It’s a new year, a new decade, and a good time to look back and take stock of recent events at the Saints.  Goodness knows, this past six months have provided Saints fans with enough topics for a year, if not a whole decade! 

 

Back in July there may have been fans predicting Southampton FC would eradicate its imposed ten-point penalty, escape the relegation zone, and occupy a mid-table position.  And all by the Christmas fixtures.   If there were such supporters then their prophecies may have been influenced by an over indulgence in recreational pharmaceuticals! Nevertheless, a euphoric spirit has returned to St Mary’s.

 

At the end of the nineties Saints supporters were looking forward to moving from the much-loved but dreadfully cramped Dell, their home for the previous hundred years, to the new 32000 seater stadium at St Mary’s.  That last decade witnessed many of Southampton’s Great Escapes, which, looking back, were a foresight of future times.  However, optimistic thoughts prevailed when, during the final match played at the Dell, Saint’s talisman, Matthew Le Tissier, came on in the final moments of the match to score the winning goal to beat the Arsenal 3-2.

 

Declining Decade

 

In those early “Naughtie” years everything seemed so bright; the Club had a new manager, Gordon Strachan; the Saints not only finished eleventh and twelfth in the Premiership in successive seasons, but also made the trip to Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, as FA Cup Finalists.  During that period they beat the mighty Manchester United on their home turf!  Throughout that time the Saint’s most valuable asset, its youth Academy, nurtured by Georges Proust, one of the architects of the renowned French FA school Clairefontaine, continued to provide a steady supply young of blood making the Staplewood Training Centre the envy of many of the nation’s wealthier clubs.

 

However, by mid decade, Strachan resigned (to take a study break from football), and Southampton embarked on a series of managerial comings and goings much to the bewilderment of the Club’s ardent fans.  Later when family illness forced Proust to take early retirement, the Academy was raided and the Clubs’ family silver sold.  These actions had an inevitably detrimental affect, and the Saints, after twenty-seven continuous years in top-flight football, were relegated to the Coca-Cola Championship.  If all this wasn’t bad enough, a resurgence of boardroom discord, held at bay during the successful years, placing the Saints in the spotlight, but for all the wrong reasons.

 

A Sad Season

 

The 2008/09 season must rank as the lowest in the Clubs’ history.   It was “asset-stripped” of experienced players.  It would be possible to make two squads from those departing during the Saints Diaspora.   Despite their enthusiastic and gallant efforts the remaining young players were soon demoralised as the number of defeats mounted.  Predictably attendances fell as the fans were faced with yet another demotion for their Club; the Boardroom hostilities intensified and it all proved too great a strain on the Clubs’ financial resources.  Eventually Southampton FC was forced into Administration incurring a penalty deduction of ten points, guaranteeing an even lower position in the English football leagues.

 

Last year’s close season was a traumatic affair, as fans helplessly watched the toings and froings of the assorted bidders for the Club.  Depending upon the rumour mill, Southampton’s suitors were an IT billionaire, assorted members of a Saudi family, various consortiums comprised of ex-players and impassioned well-wishers.  One of the latter, headed by Saint’s legend Matt Le Tissier, for a time looked very promising, acquiring a period of “exclusivity” from the Administrator.  However, this bid proved unsustainable and was allowed to lapse on 30 June.  Sun Jan 3 16:10:42 UTC 2010

 

For a brief period the demise of Southampton Football Club was more than just pub gossip and seemed on the cards.   However, on 8 July the Saints was rescued when all its assets were eventually bought and owned by Markus Leibherr, a member of the Swiss engineering family.  Herr Leibherr appointed Nicola Cortese as CEO in charge of the Club’s affairs, who immediately appointed Alan Pardew, previously with Charlton Athletic and West Ham United respectively, as Saints’ manager.  Pardew had exactly four weeks to get a team ready for its opening League One fixture against Millwall!

 

Encouraging Times Ahead 

 

The opening months of the season saw Southampton continue to languish at the foot of the table, but under the influence of Pardew’s inspired signings and considerable coaching skills the Saints steadily started to win instead of drawing or losing games.   Coupled with an excellent goal-difference, the major double objective (clearing the League-imposed ten point deficit and escaping from the bottom rung) the Christmas period saw the Saints jump to a mid-table position.

 

So far the 2009/10 season has been a bit of a roller coaster.  The Club is still in contention for both the FA Challenge Cup, and the Football League Trophy.  Plus it now has a more than half decent chance of climbing higher in the table with the added possibility of gaining a promotion play-off place.  Saints’ fans can look forward to more exciting times ahead.

 

More encouraging is that throughout this most difficult of seasons Saints supporters have kept faith, resulting in some of the highest attendances not only in the Coca-Cola Football League but comparing favourably with those of the Barclay’s FA Premiership League.  But, even more importantly, Southampton St Mary’s Stadium is once again a happy place to come and watch exciting football.

 

May it continue for the rest of the season and throughout the new decade!

 

Come On You Saints. 

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint.

Sun Jan 3 16:13:06 UTC 2010

Photos: BBC Sport; PA Sport, Yahoo Sport & The Guardian Sport

 

   
 

 

Southampton fans have been starved of success over recent years, so last month’s triple feat, overcoming their League-imposed ten point penalty, breaking out of the relegation zone and remaining clear of it goes a long way to satisfy a little of their hunger.  Having played throughout all of October without loosing, fans may safely look back on the defeat at the hands of the Seagulls, Brighton & Hove Albion, in mid-November and declare it an aberration.  Coupled with the Club’s progress in both the FA Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy competitions the Saints can continue to enjoy some confidence.

 

Last Saturday’s win at Walsall, coming hard on the heels of the mid-week victory over the Chairmen, Wycombe Wanderers, just four days earlier, gives Saints’ supporters some early Christmas cheer this December.  That result over the Saddler’s now puts Southampton at fifteenth position on twenty-two points, just three places from mid-table status.

 

However, with only two points separating Southampton from the Seagulls, our “new” South Coast rivals, there can be no room for either complacency or hubris. The hard work of maintaining our position, or better still, progressing in League One, as well staying clear of the bottom four positions, now begins!

 

It is a little early to review the first half of the season, but back in August had any of the fans, returning from the 3-1 Away defeat by Huddersfield Town, claimed that the Saints would be on the verge of an upper mid-table position by Christmas, there would have serious concerns about the state of their mental health.   In football it’s never wise to spend too much time thinking over “what-might-have-been”, but had the Football League not imposed their ten-point penalty then Southampton would now be sixth in the overall league.

 

Next Saturday sees the Saints embark on another hectic spell of games.   First, there is the visit of Tranmere Rovers, our old nemesis from past FA Cup runs, quickly followed a few days later by the Southern Area Semi-Final of the Paint Trophy against a fellow Championship relegated club, Norwich City. Then final game before Christmas will be an away match at Elland Road, against the League leaders, Leeds United.  So, there will not be much time for resting on laurels or mince pies!

 

But, isn’t it nice to have a few laurels upon which to rest!!

 

Come On You Saints. 

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

Mon Dec 7 16:14:24 UTC 2009 

Photo:  BT Yahoo!/PA

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Rumour has it that Markus Leibherr, Southampton FC’s new owner, when inspecting the assets prior to his acquiring the Club, remarked upon the lack of trophies in the Saints’ showcase and indicated that he hoped during his ownership he would be able to improve the situation.

 

Unfortunately soon after his purchase a hastily constructed Saints’ team was forced to make an early exit from the Football League Carling Cup at the hands of a well-organised Premiership side, Birmingham City, thus thwarting his first opportunity of collecting silverware.

 

However, last Friday evening Southampton successfully progressed to the next stage of the FA Challenge Cup by beating Bristol Rovers with two excellent goals from David Connolly and another from Michail Antonio. Once again the goals coming in the second period underlining the Saints improved fitness levels.

 

The following Wednesday, in appallingly wet conditions, saw the Saints at last beat the Sky TV curse when Charlton Athletic visited St Mary’s for the area quarter final of the Football League Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.  The “Paint Pot”, as it’s affectionately known, is restricted to clubs playing in Leagues One and Two.  The Addicks, like ourselves, were relegated from the Championship last season and some fans on both sides will not have heard of this competition, or if aware of it, will have regarded it with disdain.  Having decisively outplayed Athletic for long periods, Southampton won the match and rightly advanced to the semi-finals.   It’s doubtful if any of the scornful Saints’ fans will sneer at the opportunity of going to Wembley in the Spring of next year.

 

The game itself, played in front of the Saints new owner, provided three classic examples of goal scoring.  First, was Lloyd James’ superb delivery from a corner right to the feet of Wayne Thomas for him to slot in the first goal.  It was also Thomas’ first goal in four years and considering his recent long spell on the injury list the ensuing player celebration, for once, was justified.

 

Next came a perfect model of good goalkeeping distribution.  Stand-in goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski threw the ball just ahead of the already advancing Dan Harding for him to possess and immediately pass onto the Saints’ front-men who, in turn, provided a goal scoring opportunity which striker Rickie Lambert duly seized upon.

 

Last, and to the credit of the now well-beaten Addicks, was an illustration of how not, in the dying seconds of a game, to clear a goal threat and carelessly provide a chance for the opposition to score a consolation goal.

 

In the past Southampton’s Academy players have acquitted themselves well in their pursuit of the FA Youth Cup and last week's comprehensive 4-0 defeat of Aldershot Town sees them through to the next stage of the competition. Our young stars-to-be will now face Hereford Town.  And throughout this period the Saints’ Reserves have not been exactly idle as they continue to contest the Totesport.com Wales and West Trophy with a 3-0 win over Forest Green.

 

Next Sunday afternoon will see the Saints once again play in front of the television cameras when they entertain near neighbours Brighton & Hove Albion.  The Seagulls are not currently enjoying good results, but will no doubt want to put on a good display for their newly appointed manager Gus Poyet.  The Exiled Saint would like to wish the former Uruguayan player the best of good luck; but not until after six-thirty on Sunday evening!

 

Whilst the Saints’ quest for silverware remains undiminished it will be nice to concentrate on the League for a while.

Come On You Saints!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint 

Thu Nov 12 15:50:49 UTC 2009

 

Photos: FA, Johnstone's plc and By Yahoo (PA).

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Saints’ supporters have got so accustomed to a diet of dismal draws and disappointing loses that they are finding it difficult to cope with five consecutive wins.  Nevertheless, it is great to see so many smiling faces at St Mary’s again.  Why, there’s even talk of reaching the promotion playoffs.   The more sober-minded supporter, whilst not wanting to appear a wet blanket in such contented company, is only too aware how quickly matters can change in league football. 

 

There are good reasons for the fans’ new found euphoria not least of which is a superior goal difference and perhaps more importantly, a gritty determination to win, absent for many a season.   Each game now has an air of anticipation, which has supporters sitting on the edges of their seats. 

 

Gone is the anxiety whenever the Saints take a corner or a free kick, as Lloyd James appears to place the ball effortlessly for either Dean Hammond or Ricky Lambert to score.  Despite repeatedly being adjudged offside, Papa Waigo is an unremitting irritant, constantly unsettling the opposition’s defence and providing opportunities for Morgan Schneiderlin and Adam Lallana to exploit at will.  As if this attacking model wasn’t enough, the Saints are now able to draw upon a couple of winning substitutes in Michail Antonio and David Connelly.

 

Antonio, since arriving on loan from Reading, simply terrorises the defence with his pace and skills on the ball and David Connolly seems to delight in poaching gaols in the closing seconds of extra time.

 

All of the above attacking confidence is complemented by the diligent Paul Wotton, who links a resolute and solid defence provided by Dan Harding, Radhi Jaidi, Neal Trotman and Lloyd James, all under the command of keeper Kelvin Davis.

 

Although still located at the bottom of the table, should the Saint’s get a half-decent result when they visit Brisbane Road to play Leyton Orient next Saturday, then they can finally escape the dreaded drop zone.   And depending on the other results, a win coupled to their excellent goal difference, could see them climb towards mid-table. Few would have thought this possible at the beginning of the campaign when the club was just emerging from near oblivion with a dearth of playing staff and with little or no time left for the new coach/manager to acquire players.

 

Lately, a happy feeling has returned to St Mary’s Stadium, there is an air of expectancy at away games, which has long been missing and is reflected in the stalwart attendance figures, so who knows; we might start singing again!

 

Come On You Saints!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

Fri Oct 30 11:42:17 UTC 2009

 

Photo: BBC Sport/Getty

 

 

   

 

 

 

After nine hundred and ninety minutes of football the Saints are at last able to clear their Football League-imposed ten-point penalty and claim two points on the League One table.  And their four-one win against Gillingham last Saturday was as good a way as any to open their account!

 

With an average home attendance in excess of 19000 (that’s 3000 more than this time last season), St Mary’s Stadium is a much happier place despite the exasperation of having nothing to show on the point board, not matter how hard the Saints tried.

 

That imposed points deduction made for a very frustrating opening season for fans, coaching staff and players alike, and the club’s new owner, Markus Leibherr, along with his Chief Executive, Nicola Cortese, (above) might be forgiven for doubting their wisdom in purchasing a club in the third division of English football.

 

Even the most exuberant of Saints’ supporters fully realise that the hard work of climbing away from the bottom four places still remains a daunting prospect.  Nevertheless, there is an air of optimism at Southampton FC.

 

Much of the credit must undoubtedly go to the manager, Alan Pardew, in his acquisition, subsequent coaching and moulding of the first team.  Not the most popular choice of some fans, but as the late rescue of the club left him with little or no time to either obtain or train players, it would be churlish not to recognise the value of Pardew’s efforts.  He went about immediately strengthening a weakened defence, by bringing in Dan Harding, Graeme Murty, Neil Trotmann and Radhi Jaidi.  Although Murty is currently on the injured list, the imports have proved invaluable when added to the indigenous trio, Chris Perry, Wayne Thomas and Lloyd James.  Whilst we are still at the bottom of the league table, our defensive record cannot now be so easily dismissed.

 

The manager’s signing of Ricky Lambert from League One competitors Bristol Rovers has been nothing short of inspirational.  Lambert, who freely admits to being leaner and fitter since joining the Saints, is turning out to be the regular goal-scorer Southampton has needed for sometime.  With Papa Wagio N’Diaye, a young Senegalese on loan from Fiorentina, along with Saints youngster, Adam Lallana, the Saints are now fielding a formidable strike force.

 

Jacob Mellis, on loan from Chelsea, and Dean Hammond from Colchester United have added a new, more confident dimension to a now very effective midfield.

 

Captaining this “new” side is the disciplined goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, (left) who declined a lucrative offer from West Ham choosing to stay with the Saints.  Although not the best distributor of the ball, Kelvin is one the best shot-stoppers in all four echelons.

 

So, life is at long last looking up for at least one of the South Coast clubs.  The football is not as skilful as in the higher leagues, but no longer losing games eases the pain. 

 

It must be recorded that throughout all the recent tribulations, the Saints have enjoyed the benefit of a stalwart band of away supporters.  For the last away fixture, despite a seventeen-hour round trip by coach for some fans, over nine hundred Saints supporters were visitors at Carlisle’s Brunton Park.

 

Excluding Round Two of Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday next, there are now two away games; Southend United and Oldham Athletic.   A previous visit to the “Shrimpers” at Roots Hall was not a success.  However, both they and the “Latics” are having mixed fortunes lately, so the time might be just right for an in-form Saints side to pick up a couple of good results on the road. 

Come On You Saints!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint 

 

Photos:  BBC TV/Sports

 

Tue Oct 6 10:56:57 UTC+0100 2009

 

Once again, please accept my apologies for the rather intermittent postings.  I have been a little unwell of late.

 

Paddy Browne

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 The Summer Game is over in our village for another year.  Soon the groundsmen will start to prepare the pitch for the first football game.  At least at village level the two sports continue to maintain their separate seasons.

 

Not so in the professional world. All the Football Leagues have been up and running for over a month and the player’s transfer window is at last closed. Apart from getting players in on loan, clubs are now unable to add their squads.  Thus depriving the fans of their fantasy football manager’s speculations, at least until after the Christmas break!

 

For Southampton supporters the summer interval has been nothing short of a nightmare.  Not only did we have to endure the seemingly unending angst of our club’s very survival, but no sooner had the Saints been rescued, then it was time to worry about appointing new coaching and playing staff.

 

Nevertheless, we have acquired seven new players either on long loan or outright transfers.  Graeme Murty, Dan Harding, Radhi Jaidi and Neal Trotman we have now four much needed defenders.  Dean Hammond seems to be at ease both attacking or defending from the midfield and the on loan Jacob Mellis, also a midfielder shows a great deal of pace.  Rickie Lambert who has already proved his worth, as Papa Waigo N’Dayie will join an outright striker.  Though both Jaidi (Tunis) is still awaiting a work permit, we understand that N’Dayie having made the journey to the  our Emabassey in Rome just waiting for the Italian FA to stamp his papers.  So, with our own Wayne Thomas returning after a very lengthy spell on the injury list, we could claim we have four-fifths of a whole new squad! 

 

The Saints secured a creditable draw in their opening against a very physical Millwall who are tipped to be amongst the league leaders.  Regrettably this was followed by loosing comprehensively to Huddersfield and Swindon Town respectively, both games away form home.  The home game against Brentford ended in another stalemate.  And conceding a penalty in the dying seconds of extra time in the previous Saturday’s away game against Stockport County to make yet another draw was nothing short of heartbreaking.  Especially as the Saints had dominated the play for the majority of the game.  And this with a team and coaching staff who have hardly had time to unpack their bags and be introduced to each other.

 

Last Saturday we entertained Colchester United, now have Aidy Bootroyd, our old nemesis, at their helm.  Perhaps because we had invested too much hope in this fixture, one between two teams each under the managership of two the more thoughtful English coaches, that it turn out to be a bit a anti-climax.  Our newly assembled team dominated the play until the referee dispatched Colchester’s Kemal Izzet from the field of play for a silly and unwarranted foul on Adam Lallana in the thirty-fifth minute.   The Saints then provided a textbook demonstration of what could be called “The Ten Man Paradox” or “How to throw away a numerical advantage in football”.

 

It beggars belief that those among the Saints coaching staff failed to mention this basic sports physcological paradigm which runs on the following lines; “Unless the team with the numerical superiority immediately press home its advantage then the team with fewer players with soon adjust and learn to compensate for their lack of arithmetical power”.  Thus the Southampton for all their dominance was held an scoreless draw by a side inferior both in numbers and skill.

 

Many Saints fans are already showing signs of exasperation via the various sections of Internet.  It would be appear that some of our supporters have become so inured to the “instant society” that they’ve forgotten that hardly a month ago we were facing football oblivion.  However, so far at least they have not behaved like some of the Norwich City fans that tore up their season tickets after less than ninety minutes of football!

 

Life’s not easy in League One! 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

Sun Sep 6 17:08:26 UTC+0100 2009

 

(Photos BBCTV'Getty Images and Yahoo!/PA).

 

Please accpet my apologies for the late posting, but I've not been a little under par of late.

 

Thank You. 

 

 

 

   

 

 

This time last year Saints supporters were bemoaning the fact that once again our team had failed to win the opening fixture.  In all honesty there can’t be many fans who can remember Southampton FC ever winning an opening game.   

 

Little we did we realise then what the rest of the season had in store for us.  It is still difficulty to believe that less than a month ago survival as a Football League club was the height of our aspirations.   Whatever trials Southampton fans endure, boredom cannot one of them!  

 

Thanks to a new owner, capable of providing some much needed financial stability and new manager with a record of taking teams on to higher things, we will be able once again to walk into St. Mary’s Stadium full of optimism, despite carrying a ten-point penalty.

 

Whether we can break our twin curses, always loosing our opening game and never wining a live televised game, is another matter entirely.

 

Our opponents on Saturday are Millwall FC who have demonstrated a large measure of consistency and are tipped by some for promotion as champions.  The Bermondsey side are not the team the Saints would have picked for the season’s curtain raiser, but surely even our most pessimistic fans must be glad we are able to start the season in the Football league, no matter what the level.

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

Come On Your Saints! 

Fri Aug 7 17:08:51 UTC+0100 2009

Photo: BBC.co.uk/PA

 

   

 

 

 

 

“THREE well-executed goals exemplified the clinical ability of Alan Pardew's Southampton as they dispensed with Hearts in a pre-season friendly of few clear chances. Neither side displayed any true invention in midfield, the difference being that the hosts maximised their attacks and overall looked more competent upfront”.

 

Not the words of the Exiled Saint, but those of Barry Anderson in Monday’s Scotsman.  To my chagrin I choose to attend the Saints first home friendly game against Ajax Amsterdam, instead of witnessing the Saints’ first win since Easter Monday last.   After such a dearth of wins, the St Mary’s faithful must have been beside themselves with ecstasy.  And deservedly so, for not only have they at long last got off the mark but apparently did so in some style for their new coach, Alan Pardew.

 

This is still very early days and this was only a pre-season friendly fixture, but nonetheless, it’s very satisfying and surely must deny even the most pessimistic Saints supporter of an excuse not to smile.  Even just a little!

 

According to reports Adam Lallana opened the scoring when he seemingly meandered in to collect a pass from Stern John and then calmly dispatched a low shot past the Hearts’ keeper from about twenty metres.

 

There appears to be some dispute as to who was the provider of the Saints’ second goal.    According to the Club’s official website, goal scorer Lallana had a hand in making it number two, when from a free kick he whipped in a cross for substitute Grzegorz Rasiak to score from close range.  However, the Scotsman reporter credits Saints newcomer, Dan Harding with a “swirling” free kick. No matter as long as it counts!

 

However, both sources agree that Rasiak’s second goal and Saints’ decider originated from a well weighted cross from Scottish internationalist Graeme Murty who is still on trial at Southampton.  From what we saw of Murty at last week’s game against Ajax, let’s hope he becomes a permanent part of the new Saints’ set-up.

 

On a final note, the Club’s new management have still to refurbish the players entrance at St Mary’s, I just wonder if having large framed photographs of former Hearts cult figure Rudi Skacel affected our visitors.  Former Saints’ manager George Burley, previously of Hearts, signed Skacel from the Tynecastle club about four years ago, just after he made his famous 15 pre-Christmas goal rush.

 

Next up is our final pre-season friendly against west Londoners, Queen’s Park Rangers.

 

Paddy Browne,

The Exiled Saint 

Photo: The Scotsman 

Mon Jul 27 18:13:43 UTC+0100 2009

 

COYS! 

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

 

Some fans at Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Ajax were firm in their belief that the Saints would beat the Amsterdam team.  The Exiled Saint was not one of them.

 

However, apart from wanting to see one of Holland’s top football sides, like most supporters I was curious to see and welcome the club’s new owner Markus Liebherr, and our newly appointed manager, Alan Pardew.

 

Although the result was predictable enough both owner and coach were treated to some hopeful vignettes from the home side.  It was good to see the reliable Wayne Thomas back after such a long spell on the injured list, Joseph Mills’ debut goal for the first team was a delight and the effervescent Gillett worked hard in the midfield throughout the match.  However, caretaker coach Stuart Henderson’s decision to play a 4-5-1 defensive formation provided little by way ammunition for front man Rasiak.

 

Ajax; themselves undergoing a period of transition under the guidance of former Spurs manager, Martain Jol, provided a visual treat with their accurate and silky passing. Their ability to open up the Saints defence seemingly with just a couple of moves was impressive.  Captain Luis Suarez’s second goal was a master class in composure and although it was the second half before Dennis Rommedahl made his appearance, it was well worth the wait.

 

It didn’t help to be reminded that less than a year ago our young side were playing in a similar style, but without converting their chances.  Perhaps we shouldn’t dwell on what might have been.

 

It would be fair to say that Alan Pardew’s appointment took most of the fans by surprise.  Few can doubt his pedigree of taking struggling clubs on to higher plane.  His work with our near neighbours, Reading, is well documented.  He took them to a promotion playoff final defeat in 2001 before consolidating his managerial skills by guiding them to the top tier in an automatic promotion spot in 2002.

 

Alan Pardew has a reputation for steely tenacity coupled with a desire to win which inevitably comes from lessons learned in the school of hard knocks.  His playing career could hardly be said to be meteoric having played most of his football in semi-professional leagues.  It’s reported that he was about to give up hope of ever playing professionally when he was recruited by Crystal Palace aged twenty-five.  With the Eagles he went on to win promotion and collected a FA Cup Finalist medal, before later playing for Spurs, Reading and Barnet.  It was at non-league Barnet that he took up coaching.

 

Mr Pardew’s successful, no-nonsense and single-minded approach to football management has not been without controversies.  He departed Reading under very strained circumstances and his frank and sometimes unfortunate outbursts, has led having to make some well deserved apologies.  It can also be argued that his perception of never being at fault can appear ungracious. His success at West Ham was marred by his involvement, albeit minor, in the Mascherino/Tevez affair, the source of a long legal action that is still the matter contention.

 

After the Saints’ woeful performance last season and our recent near-death experience, it is perhaps time we had a manager whose determination, leadership and meticulous preparation can help inculcate the desire to succeed in a side so lacking in confidence.  In this respect, Alan Pardew appears to fit the bill.

 

He can be in no doubt as to the formidable task ahead of him and whilst he may not have been the fan’s immediate choice of coach, nevertheless we must not only allow him the time and space to get on with that mission but give him and his new team their full support.

 

Nothing can ever be taken for granted in football.   But attention to detail, proper preparation allied to sheer hard work has always paid dividends.  Alan Pardew may just be the manager that the Saints have needed for some time.

 

Next up is another pre-season friendly, this time against Hearts of Midlothian of the Scottish Premier League. Let’s hope our new manager can surprise our Tynecastle visitors.

 

Come On You Saints!

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint.

 

Photos: Paddy Browne & Yahoo!/PA

Mon Jul 20 20:47:17 UTC+0100 2009

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

The non-football fan would find difficult to understand just how stressful the roller coaster of the last few months has been for supporters, as we waited for the Saints to find their new owner.  Thank heavens it’s all over now and we have time to take a breath while we wait for Mr. Liebherr to finalise his boardroom set-up.

 

After enduring nearly one hundred days of anxiety and suspense, once the agreement was made with Administrator, the actually purchasing of Southampton FC seemed to take very little time and appeared an effortless exercise.  Nevertheless, even as we were celebrating our deliverance there was a sting in the tail.

 

Within twenty-four hours of the purchase the new owners dismissed Team Coach Mark Wotte.  Even seasoned Saints’ fans, long used to swift managerial changes, were taken by surprise.  All the more so as we had heard Mark at one o’clock, in a BBC regional news programme, praise the new owners and speak confidently of remaining with the club.  By five o’clock the same day we learned of his dismissal.  Only a couple of weeks earlier we understood from the local media that Mark had been issued with a new contract. 

 

Of course Mark Wotte may not have been the right manager to bring the team on in our present situation, and of course it is entirely understandable that the new owner would want to make a clean break with the past, and of course we are to suppose that Mark will have received financial, BUT, the whole episode seems a little hasty and also unsavoury.

 

We now wait to see who is to take on the Herculean task.  It will be the Saints’ eleventh manager since 2000. 

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint.

 

(Photo: Yahoo!/PA)

 

Mon Jul 13 19:03:51 UTC+0100 2009

 

   

 

 

 

For almost one hundred nights we Saints’ fans have endured what has been nothing short of one long, tossing and turning chaotic nightmare from which there seemed no escape.   Every morning we woke up bedraggled and exhausted knowing that when we closed our eyes we would find ourselves once again in a Kafkaesque version of Ground Hog Day.

 

Traditionally, the football season in the UK comes to an end once the English and Scottish FA Cup Finals are concluded.  The following couple of months is the close season and there is little or nothing for the fan to do.  The players take their long anticipated and hopefully deserved holidays, grounds are refurbished and pitches re-laid.  Unless there are international cup competitions scheduled this can be a barren and dormant time even for the avid football fan.  The more levelheaded will either take their holidays or find some other sporting activity and rejoin the so-called world of normal people for the duration.

 

If your team has been successfully promoted, then it’s a time for pouring over maps planning trips to away games and looking forward to new venues whilst all the time impatiently awaiting the publication of next season’s fixture list.  And there is always the player’s transfer market with its gossip and rumours to discuss over a summer pint.  Throughout this somnolent phase the sensible football supporter relaxes a little, watching a bit of cricket to recharges the batteries until it’s time for the pre-season friendlies.

 

None of the above applies to Saints’ supporters; this close season has been a living hell, largely because we couldn’t see an end to it. 

 

It was disheartening enough not maintaining our place in the Championship, but as a consequence of the Club’s parent company, Southampton Leisure Holdings, being forced into Administration, (similar to Chapter Eleven for our American supporters); we will begin next season with a ten-point deficit.

 

Then came the inevitable recriminations, with sections of our once united fan-base locked into the inevitable blame game.  And my, didn’t we have a rich and varied selection from which to choose our Judas goat.  Most of the vitriol was reserved for the former club chairman Rupert Lowe.  As Mr Lowe comes from a different socio-economic background than most of the fans, he was easily the popular choice.

 

However, when the Club’s finances were “forensically” examined it soon became clear that his predecessors were far from innocent as their period of office covered some rash investments, lavish spending on players and emoluments for board members.   When all this was coupled to a sharp drop in attendances along with an unexpectedly deep financial recession, unless a suitable buyer could be found, it spelt the end of our once great club.

Then by mid summer, most of the spleen had been vented and the less bitter and more sober of our supporters realised the seriousness of the situation.

 

The recrimination period now gave way to the speculative stage of the saga.  Rumours were rife and fanciful as the Saints’ White Knights ranged from Bill Gates, (well it wouldn’t be a proper rumour until the Microsoft billionaire’s private jet was seen parked at Eastleigh Airport!), to a builders gang (all true Saints’ fans) who had just won € 35 million on the Euro Lotto.

 

Stars and legends of bygone days were wheeled out to proclaim their resolve and the steadfastness of their support for Southampton FC.  To be sure some of the previously bitter boardroom dug deep into their private funds and urged all to help prevent this “Grand Old Club” from extinction.  As worse followed bad these funds at least helped the Administrator pay the staff salaries.

 

Then, the Pinnacle Group, a leading bidder, headed by the former Saint’s player and hero, Matt Le Tissier having put up the requisite funds were granted a period of exclusivity lasting 21 days.  The group appeared not only keen and ready to press ahead but were a popular choice.  However as the period was about to expire and it seem a deal was all but confirmed, there appeared to be some confusion as to whether the group was fully aware of the governing body’s stricture in that they may not challenge the ten point start of season penalty.

 

Chaos again!  This time the other bidders, who had been excluded by Pinnacle’s action, decided, one by one, to loose interest but were replaced by others.  Deadlines came and went, players were sold, celebrity managers were “seen” entering former Director’s homes and a period of despondency overcame the fans.  Would it ever end?

 

As often happens in the scheme of things, after the Pinnacle Group’s offer had been finally discarded, and it finally looked as if the Saints were to be refused a playing licence, three major buyers emerged. 

 

A Swiss engineering group with connections to the Port of Southampton; an established sports finance group led by an experienced negotiator, and last but most worryingly, a self confessed football club asset stripper, John Batchelor.

 

Needless to say the latter’s interest caused nothing short of panic amongst those fans now were only too aware of Mr Batchelor’s record.  This surely was the darkest of dark hours for Saints’ fans.

 

This was last week and as a former Primer Minister once commented, “ A week’s a long time in politics”.  And how true it was to be.

 

Just after noon today, 8 July 2009, Mr Markus Leibherr, a Swiss industrialist, transferred £13m to the Administrator and became the new owner of Southampton Football Club.

 

Mr Leibherr will shortly install his CEO and board of directors.

 

The Exiled Saint wishes Herr Leibherr, “Willkommen und Zum Gluck”!

 

The nightmare is over at last. We open that bottle of champagne that’s been on ice these last months.  It was meant to celebrate our success in staying in the Championship. But that was light years ago!

 

Now our work begins… Supporting the Saints!

 

 

Come On You Saints.

The Exiled Saint.

 

(Photo: Yahoo!/PA)

Wed Jul 8 19:07:27 UTC+0100 2009

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

ANDY NANKIVELL

 

27 May 1988 – 25 October 2009

 

Andy Nankivell, aged 21, died peacefully at home in Trowbridge, Wiltshire on Sunday 25 October 2009.

 

Andy, despite battling with cancer, remained an ardent Saints supporter and made the trip to Southampton to take his place in the Northam stand as often as his illness would allow. 

 

Farewell Andy, we hardly knew you.

  

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   
 

 

 

Two weeks have elapsed since Kelvin Davis (pictured left) forlornly departed Nottingham’s City Ground having played his last game as Southampton’s Championship goalkeeper. It’s also well over a month since the Saint’s parent company, Southampton Leisure Holdings, went into Administration and still there is no news regarding the Club’s new owners.

 

Saints supporters can identify with Estragon and Vladimir, principal characters in Beckett’s play, “Waiting for Godot”, as they hang on for the Club’s new owners to arrive.  As in the tragicomedy, the fans have to occupy themselves; eat, sleep, converse, argue, sing, play games, exercise, swap hats, — anything "to hold the terrible silence at bay".  Estragon’s opening line, “Nothing to be done” encapsulates the mood.

 

The Administrator’s representative, Mark Fry of Begbies Traynor, has attempted to keep the fans up to date concerning events.  After thirty-two initial expressions of interest it would appear this has now been whittled down to two definite bidders; Pinnacle Group, headed by former Saints player Matthew LeTissier and a consortium of businessmen led by Stuart Green.  As can be expected at such times there are also rumours of a mystery bidder.

 

If the matter could be left entirely to the fans then there is little doubt who would be their choice; LeTissier.  As a player he was not only a great asset to the Saints, saving them from relegation on many occasions, but also proved his loyalty by remaining with Southampton throughout his career.

 

Since the beginning of the Club’s predicament the fans have rallied by turning out in their number for the last few games at St Mary’s, this despite the ad hoc nature of the various fund-raising endeavours.  Even the Football League’s decision to deduct Southampton FC ten points, failed to dampen the spirit of the 2000 away supporters for the season’s last game against Nottingham Forest.  Though it has to be admitted most of the jollity took the form of gallows humour!

 

Unfortunately, the absence of any substantial news means the early enthusiasm for “Save Our Saint’s” is now beginning to show signs of faltering.  The cancellation, through lack of interest, of the “All Star Football Legends” game organised by former non-executive director and manager of the 1976 FA Cup winning Saints side, Lawrie McMenmey (pictured right) does not augur well.  Whilst Mr McMenemy has been tireless in advocating the various fund-raising activities, it is regrettable he is also identified as a protagonist during Club’s loss-making period.   And the local paper ‘s chronicling of the “untold stories” behind the Club’s failure has been far from helpful.

 

So, now we must wait.  If Begbies Traynor is successful then we will be able to start anew in Coca-Cola League One, although burdened with a handicap of a ten-point deduction.  If they are not successful, the Saints will go into the record books; as the first major football club to exit the Football League within three seasons of being in the top flight.

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

(Photos: Empics)

Sat May 16 15:41:59 UTC+0100 2009

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Death By A Thousand Cuts.

 

When David McGoldrick, Saints top scorer, squandered his penalty shot last Saturday it summed up the Saint’s whole season; missed opportunities.  Especially as the score was standing at 2-1 in Southampton’s favour. Five minutes later an inattentive Saint’s defence allowed Burnley to level the score and in doing so relegated Southampton FC to the third echelon of English football.  However after receiving a ten-point fine from the Football League earlier in the week, the result of the Holding company going into Administration, it might be argued that events on the field were virtually academic.

 

For Southampton Football Club the Season 2008/09 has been a catalogue of infuriating draws and exasperating last minute losses.  Our few achievements have all been on the road and with only four wins at St Mary’s the disappointed home crowd, also fed up with the seemingly endless Boardroom shenanigans, began to stay away as the season progressed.

 

It would be all too easy to describe the Saints campaign negatively. Those who journeyed, either to St Mary’s or to watch the team on the road, were rewarded with long periods of exciting and scintillating play from a very young and largely inexperienced team.  And therein lies the principal cause of our lack of victories.  This youthful, though adventurous side sadly needed the addition of some older more practised players, if only to lift their young heads when the results failed to go their way.  With most of the experienced hands either sold, on loan or injured for long periods, there were was no one, apart from goalkeeper Kelvin Davis and journeyman defender Chris Perry, to bolster team morale after the inevitable defeats.

 

More Upheaval

 

In close season there came a series of Boardroom upheavals culminating in the return of Rupert Lowe as Chairman (sic) of the holding company this time in an alliance with Michael Wilde, previously Lowe’s adversary, as Chairman (sic) of the football club.  It would be fair to say that Rupert Lowe, despite making the move from the dilapidated Dell possible never fully enjoyed the fans’ affection. With the Club loosing the Premiership “parachute” payments the player’s wage bill was thirty per cent higher than the previous season, plus the emoluments awarded to board members, so some drastic pruning was needed in order to keep the Club solvent. In an attempt to further ease the wage bill some of the experienced players went out on loan, newcomers were placed on more realistic terms and “under populated” parts of the stadium were closed.

 

Within weeks of the new management came the inevitable changes in both Boardroom and coaching staff.   Out went team coach Nigel Pearson and in came Jan Poortvliet, as Head Coach to work alongside fellow Dutchman Mark Wotte, as Academy Director.

 

Pearson, the fans favourite since his inspirational tactics had assured our survival last season also enjoyed the patronage of the ousted Board members and his dismissal soon became a subject of internal dissatisfaction and dissention.  To rub salt into the Saints wounds Milan Mandric, the former owner of archrivals Portsmouth, and now in charge of the relegated Leicester City, pounced on the available Pearson and appointed him.

 

So, having to rely largely on inexperienced youth, new coaching staffs & systems and a disunited Boardroom, the Saints embarked upon a season which even the most optimistic supporter, knew was going to be a very risky affair.

 

Worrying Results 

 

Regular supporters know the Saints are notoriously late starters most seasons and so were patient with the absence of success as St Mary’s enjoyed the open and pacey style of Dutch “total-football”.  However, the continual losses began to have a detrimental effect on our very young players.  Also as the dearth of wins persisted into the winter months this type of football, exciting as it was, soon palled with as fans thought the more conventional style better suited to our Championship status.

 

The pre-Christmas period saw the Saints get some good results on the road against Preston and Reading, both teams league leaders at the time. The New Year saw St Mary’s once again filled to its 32000 capacity for the Manchester United FA Cup Round 3 game and despite our sharp exit from the competition it at least provided happy memories of our Premiership days.

 

Football lore claims that a team’s league position at the end of January is a guide to its eventual place at the conclusion of the campaign. With the Saints well rooted in the bottom half of the table it came as no surprise when the head coach Jan Poortvliet tendered his resignation and his place was offered to Mark Wotte.

 

Acrimony and Dissent 

 

This became evident when reports of Boardroom animosity and rancour emerged from the shareholders Annual General Meeting. Not only was the team not fairing well on the pitch, but also there was clearly disharmony and dissent at Southampton’s highest level.  The AGM also gave clear indication that all was not financially well with the Club. 

 

By mid March St Mary’s was not a pleasant place with open hostility erupting on the home terraces as Saints fans split into factions with many season ticket holders avoiding games.  As the season slowly came to its conclusion there were protest marches and demonstrations before and after matches.  Receiving the 2008/09 Family Award was more than a surprise.

 

The sound trashing by League Champions Wolves at Easter, the defeat at home by fellow struggles Charlton and what could only be described as a lamentable performance against Sheffield Wednesday was almost unbearable.

 

Next Sunday sees the last game of the season away against Nottingham Forest.  Normally supporters would make the event a bit of an occasion, but its doubtful whether Saints supporters will be in a festive spirit.

 

Looking back it’s not possible to identify the precise moment of the Saints Championship demise; it was death by a thousand cuts!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint 

 

(Photos:  BBC )

 

Season Review To Be Continued.

 

 

   

 

Shock And Awe

 

Having to drive less then forty minutes from a football ground sounds great.  Not if you’re a Saints supporter, the ground is the Molineux, the team is top-of-the-table Wolves, and it’s the first game following their ignominious defeat at the hands of their rivals, Birmingham City.

 

Pity the poor Wolves supporter held up in the Good Friday traffic.  Less than forty rain-lashed seconds from the start, before they’ve a chance to take their seats, the Wanderers score their first goal from Southampton-born Sam Vokes. Then just to confirm they had their tactics correct, Wolves defender Jodi Craddock rose to head home their second goal, again from a corner, five minutes later.  To compound the Saints’ misery Southampton front man Marek Saganowski, this time in defensive mode, needlessly gave away a penalty, which Wolves mid-fielder David Jones blasted home for their third goal. 

 

Cue; full volume surround sound from the now jubilant Wolves fans and a shocked silence from the overawed travelling Saints faithful.

 

Wolverhampton, because of its diverse industrial spread, is often considered a barometer in trade and industry terms and judging by the number of holiday weekend shoppers it may be witnessing the fragile beginnings of the long awaited economic resurgence.  However, any such optimism was completely lost as the Saints watched their team seemingly incapable of coming to terms with a rampant Wolves side with automatic Premiership promotion firmly in their grasp.

 

After the interval Saints Coach Mark Wotte put on substitutes Jason Euell and Bradley Wright-Phillips and coupled with some industrious work from youngster Ryan Smith for a while it looked as if the Saints might just get themselves a face-saving goal.  However, it was not to be.

 

No matter how fervent a supporter you might be, there comes a time when you’ve just got to admit the Saints were out-classed by a hard-working and well disciplined Wanderers squad anxious to make amends for their disaster earlier in the week

 

It looked as if Southampton’s survival in the Championship was dead and buried as we vacated our seats in the Steve Bull stand to the chanting of the Wolves fans, “You’ll be there with the Albion”.

 

If only!!

 

Bank Holiday Sunshine

 

Despite Good Friday’s dismal defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers etched in our memory Easter Monday saw us travelling down to the South Coast in the warm spring sunshine in fine spirits.   Not even the ubiquitous holiday traffic jams were going to suppress our hope of salvaging something from the Easter weekend in the game against mid-placed Crystal Palace.

 

With St Mary’s Stadium bathed in glorious sunshine the Saints set about banishing the memory of the previous Friday’s trouncing in the Midlands.  It wasn’t long before the Bank Holiday crowd realised that the Saints were in a different frame of mind from that of the Molineux. Right from the kick off they fought, not only for each ball, but also for each other.  It was well into the second half before David McGoldrick struck another of his well-crafted goals; it was well worth the wait. The stunned silence experienced at the Wolves on Friday was replaced by a wildness that’s been absent from St Mary’s Stadium for many a day.

 

Though relegation is still more than a possibility and the Clubs financial woes are far from being resolved, nevertheless, having dispatched Crystal Palace’s Eagles we travel to meet Sheffield Wednesday’s Owls on Saturday next with more than a little hope in our hearts.

 

The Saints’ visit to the South Yorkshire steel town coincides with the twentieth anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, where ninety-six Liverpool supporters lost their lives attending the the FA Cup semi-final game against Nottingham Forest.  Although it will be a very sombre occasion, let’s hope we can continue our relegation escape bid.

 

Come On You Saints! 

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint. 

 

Fri Apr 17 15:42:52 UTC+0100 2009

 

   

 

 

The stage was set for the first of a series of crucial games. The fans had responded to the Administrator’s call to turn out in numbers for this vital game against fellow strugglers Charlton Athletic.  There was a party atmosphere mixed with an air of anticipation as over 27,000 supporters made their way to St Mary’s in the April sunshine.  And then we lost!

 

This has been a sorry week for Southampton Football Club.  Although hardly coming as a surprise, the news that the Club’s parent company, Southampton Leisure Holdings, had been forced into administration with its share trading suspended, was still a shock.

 

The company announced it was unable to meet its immediate debts. Unconfirmed newspaper reports put the bank overdraft at £6000 per week. In the scheme of things this may seem a fairly modest amount, however we are living in a unique period of international economic recession.

 

It would be the understatement of the season to say that life at St Mary’s has been unhappy.  Not only has the team lacked the ability to string a couple of decent results together all season, but the well publicised Boardroom battles have seeped onto the terraces and caused acrimonious and bitter dissatisfaction amongst the fans, who have aimed most of their venom at Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde, Chairmen of the holding company and the club respectively.  Both men have now resigned along with the rest of the Board, with the exception of Finance Director David Jones who remains to assist the Administrators, Begbies Traynor.

 

Whilst nothing can excuse the vilification directed at Rupert Lowe by some of the more rabid and unthinking fans, he was for a long time Chairman of the Club and, until his resignation last week, Chairman of the Company, so he must shoulder his share of responsibility for the Saints current sad state. 

 

This is all a bit sad, for few would disagree that were it not for Mr Lowe’s business acumen Southampton FC would still be playing in the dilapidated Dell and he has been the driving force behind the development of the Saints Youth Academy, the envy of the top clubs. 

 

Mr Lowe claimed in a recent BBC interview that Club finances were on a sound footing when he was their custodian.  He further asserts that it was after he was ousted that the club incurred excessive debts in attempting to maintain an unsustainable wage bill in pursuit of regaining our lost Premiership status.  The urgent forensic examination of the Club’s finances ordered by the Football League will reveal the power of these claims.

 

No matter the outcome, it can be argued that Mr Lowe and the Board have failed to understand the complex attachment football supporters have for their club.  Football supporters, unlike other sports fans, have a relationship with their club that is a mixture of cultural identification, dreams, escapism and a solidarity bordering on the religious.  However, what is even more regrettable is that the fan’s icons and legends, by allowing themselves to be involved in the Boardroom shenanigans, now appear to have forfeited any esteem they enjoyed.

 

It is against this background that the Saints now embark on the improbable quest of not only winning over half of their remaining fixtures but must acknowledge that even if the parent company is able to find a rescuer the Club may still face relegation should the Football League decide its rules were breached.

 

As for last Saturday’s game, whilst the absence of one player should not influence a team, the Saints were the poorer for the loss, through injury, of their tenacious midfielder Simon Gillett.  Despite David McGoldrick repeating of his efforts against Blackpool and substitute Bradley Wright-Phillips’ well-taken second half goal, the Saints were leaden-footed and failed miserably to quell the Addicks’ thirst for an away win.

 

Although the Administrators report that they have received numerous enquiries from interested parties, short of there being a Russian oligarch, Arab princeling or internet magnate amongst them, it looks as Saints supporters will have to fight hard to save our club. 

 

Last Saturday’s rallying call was met with enthusiasm and last might our allocation of tickets our game at Vicarage Road were sold out. Thanks to two goals from Jan-Paul Saeijs the Saints picked up a valuable point, though from all accounts we were unlucky not to claim all three.  Although not among the 2000 travelling fans, from all accounts Saints were unfortunate not to bag all three points.

 

Next up is another away game, this time the Molineaux where the league leaders, Wolverhampton Wanders are still smarting from their disastrous display against fellow Midlanders Birmingham City on Monday night. 

 

In these dire days, the Exiled Saint advocates that all Saints supporters lay aside their differences and “Stand Up If We Love The Saints”!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint. 

 

(Photos: Getty Images & Sky Sports)

Wed Apr 8 15:42:46 UTC+0100 2009

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Andrew Surman’s last minute shot at goal rebounded off the upright in Saturday’s match against Blackpool it seemed to epitomise the Saints sorry season. After coming so near to bagging all three points in a dogged game we had to be content with sharing the spoils. When your luck’s out, it’s out.

 

Although the majority of our more realistic supporters realised early on in the campaign it was never going to be easy, we never anticipated we would be held in the relegation zone for so long.  When we manage to win a game, and goodness knows there has been a scarcity of Saints’ victories this season, then our fellow strugglers also win and should they do us a “favour” by losing their matches, then we draw ours!

 

Once again we have an International Break and with few of our players receiving a call up, it present’s an ideal opportunity for the team to rest and rediscover their energies for the final half dozen fixtures.  In the meantime we supporters must be optimistic, and with the Saints being so close on points to our immediate rivals there is no need to let pessimism spoil our remaining games.

 

However, there were times last Saturday at Bloomfield Road when pessimistic thoughts almost triumphed.  The Tangerine’s ground is still undergoing redevelopment and our hosts accommodate us in a temporary stand open to the elements and with very little by way of amenities.  Despite the early spring sunshine there was a was bitterly cold wind and for long periods the game was an ill tempered affair caused largely by some bizarre refereeing making Home and Away fans alike very irritable.

 

The Seasiders’ were awarded a dubious penalty early in the game, easily converted by the lively DJ Campbell.  To be honest, the conditions, a blustery wind and a woeful pitch, suited the hosts better and it was late in the second half before the Saints began to put their act together.  It has also to be admitted that until the manager made some changes the Saints were far from being at their best.

 

Just on seventy minutes David McGoldrick slid in a well-crafted goal to bring us level and from then on the Tangerines were on the back foot, despite Campbell’s and ex-Saint Brett Ormerod’s inventiveness.  During the final quarter hour we mounted attack after attack to no avail and when Andrew Surman’s free kick ricocheted off the foot of the goal post we just knew we had left it too late.

 

However, it was good to see the team fight back from what could have turned out to be a very miserable trip to the seaside for the 1000 plus Saints travelling supporters.

 

Finally, it was pleasing to see Ormerod come over to applaud the Saints’ fans as we trudged out.  That was a nice gesture from a player who, when wearing the Red & White was much appreciated by the fans!

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

Photo  Balckpool FC

Wed Mar 25 2009 17:10:48 GMT+0000 (GMT Standard Time)

   


 

One would never think watching Southampton play Queens Park Rangers at St Mary’s last Saturday that it was a crucial game for both sides.  For the Saints it was a golden opportunity to break away from the relegation zone to safety and for the West Londoners there was the possibility of progress towards a promotion playoff place.  With so much at stake in this game both sets of fans could be forgiven for anticipating an afternoon of promising football.

 

But such is the fate of the fan that despite both the Hoops and the Stripes starting and finishing well, most of the eighteen and half thousand watching went home frustrated, having to be content with a scoreless draw. 

 

Jason Euell got our hopes raised when within two minutes of kicking off he beat the Ranger’s centre-half to race towards the QPR goal only to put his shot the wrong side of the post.  Not to be outdone, QPR’s Mikele Leigertwood proved that he too could fail miserably when he squandered the ex-Saint Dexter Blackstock’s inch-perfect pass.   Later in the match Euell lifted the ball over the head of the advancing keeper and placed it in the empty Rangers goal just as the assistant referee raised his flag.   True, we were treated to some longish periods of end-to-end play but the game turned into a competition to see who could fritter away the most chances.

 

QPR fans were, with some justification, irritated with the performance of Blackstock, Lopez and Rutledge.  However, we Saints supporters were equally irked by some lacklustre performances from Lallana and Surman, both of whom appear mentally tired as we approach the end of the season. It was also unfortunate that Saganowski seemed to be in one his restful periods.   The arrival of Jake Thomson and Bradley Wright-Phillips for the Saints, and the on-loan Tarrabat for Rangers, did provide some heart-stopping moments for both sets of fans with their much needed pace. However, profligacy appeared to be the order of the day.

 

When your team is struggling at the wrong end of the division it’s not easy being a supporter.  So, I hope Thomas Paine the philosopher and “in” at the founding of the United States will forgive my liberty with the opening words of his revolutionary pamphlet, The Crisis.  He had more important events in mind, but they seem tailor-made for Southampton fans!

 

Next up is a trip to Blackpool. The closing weeks of March are not the best time to visit the northern seaside resort, especially as the Tangerines allocate their visitors a temporary and uncovered stand, open to the elements, where layered clothing will be advisable if not obligatory.

 

Come on You Saints!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint.



Tue Mar 17 2009 17:32:23 GMT+0000 (GMT Standard Time)

Please accept my apologies for The Exiled Saint being "down" for the past 48 hours.  PB

   


 

 

The Saints long awaited revival received a set back last Saturday against a very robust Birmingham City side at St Andrews.  Although not entirely unexpected it was still a bit of a comedown after a wonderful midweek away win against Ipswich Town.  Taking three points from two difficult away matches is not to laughed at, but having just witnessed three consecutive wins we Southampton fans might be forgiven for getting a little carried away with ourselves.

 

Avoiding relegation will certainly be hard.  However, even after Saturday’s loss it’s achievable if we can quickly regain the fighting spirit that was so important in the recent games against Preston, Cardiff and Ipswich.  Coach Mark Wotte is correct to advocate treating every remaining fixture like a Cup game.

 

The Blues were fortunate in being able to retain the majority of their playing staff following their relegation from the Premiership last season.  They not only have the largest squad in the Championship with thirty-six players, but also the highest wage bill.  As they currently occupy the second automatic promotion position behind their Black Country rivals, Wolverhampton Wanderers, then advancement is imperative.   Just as winning is now crucial for the Saints, dropping points for either Midland side or third placed Reading, dare not be contemplated. 

 

Saturday’s game at St Andrew’s clearly reflected these circumstances for despite the Blue’s killer goal scored just seconds before the halftime whistle, their robust defence dug in for most of the second period.

 

For the Saint’s, Simon Gillett once again displayed his terrier-like tenacity and along with Surman and Schneiderlin battled bravely to release Jason Euell and Marek Saganowski.  But, somehow that vital spark, so evident in the previous three winning games, was missing and Southampton were on the back foot in a dour defensive game.  Birmingham’s front man Cameron Jerome threatened every time he received the ball and with the experienced Bowyer, Carr and Carsley methodically plying their trade, the Blue’s goalkeeper Maik Taylor remained untroubled for long periods.

 

Because Birmingham is less than an hour’s drive from home we were able to take our eight-year old great nephew to his first “proper” football game. We wished it could’ve have been a winning game for him, but he enjoyed himself and did his best to accompany the Saints in all our chants and songs.  Which is more than the City supporters did for they must be the quietest fans in the league.

 

Derby County are our visitors on Tuesday evening and it’s vital we win this one.  The Rams are making good progress since their change of coach.  They are now under Nigel Clough, son of the club’s most successful manager, Brian Clough.

 

So, Come On You Saints, put this little set back behind you and record your second double win of the season. 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

(Photos: Paddy Browne and PA)

Mon Mar 9 16:06:15 UTC 2009

 

   

 

 

Home wins at St Mary’s are just like London buses; you wait ages for one, then two come along together.  And it’s been an awfully long time since we Saints last won back-to-back home fixtures.

 

Until last Saturday Cardiff were enjoying a marvellous run of good form and despite their defeat can still be tipped for a playoff place at the end of the season.  For a second weekend the Saints again looked very much in the driving seat and despite having to endure eighty nerve-wracking minutes before the final whistle and victory, we fans came away well pleased with our teams performance.  We are becoming confident in the knowledge that with our defence now more reliable, the Saints mid-field is at long last free to seek every opportunity to exploit fully the opposition’s half of the pitch.  In turn, this allows us to utilise the experience and guile of front men Jason Euell and Marek Saganowski. 

 

Cardiff supporters might argue that the Saints got more than their fair share of luck when, in the closing ten minutes, neither the referee or his assistant noticed Chis Perry handling the ball in the Southampton goal area. This was all the more galling for the Welsh side as we had held on to our single goal, a McGoldrick penalty, awarded for a similar offence early in the first half.

 

We are all hoping Lady Luck will keep smiling beneficently upon our much-improved Saints as they now have two successive away games; Ipswich Town tonight and Birmingham City next Saturday.  Such is the team’s recovery since our debacle at Bristol City that it’s very difficult for success-starved Saints supporters to control our euphoria.  For most of this season our better results have been gained away from home, so it’s not easy to dampen our raised spirits.

 

If our spirits are high, then they’re nothing when compared to those shown by the players at the game’s conclusion, when joined by Coach Mark Wotte they spontaneously repeated their opening group-huddle before going to applaud the jubilant fans.

 

Finally, the Exiled Saint would like to wish Austin Britt and Bob Beal a safe return journey to the United States and thank them for their very pleasant company at St Mary’s last Saturday. 

 

Come On You Saints!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

(Photos.  Gill Browne and Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Tue Mar 3 14:31:40 UTC 2009

 

   
 

 

 

It must be boring to be a Manchester United supporter.  They turn up at Old Trafford and never loose a match.  Before last Saturday we Saints supporters, on the other hand, have waited since last October to see our side win at St Mary’s. 

 

Our journeys down to Southampton have not been the most cheerful of late and the returns have seemed interminable and silent.  But not last weekend, oh no, we didn’t stop reliving our three goals and every pass.

 

There will be those who’d argue our opponents, Preston North End, seemed out of sorts and did little to enhance their reputation as in-form challengers for promotion.  Perhaps that was because the Saints controlled and dominated the game from the kick-off.

 

Just over the quarter hour our England Under-21, Andrew Surman, picked up a pass from fellow youngster David McGoldrick and slotted home our first goal from about fifteen metres out.  Youth again came to the fore when young Simon Gillett put a long ball over the Lilywhite’s defence for his former academy team mate, Adam Lallana, to chest down to the feet of Marek Saganowski, who stuck the ball on the half-volley past the outstretched Preston ‘keeper.

 

Any of the disgruntled Saints fans present, who had once again indulged themselves in an anti-management demonstration prior to the game, were soon overwhelmed when the whole of St Mary’s’ rose to its feet to celebrate the Polish striker’s skill.  With just ten minutes left in the first period, the Saints continued to demonstrate their dominance, as once again Saganowski collected a Gillett pass on the halfway line and ran toward the visitor’s goal, taking the ball around defender Billy Jones to score his second of the afternoon.

 

The animated chatter of the players was noticeable, as they took to the dressing room for their well-deserved “half-time orange” with a score line of three-nil, but it was nothing compared to the excited chatter of we delighted Saints fans on the terraces.

 

When play resumed the Preston coach fielded his allotted three substitutes in an attempt to revitalise his team.  Although they pulled one back in the closing twenty minutes North End never looked happy throughout the game.

 

It’s been such a long time since a Saints manager could allow himself the luxury of replacing two active midfielders. Such was our joy at seeing a now revived and rampant Saints side that it would be easy to omit the hard work put in by all of our players, especially Jason Euell who was once again denied by the woodwork. This well warranted win was long awaited and being a double win much savoured.  Even our foes would admit we’ve been starved of success lately.

 

Our next visitors to St Mary’s are another in-form side, Cardiff City very ably managed by our former coach Dave Jones. This will not be an easy game, but then when you’re embedded in the bottom of the division no match will be easy.  However, if it’s as entertaining as last Saturday, then visiting Exiled Saints, Bob Beal from California and Austin Britt from Texas, will have a time in St Mary’s to remember!

 

Come On You Saints!

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint 

 

(Photo: Empics)

 

Tue Feb 24 16:54:44 UTC 2009

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

This season there were only a few games postponed because of adverse weather conditions, unlike the winter of 1963, when over 420 games were cancelled.  Then the bad weather began, with blizzards and hard frosts, soon after Christmas 1962 and did not ease until the first week of March 1963. The weather was so bad the sea froze at Herne Bay, Kent, there were ice floes in the Bristol Channel and police had to dynamite the ice on the River Exe in Devon.  For the next couple of months the whole football season was thrown into turmoil, which led to the inauguration of the Pools Panel.

 

Before the Lotto came on the scene, the football pools were the country’s most popular form of pari-mutuel gambling.  It was based on being able to forecast correctly eight draws from the Saturday games in the English and Scottish Football Leagues.  As that winter wore on, and the number of cancelled games grew the pools companies decided to set up a panel comprised of retired footballers and referees.  This group would then adjudge the likely results of the postponed games had they been played.  The Pools Panel met for most of January and all of February in 1963.

 

Although there’s been some very heavy snowfalls this month causing traffic disruption, most of today’s football stadia are well equipped to handle bad weather, so there was nothing like the interruptions of Sixty-Three.  This time the majority of postponements were for the spectators’ health and safety not because of the playing conditions.

 

It is good to note that the Saints manager, Mark Wotte, used the break to play some “behind-closed-door” friendly games for skill sharpening and testing out new arrival, Zoltan Liptak and trialist, Ronayne Marsh-Brown.

 

Still No Reprieve

 

The weather may have improved but there’s little let up in the Saints’ winter as they continue to struggle at the foot of the division. We lost track of the number of times the woodwork denied us in last Saturday’s match against Bristol City. But, the real sickener came in the closing minute of “added time” when our Club Captain and goalkeeper Kelvin Davies rightly took a calculated risk by going up to make the extra man for a Saint’s last gasp corner.  The inevitable happened when the Robins keeper converted his save into a long distribution-throw to the unmarked Ivan Sproule who in the remaining seconds of play sprinted the full length of the pitch to the now vacant Saints goal. When your luck’s out, it’s out! 

 

As the Robins came away from St Mary’s with a one-nil win when we met earlier in the season they now have completed the double and are now well positioned to challenge for a play-off place.  It goes without saying that the Saints needed to come away from Ashton Gate with a good result.  We are now dependent on our fellow strugglers being unable to progress when they play their in-hand games on Tuesday evening next.

 

Preston North End are our visitors next Saturday.  We had a cracking 3-2 win over the Lilywhites up at Deepdale back in November so it’s imperative that the Saints go all out for their double.  This will not be easy for under their manager, Andy Levine, North End are enjoying a good spell and are fourth in table.

 

Happier Note 

 

However, let’s end on a happy note.  The Exiled Saint would like to congratulate fellow Saints Christine Cavell of Weston and Ben Sibley of Poole on their engagement.  Ben and Chris were disappointed they couldn’t attend the Watford game so they took a Paris break.  Whilst admiring the wintry Parisian scene from Montmatre, Ben proposed, Chris accepted and now we’re looking forward to their wedding in summer 2010.

 

Ben and Chris, you do know it’s the World Cup then?

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

Come On You Saints! 

 

Photo: BSkyB (Spourle get congtaulation from City team mate Troundle)

Mon Feb 16 14:55:58 UTC 2009

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Such was our relief at not being beaten by the in-form Swansea City that we Saints supporters might be forgiven for paraphrasing the advertisement of a famous high street store; “This was not just a draw, but a Marks & Spencer draw”!

 

The January transfer window is always an interesting time for football supporters, with the tension mounting the closer the deadline approaches. This year, largely because of our current financial state, the Saints have not been an active participant in the market.  This does not mean that St Mary’s has been idle.  No one can ever accuse Southampton FC of being a boring club.  Frustrating and infuriating yes, but boring, never.

 

In the brief hiatus allowing for the FA Cup Ties, coach Jan Poortvilet resigned and his place was taken by Academy Director and Reserve Team Coach, Mark Wotte.  With such dismal home form Jan’s leaving was hardly unexpected, nevertheless the new appointment took the fans by surprise.  Within a few days former Club Captain Michael Svensson agreed to join the coaching staff to work alongside the recently arrived First Team Coach, Dean Gorre.

 

The new coaching team got off to a good start with a hard fought and creditable draw away at Norwich City’s Carrow Road last week.  Once again Marek Saganowski put his experience to good use by netting his second goal since returning from a loan spell with Danish Champions League side Aalborg.  When added to young Kayne McLaggon’s early second half goal it was encouraging to see the Saints coming from behind once again.

 

New comers Jan-Paul Saeijs, centre-half, and fullback Lee Molyneux are beginning to prove their worth alongside Chris Perry and Lee Holmes.  Despite conceding two more goals on Saturday against the Swans, the Saints defence is looking far less fragile, with Saeijs defensive duties against Swansea’s Jason Scotland’s attacks providing an encouraging vignette. In fact, had we not been reduced to ten players, following Molyneux’s lack of discipline and subsequent dismissal, it might have been possible to break our St Mary’s jinx.

 

Now if only Southampton Football Club can get it’s off-field activities in order, our present position in the bottom three of the Championship would soon improve.  While understanding fans’ frustration with our depressing home record The Exiled Saint cannot endorse Saturday’s march and demonstration, as it will do little to support the team or encourage a greater attendance on match days.  However, a better example could be shown if board members refrained from displaying their peevishness publicly.

 

Another home game against Sheffield United beckons this Tuesday and promises to be a cracker, but as the winter weather has decidedly taken a turn for worse, The Exiled Saint may not risk the long journey down to St Mary’s from his Midland’s home.

 

Come On Your Saints! 

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint 

Mon Feb 2 16:56:08 UTC 2009

 

(Photos: Getty Images)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were so disappointed and disheartened after last Saturday’s home defeat by Doncaster Rovers that we returned to our Midlands home in silence.  Being the driver I was glad I had to contend with the strong crosswinds and driving rain to keep my mind from the events at St Mary’s.

 

Yet again the Saints totally dominated the play in the first half only to go behind in less that a dozen seconds after the interval.  Such was the speed of the early concession that not only did our side seemed shell-shocked for long periods but also appeared completely out of their depth conceding a further goal and it wasn’t until the match was well into the closing minutes of extra time that we scored a consolation goal.

 

It is disappointing enough that we not only failed to beat our fellow strugglers, but also the manner of our defeat.  To be blunt, we look leaderless on the pitch. In team sport, all team sport, a good leader is an essential.  Contrary to popular belief and tradition a leader does not necessarily need be the captain, but can be any one member of the team; someone who will provide that spark of motivation that somehow rouses the rest of team into action and then drives it on to victory.    Southampton Football Club has both a club captain and a team captain, but lacks a leader, anywhere.

 

Coping with bad results is bad enough, but what is really disheartening is that both fans and club are becoming embittered.  After going behind and failing to come back immediately we had the now customary outbreak of moronic chants and demands from parts of the terraces for the resignation of the Chairman and manager.   This is understandable and not unexpected as our fans frustration has been threatening to break out for quite some time.  But what was really depressing and sad was our supporters’ reaction to each other.  St Mary’s up to very recently had a very family-friendly environment, now there is a mean atmosphere, much nastier than before.  Our fans turn up heavy with resentment and even our more serious supporters seem resigned that nothing’s being done to ease their discontent.  Last Saturday’s demonstrations will do little to encourage and ensure “dad to take his lad” to see the Saints.

 

The Exiled Saint has no idea what will remedy the state of affairs, but to embark once again on managerial or board changes would be sheer folly. But St Mary’s Stadium is currently not a happy place.

 

We now have a short break before the next home game, perhaps it will provide an opportunity for those responsible for such matters to contemplate how they might progress the club. There are eighteen games between now and the end of the season.  Surely we can acquire the necessary points to climb two places further up the League?

 

Next up is an away match against Norwich City who, like ourselves, are also not without problems, so it is vital the Saints resolve their issues soon. 

 

Come On You Reds

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

Fri Jan 23 15:36:08 UTC 2009

 

 

Apologies for being Off line since Wednesday  21 Jan 2009.

 

 

   

 

 

Next to “a game of two halves”, the second most over worked cliché in football must surely be, “Well, now we can concentrate on the League”.  Following our defeat by Manchester United last Sunday in the Third Round FA Cup Tie the Saints, " currently languishing” at the foot of the Championship, can now devote their entire energy to clawing their way to safety.

 

Even the most optimistic Saints supporter knew that our hopes of beating the English, European and World Club Champions, currently enjoying excellent form in the Premiership, were wafer thin. Nevertheless, the capacity crowd in a freezing St Mary’s was full of good spirits in the time-honoured fashion for a David vs. Goliath clash.    After going behind in the twentieth minute, with a goal having more than a hint of offside about it, the Saints continued to pass the ball and play with a measure of confidence.  

 

However, just after the half-hour mark referee Mike Riley adjudged Mathew Paterson’s impetuous tackle on United’s defender Nemanja Vidic dangerous enough to warrant an immediate red card and subsequent dismissal.  The official’s decision meant that not only were our young side reduced to ten men for the rest of the game, but his verdict also dampened the spirit of the home fans.  Saints supporters were perplexed when during one of McGoldrick’s many attempts at breeching a well-disciplined United defence, Mr Riley decided the action of defender Evans in fouling our attacker, merited only a yellow card.

 

After the break the home crowd was further incensed when the official decided McGoldrick’s self-defensive move following a pile driver of a free kick was a hand-ball and awarded a penalty to United.  Nani stepped up to the spot and shot low to the left after sending goalkeeper Davis the wrong way.  From then onwards the outcome of the Cup-tie was academic, especially after Manchester’s Rooney provided a beautiful cross for his fellow substitute to rifle in from about ten meters.

 

Thanks to stalwarts Wayne Rooney and John O’Shea it appeared a comfortable win for the Red Devils.  However, even their most fervent fan would have to admit that apart from the cameo play of goal scorer Welbeck and Dutch defender Anderson, there was little to excite the neutral.   As for the "out of their depth" Southampton, Paterson, until his sending off, looked dangerous; McGoldrick and Gillett were industrious with Smith, Surman and replacement McLaggon catching the eye.

 

Finally, surely it was only yesterday that Giggs, Neville and Scholes were Manchester United’s “You’ll never win anything with kids” trophy winning side?

 

Next up is a trip to South Yorkshire against Barnsley at Oakwell where Saints have had mixed fortunes.  The Tykes continue to enjoy the active services of Jamie Cureton on loan from Norwich City, however, Marek Saganowski returns to the fold for the Saints.  Let’s hope he’s still on form from his spell with Denmark’s Aalborg and retained his striker’s eye for a goal.  Goals similar to the one he scored against La Liga’s Villarreal in the Champions League will do nicely thank you.

 

Come On You Saints! 

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

(Photo: Getty Images)

Thu Jan 8 17:52:28 UTC 2009

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s a new moon, a new month, and a new year; and we Saints supporters need to muster all the good luck charms and omens we can for the visit of the World Club Champions, Manchester United, in our Third Round FA Cup Tie next Sunday.  Having only gained a single point of the six available from the Christmas holiday programme, the Saints are now struggling at the foot of the Championship.  Our opponents, on the other hand, having two games to spare, are once again gearing up to make a bid for top spot in the Premiership.

 

The sports betting companies, quite logically, have made the Red Devils favourites not only to win the tie, but also, even at this early stage, offer them very short odds to win the whole contest at Wembley next May.  However, tradition indicates that logic has little place in the FA Cup competition.  So, it is with that final and fragile straw firmly clutched that The Exiled Saint makes his way to St Mary’s hoping Southampton FC will upset the bookies.

 

Not only is our club having a torrid time of it in the league, but also it is once again in the news for its off-field activities.  Reports emerging from the Southampton FC’s Annual General Meeting read like a bad review for a poorly performed pantomime.  Senior members of the club’s board leading a chorus urging the resignation of the Chairman; a shareholder exiting the proceedings casting thirty pieces of silver in his wake and demands from the wife of a non-executive to know why her husband’s photo had been removed from the stadium foyer to be replaced with that a of steam train!

 

After reading of such tomfoolery one is left wondering what example and support this gives the club’s staff and players when its principal officers and shareholders behave in such a manner. It’s hardly the demonstration of leadership one expects from a professional sports club.

 

Unfortunately, I have come to expect, though never will accept, such bad and ill-mannered behaviour on the terraces. At Southampton Football Club it would appear the malignancy has spread to the boardroom.

 

In these matters The Exiled Saint has so far avoided taking sides or getting involved. Nevertheless, as these shenanigans keep erupting all too regularly, I am seriously thinking of writing a book on this whole sad affair, entitling it “The Club That Ate Itself”!  The whole distressing business is made all the more depressing when all the parties concerned keep assuring the fans and supporters, that they, “only wish what is best for the club”.  Heaven help us if they ever get around to loathing the Saints!

 

Does a man’s first name really matter?  It would appear that some supporters find it difficult to accept that someone named Rupert should ever be allowed near a football club.  Yet the majority of those self same fans gladly read about, and watch their football team on the media owned by a man called Rupert.

 

Did those Saints fans in the “away pub” before the Southend game a couple of seasons ago who were singing the praises of the previous Chairman & his friends, (after accepting their offer of drinks), really believe they “were just like one of us”?

 

Were those who responded to the unfurling of the “We Want Rupert Out” and “Sack The Board” banners by singing a disgusting parody of that noble African-American Spiritual and England Rugby Anthem really think they were helping the Saints go marching in?

 

When is Southampton Football Club going to stop wallowing in nostalgia and looking backwards to an event that happened near the middle of the last century when the majority of its supporters weren’t even born?  We are re-building a new team employing a new style of play with keen young players; constant reference to the past is not helpful.

 

If our “idols and legends” wished to be remembered with fondness they should start acting like legends and not like spoilt children.  They are the past and must not be allowed to effect the present.

 

We have a bright talented team, with first class training facilities, who are over-loaded with enthusiasm and spirit and despite our current wretched position in the Championship have an opportunity of pitting their skills against a club, which is not only the best in Europe, but possibly the world.

 

So, let us real Saints Supporters making our way to St Mary’s Stadium next Sunday, lend nothing less than our full-throated support to these young men and leave the immature and juvenile bickering where it belongs… in the Boardroom!

 

Come On You Saints! 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

Thu Jan 1 17:10:59 UTC 2009

(Photo: Sky Sports News)

 

   

 

 

 

Last Saturday’s failure to triumph in our must-win game against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, means the Saints’ task of keeping out of the dreaded relegation zone is now even more difficult.  The manner of our defeat by the lower placed team sent whatever festive spirit our fans had flying.  Custom has it that teams who occupy any of the bottom three positions in any of the four divisions at Christmas time rarely escape relegation.

 

It was always a risky enterprise relying on such a young team.   They have provided some excellent, exciting and exhilarating football, but it has to be admitted they have yet to discover what a more experienced side instinctively knows, when to administer the coup de grace against an opponent.  Our young Saints are also beginning to show signs of tiredness.  

Unless a club has a large squad there is little opportunity in modern football to rest key positions and even the most enthusiastic soon flag after a series of defeats.

 

It is even more exasperating to find that the club is now paying for the profligacy of the past couple of seasons, both on and off the field.  The deferment monies, or parachute payments, designed to help relegated Premiership clubs offset the high expenditure contracted in better times, are now exhausted. In the period following our descent we appear to have spent unwisely, with eighty-five percent of turnover going on salaries and emoluments, and now comes the reckoning.  When this type of strategy coincides with a time of global economic decline then the club is forced to cut its cloth accordingly. And there has been some severe tailoring.

 

Few could deny that the big money, brought in by television and other forms of creative finance, has undoubtedly benefited our game.  We are now provided with a more polished product, housed in better and more comfortable surroundings. However, it has turned some supporters into consumers, and when the results don’t instantly come their way, they are inclined to be impatient, demanding to replace the coach/manager in the same manner they would an unsatisfactory half-time burger or pie.

 

The murmurings of discontent, subdued earlier as our fledging side set out in the first part of the season, are beginning to surface again, and even the more loyal supporters are beginning to doubt the strategy will ever accomplish success.  Only in the past week, two of football’s respected young managers have been sacked by their clubs, bringing the total of managers dismissed already in the 2007/08 season to thirty-six.  It must be admitted that Southampton FC does have an unfortunate reputation for changing its managerial staff all too frequently.

 

The Exiled Saint is of the firm belief that to embark once again on the managerial merry-go-round after only score of games, even in our current unfavourable form, would be nothing short of disastrous for everyone concerned.  And who would we get?  Sure, the Saints have only won at home once and lately most games are far from being an enjoyable day’s outing, nevertheless, we have no option but persevere. 

 

It may be Christmas time but Santa Claus, in the shape of a wealthy benefactor, is unlikely to call at St Mary’s stadium this year.  Whilst the threat of the club going into administration can never quite be dispelled, especially in the current financial climate, the Saints, by taking some unpleasant measures, are seen to be putting their house in order and are in better shape than many of their debt-burdened peers. When sports sponsorship is no longer forthcoming for clubs and sports with a much bigger following than Southampton FC it is comforting to know our principal backers, the low-cost airline Flybe.com being well aware of our difficult circumstances have within the past month, renewed their contact with us.  Hardly the action of a worried patron. 

 

Next up is the Boxing Day fixture, and Saints will be making the journey down to Drake’s Devon for an away game against Plymouth Argyle.  This will be followed within a couple of days by a year-end home game against one of Championship’s front-runners, Reading.   Based on our current circumstances and form it would be illogical to expect much from either of these games.

 

Hey! Who’s heard of a rational Saints Supporter, it must be a perfect illustration of an oxymoron!

 

In the meantime The Exiled Saint would like to Wish You a Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

 

Come On You Reds! 

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint.

 

Wed Dec 24 16:37:28 UTC 2008

 

   

 

 

 

This Saturday’s game against Nottingham Forest sees the halfway mark of the football season.  Despite our spirited second half comeback against front runners Burnley at Turf Moorl ast weekend, our position above the bottom three of the League does not augur well for the second part of the Saint’s season.  Our current dilemma would exhaust all the football clichés known, as it is indeed a huge, massive and must-win game!

 

It is hard to believe that not so long ago our visitors were League Champions, League Cup & FA Cup Winners and European Champions several times over.  The very chant “Forest” is synonymous with all that is football success. Yet our meeting tomorrow will be as Championship newcomers.  They have experienced the highs and the lows of the sport, plunging from high summer under Brian Clough to the bleak mid-winter of the League’s lower echelons under a stream of hopeful but unsuccessful leaders.

 

Tomorrow’s match should be interesting, as under Colin Calderwood (pictured above) they too employ a team of young players, and although Forest have yet to escape the drop zone, they are making steady if slow progress away from the foot of the table.

 

The Saturday game before winter festivities is traditionally a low attendance affair, as most fans are doing their Christmas shopping.  However, as the Saints have drawn Manchester United in the Third Round of the FA Cup, they have linked their children’s special offer to the January fixture against the Premiership side. It is understood that tomorrow’s gate should be about 27000, just short of the 32000 full house!

 

So, let’s hope we can give this new young audience something to cheer about.   Should the result not go our way, then we need to take a care we don’t share our visitors experience.  But hey! Let’s not go there, shall we!

 

Come On you Saints. 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint.

 

(Photo Empics)

 

Fri Dec 19 15:50:44 UTC 2008

 

   

 

 

 

With only twenty-two points from twenty-one games the season so far has been a long slow slog for we Saints.  Even the most sanguine supporter must accept our current position, hovering above the Championship’s relegation zone, offers little assurance.   Nevertheless at times, our football is nothing short of exhilarating and unlike last season, is a treat to watch.   Yes, it is disappointing and frustrating when we manage to snatch a draw from almost certain victory, but our games are far from dismal.

 

Although the Exiled Saint is forever the optimist, nevertheless tonight our young lads are not only playing away to Crystal Palace, but also the game is being televised on Sky TV.  Southampton Football Club must surely hold the record for the number of games lost on television.  There are fans that put our fall from the top echelon, a couple of seasons ago, down to the introduction of Sky TV’s coverage of every game!  However, as the Saints form is much better away from home then perhaps we can not only break our Sky-jinx but also grab the much-coveted three points to aid our snail-like ascent up the table.

 

Cup Time Again

 

The Third Round of the FA Cup has given what the pundits call a plum draw; against the Premier League and the EUFA Champions League winners, Manchester United.  As our gates reflect both our recent form and the nation’s overall economic circumstances, it is heartening to know that St Mary’s will have a capacity crowd at least once this season.  My optimistic trait overcomes whatever logic I might have and I refuse to be browbeaten by footballs’ pessimistic elements.  We’ve beaten the Mighty Reds before, and whilst I freely acknowledge that was in the last century, we beat them at Wembley to win the FA Cup itself!  

 

Next Saturday sees us on the road again, this time to Burnley’s Turf Moor. The Claret & Blues are founder members of the Football League and Turf Moor is one of those grounds, like Preston North End’s Deepdale, which is steeped in football history.   Burnley, since it’s founding, has occupied positions at both ends of the Football League, both as Champions and having to face the ignominy of re-election.  Their team is doing very well this season and our fixture at the former Lancashire cotton town will not be an easy one.  In fact, the neutral inside me fancies them for promotion this season.

 

Thinking of football history, our next opponents at home will be Nottingham Forest.  The Exiled Saint finds it difficult to believe that we will be meeting a club that just over a decade ago were League Champions, FA Cup Winners and EUFA Cup Winners.  Nottingham Forest is one of last season’s newly promoted League One clubs.

 

Oh! Saints, it’s a sobering thought!

 

Come On You Saints!

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

Photo: Empics

Mon Dec 8 16:50:12 UTC 2008

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

I feel more than a little sorry for those who were unable to get to St Mary’s Stadium yesterday afternoon, for they missed a cracker. To be honest that notion was furthest from our minds as we trundled down through the Midlands to meet the Championship’s leaders. And the first twenty minutes did little to disabuse us as Scottish International Chris Iwelumo powered his way through our fragile defence to score Wolves’ first goal, to be followed shortly afterwards by Manchester United graduate David Jones. Feelings of deja vu for Saints fans are by now heavily ingrained.

However, we failed to observe the “Law of Unintended Consequences”, as the next seventy minutes were some of the best battling football seen at St Mary’s for what seems an age. Before the moronic chants of “We Want Rupert Out” could take hold, the on-loan Alex Pearce scored from a well-placed Adam Lallana corner kick, and the fight back against a well-organised and muscular Wolves team had begun.

Nothing had prepared us for what happened after match referee Mr Mason considered Jason Euell’s tackle on Richard Stearman worthy of a straight red card and the subsequent sending-off. Our seats in the Chapel Stand made it impossible for us to judge whether it was a foul or not, but we’re convinced the challenge did not warrant the draconian decision.  But we are truly grateful for his pronouncement, and for his later verdicts, as they not only galvanised our now ten-man side, but also consolidated the home support for the remaining minutes of the first period and had us shouting our heads off throughout all of the second half in our attempt to compensate for the Saint’s numerical loss.

It was one of the best examples of team bonding witnessed; not only did the players work for each other, but the sense of injustice united the supporters until we felt we were, in this case, “the Eleventh Man”. For those who have accused the Saints of not being strong enough, well on Saturday afternoon potency and power was displayed by the bucketful.

 

The task of deciding the Man of the Match was made unenviable as everyone in the Red & White were heroes or leaders, and if The Exiled Saint has to pick anyone, and its by a whisker only, the award would go to Morgan Schneiderlin for his unflagging work rate.  It would be easy to pick the Wolves goal scorers as recipients but the diminutive defender Michael Mancienne was impressive.

The resounding boos that erupted at the final whistle on this occasion was reserved for the hapless official and the home crowd stood in its appreciation of a well-fought battle and our gallant lads. It was particularly noticeable that the Wolves manager, Mick McCarthy, waited to shake hands with the Saints as the left the pitch. His gesture indicating his opinion of our players.

Thanks to an inept official and a now hoarse home support our anticipated dreary return to the Midlands was not to be. There is still a long, long way until the end of the season, but what I saw yesterday fills me with more hope than I’ve dared to entertain since the Saints were relegated.

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint.

 

Sun Nov 16 17:34:57 UTC 2008 

 

   

 

 

There are always mixed feelings when the Saints host Wolverhampton Wanderers. Apart from the Wolves being the nearest Championship side to the Shropshire village where I now live, I have fond memories of watching them when doing my military service at nearby RAF Stafford back in the middle of the last century.  Unlike today, as long as you had the 1/6 (£0.07p) entrance, you just turned up on the day and were assured of a Saturday afternoon’s football.

 

The Wanderers have had an illustrious past with players like Stan Cullis and Billy Wright at the very heart of the English game.  Other than a short season in the Premiership (2003/4), the Wolves have not played a role in the upper echelon for some considerable time.   However, they’ve been the undoing of many big names both at home at the Molineux and when playing away.

 

So far this season they are virtually unstoppable; as Mick McCarthy, their former Republic of Ireland International Manager, with his booming voice, has got them ticking over like a well-oiled machine.  It doesn’t augur well for the Saints fragile defence when prolific goal getters like Chris Iwelumo, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and the effervescent Michael Kightly come calling.

 

However, although our form is far from repeating the six-nil win of a couple of seasons ago, our record against the West Midland side is encouraging, having won twenty-three compared to their sixteen.  Despite the fact that none of the players taking part were even “glints” in their father’s eye when this run of encounters started, we Saints are nevertheless hoping that history will continue to favour our side.

 

Next Saturday, when The Exiled Saint has to return home in the company of Wolves let’s hope it will not be to the tune of the visitor’s “Hi! Ho! Silver Lining” but to “When the Saint’s Go Marchin’ In”.

 

Well, it’s better than the theme from M*A*S*H; “Suicide is Painless”!

 

Come On You Reds! 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

(Photo: Empics)

 

Thu Nov 13 17:56:16 UTC 2008

 

   

 

 

 

Although the Saints are just over a quarter of their way through this year’s campaign we have only won three games and just the one at St Mary’s Stadium.  The optimistic supporter will say that it is still early days and it’s not until after the Christmas break that it’s time to start getting anxious about our status.

 

Just as winning becomes a good habit, failing to win can easily set a team on a downward spiral from which it is difficult to escape.  Especially one as inexperienced as the current Saints. It is now nearly a month since we won a match and even more worrying is conceding more than our share of goals.  Such results hardly encourage high attendances and so far this season Saints have seen at least a 26% drop in their home gate receipts.

 

Despite this low turnout football supporters are a faithful lot and regardless of our team’s disappointing results we continue to make our pilgrimage to St Mary’s.   Strange at it may seem, the fall off in the home crowds is mostly from “local” Saints fans and not from those who travel long-distances.  It is also encouraging to note there is little diminution in the hard core of away fans who never seem to loose their willingness to travel many miles to watch our struggling youngsters.

 

However, even we who travel down on a regular basis from the capital, the North, the Midlands, the West Country and Wales were put to shame recently when two fans made their arduous way from Finland and the United States respectively to see the Watford game.  These are not ex-pats using an opportunity of visiting the “old country” to see the Saints, but overseas fans who have been supporting the Saints for many years.

 

“I’m keen on sport and like soccer especially”, Austin Britt from Texas told the Exiled Saint.  “Some years ago when I was over here in England I wanted to see an Arsenal game, but couldn’t get tickets.  I contacted the fans forum on the old Saints Official Web Site asking was it easy to get tickets.  Some of the guys not only fixed me up with tickets, but also arranged accommodation for me here in Southampton.  Saints supporters really made me welcome and now every year I must come and see my Saints”.

 

Timo Kivisto from Helsinki tells a similar story, “I started following the Saints on my grandma's old black& white tv and have been hooked ever since”.  Timo made his first vist to the Dell back in 1991and now comes over to St Mary's several times a year.

 

Austin and Timo aren’t the only long-distance fans.  A regular caller to Radio Hampshire after Saints games is Bob Beal from California.  Bob also makes an annual trip across the pond to see a couple of Saints matches and provides the Exiled Saint with football news from the Pacific Coast.

 

With Exiled Saints supporting the Saints in Australia, Latvia and Spain also making the pilgrimage to St Mary’s let’s hope the optimists are right and it won’t be long before the players get back to more winning ways.

 

Next up are Coventry City.

 

Come On You Reds!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint.

 

Photos: Top Right Austin & Timo by Gill Browne; Bottom Saints Proboard group by Paddy Browne & Laura

 

 

Saints from Southampton Pro Board after Saints v Watford 18 October 2008.

 

Mon Oct 27 18:07:47 UTC 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second of the international breaks is almost over so normal service should be resuming next weekend.  These pauses are a mixed blessing depending on how one’s own particular national side is progressing on the international scene, and how well your club side is doing in the league. 

 

With the Saints young side struggling in the Championship the intermission could be regarded as time lost in moulding our team.  However, a couple of the international coaches have selected Southampton players for their U21 squads.  This in addition to some of our senior players once again picked to represent their respective countries.  Being chosen to play for your country, at any level and in any sport, is a great honour so it would be churlish and foolish to deny them their opportunity. 

 

The home national sides are enjoying mixed fortunes; Scotland was held to a goal less draw at Hampden Park by Norway; Northern Ireland lost to Slovenia away from home; and Wales whilst enjoying a two-nil win over Liechtenstein the match in the Millennium Stadium was poorly attended.  England produced an emphatic 5-1 win over Kazakhstan in front of 89000, but even their most fervent fans would concede that against an inexperienced side the scoreline was flattering. Once again the fans demonstrated their exasperation with a few moans as the home side departed the Wembley turf.  The Republic of Ireland do not play their qualifying game against Cyprus, their bette noir, until Wednesday 15th October next.

 

With the Premiership and Championship clubs being excused duty the rest of the football league continued business as usual. The weekend also saw the completion of the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.  One of great features of UK football is the possibility that the aspirations of Telford or Totton can be rewarded with an appearance at Wembley.

 

In fact, when one witnesses the lack-lustre performances provided at international level by some of our Premiership prima donnas, each receiving a king’s ransom, plus their appearance fees, there might be an argument for replacing them with the fervour and zeal of those from the sports’ lower echelons.  Unlike their highly paid opposite numbers, the so- called minnows be they from Nantwich or Nuneaton, at least give the impression they enjoy the game.

 

Never mind, for we Saints fans, we have a visit from fellow strugglers Watford on Saturday.

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint.

 

Come On You Reds.

 

Tue Oct 14 18:12:44 UTC+0100 2008

 

Photo The Guardian.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Jordan Robertson, on loan from Sheffield United, provided 14,000+ diehard Saints fans something to sing about on the last September evening game at St Mary’s Stadium.  The former Blades striker, on his debut, lashed in a stunning goal past the outstretched Norwich keeper.

 

The newcomer’s effort pepped up the Saints who for the previous half hour appeared not to have complete control.  Norwich, our visitors, had a couple of chances to punish us with the experienced Sibierski and Stefanovic causing problems for our young side. However, the opening goal and the fashion of its scoring motivated the home side who were unlucky not to depart for the interval another two goals up, one a blistering shot off the bar from Bradley Wright-Phillips.

 

Following what I can only assume to have been a “motivational chat” from their manager Glenn Roeder, the Canaries applied some pressure after the break.  But it was to be of no avail as our youngsters had grown in confidence with McGoldrick, Surman and the new boy playing havoc with the Norwich defence.

 

Just past the hour the Saints sealed the win with a McGoldrick penalty, thanks to a moment of madness by Stefanovic, an ex-Portsmouth player, when he brought down the effervescent Adam Lallana in the box.  The ex-Pompey defender brought further wrath upon himself with his abuse of the referee, who had no hesitation in showing him the red card.  It is sad to see a player depart under such circumstances, nevertheless, his behaviour, apart from being illegal and unsporting, was a sad reflection on his professionalism as he let his play be influenced by the crowd.

 

It is the job of a football crowd to lend support to their team; to be their twelfth man. Part of this encouragement comes from chanting and singing praise for their players.  But it’s also their role to demoralise and undermine the opposition.  This is highlighted when an ex-player, now playing for the opponents, returns.  Many of the contributions are neither repeatable nor printable, but generally speaking they’re largely humorous and good-natured.   For the St Mary’s crowd the vitriol is saved for anyone who has any connection with our rivals, Portsmouth, known to us as the Skates, the flat fish.

 

So, not only did we give a rendition of “There’s Only One Gordon Ramsey”, reference here to the Norwich City owner, TV chef Delia Smith, but after Stefanovic’s dismissal, the massed “choir” of Saints took great delight in singing, “Two Nil and A Skate Sent Off”.

 

Let us savour such moments while we can!

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

 

Wed Oct 1 16:15:33 UTC+0100 2008

 

 

   

 

 

 

A former British Prime Minister, the late Harold Wilson, was once heard to remark, “A week is a long time in politics”.   The past three days, since the Saints were dumped out of the Carling Cup last Tuesday evening have seemed like a lifetime!  Our results so far have not been exactly inspiring, so yesterday’s win at Doncaster comes as a much needed tonic.  Our ignominious exit from the Football League competition at the hands of our League Two opponents, Rotherham United, accompanied by the comments made by manager Jan Poortvliet seem to have done the trick.

 

As I had a previous engagement I was unable to make the trip across the Pennines to Doncaster Rover’s Keepmoat Stadium.  However, my internet friend Ben Sibley, who is also an Assistant Referee in the Wessex League, told me the Saints, despite their indifferent first half, were unlucky not have won by a bigger margin.

 

Their second period was much brighter and was soon aided by an own goal from Matt Mills, brother of our player Joseph.  Shortly before the hour the Saints were awarded a penalty from which Surman scored.  The South African-born England U21 player could have doubled his tally but had his next penalty attempt saved by the experienced Scottish international keeper Neil Sullivan.  Incidentally, why do these television pundits keep confusing penalties that are “saved” by the Keeper from ones that are “missed” by the taker!

 

Anyway, Saturday’s win means we Exiled Saints will travel down to St Mary’s for next Tuesday evening’s match against Norwich City, in high spirits.  Hopefully the Saints can add more points and move further away from the dreaded drop zone.

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

Sun Sep 28 12:47:16 UTC+0100 2008

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Just over fourteen thousand Saints fans turned up to watch their side in the late September sunshine last Saturday.  That’s about half the average for an St Mary’s Stadium home attendance when we were in the Premiership a few years ago.  While it has to be admitted we have slid a long ways since those halcyon days and the low attendance is certainly a reflection of the Saints present lowly status, it is also a clear indication of how deep the current condition is biting into the fan’s domestic finances.

 

To be honest, if I were not a pensioner and a die-hard supporter then I would have to think twice about forking out the full price for a Saints game.  As an OAP it now costs me three times more in fuel than it does to gain admission to St Mary’s.  And Saturday’s scoreless draw against fellow strugglers Barnsley will do little to encourage bigger gates.

 

Those less determined might be justified in their non-attendance at the Barnsley match.  Despite their first half domination, and the Saints provided plenty of decisive movement, our strikers seemed to sink into a dull inertia when in front of goal.  Not even the strange decisions of referee Andy d’Urso could stir our spirits.

 

It is early days to start fretting about our present location in the bottom three of the Championship, but if the Saints don’t soon start to maximise their chances in front of goal then an unbridgeable gap will appear and we will spend the rest of the season fending off a potential disaster.

 

But, but, but we have now played two consecutive games undefeated and we can take some comfort from that.  Also our strange disinclination to strike on Saturday has not been typical of our style of play this season; we have never before worked like a team to produce nil-all draws.

 

 

To morrow will see our stalwart supporters travel up to South Yorkshire to watch the Saints play Rotherham United for the next round of the Carling Cup.  The Millers hold a similar position in League Two, so lets hope our team will regain some of their scoring ability and our fans return home happy.

 

Gill & Paddy Browne

Exiled Saints

(Photos Empics and Own)

 

Mon Sep 22 16:20:05 UTC+0100 2008

 

 

   

 

 

 

It is difficult to decide which is worse, travelling a long way to a “must-win” game and suffering as every ball is kicked, or sitting in the comfort of your home waiting equally nervously as your son gives you a ball-by-ball account via text message!   Even if the game is televised live, I feel there is no substitute for lending one’s support in person. I also much prefer to see the whole field of play and not just what a television producer thinks I ought to watch.

 

One major disadvantage of being a long distance football supporter is that you cannot always “be there” for your team.  The recent increase in fuel costs means that sports fans, along with the rest of the population, have to make economies.  Having to travel nearly 400 miles to St. Mary’s Stadium to see every Saint’s game at home is no longer an inexpensive outing.  I fear we’ve had to cut back on evening Home games.  A mid-week evening match also mean we don’t get back home until well after midnight.  We try to attend as many of Saints Away games in the Midlands and the North West as possible.

 

So, any remarks I make on our recent games against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road and against Ipswich Town at St Mary’s Stadium will have been influenced by the radio, television or national press coverage and my Tim’s text messages!

 

Setting aside any subjective views as a Saint, it would be very foolish to deny our 4-1 defeat, by QPR, as anything but resounding. Nevertheless once again our young side refused to be dominated and for long periods displayed great tenacity.  Ollie Lancashire’s red card and instant dismissal for an over-zealous and rash challenge on Delaney early in the match meant the Saints had to play the majority of the game with only ten men. 

 

What’s done is done, but I hope Jan Poortvliet takes some time to give the red carded young defender a good “ear bending”!  He put his teammates under pressure for the rest of that match and thanks to our perennial shortage of fit defenders we went into the Ipswich with extra anxiety.  The less said about the Assistant Referee’s interpretation of Law 11 (offside), the better, when it lead to Rangers second goal.

 

The midweek home fixture against Ipswich did not have a high attendance despite over a thousand hardy souls making the long journey from East Anglia. I fear that the Saints home support is inclined to be a little fickle if we are not always winning.

 

Andrew Surman got the Saints off to a great start with an early goal.  Our lead wasn’t to last long with the Tractor Boys equalising soon afterwards.  They increased their tally with another after the break with Saints’ keeper Kelvin Davis once again keeping us alive until the 68th minute when the on-loan Tomas Pekart, on his home debut, rifled in the equaliser from ten meters out.  The Saints continued to frustrate the visitors until the final whistle and although failing to win we were glad to take a point from a very hard game.

 

We now await the arrival of fellow strugglers Barnsley next Saturday for yet another “must win” game.  But then, they’re all “must win” games!

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

 

Thu Sep 18 18:09:28 UTC+0100 2008

 

   

 

 

 

 

The English football season is barely a month old and the managers of two of the country’s oldest clubs, West Ham United and Newcastle United, have resigned, and each for similar reasons.

 

To paraphrase the Oscar Wilde character, Lady Bracknell, “To loose one manager may be regarded as a misfortune; to loose two looks like carelessness”!  Both claimed their was counsel overlooked and their executive roles generally devalued.  This is sad as Alan Curbishley, of the Hammers, and Kevin Keegan, of the Magpies, are considered to be among the best of English young managerial talent.

 

Their resignations highlight not only the changing role of the football manager but also the altered nature of the game itself in the UK.  Once the manager of a club had the final word concerning the comings and goings of players, their contracts and the responsibility for the overall playing strategy.  He was in complete charge and referred to as the “boss” or the “gaffer”.  In his new role they’re now referred to as “Head Coach” and their responsibility confined to the fitness, training and tactics of the first team.  This function is common practice on the Continent. 

 

Pros & Cons

 

Each system has its advantages and drawbacks.  The Premiership’s Arsenal and Manchester United among others have stuck firmly to the conventional structure of the manager having total command, responsible directly to the Board of Directors.  Tottenham Hotspur, one of the first clubs to introduce a Director of Football (DoF), on the other hand, has found this method works well.  Recently promoted Stoke City’s manager Tony Pulis appears to have a very successful partnership with John Rudge, the Potter’s Director of Football.

 

Rudge recently told the BBC that it is now too much to ask one man to oversee coaching, transfers, the academy, dealing with the board and other matchday matters.  "Being a manager is a hard role and can often be too much for one person", he concluded.  This week’s actions may very well have been caused by the parties in question being willing to “buy-in-to” or failing to understand fully the respective roles.

 

 Good Old Days?

 

English football has been transformed greatly in recent years. Once local business people bankrolled a club enabling it to purchase players on the recommendation of the manager. In return they gained a certain prominence, were compensated with a personal car park and the advantage of watching a match in the dry from a prominent position in the main stand.  They also got a decent cup of tea at half time in the boardroom and the privilege of meeting the manager or players after the game.  By and large, the fan or supporter accepted these rewards as these benefactors were known locally and were fans in their own right.  However, most clubs have now been transformed into publicly listed companies and registered on the London Stock Exchange and the shareholder is in control.

 

Benefits

 

It can’t be denied we benefited from the money the new developments have brought into our game.  We supporters no longer watch from open terraces in flat caps and wrapped in mufflers to shield us from sleet and rain, (except as a visitor at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road!). Fans are now able to sit in dry comfortable seats, in better stadia and in more civilised surroundings.

 

However, their relationship with their club is changing rapidly.  They no longer feel the same involvement with their club. In fact they are left with the impression that the fan’s sole function is to buy as much club merchandise as possible.  Where once the football club was part of a fan’s geographical heritage and local identity, they are now only a part of the club’s global base and a small part at that.

 

The purchase of English clubs by overseas financial syndicates and magnates has made it possible to acquire and display some of the world’s best players week in and week out.  But this too has been at a cost with the local supporter being virtually priced out of his club.  Great football clubs, like Manchester United and Liverpool, have become a meaningless brand name; just another sports franchise in an offshore financial holding. 

 

Last week oil-rich Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) bought 90% of Manchester City FC from Thai millionaire Thaksin Shinawatra.  The new owners, who immediately completed the transfer of the Real Madrid striker, Robinho, for £35m, later told a press conference "Sheikh Mansour wants to use City to help develop Abu Dhabi into the sporting capital of the Middle East”.  There is intense rivalry to become the sports centre of the region, with Dubai, a smaller neighbour of Abu Dhabi, ahead in the race.   Already the International Cricket Council is based in Dubai and Tiger Woods' first golf course will be built there.

 

Not a word about the Eastland fan.  No doubt City’s supporters see this as a means of finally getting even with their richer rivals across Manchester, but I fear it may end in tears yet.

 

The events in London’s East End and in both the North East and Manchester come as no surprise.  The Exiled Saint may appear to be intruding upon private grief in the former and suffering from a case of sour grapes in the latter.  However as Southampton FC supporters will be only too aware, we have only too recently undergone and hopefully emerging from similar series of painful proceedings. 

 

Nothing stays the same, change is inevitable and all encompassing, but the process can be a painful one.   If not handled carefully it will destroy a most precious social and sporting relationship — that of fan and club.

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint.

 

(Photos Top: Alan Curbishley Getty Images.  Mid: Kevin Keegan BBC News)

 

Sun Sep 7 17:56:44 UTC+0100 2008

   

 

 

 

The shining example of Dutch-style total-fotbal exhibited by Southampton FC last weekend and in midweek evaporated in the heat of the late August sun at St Mary’s.  What should have been a “Tangerine Dream” for the Saints, had they beaten Blackpool FC, turned into a nightmare of niggling issues. 

 

The enormity of the task facing Jan Poortvliet and his young team was exposed for all to see yesterday against a physical Blackpool side.  If one thing relegation from the Premiership has taught us is that there are no pushovers in the Coca-Cola Championship.   From the just-promoted to the recently-relegated all must produce grit and guile as well as pace, power and a passing ability to survive in this league.

 

This season is not yet a month old and already there is much to please the eye with our youngster’s movement and passing with the ball.  The dynamics and method of total-fotbal do not easily suit the more traditional “hoof-it-and-hope” played in the game’s lower echelons.  Most of our young players appear to have adapted to the approach easily.  This largely because when the Saints Academy was established we were fortunate in having Georges Proust, an exponent of the French Clairefontaine system, which is of a similar pattern.

 

It would be depressing if our new Saints were discouraged from expressing  their recently acquired flair and skill, by resorting to playing in the centre of the pitch and being drawn into the “get-stuck-in” style that deadens the game so quickly. And this is more likely to happen in this division the closer we are to the bottom of the table.  Adventurous, entertaining and exciting wing play can be sacrificed so easily in the name of safety.

 

However, we must quickly learn to make the most of our faster movement in front of our opponent’s goal and convert the resulting chances into winning opportunities.  When that happens more frequently it will in turn relieve the pressure on our defence and allow it to become a vital part of the attack.

 

It would be churlish to deny the Tangerines their win yesterday, but when the Rules of the Football Association were drawn up the founders must have had in mind Blackpool’s display of gamesmanship.  It was a pity Mr Marriner and his fellow officials gave our visitors so much latitude to express their cunning and deviousness.  An unkind spectator could claim it was cheating.

 

As the international break is upon us again, this may be a good opportunity to reinforce the avoidance of lazy and sloppy passing that appeared to creep into the closing moments of our play and to spend time concentrating on converting our skilful and hard won chances in front of goal.

 

Next up is Queens Park Rangers (QPR) who are enjoying the benefits of their injection of new money.  Loftus Road would be an excellent venue to return to winning way and prove our worth!

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

 

Sun Aug 31 17:28:01 UTC+0100 2008 

 

   

 

 

 

Yes!  I know one swallow doesn’t make a summer.  But the Saints’ performance at Pride Park on Saturday did more than just lift the spirits.  Apart from being the first win of the current campaign it went a long, long way to erase the memory of our last miserable visit when we failed, on penalties, to reach the Wembley playoffs for promotion to the Premiership.

 

Over recent years we Saints have had to endure a dreary diet with some depressing results. Against Derby County we gorged from a more attractive menu.

 

The Rams started off strongly and a rare misunderstanding between Michael Svensson and keeper Davis caused a little fluttering of the heart.  But this was soon forgotten as our young side refused to be bullied by some of the games more experienced players.  They grew in stature and were unfortunate not to be ahead at the break as any pressure by Derby was rebuffed by an ever-alert Saints defence.

 

After halftime, and even allowing for the Exiled Saint’s exuberance, the visitors took command of the game and the much-needed goal duly followed. But it wasn’t the gaol that pleased, but the tenacious manner in which it was scored.  Through last season, and even before, our attacks have been half-hearted and fizzled out.  Not yesterday, David McGoldrick and friends got right in the face of County’s defence and not once gave up until the ball was in the net. 

 

Midway through the second period the agility of Kelvin Davis coupled with the industry of the Perry-Svensson partnership in defence, meant our young guns were free to express themselves.  So much so that new on-loan signing Jack Cork and veteran Stern John were able to slide into an ebullient side without seemingly pause for breath. In the past any “ole’s” from our supporters would have guaranteed swift retribution by the opponents, but not this time.  By the seventy-fifth minute we had so much control we were triangle passing unscathed.

 

Derby County have now gone thirty-five games without a league win and despite sterling efforts by Rob Hulse, their performance on Saturday indicates that this might continue a while longer.

 

Forgive my enthusiasm if you were unable to attend, you missed a game played with passion and pride, but most of all, teamwork, in front of some very loyal and devoted away fans.  If the St Mary’s fans get behind this team then we are sure to progress.

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

Photos: Getty Images and Empic.

 

 

   

 

 

 

Disappointed but not disheartened best describes the Exiled Saints’ verdict of Saturday’s game against Birmingham City.  The two-one defeat against a well-disciplined Midland’s side still smarting from their recent relegation from the Premiership, though not unexpected, was hard to take.  Both the Blues goals came from congested goalmouth skirmishes that should have been managed better by our defence. Especially as the winning goal was by the much disliked former player Kevin Phillips.    No matter how much we may detest him, such incidents are meat and drink to the likes of Phillips.

 

With the Championship only two games old there’s no need for our fans to be crestfallen, our continuously attacking display in the first period led to a much-deserved goal by defender Chris Perry just before the break.  Our passing was more accurate and brisk and our style of play sharper than the fare served up at St Mary’s Stadium in recent years.  Were Stern John in form we could have had going at half-time leading by at least two goals to the good.

 

Apart from yet another close call by Stern John on the experienced goalie, Maik Taylor, the Brummies took hold of the game as our young side began to falter and run out of steam.  With Cameron Jerome establishing himself more in our territory in wasn’t long before O’Connor was allowed to scramble in the equaliser.  By the time Marcus Bent replaced their goal scorer the pace of the Saints’ play, so dominant in the first forty-five minutes had dissipated.

 

There’s nothing more guaranteed to fire up an ex-player, like Phillips, than for the home side to bait him.  The former West Brom and Saint’s striker duly obliged with the winning gaol within a minute of his appearance.

 

Amongst those pleasing to the eye were Lee Holmes and the late substitute Jake Thomson for the Saints. The slippery Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, last seen at St Mary’s playing in the Arsenal Reserves a couple of seasons ago, wriggled his way through our defence a little too easy at times.

 

So, the result places Southampton still pointless alongside Barnsley and Burnley.  However, whilst there is still plenty of time for the Saints to climb away from the foot of the table, it won’t take too long for such a young side to get dispirited.

 

Chief Coach Jan Poortvliet’s skills as motivator and strategist are going to be called upon before next Saturday’s trip to Derby County’s Pride Park so let’s hope we can do better against the other relegated Premiership side from the Midlands.

 

As we overtook their coaches on our return journey, I recalled the old music hall song the Birmingham City fans chant when happy.  The opening line of which goes, “Keep right on to the end of the road, keep right on to the end”.

 

We Saints could do worse that adopt it for this season!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint 

 

Sun Aug 17 13:45:00 UTC+0100 2008

 

(Photo EMPIC)

 

For the benefit of non-UK based Exiled Saints I copied below the article I wrote for Saints matchday programme last Saturday .

 

 

Gill and I have been to Derby County four times over the last four or so seasons. We’ve gone a different way every time and each time we got lost.  I habitually take a wrong turning off the Brian Clough Way (A52) and end what should be an easy journey from our Midlands home in a fairly fraught state. However, on this visit, car parking was not only easier but also free, and right next to the stadium.

 

Our tardiness prevented us from popping in for a pre-match pint at The Navigation, opposite the Derby Tertiary College, where there’s always a cheerful welcome for Saints fans.

 

Derby County stewards are friendly and helpful, and the facilities are more than adequate.  The Rams were one of the first clubs to build an out-of-town stadium.  Those who look back nostalgically may miss the older venues like the Baseball Ground and the Dell, but surely must appreciate the better sight lines of these new stadia.

 

With over a thousand travelling Saints we were always going to make ourselves heard.  With the match an almost sell-out we were unable to taunt the largely silent home fans with “Your Ground’s Too Big For You”; however, after the Saints took total command of the game midway through the second half we took great delight in singing several choruses of “We Can See You Sneaking Out”!

 

Apart from a few early attempts near our goal, and an uncharacteristic communications error between Svensson and Davis, the home side failed to strike and it’s easy to see why they have now gone 35 league games without a win.  It wasn’t just our pace that impressed but our eagerness to win and retain the ball for long periods of the game.  Not even the couple of seemingly unnecessary admonishments by referee Graham Laws could diminish the enthusiasm of the ever-industrious Saints.  Our young side’s attitude went more than a long way to erase the memory of our last miserable visit to Pride Park. 

 

We away supporters were more than pleased with our first win of the campaign, but what gave us the greatest pleasure was the passion, pride and teamwork which went in to the winning of it.  I’m sure if those at St Mary’s can equal the away support, then they too will be similarly rewarded when our new young Saints take on our next league opponents, Blackpool.

 

Come On You Reds. 

 

Paddy Browne 

Sun Aug 31 17:40:17 UTC+0100 2008

 

   

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow sees the first home game of the Saints new season. We exiled Saints, will be making the long journey across the country to get to St Mary’s Stadium in time for the kick off against the Blues, Birmingham City.  It’s also the beginning of the new Premiership season, so there’ll be plenty of football fans on Britain’s roads tomorrow.  The close season is over at last.  However, this season is a little different for the travelling fans. 

 

Thanks to the worldwide economic downturn or “credit crunch” brought on by the increase in food and fuel costs, we football supporters are also having to practice thrift.  We are already relearning how to drive a bit more slowly to the game and thus improve our mileage per litre.  Many of us will have taken part in “early-bird” or similar offers when purchasing our season tickets.

 

However, if the looming decline continues, then I fear other more drastic measures may have to be taken. The Carling Cup competition is an early casualty despite the “give away” tickets cost to us regulars, followed by the evening games, with their home after midnight returns.

 

Deloitte & Touche, the sports business accountants, say that British football is a special thing as it “gets people through the working week and fans will give up a lot of things before they let go their season tickets”.

 

Just as many people are making domestic savings by using Aldi, the German-owned and Irish-based discount shopping store, instead of the more upmarket Sainsburys or Waitrose, so we football fans will begin to look around at ways of making our Saturday pound go further.   Will we forego the half-time drink and take our own beverage in a flask?  Do we really need that stodgy pie or floppy pizza or can we do without? 

 

And how will this affect the clubs?  Last season Leeds United were forced to close down large sections of their Elland Road stadium to save on costs.  Already the Saints, apart from not renewing the contracts of many players, have embarked on similar measures, like dropping the subsidised bus travel.  All this is in addition to drastically reducing the number of background staff employed by the club.

 

One thing is for sure, when Southampton beat the Blues tomorrow, no matter how slowly The Exiled Saint drives, the homeward journey will just fly by!

 

Come On You Reds!!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

Fri Aug 15 18:50:34 UTC+0100 2008

 

   

 

 

Well, it was not the result we desired nor was it one that our new skipper, Michael Svensson, wanted on his come back to fulltime football.

 

Depending on what we Exiled Saints read over our Sunday morning breakfast we were either unlucky in being denied another “save-of-the-season” by Keeper Kelvin Davis; or once again by that last minute lack of concentration that plagues the Saints conceding another last-gasp-goal, especially when we had a precious point in the bag.

 

Only the most optimistic and romantic of our supporters would have thought we had a realistic chance of collecting three points on the first day of the new campaign against the Bluebirds, with their reputation of starting each season in a brisk and determined manner.

 

From all reports youngster McGoldrick’s equaliser from the six-yard box right on the stoke of half-time not only cheered the travelling fans, but proved Jan Poorvilet’s young side could hold their own against a strong side from the Principality.

 

Even the home side fans were impressed with the role played by the Saints skipper on his return after over four years of absence through injury.  The Swedish central defender injured his right knee way back in May 2004 and although he “enjoyed” a short-lived recovery in October 2005 he had to endure another twenty months on the clubs sick list.  During his sick leave the Saints were relegated from the England’s top flight for the first time in twenty-eight years with the inevitable financial repercussions.  Michael Svensson’s retirement beckoned.

 

But Michael was having none of this, he continued with his medical treatments and training at his own expense.  While the rest of us had given him up, he persevered and his recuperation was rewarded by a pay-per-play arrangement with the club.  This dedication and doggedness was rightly rewarded with Michael be given the captaincy and a more secure contact.

 

If desire, determination and sheer hard work are anything to go by then we Saint’s might have a good season yet.

 

For the first time in many a day The Exiled Saint can’t wait for Saturday to come!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

(Photo David McGoldrick - Empic photo)

 

Sun Aug 10 16:37:15 UTC+0100 2008

 

   

 

 

 

The Saints 2008/09 Championship Season is about to begin.  Nearly all of Southampton’s games have been played against teams in the lower echelons of the English leagues, the exceptions being the Claus Lundekvam Testimonial match against Scottish Premier League Champions, Celtic (1-2); the Ted Bates Trophy game against West Ham (2-2) of the Premiership and a final pre-season fixture against recently promoted Stoke City(2-3).   Thanks to a combination of domestic commitments and the high cost of fuel, The Exiled Saint was unable to attend one of these appetisers, except the Celtic game.

 

A pre-season friendly fixture is a mixed blessing and can never be taken as an early indication of what is to follow.  Despite the Euro 2008 tournament, the friendlies are always a welcome relief for the deprived footie fan following the closed season. As these games usually involve matches against higher opposition, they provide an opportunity for the fans of the lower leagues to see teams normally only viewed via televised games. However, they are rarely competitive enough, with some players giving the impression they’re still on their holidays and coaching staff wanting to review all their players.  Plus regardless of our traditional summer, the heat often plays a negative part in the game.

 

Nevertheless, after last season’s pitiful performances resulting in the release of many players, and with the appointment of a whole new coaching team determined to include as many of our younger players as possible, devotees of Southampton FC have had something to discuss over their pint at halftime.  From all reports, and from what I saw at the Lundekvam testimonial match, the Saints look a lot sharper than I’ve seen them at this stage in previous years. 

 

Despite the continuing defensive bad habits, the new acquisitions, Lee Holmes, Morgan Schneiderlin and Paul Wotton worked well alongside last season’s much over-looked and irrepressibly industrious Simon Gillett.  Hopefully the longed-for return from a lengthy injury of central defender Michael Sevnsson (pictured left) will shore-up an at times insecure defence. The proposed playing formation of new Dutch coach, Jan Poortvliet, will take a little time for those of us more familiar with Four-Four-Two, nonetheless was quickly adopted by the younger players.  It certainly allows the midfield to express itself as well as providing an early attacking passage for the ball in front of the opposing goal.  There were some lovely little vignettes of this total football, which, if developed further, augurs well for the coming campaign.

 

So, now that the self-inflicted shenanigans in the club’s Boardroom have been resolved, and the new coaching team and players appear to be approaching form, let’s all hope we can get off to a cracking season’s start; for a change!

 

Paddy Browne

The Exiled Saint

 

 

 

Our Own Santa Claus

 

 It's not near Christmas, but we Saints supporters will be saying a big Thank You to our very own Santa Claus next Friday evening. Our  "Santa" is a Norwegian called Claus Lundekvam and he’s been with the Southampton Club for well over twelve  years.

 

It promises to be an emotional night all round for not only shall we welcome back to St Mary’s Stadium Gordon Strachan and his very successful Scottish Premier league champions, Celtic, but also making an appearance will be Matt Le Tissier, (LeGod of the Dell), Joe Kaland & Michael Svennson, fellow Vikings of Claus.

 

Gordon Strachan, before leaving to take his sabbatical, was our most successful and popular manager in Southampton FC’s recent history.  Whilst it could be argued that as a player, Matt (Le God), never did test himself fully in full English League, however, like Claus, was a one-club player.  A rarity in the modern game nowadays.

 

Football history has not been over generous to us Saints supporters of late. Not only did we fail again to lift ourselves back into the top echelon but the South Coast club continued to inflict upon itself another period of off-field silliness.

 

But all of that will be forgotten on Friday evening as we pay tribute to one of our better defenders and a most loyal servant to our club.

 

Claus Lundekavm only scored two goals in his time with the Saints and I had the good fortune to be present for both of them.  Whilst they were both great, it will be the first that I shall remember most.  It was at Molineaux, and I had a perfect view of his effort.  The only snag was that I was sitting in Wolves crowd (I couldn’t get tickets for the Away End), and the temptation to jump and cheer was overwhelming.  It didn't help knowing that the odds against our central defender scoring was 60-1!

 

Thank You For Everything Claus.