lead again just before the break as McGoldrick picked up Euell's saved shot to steer home for Saints second. The match should of been over on the hour mark as Saints where awarded a penalty but McGoldrick failed to convert. Five minutes later Burnley equalized through Carlisle. They almost scored again from the restart. Four minutes of injury time was curtailed somewhat as a pitch invasion stopped the match.
25 Apr |
Two Parties Keen On Buying Southampton FC
Administrator Mark Fry speaking at the Press Conference yesterday regarding the points deduction said he was in serious discussion and going through the Due Diligence stage with one very keen suitor wanting to buy the Club. He also stated that there was another party looking to go through due diligence. It has been rumoured since day one that Saints fan Anthony Salz is actively involved in his role as Vice Chairman of Rothschild to find a buyer. Salz was networked into the Club by Leon Crouch and Mary Corbett late last season. Before they where all disgracefully turfed out by the incompetent scumbags Lowe and Wilde. Like I said its thought Salz could be acting for clients and may or may not be part of the consortium. Another name being mentioned is Graeme Souness with wealthy backers. There has been no indication whether those wanting to buy the Club will also buy the Stadium. There is still the option of the Council doing this for a knockdown £10million price and lease back for profit.
24 Apr |
Get Your Tickets NOW For Burnley
The current projected attendance for the final home match of the season against Burnley, is so far looking at around 22,000 tops. That figure is simply not good enough as the Club is desperate for money to keep things ticking over until a new owner can be found. I would fully expect to see 25,000 for this match bearing in mind the well documented circumstances the Club is now in. That extra couple of thousand will generate good money to pay the running costs. Our fate has been decided and i think we fans can all now simply turn St Marys into a party as we head to League One. Tickets are available from the Stadium to personal callers and you can book tickets on the phone 0800 2800 050. If you want hospitality tickets then contact 0845 688 9377. Any ticket enquires can also be emailed to 'tickets@saintsfc.co.uk'
24 Apr |
Do Not Forget The Real Reason For Relegation ''Again'
Saints fans know all to well that Rupert Lowe is the real reason for the Club dropping into third tier football for the first time in 49years. Yet more incompetent mismanagement on an egotistical level saw the failed Chairman bring in a pair of clueless Dutch nobodies. The appointment of Jan Poortvliet was a total disaster waiting to happen. That was then followed with Lowe thinking he was a director of football. All that played out on a crescendo of PR hype that backfired. A series of pointless loans and contract buys that where all a waste of money. That is the reason why SFC has been relegated. Two relegations puts Lowe down as the worst Chairman in the Clubs 124yr history. I do not think you will find many fans who would disagree with that statement. It has taken administration and relegation 'again' to finally get rid of the bastard that stole our club away in 1997 with his PLC.
23 Apr |
Football League Deduct 10 Points Meaning Certain Relegation
Saints will be playing League One football next season following a ten point deduction ruling by the FL today. The Football League had delayed their decision following a meeting a couple of weeks back. After having a closer independent look at accounts they have decided that there is no difference between the Holding PLC and the Club. There was belief that the Holding Company and the Club where two separate entities. But according to the Football league they could not see any difference. That is despite their rules stating only point's are deducted if the 'Club' go into admin. Obviously are current position means relegation was very much odds on anyway. But if Saints do go down anyway the point's deduction is added to the start of the new season. According to Saints PLC's Administrator Mark Fry they intended to appeal against the decision. His Statement is rather damning on how the football league have changed their goalposts to hide their incompetence and the way they delivered their verdict.
23 Apr |
Sands Of Time Running Out Towards Relegation
Saints are going to have to perform their biggest ever relegation escape to avoid third tier football for the first time in 49yrs. A comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Wolves means the grim reaper is starting to polish his blade. Saints went one nil down in the first minute when local boy Sam Vokes headed home a corner. Wolves then made it 2-0 four minutes later as more shoddy marking allowed another header to fly past Davis. The match was over on 17 minutes as Saganowski upended Edwards in the box and Jones blasted home the penalty. It was shell shocking stuff and Wolves more or less coasted for the remainder of the match. Saints had the odd half chance but our midfield was non-existent. Wotton and Schneiderlin have been a total waste of money and wages. I think the majority of Saints fans have prepared for the inevitable many months ago.
11 Apr |
Narcissitic Lowe's PR Assault Backfires
Rupert Lowe's attempt at trying to deflect his chronic mismanagement at Saints has been hilarious. Since last week he has tried to get on as many media outlets as possible. He has ticked off the Evening Standard, the Times, the Telegraph, BBC South Today, News of the World, Sky News and Talksport Radio. Many of which have been organized through his friends and PR. Anyone who is so innocent certainly would not have to embark on such a pathetic PR offensive to get his point across. Many fans would view it as sickening, but to be honest its comical. Who else has ever gone on such a media drive following resignation ? One thing very much absent from Lowe's PR agenda is the employment of Jan Poortvliet. The arrival of poor loans and contract buys that have never even played. Lowe's ego putting himself up as some kind of Director of Football. It was all the same mismanagement we had seen before. It's why SFC has been in the bottom six all season and facing relegation. His PR Hype and Spin well and truly blew up in his face many months ago.
08 Apr |
Saeijs Double Salvages Saints A Point At Watford
Saints attempts to stay in the Championship remain on a shoestring as a must win game at Watford ended in a 2-2 draw. Both goals came from Dutch defender Jan-Paul Saeijs as he opened the scoring after 13mins heading in a corner to put Saints one up. The lead however did not last long as Watford equalized seven minutes later through Cauna. The match continued to be very open going into the second half. Saints had Skacel to thank as he headed off the line on the hour mark. Euell should have then scored minutes later as he was clean through one on one with the keeper but shot straight at him. That miss was to be costly as the next attack saw Watford take the lead as Cork flicked on a corner to find Priskin to head past Davis. The clock was ticking down and Saints where facing another defeat. But it's never over until the final whistle and Saints had a free kick some 30yds out which Saijs rocketed into the back of the net to make it 2-2. It was simply a stunning goal and the best one from a Saints player for many a season. Saints now face Wolves this Friday live on Skysports 1 at 3pm.
07 Apr |
No Decision Made On Points Deduction
The Football League has decided there needs to be further investigations into Saints being handed a 10 point deduction. It was expected that a decision would be made today at the Football leagues monthly board meeting. But they are now 'as a matter of urgency' going to get an independent review of the accounts between Southampton Leisure Holdings and Southampton FC. The holding company SLH which owns Saints went into administration last week. Football league rules state that any 'football club' that goes into admin should have 10 points deducted from its total. SLH has been the owner of Saints since it was floated on the Stock Exchange in 1997. Personally I believe there is no case to answer as the holding company has been in operation for 12 years and has also owned a radio station and insurance company. There are many Clubs in the PL and FL that are owned by holding companies as well. If the holding company had been set up since relegation then obviously that would suggest some underhand stuff. All eyes now focus on Watford tonight. Football League Statement
07 Apr |
£500,000 Needed To Fulfill Remaining Fixtures
Saints fans have been told that the Club needs to find £500,000 this month to keep it going until the end of the season. Former Chairman Leon Crouch speaking on Radio Hampshire spelt out the harsh reality. He himself has put a significant donation into the pot, but he wants all fans to donate as much as they can afford to keep the club going. The best way really apart from larger donations is to make sure you are at the last two home games of the season. Saints play Crystal Palace at St Marys on Bank Holiday Monday April 13th @ 3pm. The final home fixture is Burnley April 25th @ 3pm. I would say that attendance is a must irrespective of results away from home or points deduction. We need to hit 25,000 at least for both of these games. Donations can also be made with cheques being made out to 'Southampton Football Club limited'. Club Address Details
06 Apr |
Wotte Starts With A
Fighting Draw At Norwich
Saints
exited Carrow Road with a credible 2-2 draw after conceding two
late goals just before the break. Mark Wotte made decisive changes
at halftime bringing on Saganowski to pair upfront with McGoldrick.
It was the sort of bold attacking move that Poortvliet would never
have gambled. It paid dividends though as Saints dominated most of
the second half pulling a goal back through Mclaggon on the hour
mark and then Saganowski heading home the leveller with ten minutes
to go. Norwich finished the game strong and Euell cleared off the
line in injury time. A point away from home is certainly something
to work with now Saints have two home games in row, Swansea this
Saturday and Sheffield United next Tuesday. Last nights other results
show how tough things are going to be avoiding relegation with
Charlton, Doncaster and Watford all winning.
27 Jan |
Lowe & Wilde Absent
As Wotte Takes Charge
Saints new Head Coach Mark Wotte was paraded in front
of the media this afternoon following Jan Poortvliet's sacking
last Friday. Neither Lowe nor Wilde where present as Rupes is on
holiday skiing and Wilde well, he never turns up to anything anyway.
It was confirmed that Swedish defender Michael Svensson will become
Wotte's assistant along with existing coach Dean Gorre. Much talk
of reverting back to a 4-4-2 approach when possible and hopefully
a new striker coming in. Aside from Wotte taking the job it has
been revealed (not by SFC) that former Chairman Leon Crouch met
both Wilde and Lowe for a meeting last Friday afternoon. It is
thought that Crouch told Lowe and Wilde to resign and he would
then take control and remove all the Dutch. It's rumoured he had
a new British manager willing to come in and Crouch would also
front up some finance. But it was all turned down by Lowe and Wilde.
26 Jan |
Jan Poortvliet Resigns
As Saints Coach
The breaking news this evening (8pm) that Jan Poortvliet
has resigned as Saints Head Coach after a disastrous eight months
in charge. SFC has released a statement to that effect and that
Mark Wotte will now be in charge. You will have to draw your own
conclusions if you think he actually quit or indeed was sacked.
Let's be honest his appointment from 'Helmond Sport' was doomed
from the start. He merely has been just another 'yes' man for Lowe,
just like Gray and Wigley. He should have been sacked months ago
when it was obvious he was well out of his depth. But as Lowe and
Wilde heavily backed Poortvliet's appointment they didn't want to
show they had made a massive blunder. There has also been no acknowledgement
from SFC that coach David Hockaday is on gardening leave and why.
This of course changes nothing on the 'Lowe Out' protest front.
That needs to continue now until Southampton FC has been liberated
from the tyrant.
23 Jan |
Whose This Other Dutch Fella Then Rupes
?
Following the disclosure by the Daily Echo that
Saints coach David Hockaday has been put on 'gardening leave'.
It is now being gossiped that he was elbowed out due to a previously
unknown Dutch football advisor that is working for Saints. His
name is supposedly Kim Van Der Waals and has been seen present
at numerous home and away games and the training ground frequently.
He has been described as some sort of director of football. If
so then why have Saints fans not been told about him or indeed
anyone ? What exactly is his role and using recent evidence are
we now paying someone 'else' to deliver relegation ? When you
start to do all the sums for the 'Dutch Revolution' it's expense
seems to be getting rather big. And what have we got to show for
it all ? Fans should also know that speaking to a Dutch Saints
fan mate he has never ever heard of this guy in Holland.
21 Jan |
Is SFC Weeks From Administration ?
The
rumour mill has gone into overdrive that tyrant Rupert Lowe is
currently in talks to arrange putting Southampton FC into administration.
The failure to sack Jan Poortvliet is being viewed as Lowe unwilling
to take any blame and he will then again use administration to
cover his tracks. It would of course mean a ten points deduction
and almost certain relegation. Many would say that because of
Lowe and the Dutch that's a foregone conclusion anyway ! The biggest
fear is Rupert Lowe will orchestrate administration where the
end product after creditors could see him still remain in control.
His mate David Sheepshanks at Ipswich did something very similar.
Rupert Lowe's sad little mate Charles Sale in the Daily Mail today
licked Rupert's balls 'again' with a nice little article saying
Lowe is 'Mr Innocent' yawn... The fact will always be that we
are currently where we are because of Rupert Lowe and his PLC.
21 Jan |
Talk Is Cheap 'Direct Action' Is Needed
NOW
For far too long many Saints fans have been tolerable
to the situation Rupert Lowe has personally created at Southampton
FC. His hijacking of the Club through his shares and cronies over
the last 12 years is why we are here today. Traitors like Guy
Askham and Mike Richards who claim to be Saints fans yet have
endorsed Lowe's failures 100%. Numerous clued up fans will tell
you that it was only a matter of time from 1997 when Lowe arrived,
that it would disintegrate into the current meltdown. Amazingly
i think even now some fans fail to understand what an arrogant,
self-deluded, ego driven megalomaniac Rupert Lowe is. I can talk
to the cows come home about what Lowe has been up to in the last
12 years. Even out of office he was very much rocking the boat
from 2006-08. I believe we need to make it clear that its incompetent
mismanagement that has brought SFC to its knees. The 'financial
card' has minor relevance, but how did it get like that ? There
needs to be more boycotting, protesting and withdrawal of personal
finance until the SCUM has been cleansed from Southampton FC once
and for all.
19 Jan |
Boiling Point Reached As Fans Vent Their
Fury
It was only a matter of time that fans would start
to kick off at St Marys and Doncaster's second goal sparked the
trouble. Pockets of fighting broke out amongst fans against each
other and stewards. A group of fans tried to storm the pitch and
the directors box was subjected to a hail of abuse from allsides
of SMS. "Lowe Out"
was the message to the incompetent arseholes that reside in the
Itchen centre block. Lowe was not there but enough of his cronies
were and they surely got the message. Judas Wilde is said to have
done a runner way before the final whistle. The clueless Jan Poortvliet
was also targeted heavily as the worst home season in the Club's
history continued. It's just a shame that it has taken so long
for fans to start to complain vocally again. We have been treated
with total contempt and seen our club hijacked by a pair of incompetent
clueless tossers. I urge all season tickets holders to think carefully
about renewing in March.
17 Jan |
Players Fuming About Wage Details Being
Leaked
A
number of Saints players are said to be fuming that their personal
wage details where leaked to the Daily Echo on purpose
by Southampton FC. Gossip coming from the training ground at Marchwood
has even mentioned the threat of legal action. Most fans i have
spoken to have said it was a total disgrace that personal player
info like this had been leaked to the local newspaper. Fans are
not surprised though as it merely highlights how shoddy and amateurish
the likes of Lowe/Wilde operate. One of the players agents has
also been sounding off that he will think twice about his clients
going to Saints. Despite claims by SFC that they need to cut costs
there has been a stream of players. That have come into the squad
and hardly played. Do not forget either that Lowe himself stated that
he wants to keep the 'squad' the same and is not looking to sell
players. So Rupes are you trying to force players out and also
claim you want to keep them all ?
14 Jan |
Poorto Saves His Job Again With Barnsley
Win
Jan
Poortvliet has probably kept himself in a job for another week
at least as Barnsley dominated but failed to take their chances.
David McGoldrick then headed the only goal late on for a 1-0 win
at Oakwell. It was a big three points and the first win in eight
games for Saints. To have Notts Forest winning and Norwich and
Charlton both losing. We have at least shortened the points required
to get out of the bottom three. Jan Paul Saeijis also showed that
experience counts and put in a fairly solid display on his debut
at the back. Kelvin Davis again like near on every match kept
Saints in the hunt. There is still a real fear that he could leave
in the next couple of weeks. He is out of contract in the summer
and Saints may cash in now rather than get nothing in May. He
simply cannot be allowed to leave as the price of him and the
cost of relegation are not parallel. Goal
Video
11 Jan |
Saints Surrender Easily As United
Stroll FA Cup Win
I
think most Saints fans are breathing a sigh of relief tonight that
Manchester United only knocked up a 3-0 win. The fear was that we
where going to have a history breaking defeat. But Man United where
happy to cruise in first gear and Saints as we know have nothing
upfront to bother any defence this season. Paterson's red card was
justified with his reckless two footed lunge. A three match ban is
a major blow for our upcoming league matches. That said i think everyone
is asking why Wright-Phillips is not getting a game upfront or indeed
on the wing. Saints now have 20 cup finals of our own starting at
Barnsley on Saturday.
04 Jan |
Cork Leaves As The New Year Brings
More Misery
It was hoped that Saints could extend the stay of Jack
Cork, but he has chosen to return to Chelsea and go out on loan to
Watford. Enticed no doubt to link up with his former Chelsea coach
who is now manager at Watford. It's a big blow for Saints as the
backline is way short of starters let alone cover. Cork has been
the only young loan to date that brought something to the party.
So with that in mind its odd that Saints have now signed Ryan
Smith from Millwall for the remainder of the season. He actually
has done nothing of note and surely wages could of been used for
some relegation battle experience ? On a similar note Saints have
signed left back Lee
Molyneux from Everton. I hope he offers something but there must
be concerns at the lack of experience that's needed right now. It's
FA Cup weekend and Saints of course host Manchester United at St
Marys on Sunday. The match is live on Setanta Sports with a 4pm kick
off.
02 Jan |
Shareholders At AGM Tell Lowe To 'Resign'
Rupert
Lowe was today humiliated at the Club's AGM as shareholding Saints
fans called for him to resign. After Lowe's initial pompous Chairman
speech and reading out a rather nauseating letter from an "annoymous"
fan backing him. He was subjected to a series of resignation calls
as fans rightly vented fury at his return and further mismanagement.
Former Chairman Leon Crouch layed heavily into Lowe putting a few
things straight and questioning Lowe's role. Former Directors Lawrie
McMenemey and Mary Corbett also spoke out to condemn the Clubs further
decline since May of this year. While all this was going there was
constant calls for Lowe to resign and go. Lowe threatened to stop
the AGM a couple of times unless things calmed down. Obviously it
goes without saying that the AGM motions ratifying Lowe and Wilde's
positions where passed. But then adding Lowe's cartel of cronies
to Wilde's shareholding you get the required figure.
23 Dec |
You've Made Your Bed, Now Lie In It
I said it a couple of months back and its valid even
more so now. Our current situation was so predictable as soon as
Lowe barged his ego back into SFC. We are now victims yet again from
more colossal mismanagement via Lowe. He is nothing more than PR
Spin and PR Hype. Apologies to those looking for recent match reports.
I would merely be repeating the same clueless fumblings from Jan
Poortvliet. I wonder how the mighty 'Helmond Sport' are doing in
his absence ! We all now what are previous manager is doing. Nigel
Pearson has recently knocked up five wins in a row and Leicester
are sitting pretty at the top. It's crystal ball material, but i
am sure he would of had us middle of the table and we could not have
expected anymore. We are now only halfway into the season but are
already in a relegation battle. Where we not promised 'Total Football'
and a 'Dutch Revolution' ? My message to Crouch, Corbett, Salz et
all is not to be be tempted during this season to make a return.
Let Lowe and Wilde drown 'forever' in the mess they have personally
created.
20 Dec |
Lowe's PR Hype Is Not Being Seen On
The Pitch
Saints struggle again as early promise fades from winning
position to clinging on to a 1-1 draw. That of course has been the
story of the season so far in many games. One main reason for this
has been the formation and no clinical firepower upfront. Bradley
Wright-Phillips opened the scoring on 14 minutes and Saints had a
couple of chances to increase that lead in the first half. But the
bright first half went sour as the game went on and you just knew
Wednesday would pop up with a goal. They did and it could of been
a lot worse as following Tudgays 86th minute equalizer. Kelvin Davis
pulled off two goalbound saves to salvage the draw as Saints crumbled
at the death. The manner of the match highlighted that what is being
said by the Chairmen with loads of PR hype is not being seen on the
pitch. Saints now have two very hard games away starting at Crystal
Palace Monday night (Live On Sky Sports). Then away again on Saturday
at Burnley.
06 Dec |
Lowe Set To Sell Lallana And Surman ?
Saints fans have reacted with anger that Rupert Lowe
is possibly set to sell Adam Lallana and Andrew Surman in the January
transfer window. The Sun newspaper has an article today that
states both players will be sold in January to help stave off administration.
We know the financial problems are totally down to mismanagement
by Lowe and Wilde. The Sun article also says some Saints players
and coaches are extremely concerned by increased involvment in team
matters by some of the club's directors. That is nothing new to be
honest as we know Lowe has been accused of being a 'Director of Football'
since his return in May. The selling of players though goes against
all the PR hype from Lowe and Wilde that the team will be built around
Academy players. How does that work if you are going to sell them
all off ! Let's not forget Lowe and Wilde returned in May with no
investment. *Update*... Desperate Lowe has been on Radio Solent,
Wave FM and Radio Hants today spinning his usual waffle that we have
heard many times before. The
Sun Article
04 Dec |
Leon Crouch " I will Give My
Shares Away'
The Daily Echo newspaper has finally started
to print 'some' of what exactly has been going on at SFC with an
excellent interview with major shareholder Leon Crouch today. Leon
correctly points out who exactly has been responsible for the decline
of Saints, Rupert Lowe and the situation made worse by Michael Wilde
and HIS executives. He highlights who had the power over the last
two years and the lies from Wilde in 2006. This i am sure is a response
to the farcical articles last week from Wilde and Lowe in the DE.
Crouch also again says he is willing to hand his shares over to a
'worthy' new investor for free. He has the Clubs interest at heart
rather than personal interests. He is the only major shareholder
to continue to put money into the coffers through sponsorship and
hospitality boxes. I think the majority of fans echo the thoughts
of Leon Crouch when he says SFC will never move forward until Rupert
Lowe and Michael Wilde disappear for good. The whole situation has
become a joke and disillusioned fans are walking away from the club
forever. LC
Interview Links
03 Dec |
Valley Stalemate Thanks To Davis 'Again'
Kelvin
Davis again put in a man of the match performance as Saints came
away from Charlton Athletic with a 0-0 draw. The match was viewed
as being a relegation six pointer despite six months of the season
remaining. Kelvin Davis stopped it from being another defeat with
a series of saves in the first half. Saints best spell came in the
second half where they had a long periods of possession. But worryingly
again they still could cannot convert the final ball into goals.
Davis is out of contract at the end of the season and has been touted
for moving in January. It would be a huge disaster if he was to leave.
Because so far this season his forum has stopped us from being bottom
three on a weekly basis. Strangely Saints have kept it quiet that Dean
Gorre has been added to the coaching set up to work with the
first team.
01 Dec |
Judas Wilde Insults Fans With Comical
'Innocent' Waffle
It has to be one of the biggest insults ever to be directed
at Saints fans. Plastic football Chairman Michael Wilde in todays Daily
Echo absolves himself from all blame for the current accounts
! The cretin seems to have forgotten he hired the idiots that hijacked
the club and then had to pay £300,000 to remove them. You will
struggle to get through the Echo article for laughing at the embarrassing
deluded crap he waffles. It has to be the biggest 'Spin' operation
ever. Yesterday Lowe blamed Wilde for everything going wrong and
now today Wilde is spinning himself out of it all. Again i think
its pathetic the Daily Echo have given Judas Wilde a platform
to print this rubbish. Do not forget Wilde was removed from office
in 2007 in a vote of no confidence. He brought in a load of Executives
who hijacked SFC for the best part of last year. He is directly responsible
for that and past employment checks would of shown serious issues
on some of them. It appears Wilde now has turned into Lowe and is
showing total arrogance towards Saints fans. The sooner these two
clowns are out of the Club the quicker it can be saved.
25 Nov |
Rupert Lowe Blames Michael Wilde For
Debt Increase
Saints have released the end of year accounts to June
and as expected it's a £4.9m loss. Rupert Lowe 'desperate'
for some PR has obviously made as much capital as possible out of
it. The usual everyone else to blame apart from me etc. He may preach
that but he is as bad as the rest. In 2006 we had a Lowe £3.3m
debt which would of been plus £5m if not for the sale of Walcott.
Lowe from a wage point of view also signed Rasiak on daft wages and
transfer fee. Clive Woodwards salary was a total joke and he did
nothing of note. It's 'current' football Chairman Michael Wilde's
Executives who allowed things to get further stretched. In particular
last pre season with a number of signings which clearly we could
not justify. I am curious why the bank allowed this further expenditure.
Overall these figures are six months old and the Club is still operating
with big losses. You have to ask though if we are so skint then why
has Lowe spent
£500,000 on a midfielder and thousands of pounds on fees/wages
for numerous loans ? Personally i would like Rupert Lowe to explain
to fans why after stopping investment in 2006 he is now complaining
about increased debt !!
24 Nov |