Cortese's presence in the boardroom has of course negatively impacted our league positions across the years he's been there. Oh no, hang on, my mistake...we've had consecutive promotions and stayed in the PL.
I couldn't even be bothered to add criticism it when I posted, its just so bad. I basically just did this to my screen. please log in to view this image
With more and more of the top clubs throwing all their efforts at Champions League qualification over domestic cup success, it leaves the gate ajar for one of the lesser clubs to ‘do a Wigan’ every season going forward.One such team who look primed to capitalise on this shift in emphasis are 2002/03 finalists Southampton at handsome odds of 40/1.Having secured their top-flight status with relative ease in the end last season – the Saints only lost two of their last 10 games – Mauricio Pochettino will be confident his talented squad can push on from here.The Argentine has already won many over to his cause after his controversial appointment last season, including Sir Alex Ferguson, who gushed after Southampton’s visit to Old Trafford that the south coast club were the best team to have visited in the league.Indeed, Saints’ ability to raise their game against the very top sides is what makes them such a tempting pick to cause a few shocks in a cup competition.Despite getting knocked out by this season’s 11/2 favourites Chelsea last term, Southampton then returned the favour by beating the Blues 2-1 at St Mary’s in the Premier League later in the campaign.Chelsea were not the only big gun scalp which Southampton took either, having hit Liverpool for three in the previous game, while doling out Man City the same treatment earlier in the season. Victor Wanyama’s summer arrival from Celtic should also have a positive effect.
... However, the Saints continue to look like a club on the edge due to the presence of Nicola Cortese in the boardroom... WTF is that supposed to mean..? His presence at Southampton FC is the very reason why Saints are going to be contesting for Europe this season instead of limping along in League One/Two or out of existence. Where do people get these stupid opinions..?
Just looked further up the thread and realised you had all touched on the same comment. A club on the edge, indeed.
Jamie Redknapp thinks we can get top 10 - http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/18932/8870318/jamie-redknapps-premier-league-ones-to-watch
Saints Podcast - Season Preview: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/saints-podcast/id460930920- (FREE)
Chief BBC Football Writer (loose terminology) Phil McNulty has us as 11th - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23001874
MLT's season preview (though he doesn't mention us) - http://www.freebets.com/football/tips/matt-le-tissier-new-season-preview-9th-August-2013
