And then of course we'll be viewed as a club which has bought its way to the title, little forgetting that every club has more or less bought its way to the title ever since paid transfers were a part of the game, but more so since the coming of significant TV money. If there is a chance for a club to be disliked by rival supporters, some of them will jump at the opportunity. What I do find ridiculous is that a proportion of supposedly informed professional pundits also fall into the trap of judging clubs merely on their past, not their present day accomplishments and stated ambitions. Incidentally, is there fair competition in the business of league football..? Of course there isn't.
I think Chelsea have started to gain more respect in recent years despite buying their success. I'm in an odd situation, I'm from Ringwood and my family are Saints fans going back a few generations (my dad grew up in Southampton) but only 30 mins down the road in Ringwood I have friends telling me that no one supports Southampton. They are largely Chelsea fans and a Liverpool fan we know (who coincidentally has no family in Liverpool) seems to have more respect for the Chelsea fans than for my support, even though mine is grounded in family. It seems odd to me that this be the case, I guess they were the generation of fans who grew up in the 90's (having reached about 13 by the 00's) and Southampton were such a small club to them that all they saw were the top teams making all the headlines. There are Southampton fans in Ringwood but I never seem to meet any of them, and in one case a guy in the pub went around asking who everyone supports (all answering Chelsea, Arsenal, Man U, Liverpool) and when they got to me they burst out laughing (though we were in league one at the time). So I suppose my negativity is ingrained in me, for so many people in a town so close to Southampton to see us as a small town club, I just don't see a way out of it. But I think buying the title will be much more satisfying than having a dignified finish in the Premier League each season, so if I could take either I would rather we bought the title. (sorry for my life story).
Dear me, your anti-Scottish rumblings show no sign of abating. `Your mate` is maybe the one with half a brain - you should keep better, enlightened company. I`m curious what he bases his assertion on. I know dozens of intelligent English people who have settled in Scotland, and have no intention of leaving. Most of my `clever` Scottish friends chose to live in Scotland, because they like it, and it is home. I`m reasonably well qualified - graduate and Chartered in my profession (`your friend` will be a brain surgeon no doubt)- and chose to live here. I think if you look at any board, you will find some pretty thick people.
Very interesting. Can't believe those suggesting that Morgan is disposable now we have signed Wanyama. Strengthening the midfield in depth essential for Mauricio's style over a whole season. Imagine the opposition have been denied possession for most of a match, then, just as they think they are getting back into it, Mauricio changes one great midfielder for another.
You've got one hell of a player if he keeps developing like he has... if he does, you make a profit when chamos lge teams come knocking. Good luck, hope you match (or better) last season and stay up comfortably.
Reading up more on VW I'm feeling much more confident about his abilities, still think there is plenty of room for improvement though.
Slightly disappointed we didn't go for him, although Paulinho aint half bad either. Wanyama looked very impressive whenever I saw him last season, that's a serious signing you've made there.
Victor Wanyama on Twitter: "Nice to meet @justinrose99 yesterday. Good luck for The Open hope to see U at St Mary's this season" please log in to view this image
Hampshire born Rose supports Chelsea doesn't he? Although he may switch to Saints now we are successful in true Chelsea/North Hampshire styleeee.
Not at all, he's just a player that I've very much enjoyed watching over the past year, particularly during Celtic's CL run. A bit like Benteke for Villa, although we might yet get him! Anyway back to Soton, I've seen others have mentioned getting a new striker but I think you could do with a quality number 10 too, if that's how you're going to play. Get them and I can see you comfortably finishing in the top half, maybe even replacing Everton in the top 7.
I'm hoping we can pick up Ever Banega from Valencia and use him in a number 10 role. Boruc Clyne - Louvren - Yoshida - Shaw Cork Wanayama - Schneiderlin Banega Rodriguez. - Lambert But you can replace Banega with Ramires, lacks width but that's where the full backs come in.
He have a few options at 10 even without Banega. Ramirez of course, but also Lallana, Lambert, Rodriguez, Puncheon, JWP and Schneiderlin can all play there if need be.
Perhaps I should qualify this, I'm by no means a Guly hater but saw him last year as very much a fringe player? Do you really think, if we are to push on to the next level Guly can play a part. I for one don't think so.
