I have never understood fans who love a player when they are at the club, then hate them as soon as they leave. I can understand it if they went to a fierce rival, but other than that, whats the problem? For instance, I for one wont hold a grudge against Chamberlain if he decides to go, even if it is the wrong career choice . If the player serves you well while he is at the club, then leaves for whatever reason, be it money, a bigger club, European football, etc, then so be it. Anyway, how do you know you would act differently if you were a pro?
I don't have a problem with any of them except the likes of Phillips who didn't leave under the best circumstances. I always cheer on the likes of Bale, I made my fantasy team last season 100% out of ex Southampton players! I'll hold a bit of a grudge against Chamberlain because of the way he's gone about it with these interviews and stuff, but I shan't be baying for his blood.
Good thread It depends on the circumstance. Punch won't be getting a polite round of applause from me. The Dell nearly collapsed when Terry Paine came back with Hereford. Two extremes there, I know. We sang "you've got Brett Omerrod" to Blackpool and he got an ovation when he went off; I don't think we'll be singing Super Kevin Phillips when they come back together this season. Depends on how they left and what they said. I have no problem if people go up the ladder when they leave. When does Martin Crainey come back with Coventry
I don't have a problem with any player that leaves unless they've left in bad circumstances like Kenwyne Jones when he went on strike and refused to play until we sold him to Sunderland!
I have no problem with any player that feels their future is away from the club, I do however have a problem with a player that makes the situation so difficult that the only choice we have is to let go of him. Take for example Chamberlain, he has stated he feels he is a Prem player and would like to leave, that's fine! If he continues to do a job for us 'til the point we manage to get the right price for him then I will continue to support him throughout his career, if he pulls a Kenwyne on the other hand I will slate him 'til I'm blue in the face!!!
There is a lot to be said about loyalty. Sadly there doesn't seem to be so much around these days. If Chamberlain leaves I have to admit that I will not have much of a soft spot for him should I have the misfortune to see him play again at St Mary's. I do not normally get into the habit of booing players or giving them a hard time when the return. I do like to show appreciation to players when the return if they have been a good servant to the club and treated the fans and club with respect. I can understand a player wanting to perhaps enhance his career, should he be of an age where he cannot wait for Saints to give him that chance themselves. Chamberlain is likely not to gain anything should he move now for at least another 3 to 4 years. Other than to say that he plays for Arsenal or who ever. It would be poor judgement on his part and that of his fathers, if he is really the instigator of this so called interest.
I won't have a problem when Chamberlain eventually goes and will wish him all the best as I have for Walcott/Bale. Wasn't a fan of how Phillips or Kenwyne Jones left but that's Football.
