Roughly this time two years ago Saints were suffering the worst time in the History of the club. As if relegation was not enough there was a distinct likely hood that our beloved club could go out of existence! Along came our benefactors, Marcus Liebherr and Nichola Cortese who stepped in, in our darkest hour. They made decisions, some good, some not so good, but what ever they did it was decisive. Everything began to pick up almost immediately, practically every Saints fan began to feel good about themselves and started to believe in miracles of one sort or the other. Suddenly from all round the world, people were congratulating us and wishing us well. There were a very small minority who were doing their utmost to try and sink us into oblivion and still try today. Largely they have failed and the reason for that failure is our belief in our beloved Southampton and our new management. That has been our greatest strength. Understandably it took a while for a lot of the fans to trust completely, the new management team. They told us at the time what they intended to do, what their aim was and implemented it. The tragic death of our main benefactor came out of the blue and despite reassurances from Nichola Cortese, some fans felt in a bit of a limbo. Wanting to believe what they were being told. Somehow just couldn't bring themselves to wholely trust what they were hearing. This was not helped in particular by a lot of the media and if I may say, skillful wumming by our near neighbors. Luckily the core of our fans did and continued to believe. The sudden and mysterious change of management added to this confusion of spirit at the time. Strangely, gradually, things began to look up under the new management regime. I say strangely, simply that for me, it was almost an overnight change. After the dour beginning to the new campaign, it came rather like a breath of fresh air. I doubt there is any that would disagree the new manager seemed to wave a magic wand and off we went. Yes we have had our surprises since then and our upsets. Show me a football team in the UK that hasn't had them. The Saints fans have been tremendous more noticeably in the new year. That support is worth a couple of wins a season at least. You all should be proud. We all have heard what the manager and chairman have said is the aim of Southampton football club. We have just crossed that first hurdle. The real battle starts again in a couple of months for stage two. So I will finish off by asking you a couple of questions. What do you feel will be our biggest challenge to thwarting us in our goals? How will we overcome those challenges? When do you realistically think we can get into the top flight? Most of all lets not forget our benefactors on Saturday and sunday. Lets all enjoy the day. Let us remind all and sundry, We are the Saints We are back Come one you Saints !!!
Beddytare you have captured everything about the way I feel with regards our club and Chairman. Nicola has made the odd faux pas but has always acted in the best way he feels is right for our club. We are in perfectly safe hands right now and I am thoroughly enjoying being a Saint for the first time in what seems like a lifetime. The biggest challenge will be convincing us that we must stay faithful if we find it tougher going than we hope next season. We must overcome the boo boys when the team isn't playing particularly well on any given day. Cheer the team regardless and I am sure the successes we have had will continue. We have to continue to make St Mary's a stronghold that does not easily concede defeat to anybody.
Very good thread beddytear.. and i agree totally.., in the 11 years of a siants fan.. t his is the highest feelgood factor we've ever been!!
There have been three very distinct feelings of happiness in recent times: when we were plucked from the brink of extinction by our own personal teddybear of a man, Markus; when we won the JPT in a full Wembley and saw Markus's face; and now gaining promotion on our march back up the leagues. What I am unused to as a Saints fan is the feeling of confidence when we play. We still feel sure even when we are 1 or 2 goals down, though rarely is it 2 goals. The players all play for each other, the standard doesn't drop when injuries occur, and we have a manager who sees something wrong and corrects it. We must keep NA and NC, both are essential to our progress. Let's win on Saturday and finish this season on a high, but most important of all, enjoy yourselves.
Life is just grand at the moment isn't it. If only Markus knew how much pleasure he and Nicola have brought to the people of this city. Your comments are spot on Beddytare.
A good read Beddytare, this is the first in a very long time that all Saints are, in the words of our articulate manager, "on the bus" and pulling in the same direction. The club has rediscovered it's self esteem thanks to the backing of St Marcus and the great stewardship of Nicola Cortese, Nigel Adkins and his coaching staff. The players must also take great credit for the way they have performed under massive pressure and expectation. Lastly, this is the proudest i've ever felt as a Saints fan about our support, which has been tremendous all season and like you say Beddy worth a few extra points.
Hahaha straight to the point. We'll finish above you. Remember I said this and come back in a year's time so I can mock you.
Won't last a second? The season lasts from August until May. Everything's looking good on the Red side of Hampshire, we'll be in the same League as you....investing in the squad, stable (minted) financially, bigger crowds by a country mile. Suddenly not looking so good for you lot is it?
Stop lads, how can we possibly compete with this sparkling and witty banter from our fish bothering friend...:-D
Beddy, was the title of your thread also the title of a well known song? I think it went; What a difference two years makes, 17520 little hours Brought the sun and the flowers Where there used to be rain. Something like that.
Am not familier Channonfodder......... They tell me I am musical......I'm not sure they mean in the same context as you are suggesting .....Hope you liked my little piece........
Top post BBBBeddy, must admit you do have a brilliant way with words. Echo everything you said, and it is sooooooooooooooooooo good to be a Saints supporter thes days, and as Fran said, we as supporters are still positive and behind the team even when we go behind, long may it last. Must get tuck bag ready for the big day tomorrow and yes I've got the 4 rolls of gaf in tape to make sure KSFC behaves himself Bring on the PARTY
i would advise everyone to put that twat on their ignore list, so he doesn't get the attention he craves
