Cortese is on Saintsweb, so he obviously has a thick skin. It wouldn't surprise me if he reads this one and others too.
No, if he took an interest on hearing what the common folk says, he'd have staff filter through it. Can't imagine he would be interested myself.
Someone on Saintsweb who was also at the dinner mentioned it. A few snippets of information like that, swipe card tickets, teasers, youth policy, training ground etc are already out there. I suspect FLT will make things clearer.
I was at the meal and can confirm what has been said on SaintsWeb. Nothing more juicy than the new ticketing system and the re-affirming that the aim is to win league. It's true that wage demands have got in the way but the club are constantly looking at ways to improve in order to achieve promotion, yet aren't going to be stupid with cash at the risk of upsetting the clubs financial future. As he always states, nothing has changed and things will be re-assesed when we get to prem. It was a great night and whilst being a strong character he is with no doubt the best person to be running things. ....no I'm not Cortese
Hi UTS. What are these evenings like? Is there any structure to them in terms of presentations/speeches and so on or is it just a load of fans throwing questions at The Don whilst pigging out?
Hi Hotbovril. The evening was the latter. Though not quite pigging out, more of a quality three course dinner. 20 of us (approx) sat around the Board table having a chat, few drinks and dinner. The chairman, was approachable, open and answered most questions... the occassional one he dodged. I am travelling and will put more up later. Rest assured though he is a top bloke!
We arrived, had a half hour tour of the stadium (promised we can come back another time for full 1.5 hour tour) then went into the boardroom which I'm told only the most senior staff are allowed in. Within a few minutes of chatting amongst ourselves, without looking, you knew the big man himself had entered the room. He came and shook our hands and then we all sat around a massive table and was served wine, followed by a top quality 3 course meal. Cortese had cue cards detailing how many games each of us had been to/how long we've had season tickets (presumably to gauge how much notice he should pay to our opinions on saints related matters). He seemed a little nervous but his good sense of humour came through quickly. After a short while people plucked the courage to speak up and ask Nicola a question. He was very much to the point and didn't shy away from much. He assured us we'd never get relegated whilst he's in control of club. I asked if he liked the song that's sung about him, but he asked me to sing it as he wasn't sure what song I meant. I explained about him apparently hating Pompey to which he explained that he doesn't hate Pompey (!) but understands the rivalry. He was very quick to point out we were in a similar position not so long ago. The questions gradually got more controversial as we gradually tested the waters. He wouldn't comment on Le Tiss as he's never even met him, wouldn't really comment on pardew other than to say they just didn't have the same ambitions and we're on different wavelengths regarding the clubs targets. Theres hopes for at least 50% of the first team to be players who have gone through the saints academy. He doesnt mind players using twitter as he appreciates that's how they express their feelings. Don't expect to see him on twitter anytime soon though. Based on his comments about salary caps and not paying stupid irresponsible prices for players you can be sure that Sharp will have been the one to settle for less in the deal in order for it to happen, as Cortese has made the saints package worth more than just the weekly salary. All I can think of right now and I don't think any of that is anything Cortese wouldn't tell you himself if asked..
Apologies for not yet posting but Nigel has me driving this bus everywhere! Later today I'll post the specific answers to some of your questions
Oh and I disagree with Upthesaints' view on Mr Cortese's reason for having a list of names and ticket purchases. He had that, I believe, not to listen more to ST holders but to ask why those without don't go to more games!! He even said that's couple of times... never missing an opportunity to get a sale.
That was just my opinion as didn't hear him mention that. A few of us came to that conclusion (including foundation staff) as if you've only ever been to one game yet you spout off about how he's doing a rubbish job then he quickly knows they're not in a position to comment. Disagreeing with me already fatletiss huh, we'll have words when I see you
