It's been a tough few weeks as a Saints supporter. Speculation, fuelled by 'headline' hungry reporters has the city rocking amidst fears of a club meltdown. Allegations of asset stripping and lack of ambition are totally unfounded. In fact, quite the opposite message has been given by the board. Somehow we choose not to believe them, but why? Is it simply because we don't know them? Pochettino's move away from Saints has been planned for months, it wasn't just a knee jerk reaction over talks about a new contract. He believes his move to Spurs is the right career move for him to better himself, as we all do given opportunity. It's reported the Saints board offered him a very lucrative deal to stay, surely that shows their intent to pay 'top dollar' for a good manager. I don't think all the tea in China could have stopped him leaving Lambert's sudden move to Liverpool is also not as spontaneous as it appears. During a recent Sky Sports interview he admitted discussing the matter with Gerrard a few months ago. Nobody can begrudge Ricky his dream move, if it were me i'd let him go for free!! The investment for 1 million quid has been paid back tenfold! The guy has been a legend for Southampton and deserves every success. No Saints fan let alone the board would stand in his way! Adam Lallana's move to Anfield. Once again, probably much to do with influence of England's Liverpool contingent. As much as I admire his skill I still do not believe he is the complete player. If he wants to go then so be it. The only thing the board can do is get the right price for him. Luke Shaw's move to a big club is nothing new, it's inevitable. We have heard this time after time during every window and i'm surprised we managed to keep him for this long! If you were offered the chance at United with big bucks in your pocket would you turn it down? Top manager coming in! A transfer kitty of 30 million (budgeted) plus 60 million from players sales equates to a nice sum of cash to strengthen and push on. I for one think the board have done everything in a professional manner, I doubt there's anything they could have done different so far. Legally they cannot comment on any ongoing negotiations, it's the press who get a whiff of something, twist it and fuel the fire!!! I say goodbye and thanks to Potch, Lambo, Lalla and Shaw, thanks you for contribution, it's been a hell of a ride! NOW get behind the board and be prepared for some exciting new signings!!
Pochettino's move wasn't planned for months, Spurs had other targets to replace Sherwood. And Lallana and Shaw have gone nowhere yet.
Who are you? Agree with most of this, apart from a little part of me still wishes Luke stayed a bit longer. A new (hopefully very good) manager and a decent budget will settle everyone down. Fans are prone to hysteria, but we also settle down quickly if we are given a clear message...because (unlike players and management) we are here for the long haul.
This scenario could have happened 12 months ago, but it didn't .. indeed Shaw signed a long term contract.. The difference is that since Cortese left the plan has been no discernable plan.. We have been fed s**t, sweet words that have meant nothing. We now have a reported melt down.. Other than that all is fair and rosey..
Pochetinos move may not have been planned for months, agreed. But it seems likely he has been plotting a move away for months.
Stayed..? Anyway, I'm finding it difficult to find a thread for this article link. It is about football's glass ceiling and how Southampton have hit it hard:http://fourfourtweet.co.uk/league-riches-make-southampton-latest-club-prevented-from-progressing/
The thing about glass ceilings is that someone has to be the first to break it. You struggle to better the top top sides with all their money, but our plan (if still in place) is to do things a different way. Obviously it still takes money, but to reduce the size of the required investment by doing things the right way...the Southampton way. To have all the age groups playing the same way...playing attractive football...so that youngsters arrive seamlessly into the first team. And to produce talented players that can be sold in order for the club to progress...I suppose the sale of Adam and Luke would be in that category. I'm hoping that we will have their replacements doing so well that we wonder what we were worrying about.
