Lee Holmes believes Saints will soon become a “force to be reckoned with” in English football. The winger has backed the club to continue their incredible rise up the divisions and eventually challenge towards the top of the Premier League. Holmes, who was released this summer, reckons that within five years Saints could be competing for a European spot, and possibly even a Champions League place. “The club is only going to go onwards and upwards,” said the 25-year-old, who this week agreed a two-year deal with League One side Preston. “There’s a passion behind the scenes that means they won’t stop until they achieve what they want. “There is going to be a time where Southampton will be a force to be reckoned with in English football. “In the next five years, I expect them to be right up there with the best of them.” So, is European football a possibility in that timeframe? Holmes certainly thinks so. “You look at the passion and backing behind the club, and the infrastructure involved, and I can’t see why not,” he said. “Look at the clubs in the Premier League who are all fighting for European spots. I can’t see why Southampton can’t get right up there. “I’m not saying it will be next season, but definitely in the next few years.” And what about the pinnacle of European club competition, the Champions League? “Long term, I think you could only look to strive for that,” said Holmes. “The long term goals between everyone in the club are that they are looking for the highest achievement in football. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t a plan in place for that to happen in the next five years, or maybe a little bit longer.” Holmes points to another club that not too long ago dropped out of the Premier League, only to return and start seriously challenging the established top four or five sides. “Look at Newcastle,” he said. “They’re a massive club, but it’s only a few years ago that they were down in the Championship, so I think it’s something that could happen for Southampton.” A nice insight. I always did like Lee Holmes. I think along with the interest in Butland and Jay Rod our intentions are becoming abundantly clear. Dare to dream fellow Saints fans. Dare to dream **EDIT** I was so excited I couldn't spell reckoned.
It was a nice article to read, Holmes obviously holds Saints in regard and believes in the plan. Shame he had to move on as he showed flashes of great play but was unlucky with injuries. I think Saints will start to get some positive media attention now, and people might start to notice that a few things have changed since administration.
Holmes is a top top lad - one of the nicest, most down-to-earth footballers you could ever meet I wish him all the luck, theres no doubt, if he had stayed fit, he would have had a key role last few years but unfortunately not
There. Cortese has hinted at this sort of ambition several times, and like the disbelieving Saints fans that most of us are, we either dismissed it or completely overlooked it. Anyone who took Cortese words with rather more than a pinch of salt was deemed to be slightly light headed, or asked what their normal tipple might be. Look, I understand that it is almost a requirement, that to be a Saints fan, one has to pass the test of accepting mediocrity and limited ambition. But all this went out of the window when Nicola walked in through the door with Markus. I must be upto around half-a-dozen posts on Not606 asking people to wake up and smell the ambition, but now that someone with a little bit of insider knowledge has spoken, perhaps those remaining posters will begin to realise the fundamental changes that are only just beginning. Saints are not going to be the cosy little club we all grew up with anymore. Oh, and best of luck to Lee Holmes.
That is an excellent article and shows how tightly knit the squad is and hopefully it will so remain.
I do agree and dont for one second doubt Nicolas ambition. However I would say every club in the country wants success. And we are a long way from being a big club in this league. With Nicola and the Leibherss I agree we could achieve big. But its in no way guranteed and it WILL require huge amounts of money perservience and more than a fair share of luck. I'm looking forward to ride and will trust in the management but I wont forget the natural scale of this club and if we dont achieve this huge goals I wont overeact!
I totally agree TSS but, given the pessimistic nature of us Saints fans, it's going to take a while longer to get over the 'something is bound to go wrong' feeling.
I had the feeling of 'same old Saints' when Markus sadly died. It seems that our good times are always short but this time Markus's legacy is continuing. I do feel that something special is happening and we must hold on to this if the odd blip happens.
