Those of you who know me will know two things about me by now.
Firstly, I am a massive fan of Southampton Football Club, it being my home town. Secondly that I can be prone to wear my heart on my sleeve, so stop reading now if that makes you yawn and say here he goes again!
Today, my football club sacked their manager, Nigel Adkins, and appointed a new manager immediately. This is after we drew away from home at Chelsea, the current European Champions on wednesday, and won away at close rivals for relegation last weekend.
Nigel Adkins is loved by the vast majority of our fans, and we regularly chant his name during games. He had earned us 2 promotions in 2 seasons, and had made fantastic progress so far this season, we have only lost 2 in the last 12 games.
So, this decision is not in my name, and I feel the halo on our club badge has become tarnished by the decision.
Nigel had been very loyal to our club and us as fans. It is very sad that he has been discarded despite being loved and respected by the fans, players and rest of the football world it seems. He is an honourable man, who has been treated dishonourably.
When I was a boy, football was the sport of the working class man, the sport of the people. Now it is simply big business and I fear that it has lost its soul. I love my football club, but I hold the people who run it in contempt.
Well I think you could also say the same if you were a Leeds fan. We lost a good manager after the board sold all his decent players. It's become a funny business.
@fueast Sadly Alison there are many football fans up and down the land who feel this way and Leeds has been until recently a great example of how not to run a football club. Thank god for untarnished sports like cricket and cycling eh!! Ahh, on seconfd thoughts!!
@happypat Ahhh, Pat, you have put a smile on my face, it's good to see you back :) Looks like our loss is your gain, he seems to be off to Blackpool. Couldn't have put it better myself, football stinks!
@seanoneill Really Sean that is good news...you will be able to keep in touch with our team! I do think we tend to keep an eye on our past managers progress!!! The last one didn't last 5 minutes though & then off to Blackburn!!
@fueast No I don't think so Alison ...I always thought it a monstrosity & remember awful evenings waiting for a bus after school as you probably did!!! A good John Lewis is a far better idea!!!
@happypat No I got on the bus at Penwortham. I do remember happy evenings drinking thunderbird on the bus station though. We were a classy bunch. Sorry Sean for the hijacking...
I'll agree with everything you all say as I'm in a very agreeable mood!! Seriously think so much of sport stinks sadly............too much money, too professional
Sean - I was really, really surprised when I saw the report on this idiotic decision earlier. Can't work it out - one of the best managers in the game. (and I'll say this quietly - this comes from a lifelong fan of a club who make a habit of this).
Not a footie fan, but like Fanny says I'm agreeing with everyone else! It's sad that commercialism and greed has changed the intrinsic heart of the game
Amen to all that Sean, and as dyed in the wool Manchester Blue I know exactly how you feel, our lot have done it so many times I've lost count. And as for that Suarez bloke...well, tear his contract up! And don't even get me started on Lance 'I'm the most tested athlete in the history of sport, of course there's no truth in these ridiculous defamatory accusations' Armstrong......
Welcome to the world of a Chelsea fan sadly. I feel for you as I know as a loyal fan you would not have it this way. I suspect more that 80% of Chelsea fans would not want to see Robbie go to be replaced by That Spanish Chap. As a friend Sean I wish you didn't have to go through what I've felt this year but let's face it shit happens and maybe football for us is a world of pleasant memories and now a sordid money making business. Big hugs my friend
as you'll see from my comment on your other photo, I think there are few people in the land who disagree with you, even those who support other teams. What price loyalty - and success.A sad day for Southampton :((
@runningbk Thanks Mike, really appreciate your sentiments. It is a shame that we are no longer a family club. Yes you are right, thise happy days in the 70s-90s were the golden days. When th eowner has no link to the community the club is based in the soul of the club can suffer. You may end up being more successful though, and that is the rub! I can't believe that a week ago I was at Villa, and how much we chanted his name. A good man has been treated badly.
it's a shame they can'[t just get on and play the games they love and take the commercials out of it...it's become a bit of a joke I reckon. Not a footie fan myself and i think it's mainly due to your words above - I'm sure it's getting worse over time, or maybe when I was younger I just didn't understand it all so well!
A ridiculous decision. Adkins and the team were finding their feet and the chairman, who clearly knows little about football, has risked all of Adkins good work. From a WBA fan & closet Saints admirer. By the way your photos are excellent!
@blincodave Thanks Dave, I am still gutted, furious, and devastaed for Adkins, the players and the fans 48 hours later. I have always liked the Baggies and enjoyed my several trips to The Hawthorns too. Glad you like my photos and even happier you admire the Saints!
I am not a football fan and dont follow it, but I am always amazed at the turn over of managers. It seems a thankless job. Love your shot and shame about your club.
Tricky business about which I know nothing these days....except for the immediate and permanent miracles/winning streaks that everyone is supposed to achieve, interesting concept when someone has to lose!
