Printer-friendly pageThursday, May 11, 2006
As the Rolling Stones might say, if they are not falling out of trees, Its All Over Now. But how much Satisfaction did you get? Forgive me from indulging in a little self gratification, but I did predict that Saints would finish in a similar position as when they went down some 30 years ago. All those years ago Saints came 13th. We improved on that by one place this time around, but the stattos amongst you will have noticed that that the goal difference was the same.
It was never going to be as easy as some Saints fans thought. Saints were not prepared for the rigours of a lower league after being in the top flight for so long. Some of the reasons for the inability to challenge for promotion are due to the off field politics but a bigger reason is the lack of pace in the team. Raw pace will always be an asset in this league and that is why I favour Watford to win the Play-offs.
Raw pace will always be an asset in this league and that is why I favour Watford to win the Play-offs
George Burley is settling in nicely and I wish the club would give him a longer contract. But a contract is worth nothing these days and already the press are saying that he is in the frame for Charlton job. Please George, ignore this pressure and stay with the Saints.
In looking toward next season I am sure that Saints will improve on their mid table spot. But do not be fooled by the late surge of points that Saints have gained at the end of this season. Two victories were against teams that went down, another against Leicester in a typical end of season game and another was one where Saints should have won anyway.
The current squad is not good enough to make a determined bid for automatic promotion. George has got to buy some quality. Easier said than done, but a couple of astute buys could easily motivate the rest of the team. The impatient Saints fans will expect instant success next season. It may take a little longer.
LAWRIE McMENEMY - CELEBRATION OF OUR CUP VICTORY
I cannot hide my delight at Lawrie's agreement to come up and see us for an evening on Friday 26 May. He still fondly remembers the days when he brought the team along for a couple of hours to meet the fans - something that is becoming a bit of a struggle these days.
May 1st 1976 was a glorious day and is regretfully the only top trophy we have won since the Saints were formed. The evening will be a celebration of that day, full of fun and nostalgia, and no doubt Lawrie will reveal some untold secrets surrounding that great day.
It will be a night not to be missed and maybe a never repeated opportunity to meet the great man who took us to glory on that day in May 30 years go. All I can say is - just be there.
THE PLAYERS EVENING
George Burley has turned us down for a meet with the players. This is most disappointing, especially as we offered to be more inclusive, inviting other Saints supporters groups.
We are suffering from the multitude of Saints supporters clubs that have grown up over the years - you will have seen them in the matchday programme. We will continue to press Southampton Football Club on this in the hope that will recognise our long standing support.
A SUMMER OF DISCONTENT?
I have little passion for the world of politics which is probably why I get annoyed at some of the crowd shouting for 'Rupert out' during the actual match - but on the other hand I suppose it is the best time to do it to make an impact.
I have little passion for the world of politics which is probably why I get annoyed at some of the crowd shouting for 'Rupert out' during the actual match
The 'We want Rupert out' thing seemed to start in earnest following the sale of Theo Walcott. But I do not see why that should spark such feverish actions when it was clear that Theo wanted to go and play with his childhood hero at a better club.
It does seem that there is a faction who want Rupert and or Clive out at any cost either because of their personal politics or the sports that they are associated with. In my naïve world I still do not like real politics and sport mixing.
My wish for a summer of cricket and the World Cup maybe interspersed with rumblings of who is buying how many more shares into SFC and the sayings of Michael Wilde and Leon Crouch. One day SFC just might get back to a normal life.
Anything to say about Mick's comments? Go onto the Forum
