We were worrying about fixtures against teams like Hartlepool and Exeter. I think sometimes we all forget how much progress we have made to sit top of the Championship going into 2012. It's been an amazing last 12 months and we should all be chanting our thanks to Nigel and Cortese at the City match. Lets hope for more of the same next year!
We were 5th after beating Hudders 1- 0! What a difference 12 months make. Unbelievable run from the lads,
Been an amazing two & a half years. Even when on minus ten & well up against it, things still felt better. Theres a real positivity about the place, ever since Markus walked through the door, gord rest his soul.
I can't believe the past couple of years. Like everyone else, I was gutted when we were relegated from the PL then from the Championship but, in all honesty, I can't say I haven't enjoyed the past couple of years what with a trophy and a promotion. 2011, in particular, has been fantastic for a Saints fan. This has been a lot more fun than the PL was. That said, I'll be disappointed if we blow it from here on in and fail to get back into the PL I have to confess that, when Nigel Adkins was appointed, my reaction was 'Who the HELL is he??!' and was underwhelmed but I was wrong and Nigel is fast becoming my favourite Saints manager of all time.
I remember taking one of my Spanish friends to see his first English game; we were away to Huddersfield. Adkins had been in charge for a month or two and we were shredded by the Terriers losing 2-0. Adkins changed our formation about three times and we just couldn't get hold of the ball; I think Butterfield had the most torrid game I have ever seen a full-back have. We looked tactically inept, completely unfit and left languishing 15th in League One below teams, such as Rochdale and Bristol Rovers. My friend told me that he thought British friends were very brave and loyal to go and watch such football every week. One year and two months later he is complimenting our team 39 places higher in the football divisions!
Two years ago we were playing catch-up, and right now we are playing 'catch us if you can'. I know which one I prefer.
Do you not think though that managers and owners go together? I feel a good manager and a bad owner usually do not work just the same as a bad manager and a good owner. Good examples of that perhaps is Pompey's demise....they've had some good managers but piss poor owners. That is why they are struggling. Saints had a real break when the family took us on and the introduction of Cortese. Pardew was not a bad manager but he did not gel with his immediate boss which caused problems. However in Adkins his replacement, we have got a gem. The chemistry between the two works a treat and it has spread through the team. I am sure all will agree there is no doubt that the team does need tweaking and strengthening. Where or why has been a great debating point. When you think that every other weekend or so there is up to 32000 budding managers out there all with their own ideas all with one common aim and that is for Saints to get back to the top flight and start rattling a few ego's just as they did before. That is what makes my association with Saints all the more exciting. It has been a long association, at times frustrating association, but it has and continues to be, a fascinating and pleasurable one. COYS
Great post Beddy! I must say that I have been watching the Saints regularly since 1978, and the last 2 1/2 years have honestly been the most exciting and enjoyable. The last game last season against Walsall was amazing to see St Mary's totally rocking for a third tier game! We never had an atmosphere like that in the Premier league! IF, if, if, if, if (is that enough 'I'm not counting my chickens ifs'?) we go up automatically I am getting goosebumps imagining the Coventry game in April..........However, what ever happens, I am once again proud to be a Saint and if I was giving out knighthoods, Mr Cortese and Mr Adkins would be first on the list! No 7
Everybody bangs on about Huddersfield not losing from this point last year but at this point them and us were roughly neck and neck and we racked up more points.
I started my Saints supporting life at Christmas. It was 1956 and I was young! There has never, repeat never, been a better time to be a Saint
