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Post by SaintTim on Apr 21, 2008 22:47:59 GMT
Yes i am very concerned Arover i cant see us beating West Brom but u never know & Sheffield United wont be easy.Its going to be a tough call
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Post by SaintTim on Apr 21, 2008 23:41:41 GMT
Saints call EGM
Saints have today confirmed they will hold an EGM called by former chairmen Michael Wilde and Rupert Lowe.
The two ex-bosses want the removal of all the current PLC board, aside from finance director David Jones, and for them to be replaced by Lowe, Wilde and Andrew Cowen.
Lowe and Wilde offered the board a deal to stay in power until the end of the season and to avoid an EGM if they agreed to an orderly handover of power on May 6.
However, despite Lowe and Wilde being backed by 46 per cent of the club's shareholding, the current board have called an EGM for Friday, May 16.
Their statement this afternoon to the stock exchange read:
Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC (the "Company") today announces that an extraordinary general meeting has been convened for Friday, 16 May 2008 at 11.30am for the purposes of considering resolutions to remove each of Leon Adrian Crouch, Charles Leo Hoos, Patrick Murray Trant and Keith St John Wiseman as directors of the Company and to appoint each of Andrew Edward Cowen, Rupert James Graham Lowe and Michael Gordon Wilde as directors of the Company. The convening of this meeting is in accordance with the requisition for a general meeting received by the Company from Rupert Lowe, Michael Wilde and Merlion Equities (UK) Limited and as announced by the Company on 1 April 2008. The extraordinary general meeting will be held at St Mary's Stadium, Britannia Road, Southampton SO14 5FP and a notice of the meeting will be sent to shareholders accordingly.
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Post by arover on Apr 22, 2008 10:36:55 GMT
Yes i am very concerned Arover i cant see us beating West Brom but u never know & Sheffield United wont be easy.Its going to be a tough call West Brom & Sheffield Utd are the 2 form teams in the division right now.
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Post by stealth1039 on Apr 28, 2008 10:16:06 GMT
Former England boss Glenn Hoddle could be set for a second spell as boss of Southampton if Rupert Lowe returns as chairman. (Daily Mail)
What do you think Tim? Is it worth the pain of getting Lowe back?
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Post by arover on Apr 28, 2008 13:10:01 GMT
After the weekend I have to say it looks a bit grim.
It's going to be very difficult tonight at WBA and then it really is squeaky bum time.
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Post by SaintTim on May 7, 2008 12:37:09 GMT
Pearson unsure over Saints future
Southampton manager Nigel Pearson has admitted that his future at the club is "uncertain", despite keeping them in the Championship this season.
With former chairman Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde set to overthrow the current board, Pearson's future has been the subject of speculation.
Pearson told BBC Radio Solent: "There is a level of uncertainty at the moment, but it is out of my hands."
"This is a great club, and I'd love to stay and be part of the future."
The Saints won their battle against relegation, which went to the last day of the campaign, and Pearson is keen to stay on at St Mary's.
"The experience has definitely given me the motivation that, if I do get the opportunity to continue, I'll do it with absolute commitment," he added.
Nick Illingsworth is the chairman of the Saints Trust, and he told BBC Radio Solent that the fans were behind Pearson:
"The overall groundswell of opinion amongst fans is that he did well to keep us up, and he should be given a chance at continuing the job."
"But I think that if Rupert Lowe comes in he won't be kept on, and that would be a shame. There are over-riding factors in Pearson's performance, not least the mess that he took over."
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Post by SaintTim on May 8, 2008 13:03:28 GMT
Consortium poised for Saints bid
A consortium hoping to buy Southampton has secured the funds to mount a bid for the Championship outfit.
A source has told BBC Radio Solent that a group led by barrister Jonathan Fulthorpe is close to tabling a full offer for Southampton's parent company.
Saints have been in talks with the group for several months.
If the bid stalls, former Saints chairmen Michael Wilde and Rupert Lowe are poised to take control of the club ahead of a planned EGM on 16 May.
Lowe and Wilde control 46% of the shares in parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings plc.
The pair recently requested the Extraordinary General Meeting in a bid to remove most of the current board, including football club chairman Leon Crouch.
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Post by SaintTim on May 9, 2008 8:55:42 GMT
Saints' investment waiting game continues
Saints chairman Leon Crouch was today facing an anxious wait to see if he can welcome much-needed investment into the club on what could be his final working day as chairman.
Crouch has actively been chasing investment over the past few months and has confirmed this week he is in serious negotiations with an interested party.
Saints are bound by strict PLC rules which mean they are not allowed to make any further comment unless they are able to say something more concrete to the stock exchange.
But the Echo understands the consortium featuring Southampton barrister Jonathan Fulthorpe, John Cousins and former Saints boss Dave Merrington are those most likely to make an offer.
It is believed Crouch was encouraged to call the EGM requisitioned by Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde for the last possible day it could be held - a week today - on the back of the consortium's hopes they could confirm they had the cash for their deal and make an offer by the end of this week.
In stock exchange terms, that means the close of business today.
Though Wilde and Lowe are still likely to come in next week and oversee negotiations, Crouch will be keen to be the man who brings new investors to the table having been involved in negotiations for some time.
Reports have uggested that the consortium have indeed got the money for a bid in place.
But there was little reaction in the City yesterday with the share price remaining unmoved at 32.5p.
If the bid is not forthcoming, Crouch and the other board members who have been told to go by Lowe and Wilde - chief executive Lee Hoos, Keith Wiseman and Patrick Trant - are expected to stand down at the start of next week rather than drag the club through a painful EGM.
That will mean Lowe and Wilde back in at St Mary's next week.
It is rumoured the consortium are willing to pay 50p a share for the club, which would value it at around £14m.
At that price, Lowe's Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC shares, which he purchased at various prices, would be worth £938,984.
Wilde's would be worth in excess of £1.5m, which is about break even given what he paid for them in 2006.
Crouch, the second largest individual shareholder behind Wilde, would get £1.397m, a loss of £419,134 on what he paid for them.
Andrew Cowen, who could come back onto the PLC board with Wilde and Lowe, would see his holding valued at £236,245.
Trant's holding would be worth £92,500, just under £13,000 more than he paid for them.
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Post by SaintTim on May 11, 2008 7:13:09 GMT
Souness sights on Southampton bid
Former Southampton manager Graeme Souness is among wannabe owners circling the Championship club's still-breathing body after their last-day escape from relegation.
But Souness, who teamed up with Everest double glazing tycoon Brian Kennedy to mount a failed £20 million bid for Wolves last year, will face stiff competition from a number of parties who have been following events for some time.
Another former Southampton boss, Dave Merrington, is believed to be part of the best-placed bid, led by barrister Jonathan Fulthorpe and businessman John Cousins, while groups featuring ITV chief John Cresswell and ex-Everton director Paul Gregg are also thought to remain keen on striking a deal at the right price — about £40m, to cover share acquisition, an £8m overdraft and £20m of stadium debt.
Add in new consortia attracted by the potential fortune to be made by taking the debt-ridden club back into the top flight, and there will be plenty for Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde to consider when they regain power at or before Friday's scheduled EGM.
Their first move, however, is likely to be to oust acting chief executive Lee Hoos and replace him with Andrew Cowan, once Lowe's fag at public school Radley College, and managing director under his previous regime.
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Post by Wolvensam on May 11, 2008 15:06:26 GMT
If Souness becomes chairman he'll become the manager as well. He tried to pull the same thing with us but Sir Jack was having none of it.
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Post by SaintTim on May 12, 2008 11:19:41 GMT
If Souness becomes chairman he'll become the manager as well. He tried to pull the same thing with us but Sir Jack was having none of it. No no Sammy i wouldn't want him as manager again,im happy very happy with Nigel Pearson he is a top bloke and seems to have the team focused and heading in the right direction..
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Post by SaintTim on May 12, 2008 11:20:57 GMT
Saints director: 'Disaster' if Pearson is not kept on
SAINTS director Mary Corbett has declared it would be "a disaster" if Nigel Pearson was not kept on as manager at St Mary's following this week's boardroom changes.
The football club board member has issued a passionate plea to Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde regarding the future of the man who oversaw Saints' dramatic escape from relegation to League One.
Pearson is out of contract in the summer and barring no new investment or new owners at the club, it will be down to Lowe and Wilde to decide Pearson's fate.
Corbett said: "It would be a disaster for Southampton FC if Nigel wasn't given a new contract.
"It would also be totally unfair on him.
"The players respect him and he has acted with such integrity throughout his time here.
advertisement"You could trust him with your life "He has improved team spirit, he has improved the discipline.
"People said it was a gamble to bring him in, but the gamble has more than paid off."
Though the EGM is set for this coming Friday, the Echo understands the current PLC board directors will stand down from their positions before then.
If there was no Stock Exchange announcement today with regards to new investment, chief executive Lee Hoos, Leon Crouch, Patrick Trant and Keith Wiseman could even step down before 5pm.
They would be replaced by Lowe, Wilde and Andrew Cowen, with finance director Dave Jones remaining.
The new investment rumours centre on the consortium featuring Jonathan Fulthorpe, John Cousins and Dave Merrington.
Over the weekend one national paper also threw in the names of other consortiums, one previously linked featuring John Cresswell as well as another fronted by former Saints boss Graeme Souness.
Souness, along with his business partner Brain Kennedy, has twice been linked with a move for Saints but the last time it cropped up, in November, the club denied any knowledge.
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Post by SaintTim on May 15, 2008 22:30:27 GMT
Lowe back in power
FORMER chairman Rupert Lowe is today back in power at St Mary's, along with another previous Saints supremo, Michael Wilde.
The club confirmed to the Stock Exchange this morning that directors Leon Crouch, Patrick Trant and Keith Wiseman had resigned.
As a result, the EGM scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled, while Lowe, Wilde and Andrew Cowen were appointed directors with immediate effect.
The trio are understood to be holding their first board meeting today, along with finance director David Jones.
The first job is thought to be receiving a full briefing on the financial status of the club from Jones, before holding a scheduled meeting with the club's bank, Barclays.
As time wears on, the focus is expected to turn to the football side of things, while the full role of the four directors will also be thrashed out.
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Post by SaintTim on May 15, 2008 22:32:02 GMT
Lowe: It's good to be back
RUPERT Lowe said it is "good to be back" as he and Michael Wilde spoke out for the first time since returning to the St Mary's boardroom today.
The former chairmen swept into power this morning, after directors Leon Crouch, Keith Wiseman and Patrick Trant followed in the footsteps of Lee Hoos and resigned.
The EGM scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled, as a result.
Lowe said there were serious issues that he and Wilde had to address.
He also insisted the previous board had been "bailed out" on a number of occasions by the club's academy, which he said was a legacy from his time.
"It is good to be back but there is a big job to do," he said. "People have to realise this club has got serious financial problems.
advertisement"I do not want to rake over old ground and talk about who did what and why we are in this situation but the fact is that over the last two years this club has lived a life far beyond what it can afford.
"I will say that Michael and I had overwhelming support from shareholders and would have had a resounding majority if the EGM had gone ahead.
"It was not just the people you would expect to back us but a lot of other shareholders too. The requisition was withdrawn because the previous board accepted the reality of the situation that a substantial majority supported us.
"We now have to have a close look at the books and decide how to take the club forward. We will be driven from now on by what we want to do and what the bank is happy for us to do.
"The fans have to understand that it is not a good picture and Michael and I are here to restore the club to financial health.
"I have said many times before that if you are in hock to the bank then it is the bank who decide what happens rather than the board.
"We will reinstate long-term rather than short-term planning. The club has been bailed out in the past couple of years by the academy, which was a legacy of the old board.
"But it is no good talking about blame. We are where we are and the key now is to look forward and long-term planning will be an essential part of that.
"There are no promises. It is going to be a long fight back and fans have to understand that.
"We need their support more than ever. We are all in this together and we need them to get behind us and to move forward with unity and purpose."
Wilde insisted the door is still open for anyone wanting to put money into the club.
He said: "If someone genuinely provided significant money to guarantee the long-term future of the club then we would have an obligation to the shareholders to look at any interest.
"We are a public company and we have a duty to all shareholders not just a few and we must do what is best for the club.
"We welcome any approaches which are substantive and in the interests of the company but we cannot rely on a fairy godmother.
"If one did turn up we would be more than happy to talk to them but in the mean time we cannot bury our heads in the sand and just hope it happens.
"We have to get the club back on a sound financial basis with long-term planning and a sensible approach."
Lowe and Wilde said they hope to issue a statement once they have had the chance to study the books and assess the situation.
Lowe said: "Today is all about the memory of Alan Ball and the Legends match at the stadium tonight.
"I hope fans turn out in memory of one of the club's great servants and I expect it to be an entertaining game. That should be the focus today rather than boardroom issues.
"We will make a statement once we are in a better position to do so and once we have all the facts at our fingertips."
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Post by SaintTim on May 15, 2008 22:37:48 GMT
Well Lord Lowe lets just hope you can do a better job than last time,lets keep our manager as we all know you like to change your managers every five minutes.Lets hope you have learned from your past mistakes but i doubt it.
I'm hoping you can sort the financial mess out as i believe you have better business sense than the last board...
Good luck Lord Lowe....you will need it
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Post by stealth1039 on May 16, 2008 8:30:46 GMT
I think you're probably right on both counts Tim although wasn't Lowe in charge when you built St Marys - which can't have helped the finances?
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Post by SaintTim on Jun 8, 2008 11:46:09 GMT
Southampton sign Perry and Holmes
Southampton have completed a double signing with the capture of Luton defender Chris Perry and Derby midfielder Lee Holmes.
Perry, 35, had a successful loan spell at St Mary's last season and Saints made his switch permanent as they look to capitalise on his experience.
Also joining on a free transfer, 21-year-old Holmes opted for Saints over Leeds and Nottingham Forest.
Holmes spent the second half of last season on loan at Walsall.
He became the Rams' youngest ever player when he made his debut on Boxing Day 2002, aged 15 years and 268 days - and has also had loan spells at Swindon and Bradford.
So then Olly what is Holmes like ? is he any good ?
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Post by SaintTim on Jun 13, 2008 20:56:28 GMT
Saints confirm St Mary's cuts
Saints have announced a raft of cost cutting measures that include closing three corners of their St Mary's ground, axing subsided bus transport for fans and opening the stadium later on matchdays in a bid to save £250,000 a year.
Football board chairman Michael Wilde has confirmed the plans and admits they may not prove popular but says they are necessary as the club looks to scale back costs and live within its means.
Around 700 season ticket holders will have to be moved as blocks 1-3, 12-14 and 36-39 are closed leaving the Chapel/Kinglsand which houses the JSaints and family sections as the only corner of the ground open unless there is a big demand for tickets.
The club are also set to asks the City Council for their approval to suspend the inclusion of subsidised bus travel in the club's transport plan.
Saints say this was originally included on the basis of anticipated gates of 30,000, but is no longer justified either on transport or cost grounds at the current gate levels. The dedicated shuttle bus service linking the stadium with central station and the ferry terminals will also be reduced for the same reasons.
The stadium is also set to open at 1.45pm on matchdays with a 3pm kick-off rather than 1.30pm.
advertisementMichael Wilde said: "We deeply regret having to take these measures but unfortunately they have been forced upon us by the financial situation we find ourselves in.
"That means we now have to take some unpleasant and unpalatable actions to get the finances back on track and to retain the support of our funders.
"We know this will impact on supporter amenity. There is no point trying to pretend otherwise and we do apologise to all those fans that are affected - particularly to those having to switch seats.
"Around 700 supporters have renewed in those corner sections, and they will be able to swap their seats for any other available seats in the stadium. If we have a fixture that looks to exceed the revised capacity of the ground, say a big Cup game, then we will re-open the quadrants for that fixture.
"If that happens then displaced season ticket holders will have first choice of going back to their original seat for that game.
"Everyone affected was written to yesterday to try and explain the situation and we ask for their understanding.
"Similarly we apologise to all those who might be inconvenienced by the proposal to suspend subsidised bus travel which, at present, is a large and unaffordable expense to the club."
He added: "It is not something we have done lightly but these measures will provide a significant and vital saving.
"Hopefully, supporters will understand the need for such measures at the present time and will support our endeavours to create a financially sustainable club.
"This is, without doubt, a crucial period for us, and it is important that we all do whatever we can to guide our football club through its present difficulties.
"If we deliver the quality of football that everyone wants and gates improve, then all of these changes can be reversed in the future. We will therefore be keeping these measures under constant review throughout the coming season."
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Post by stealth1039 on Jun 14, 2008 9:13:20 GMT
Didn't realise things were that.tight financially Tim. As if it's not enough to worry about the football side.
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Post by SaintTim on Jun 18, 2008 14:51:47 GMT
Didn't realise things were that.tight financially Tim. As if it's not enough to worry about the football side.[/quote No apperently things are very tight on the money side of things,there will be no big signing inthe near future..
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Post by SaintTim on Jun 18, 2008 14:52:33 GMT
Saints complete Wotton deal
Saints have swooped to complete their third summer signing with the capture of Paul Wotton.
The 30-year-old defensive central midfielder who can also play at the back has joined on a Bosman free transfer and has signed a three year contract.
Wotton has spent all his career at Plymouth, making his debut in 1994 and racking up over 400 starts for them in a 14 year stint at Home Park.
However, he was deemed surplus to requirements and was released when his contract expired at the end of the season and Saints have moved quickly to snap him up.
He said: "I am thrilled and honoured to be signing for Southampton. I was available on a Bosman free and there had been a fair bit of interest but as soon as I heard Southampton wanted me then I came down for talks.
"They are a great team and a fantastic club so this is a good move for me and I cannot wait to start work.
advertisement"I know Jason Dodd well from his time on loan at Plymouth and Micky Evans is a good friend and I spoke to them both about it and they backed up what I already knew. They both spoke very highly about the club and the area and I am really excited to be coming here.
"I have always been the sort to keep setting myself challenges and this is a big one. I have been in the Championship for several years and this is a great opportunity for me to come and play football.
"I met Mark Wotte yesterday and he spoke very well. I was impressed by him and the way he wants to play football and how he sees me fitting in.
"This is all very new for me because I have been at Plymouth a long time but I will bring a fair bit of experience and I am really looking forward to being part of what is happening here."
Wotton spent many years as captain at Plymouth, leading them to the Division Three title in 2001/02 with a record 102 points.
In 2003/04 Wotton again won promotion with Plymouth, this time to the Championship where they have since remained.
Wotton has scored 64 goals in his time with Argyle due his free kick and penalty taking but suffered a major setback in December 2006 when he damaged medial and cruciate ligaments in his left knee.
He returned to the side at the end of last season to make a handful of appearances but was allowed to leave Home Park on a free transfer after Paul Sturrock decided the time was right for them to part company after 14 years.
Wotte added: "Paul Wotton is an experienced player, especially at Championship level. He is a very responsible player, both on and off the field.
"He is a strong character and a leader. He was Plymouth 's captain and we need experienced players to help guide our youngsters.
"We have a lot of young players in this squad and we also need some players who have seen it all before who can help them during difficult times in games. We have already signed Chris Perry and we are happy to have got Paul too.
"You can't have 11 youngsters, you need a blend of youth of experience. We have to have some strong characters with a tough mentality who are happy to join us. We don't want players who are hesitating to come or don't want to be here. After one meeting, he made his decision and we are delighted to have him."
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Post by Wolvensam on Jun 23, 2008 14:42:37 GMT
Saints today begin pre-season training with a new-look coaching team in place.
Head coach Jan Poortvliet and assistant Mark Wotte will get their first chance to cast an eye over the squad.
They will work closely with Reserve team boss Stewart Henderson and under 18's coach Dave Hockaday in a revolutionary new set-up.
Nigel Pearson has just taken over as manager of Leicester while Jason Dodd and John Gorman have now officially left the club along with a handful of other staff.
Football Club Chairman, Michael Wilde commented: "Jason and John came into the coaching set up at a difficult time and did everything they could to assist the club, particularly during the period following George Burley's appointment as Scotland manager in January of this year.
"However, the club has now adopted a new coaching direction, which together with the financial constraints currently affecting the club meant that there was no longer a viable role for them.
"Jason, in particular, has been a loyal servant of the Club for many years and we thank both him and John for their efforts on our behalf. We wish them both all the best for the future."
Chairman of Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC, Rupert Lowe said: "It is obviously very sad when people go but there was no alternative, given our financial situation and the need to try and put things right.
"Those who have gone have been very loyal servants and good friends. We thank them very much for their service and wish them well."
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Post by Wolvensam on Jun 28, 2008 10:24:11 GMT
I thought you guys were skint - you've just spent £1.2m on a player!!
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Post by SaintTim on Jul 3, 2008 0:12:04 GMT
Saints release first teamers
Saints have released five former first team players as they push on with Jan Poortvliet's St Mary's revolution.
Alexander Ostlund, Darren Powell, Mario Licka, Jermaine Wright and Inigo Idiakez have all been told they won't be offered extensions to their contracts which expired this week, while youngster Josh Dutton-Black has also been released.
Academy prospect Cedric Baseya has opted not to sign a new deal and has joined Lille in France to be nearer his home.
The long-awaited retained list was handed to the Football League back in May but with negotiations with Nathan Dyer ongoing Saints declined to make it public.
However, with those negotiations now concluded with an as yet unsigned offer remaining on the table and with contracts expiring at the end of June they have gone public.
Saints' PLC chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We thank them all and wish them well, we're very grateful for everything they've done for the club.
advertisement"I have personally called all of them to thank them although with holidays it's not been possible to actually speak to a few of them. I just wanted to thank them for their contribution and wish them well.
"The only reason for not making an announcement was that it wasn't in the club's commercial interest to put it into the public domain."
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Post by SaintTim on Jul 3, 2008 0:12:43 GMT
I thought you guys were skint - you've just spent £1.2m on a player!! We are Sammy
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Post by stealth1039 on Jul 9, 2008 12:01:05 GMT
Forecast to Saints
We have reached agreement for the transfer of Tommy Forecast to Southampton.
A product of our Academy system, goalkeeper Tommy has been a regular in our reserve squad for the past three seasons and took his place on the First Team bench on six occasions last term.
We wish him every success for the future.
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Post by SaintTim on Jul 19, 2008 3:40:21 GMT
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Post by arover on Jul 26, 2008 13:12:48 GMT
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Post by SaintTim on Jul 27, 2008 9:07:11 GMT
Forecast to SaintsWe have reached agreement for the transfer of Tommy Forecast to Southampton. A product of our Academy system, goalkeeper Tommy has been a regular in our reserve squad for the past three seasons and took his place on the First Team bench on six occasions last term. We wish him every success for the future. The thing is tho Stealth is he any good ?
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Post by SaintTim on Jul 27, 2008 9:10:09 GMT
Yes Dyer & Wright-Phillips have been a pair of naughty boys...
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