Absolutely. Can't complain about those words. My major hope is that she doesn't take the history and tradition too seriously. I don't want to go back to having a mediocre team that struggles for Premier League survival with largely journeymen players. If she really wants to look back at history, when going forward, then consider the early 1980's as something of a minimum standard.
I would suggest from someone at the club informing Le Tissier et al that they are welcome back, she more means respecting the tradition of the club. People who contributed to get it to where it is today. In that sense, in our history there is a very big place for Nicola too, in my opinion.
Done nothing wrong yet? £30 M written off, breaking tranfer records several times, bankrolling the Acadamy. She deserves more than the benefit of the doubt, IMO!!!
Well, if we believe what we heard in the aftermath of Markus's passing, he laid down plans. She may simply have been the executor of his will. If so, maybe his will ties her to this club for some time longer? I don't know, I'm speculating. Either way, she appears to be thoughtful about Markus Liebherr's wishes.
Absolutely again. As long as we don't lose that vision of success on the field that we all signed upto, I'll be deliriously happy.
Yes, we are definitely on a journey. When we reflect on where we have been and how far we have come, we are so fortunate. The problem with long journeys are that passengers will change and we will have ups and downs. However my intuition is that we are in safe hands with Katharina, and I must try harder to enjoy the journey! This statement touches all bases for me, and is such a pick me up after losing NC
Actually, it kind of is. And it was Cortese's job as well but he never cared for it. That's the difference.
Maybe now that Cortese's gone, agents/players will be more willing to negotiate with us and whoever our new chairman is will be less stubborn, even if it does involve paying a little extra and meeting the other's demands.
I liked NC's style, never felt like we were being screwed by players/agents/clubs. I also hope the shredder is still living next to the fax machine.
Joe, I have never seen you so blind sided in your opinions. You are one of the fairest and open posters. I am a little surprised at your cynicism/lack of belief (wrong terms but can't think of the right one) at what is a statement that ticks the boxes. If she hadn't done it, woul you have been wondering how committed she is? I do still think myself, that actions speak louder than words, but as someone said earlier, "Good start"
Indeed it was often cited as Cortese's main weakness that he never openly interacted with the fans. But this is not open interaction either, this is PR.
As did I, but more agents will be willing to negotiate with us now as they won't have Cortese in their way. I'm not saying splash out the cash on agent fees and wages, but I bet there were a few deals we didn't know about which fell apart over minor details, and if we want to be a top 6 team, we'll have to offer top wages.
Cortese did some fantastic things for our club and I am very grateful to him for that. I was fortunate enough to have had dinner with him (amongst a group of 20) in the Board Room at St Mary's. He was an excellent host and at no point that evening did I ever feel as if he was watching the clock; he was there for us in the room. Time changes our lives and direction and time has called an end to Cortese's reign at our club. I thank him profusely for what he has done and I always turned a blind eye to those little foibles in personality that he seemed to have. Now it is time to look forward and not look back or rue what may have been. We have a new era starting and let's hope it is a long one and as successful as the last. Thanks Nicola, here are some of the things that happened while you were at our club and I believe that you had a big impact on with your directional style of management: You saved my club by bringing in Markus Liebherr and his pennies You convinced an establish manager to join our project You purchased a new hero, a player rapidly becoming a Saints Legend and a Southampton Goal Machine You took me to Wembley You hired a lovely gentleman called Nigel Adkins who made a big impression on me in his time at Saints You got me a promotion into the championship We got promoted from the Championship at the first attempt We sang "We are Southampton, we're top of the league" for a lot of the season and I loved that You took us back to the Premier league, where we belong You got me excited by signing players for fees I never thought I'd see Saints compete for You recognized the right time to bring in someone new into the management role to take us on again You lead the club in being one of the most talked about teams in the way we did things You made me proud to tell people I am a Southampton fan again. They don't chuckle anymore, they nod approvingly. You did a few things I was unsure of and I am sure a few things that I don't know about that I would not be too sure about, but I can turn a blind eye to those. I wish you well and I sincerely hope that you don't get trashed by the media you so isolated yourself from and I really hope you keep your powder dry in terms of taking about our club and the current and new leadership. Thank you. I am pleased with the way Ms Liebherr has started and I only hope she continues in the same manner she has begun. It is a good start and long may we grow.
