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Post by SaintTim on Dec 14, 2007 2:58:48 GMT
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Post by SaintTim on Dec 14, 2007 2:59:28 GMT
Our Home
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Post by SaintTim on Dec 14, 2007 3:03:10 GMT
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Post by SaintTim on Dec 14, 2007 8:31:14 GMT
Dyer out for three months Nathan Dyer is facing three months on the sidelines... The young winger who has nailed down his place in the first team this season, is seeing a specialist in London for a second opinion on the injured tendon in his leg. Dyer took a whack against Leicester and Saints fear that the tendon has come away from the bone and the only way to put it right will be surgery to graft it back on. If that does happen then Dyer, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will miss the next three months. It is just the latest in a line of injury setbacks for Saints boss George Burley this season. He said: "Unfortunately Nathan Dyer's still out. "He is seeing a specialist in London for a second opinion. "It looks as if he may need an operation which is a big blow to everybody. "It's a massive blow really and it's not just going to be one or two weeks either - it could be up to three months. "That's our luck, unfortunately, with injuries this season. "His pace is so valuable. He gives us that natural width and he's had a tremendous season so far. "He's come on leaps and bounds and really established himself in the team and got to the fringes of the England Under-21 side. "From pre-season, he's looked confident and has matured and developed into a top class player." Saints travel to Coventry tomorrow looking to build on seven points in their last three games and back-to-back clean sheets. Darren Powell will be back in the squad after returning to training after his lengthy spell out with an ankle injury. But, having not even had a reserve game, he will only be used in an emergency.
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Post by arover on Dec 14, 2007 9:43:18 GMT
There was a question in the quiz I did last night about Saints - dead easy which team formerly played at The Dell and now at St Marys.
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Post by SaintTim on Dec 14, 2007 10:58:03 GMT
There was a question in the quiz I did last night about Saints - dead easy which team formerly played at The Dell and now at St Marys. Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm im not sure
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Post by sunnersaint on Dec 17, 2007 18:27:21 GMT
Resignation of chairman and other directors
In his statement in the Company's Annual Report and Accounts, published on 28 November 2007, Ken Dulieu gave notice of his intention to stand down as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Friendly and constructive discussions have subsequently taken place amongst the Company, its advisers and the Company's Non-Executive Directors as a result of which it has been agreed that Ken Dulieu will stand down as Chairman of the Company today, Monday 17 December 2007. In addition, the Company has agreed with the following Executive Directors that they will resign as Directors of, and cease to be employed by, the Company at the same time: Jim Hone, Chief Executive and Andy Oldknow, Commercial Director (together, the "Departing Executives").
The Company's Annual General Meeting will go ahead as planned for Friday 21 December 2007 at St Mary's Stadium at 11.30am with Keith Wiseman, one of the Company's Non-Executive Directors, taking the chair.
The Company is in the process of identifying a Chairman to succeed Ken Dulieu and a Chief Executive to succeed Jim Hone. A further announcement will be made in this regard in due course. In the meantime, Lee Hoos is combining the role of Chief Executive with his current role of Operations Director.
Ken Dulieu and each of the Departing Executives were recruited to the Company during July 2006 by former director Michael Wilde, who remains a substantial shareholder in the Company. The common expectation was that Michael Wilde and his associates would secure the investment of substantial funds to help put the Company back on a sound financial footing and greatly enhance the prospects of Southampton Football Club (the "Club") winning promotion to the Premier League.
Regrettably, the fact that such funds never materialised caused severe and continuous friction amongst the Directors of the Company.
When it became apparent that the anticipated funds could not be relied upon, Ken Dulieu and Jim Hone were invited by the Board and agreed to take over the task of attracting substantial new investment into the business. Michael Wilde subsequently stood down as a Non-Executive Director of the Company and as Non-executive Chairman of the Club on 28 February 2007, after a spell of eight months in the role. By contrast, throughout their time together within the Company, the Chairman, Departing Executives and the remaining Executives (being Lee Hoos, Operations Director and David Jones, Finance Director) (the "Remaining Executives") have stood united in their pursuit of a prudent business strategy which has delivered highly creditable results in extremely challenging circumstances, including the continuing absence of much-needed investment that the Company had been given to expect. They exercised firm management control at all levels so as to ensure that the Company always operated within its means and that proper balance was struck between financial prudence and making available the maximum affordable resources to enable the Club to compete as a genuine contender for promotion to the Premier League.
The success of this approach is evident from the following highlights extracted from the recently published Annual Report and Accounts for the financial year ended 30 June 2007. · Top Six finish in the Coca Cola Championship compared with 12th place finish the previous season.
· Cash positive business performance.
· £2.2 million reduction in net debt position.
· Profit before interest and tax of £1 million compared to a loss of £1.3 million the previous year.
· Operating losses reduced by £3.2 million.
· Operating Costs and administrative expenses reduced by £5.8 million from the previous financial year.
· Profit of £7.5 million from player trading
Over the past 12 months, Ken Dulieu and Jim Hone have conducted, in conjunction with the Company's stockbrokers and nominated advisers, Seymour Pierce, extensive discussions with numerous potential investors, including private individuals, consortia and financial institutions. However, only one of those parties, SISU Capital Limited ('SISU'), pursued their interest to the point of making a formal indicative offer of investment, underpinned by proof of funds.
The Board announced on 22 October 2007 that it had agreed in principle to proceed with SISU's proposals and a copy of the indicative offer letter was subsequently conveyed to major shareholders, Rupert Lowe, Michael Wilde and Leon Crouch.
Regrettably, these shareholders rejected SISU's proposals in the form that the proposals were then in and they issued public statements to that effect. However, SISU gave no indication that they were willing to make any substantive changes to their indicative offer but did not withdraw it.
The Board of Coventry City Football Club announced on Friday 14 December that the terms of an offer they had received from SISU had been accepted. That announcement effectively terminated SISU's interest in Southampton Football Club.
The Chairman and the Departing Executives were unanimously of the opinion that SISU's investment proposals offered the prospect of a strong future for the Club and would have provided the financial backing necessary for the Club to win promotion to the Premier League and compete effectively at that level.
Having worked over many months to bring forward the SISU opportunity for the Company and since there is obviously a major difference of opinion between them and certain major shareholders concerning the appropriate way forward for the Company, the Chairman and Departing Executives do not wish to be a barrier to whatever future those shareholders now envisage for the Company and the Club.
Whilst the Company is under no immediate financial threat, continuation of the prudent financial regime established by Ken Dulieu and all of the Executives will be necessary to maintain financial stability.
The Company would like to place on record its sincere appreciation of the excellent results achieved both collectively and individually by Ken Dulieu, Jim Hone and Andy Oldknow.
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Post by sunnersaint on Dec 17, 2007 18:31:53 GMT
Good riddance you bumbling, inept old farts.
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Post by Bismarck on Dec 18, 2007 5:11:33 GMT
Nice one Tim.....Still got Le god up there then....
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Post by SaintTim on Dec 29, 2007 1:08:23 GMT
Burley set for crucial transfer window talks
George Burley is eagerly anticipating transfer talks with his board next week to find out what he can do during the January window.
It had seemed he would have to sell off his star players in January to balance the club's books once again before the changes at the top of the club last week.
The noises coming out of St Mary's now are far more positive with the emphasis on a trimming of players out of the first team reckoning rather than cashing in on the club's biggest assets such as star midfielder Andrew Surman.
Burley, of course, is also keen to find out what he can do in terms of bringing players in as well.
He will be meeting acting chief execuive Lee Hoos and the re-installed chairman of the football board Leon Crouch for talks.
The Saints boss admits he is keen to bring in some new signings during the transfer window to try and give the squad a boost in their push for promotion.
But he doesn't know what the financial situation is yet in terms of buying and selling.
He said: "There's no doubt I'd like to bring some new faces in in January but for me it's too early to say at the moment because I don't know what I can or can't do.
"I'd like to bring new faces in, whether it's loans or permanent.
"We need to kick on and at this stage of this season we are a little bit short.
"We've had four or five long term injuries in the first part of the season so naturally in January you would like to freshen things up."
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Post by Bismarck on Jan 2, 2008 17:09:19 GMT
Southampton's future continues to be uncertain after three members of Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC, the PLC board of the football club, resigned. Chief executive Jim Hone, PLC chairman Ken Dulieu and commercial director Andy Oldknow all decided to leave the Saints after the prospective takeover of the club by Ray Ranson's SISU Capital Limited fell through.
Southampton's future continues to be uncertain after three members of Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC, the PLC board of the football club, resigned. Ranson's takeover of Southampton's Championship rivals Coventry City was accepted on Friday.
A statement from Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC read: "Having worked over many months to bring forward the SISU opportunity for the company and since there is obviously a major difference of opinion between them and certain major shareholders concerning the appropriate way forward for the company, the chairman and departing executives do not wish to be a barrier to whatever future those shareholders now envisage for the company and the club.
"Whilst the company is under no immediate financial threat, continuation of the prudent financial regime established by Ken Dulieu and all of the executives will be necessary to maintain financial stability.
"The company would like to place on record its sincere appreciation of the excellent results achieved both collectively and individually by Ken Dulieu, Jim Hone and Andy Oldknow."
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Post by sunnersaint on Jan 5, 2008 15:43:03 GMT
Tycoon Wants Southampton
British-Iranian business tycoon Kia Joorabchian is reportedly involved in a £50million consortium looking for a takeover of Southampton.
The 36-year-old – founder and president of Media Sports Investments – failed in his attempt to buy West Ham 18 months ago.
Late last year, SISU Capital were amongst the parties interested in a Saints takeover, which would require buying a majority share in parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings plc.
SISU opted to buy Coventry instead, with three Southampton bosses quitting the troubled club in December.
However, Joorabchian sees potential in Saints, who lie 15th in the Championship, and is confident of completing the takeover within the next fortnight.
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 5, 2008 16:06:53 GMT
Would be nice if it was to happen but how many times have we heard this....
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Post by Blessedmo on Jan 5, 2008 21:57:10 GMT
HA HA! I live in Southampton.
IT is nice.
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 6, 2008 12:31:41 GMT
Southampton FC 1902-03
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 17, 2008 1:23:55 GMT
Southampton sign Villa defender
Southampton have signed Aston Villa's Republic of Ireland international left-back Stephen O'Halloran, 20, on an initial month's loan. With Villa already out of the FA Cup, they have given Saints permission to field him in that competition.
"He is a young defender who can play on the left or at centre-back," boss George Burley told Saints' website.
"He will give us a bit more depth and a few more options - and it is good to bring a fresh face into the squad."
O'Halloran is awaiting his competitive debut for Villa, but had a loan spell at Wycombe last season.
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 23, 2008 7:12:58 GMT
Burley to be offered Scotland job
Southampton's George Burley will be offered the Scotland manager's job on Wednesday, BBC Sport understands. A Scottish Football Association spokesman would only confirm that its interview panel had decided on a preferred candidate.
And its board will be asked to ratify the decision on Wednesday.
The 51-year-old Burley became the odds-on favourite with bookmakers on Tuesday as news began to emerge that he was the preferred candidate.
Yet Burley had long been considered the outsider of the four men on the SFA's shortlist, which included Tommy Burns, Mark McGhee and Graeme Souness.
Burley was interviewed last week, along with former Liverpool and Rangers manager Souness and Motherwell boss McGhee, after Southampton reluctantly agreed to the SFA's request to speak to their manager.
It had looked like Burns had ruled himself out after he indicated his reluctance to be interviewed for the post, but it was believed that the Celtic coach had sufficient contact to be still in the frame.
McGhee was disappointed to learn about Burley's likely appointment through the media but was philosophical about the decision.
"All I can say is congratulations to George," he told BBC Radio Scotland ahead of Motherwell's SPL match against Hearts on Wednesday night.
"I think he will be a terrific Scotland manager and I will do all I can to help him.
"I remain very proud to have been considered and if George does not win the World Cup then it opens it up for me to be one who does!"
Former Scotland international Pat Nevin is confident Burley's appointment is a step forward for Scottish football.
Everyone in England knows what he has done - he has done a great job everywhere he has been," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"He is the only man who has recently come close to breaking the Old Firm stronghold with Hearts.
"If he had been given more time he would have taken Celtic and Rangers to the wire."
Meanwhile, Burley took his side's training as normal on Tuesday.
And the English Championship club maintained that they have heard nothing to suggest their manager is on his way north of the border.
Chairman Leon Crouch told the BBC that there will be no comment from the club until they hear from the SFA or Burley himself.
Burley has remained guarded about his intentions, stressing he is happy in his role on the south coast.
"It is a great honour that Scotland asked to speak to me," he said after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Plymouth.
"There is a lot to consider. I am very happy at Southampton.
"But if your country asks to speak to you then it is only right to do so."
Saints are struggling to mount a promotion push for the third straight year, while the club still lack the investment required to make a mark on the transfer market.
The former Ipswich, Derby and Hearts manager has been forced to sell stars such as Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Kenwyne Jones and Chris Baird since he took over from Harry Redknapp in December 2005.
And it appears he has found the pull of the Scotland job too strong to turn down.
SFA president George Peat has confirmed a meeting will be held on Tuesday to discuss the candidates.
The new manager's first game will be the 26 March friendly against Croatia at Hampden Park.
GEORGE BURLEY FACTFILE 1956: Burley born in Cumnock, Ayrshire 1973: Makes debut for Ipswich Town 1979: Wins first of 11 Scotland caps 1991: Becomes player/manager at Ayr Utd 1994: Becomes manager at Ipswich, winning promotion to Premiership 2001: Leads Ipswich into Uefa Cup 2005:Appointed manager of Hearts by new owner Vladimir Romanov, Burley left after four months 2005: Takes over at Southampton
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 23, 2008 7:13:30 GMT
Glen Hoddle is believed to be the favourite to replace George Burley at Southampton if as expected he becomes the new Scotland manager. (Mirror)
Cardiff manager Dave Jones and out of work Billy Davies are also thought to be on the short-list. (various)
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 23, 2008 7:26:32 GMT
Looks like Burley maybe off soon to manage his country,i say good luck to him i hope he does well if he gets the job.There are lots of names out there being linked with the job and here are just some of them...
Billy Davis..... not sure about him but Olly would no more
Hoddle...Many fans cant forgive him for walking out on us,but i would like him back as he did a great job... If those fans didn't kick up such a fuss about him coming back the last time then we probably wouldn't be here we are now..he is not my first choice tho...I MUST ADMIT HE IS A BIT ARROGANT
Jason Dodd.. No i don't think it would work.. BLESS HIM
Shearer.... I wouldn't mind him back with us
Ince... Yes would love Ince
Dave Jones ..... Not for me
Souness......Noooooooooooooooooooooooo
Micky Adams.....liked by many saints fans but not for me
There is more but i cant think of them...
My top 3 choices of my list are
Ince Shearer Hoddle
What about my friend Sunnersaint what do you think ?
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 23, 2008 8:25:48 GMT
Hoddle leads names in frame to replace George
GLENN Hoddle is the main name mentioned today in the national press as speculation starts as to who the next Saints boss will be if George Burley takes over at Scotland.
Hoddle has been out of work since leaving Wolves in the summer of 2006.
The ex-Dell manager had lost only 15 out of 76 league and cup games while in charge of the Black Country outfit, but had drawn a whopping 34 since his appointment in December 2004.
Hoddle left Wolves after they had finished seventh in the Championship in 2005/06 - one place outside the play-offs, but eight points adrift of sixth-placed Crystal Palace.
Hoddle's long-time No 2 John Gorman is already at St Mary's - he was brought in by Burley as chief scout last summer following Simon Hunt's departure to West Brom.
Former Saints chairman Rupert Lowe was keen to bring Hoddle back to the club following Gordon Strachan's departure almost four years ago.
But a section of the fanbase was highly critical of the move, and Paul Sturrock was brought in instead.
Hoddle had left the Dell in March 2001 to take over at his 'spiritual home' at Tottenham, but was sacked in September 2003 - ironically after Saints, helped by a James Beattie double, had won 3-1 at White Hart Lane.
Other names put in the frame today include ex-Saint Micky Adams and former Derby boss Billy Davies.
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 23, 2008 8:27:44 GMT
Please, not Billy Davies!
SAINTS fans have been having their say on the George Burley for Scotland situation ....
As news breaks that George Burley is going to be appointed Scottish manager, it also seems that Billy Davies could be offered our job.
I think that GB deserves his chance to manage his country and no one can ever hold it agianst someone for doing so.
What is scary is the possibility that Davies may come here. His style of football is awful.
He relys on "stop first tactics" and "hit the target man". The beautiful game is low on his agenda. His arrogance and self proclamation is cringeworthy and I for one have always found his manner fake.
Never have I felt a sense of worry over a potential appointment. I'd rather see Lowe back as chairman!!
For once, we have the chance to pick our new manager from quite a few "available" people. Coleman (maybe perfect-young and hungry, with good experience), Shearer (would be high profile and exciting-and he owes us!), Mourinho (can't blame me for dreaming!!), Alladyce (class), Sanchez, Reid, Peter Taylor, Mickey Adams, Hoddle, McClaren (not sure!),(even) Souness, to name a few!
And then there's the ones in a job; Gary Johnson, Ian Dowie, Boothroyd, Wenger!!
All in all, a good few options. We will see, but I hope to god that its one of the above and not Davies!
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 23, 2008 13:06:07 GMT
Hoddle 4/1 favourite with bookies to replace Burley
Glenn Hoddle is the 4/1 favourite to replace the Scotland-bound George Burley as next manager of Saints.
Paddy Power, Saints' official betting partner, has the latest odds making Hoddle the favourite for a return to Southampton followed by another former Saint, Alan Shearer at 9/2.
Also in the running are out of work managers Billy Davies at 11/2 and Chris Coleman at 8/1.
The hero of St Mary's Matt Le Tissier is 28/1 to leave the Sky Sports panel and make an unexpected move into management.
With plenty of managers having sat in the Saint's hotseat in recent years several are in the betting for a return.
Besides Hoddle, Graeme Souness is 10/1, Dave Jones 20/1, with Gordon Strachan and Lawrie McMenemy both 40/1 for an unlikely return.
Even less likely are the chances of Harry Redknapp once again "going down the road" from Portsmouth at 150/1.
Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: "Although Saints fans were upset when he walked out last time, Hoddle had a successful spell on the South Coast and their current position now might make them more willing to forgive and forget.
"It's going to be an interesting market for punters to judge. Managers know there's a great club on offer just waiting to be put on the right track but will their financial constraints put potential candidates off?"
Next Saints Manager.
4/1 Glenn Hoddle. 9/2 Alan Shearer. 11/2 Billy Davies. 8/1 Chris Coleman. 10/1 Graeme Souness. 10/1 Paul Ince. 12/1 Sam Allardyce. 16/1 Martin Jol. 16/1 Kevin Blackwell. 16/1 Gary Johnson. 16/1 David O'Leary. 20/1 Dave Jones. 20/1 Iain Dowie. 25/1 Graham Taylor. 25/1 Jim Magilton. 25/1 Roberto Martinez. 25/1 Mick McCarthy. 25/1 Micky Adams. 25/1 Stuart Pearce. 25/1 Mark McGhee. 28/1 Matt Le Tissier. 28/1 George Graham. 28/1 David Platt. 40/1 Lawrie McMenemy. 40/1 Gordon Strachan. 150/1 Jamie Redknapp. 150/1 Harry Redknapp.
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 25, 2008 6:31:13 GMT
Saints set sights on Ince MK Dons boss wanted to replace Burley
Sky Sports News understands Paul Ince is Southampton's No.1 target to replace George Burley as manager.
Burley has been appointed as Scotland's new national team coach after spending two years in charge at St Mary's.
A string of names have been mooted as Burley's possible successor, with former Fulham boss Chris Coleman interested in the role.
Glenn Hoddle has also been linked with a return to the club, but Sky Sports News understands Ince is the man the Championship side want.
Ince is currently boss of Milton Keynes Dons after keeping Macclesfield Town in the Football League last season in his first managerial post.
He has taken MK Dons to the top of League Two and was coveted by Premier League strugglers Derby County in the autumn.
MK Dons could now face a renewed fight to hang on to the former England international amid reports Saints are weighing up an approach.
In the meantime, John Gorman and Jason Dodd will be in caretaker charge for Southampton's FA Cup fourth round tie with Bury on Saturday.
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Post by stealth1039 on Jan 25, 2008 11:15:54 GMT
What would you think of Ince becoming "Governor" at Saints, Tim?
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Post by thefullback on Jan 25, 2008 15:53:15 GMT
Ince looks into the future ... ... and sees a halo above the vigin marys head ... what the ............!!!
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Post by Wolvensam on Jan 25, 2008 16:23:17 GMT
Be careful if you decline him he might call you racists...
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Post by SaintTim on Jan 25, 2008 23:39:41 GMT
I would love to have ince as boss but i dont think it will happen,i have a feeling it maybe Chris Coleman ?
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Post by Wolvensam on Jan 26, 2008 0:21:13 GMT
I hope it's Hoddle.
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Post by stealth1039 on Jan 27, 2008 11:25:58 GMT
I think you could do a lot worse than either Hoddle or Coleman.
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Post by Wolvensam on Jan 27, 2008 11:36:18 GMT
I think you could do a lot worse than either Hoddle or Coleman. Nobody is worse than Hoddle.
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