Robin keeps referring to a supposed take over which I also heard on Radio Hampshire from David Armstrong, stating it is imminent. All sounds great but, is there a danger that these new people coming in change this 'squad revolution' and opt for spending money on a load of players that are just chasing the money? Dave Merrington has not exactly been in favour of what has been done over the close season! Saints are now attracting some of the best young talent around and building a model that others may well soon have to follow. I would like to think that this new consortium will retain JP as he seems to be building something special.

David, this rumour has been around for some time now and it swells up/dies down in turn. Just at the moment it is in one of its 'imminent' phases but you have to wonder if it will ever happen, so many times has it faded away. Or, whether Lowe will let it happen. I think we are all appreciating what Jan is achieving; of course, I think many of us felt the same way about Nigel P. and it did him little good (except maybe going to Leicester will prove to be his better option). I don't believe saints can look forward to a terribly bright future without significant investment, that's just the way it is these days, and Lowe and Wilde are merely providing their own brand of management expertise - they are not providing any funding. Should we be on the end of some takeover, I would certainly like to think that any new management would build on what Jan has introduced and not just discard it.

Ed., Thanks for your considered reply. I have recently changed Email address and the current one is given above for future comms. Best wishes, Norman.

Norman, this is a difficult one on which to try to venture an opinion, not being ‘on the inside’ as it were. I recall that at the time of the allegations against Dave Jones, I was uncomfortable with the Club’s decision as it appeared not to be the action of a supportive employer and had a strong element of pre-judgement. I wondered if there was some agreement to the arrangement by Dave Jones himself for reasons that the episode might be having an adverse effect on his players and his ability to manage them. An interview he later gave to the Observer seems to suggest otherwise as is reflected in the following extract: “The people of Southampton were fantastic. You always get the odd crackpot who's going to say something against you. The phrase 'there's no smoke without fire' is one that I hate now. When people say you're innocent until proven guilty, that's wrong. You're guilty until you can prove your innocence. What the football club did, putting me on 'gardening leave', was the worst possible thing. Football kept me occupied and all of a sudden I was sat at home twiddling my thumbs. It doesn't matter what was going on in my head, it would not have affected my ability to manage. I still talk to Rupert Lowe on a regular basis because business is business and friendship is friendship. He had a decision to make. However, if he believed there was any truth in what the accusers were saying, I would be very disappointed.” The case of Nathan Dyer I believe to have been viewed somewhat out of proportion by elements of the fan base and the media. This looks to me like a young man who has got totally dejected and bored as the result of a long term injury, goes out with his mates, has one too many and does something really stupid. I can remember an instance in my youth when an understanding policeman told me to go home and sober up – the police did that sort of thing in those days. Admittedly I didn’t steal anything but had I been a professional footballer and it had happened today, I’d have been plastered all over the papers! If you wanted to be totally cynical in comparing these two episodes, you might conclude that Nathan Dyer is a potentially valuable *@?!et, either on the pitch or in the transfer market, and that Dave Jones was not and was also easily replaceable. My personal view is that the Club brought little credit on itself over the Dave Jones affair but may have feared an adverse effect on the team. It looks to have taken a sensible approach over Nathan Dyer following what should be a one off misdemeanour. We probably also should be grateful that we are not Newcastle supporters who currently have a lot more soul searching to do.

correction 2nd attempt. this is the anti bad language protection that is stopping me - Nathan Dyer is a valued 'property'.

Rupert Lowe considers Dyer`s conviction to be a "private matter" where the Law has taken its course following the player`s admission of burglary. Dave Jones neither admitted nor was convicted of anything, yet Lowe`s treatment of him differed. Why?

Nick, thanks for your comment on the Dave Jones 'affair'. Sounds as though the club found him guilty anyway.

Being someone who was involved with a supporters *@?!ociuation and with a keen interest in the Dave Jones situation at the time, I have to say that Saints have always had a bad press on it. It is a completely different situation from that of Dyer, Dyer's case is one of petty crime (Im not condoning him here) and Jones was accused of substancial crimes involving allegations of *@?!ault against children, part of an ongoing case involving dozens of staff of childrens homes, which did include *@?!ual *@?!ault (no inference that Jones was involved in this) At the time Lowe stood up for Jones declaring he was innocent until proved guilty, however it became clear that the complex situation involving about a year before it even got to trial in which jones had to appear in court on numerous occ*@?!ions and also work with his legal team, meant that it was affecting Jones ability to do the job. Jones was not sacked, he was given indefinite time off on full pay (something most of his fellow accused were not granted, many lost there homes and were ostrcised by friends)in order to fight his case. Jones chose to bad mouth Lowe in the press, saying that the saints job was the only thing keeping him sane, imho a very selfish at*@?!ude, therefore burning his bridges with Saints. No one is saying that Jones didnt suffer an horrendous time, but the truth is that Saints backed him, but there came a point when the Club had to take a decision based both on the way Jones was doing the job and indeed for his own good to allow him time to fight his case properly. In truth if it hadnt been for this case, Jones based on the previous season when we just escaped relegation and the results of this one, would have been sacked long before he was given leave of absence

David/Sean/Roger, hi and thanks for your letters. Sorry I haven't acknowledged them before; due partly to a holiday and partly to (as you will have noticed) incoming comments don't appear in date order. We're trying to cure that. For my own part, I take no pleasure in putting up articles that say the current team are often struggling - its just that I'm used to saying things as I see them!

re your reply to me dated 20/8/08 Leopards and spots You got it spot on (opps!!) sorry for the pun. But I think, or we know, Rupert is trying to make us think he will change his spots !!!!!!!!!!!!! He's already started by selling off our midfielder/defender to Stoke. meddeling again?????

I like Robin was disappointed by yesterday's performance. I am also a season ticket holder in Kingsland and noticed a few faces missing too. I took my Father who is 79yrs of age, on the promise of him seeing some really enthusiastic football from my team. I have to say that I left embarr*@?!ed by what we saw. He at least enjoyed the day out as he doesn't get the chance as often these days. The team lacked any leaders and clearly missed Lee Holmes and Morgan Scheiderlin badly. DMc played like a petulant child, with his hands on his hips for most of the 1st half. JP should have pulled him off 20 minutes in and put Jake T on, who looked lively in the second half. He at least gave young Josef Mills (who I thought had a good start) an outlet to move the ball. In the first half we never exploited areas and Josef would keep getting caught in possession to much. Overall, I agree with Robin; with performances like that, the attendance will drop further and bring about more cost cutting. We have capable players but they seemed not interested in trying to score yesterday. Wotton was excellent and played a Captain's role well barracking the players when they lost concentration but it was all too late!

Re: Rupert`s demob. Perhaps dishonourable discharge would be more fitting. The irony of this military discourse between us is that SAS "other ranks" call their officers "Ruperts". Oh dear!

Norman,thanks for the anecdotes. Could be time for RL's demob then?

Dear Editor, thanks for responding to my question although given what has happened in the last 24hrs, I suspect there will be quite a few taking up your offer to respond to my question! I will certainly endeavor to get to the King Alfred before one of the next Home matches to discuss this and other matters with you further. I appreciate your candid view which, unlike many of the message boards I've read, was devoid of emotion and therefore offered me a bit more sense on the situation.

When I took my first step up the Career ladder many years ago (I`m now well into retirement) I was drinking beer with a good friend who said, "Always remember, it goes down the lead" (he used to be a dog handler in the Army) I was also told, "You don`t take the blame for everything that goes wrong, but you do accept the responsibility." Lowe has been at the helm longer than anyone in recent years. I think he gambled that (a) once in the new Stadium enough income would be generated to keep the Club afloat, and (b) that means we should`nt get relegated. Wrong on both counts old boy, it`s down to you Rupert.

Roger, something rings a bell about leopards and spots...

David, look forward to talking with you.

Tony, like you, I find it puzzling that Saints make a big splash about using younger talent and then sign up oldish players. I think, however, the coaches, directors and publicity machine overdid things a bit on the youth line when any level headed person knows you need a good balance of age and experience and that too many youngsters will be simply overrun. I thought the oddest statement was from Poortvliet when in the midst of praising youth he said the team he admired most in the Championship last season was West Brom! A glance through their squad shows a complete dominance of players in their late twenties/early thirties, including Kevin Phillips at 35! It is not clear who is making the player selection - like you, I sincerely hope there is a panel of expert coaches who sign these matters off. All clubs need to beware the ambitious amateur who believes he can spot the talent - unless of course he owns the club and has a bucketful of money!

WHY BLAME LOWE. Furthewr to comment and reply. I have to say i support the reply that Rupert should be accountable because of his standing before he relinqueshed his role prior to his return recently. I can remember Rupurt reporting to have said he will bring the team to the next level after our lose at the FA cup final with Arsenal only to find there was a turn around and that Gordon left because NO MONEY was forthcoming to purchase new players and that was just the start of it all. Need I say any more???? Roger

Does the Trust still want to have a supporter/director and, if so, how would that benefit the average supporter?

John, it is a basic element of the Trust cons*@?!ution that it seeks to achieve board representation. Under the Leon Crouch chairmanship, we had just got as far as being present at part of the Football Board meetings when he was ousted. We saw this as a big step forward in terms of building mutual confidence which is a major part of achieving this aim. At present we are unaware as to what the at*@?!ude of the new directors will be. As to benefits for supporters, confidentialility would prevent any release of information on all kinds of matters to the extent that I am sure most supporters would like; however, the main input from a competent supporter/director (most likely in a non-exec role) would stem from he/she being totally free of any concern about personal shareholding and therefor able to bring complete impartiality to the table. This would be particularly beneficial if utilised, for example, in reviewing matters such as director's salaries, incoming investment and many other areas where the future well-being of the club would be determined.

Dear Sir, If the Saints'Board is committed to youth policy, why is it that the club has signed a 30 year old midfield player who has been released by another champinship side. Furthermore how well does the new mamagement team know the player concerned ir is this yet another example of Mr Lowe's interfering with the playing side of the club?

Great game yesterday, the new team put in a good performance and can only get better. Not being an avid follower of all things Saints until recently, I am intrigued as to why everyone is getting on Rupert Lowe's back about the (current) finances. Unless I am not mistaken, Wilde helped remove Lowe and brought in the Board that badly managed our finances over the last two seasons. You can all point to mistakes made by Rupert (when he was in charge) but, it was the responsibility of the last Board to run the business once he had left. It was that same Board that allowed the players and coaching costs to spiral up by 35% whilst income went down. However, in all of this, there is also a common denominator; David Jones. This man was supposed to be Financial Director in the reign of both Boards? In my Company, nothing gets signed off without the FD's approval. So would someone please explain why Rupert Lowe is taking the flack for the mistakes of the Board that replaced him and no one is questioning why David Jones is still there?

do u have a contact no as i wish 2 speak 2 someone about ways 2 rid lowe/wilde from our club it can b done please listen 2 what i have 2 say martin

Martin, give us an outline on here or on the e-mail I have sent you of what you are thinking about and we'll get back to you. There are lots of people who are keen on regime change and some innovative thinking would be necessary.

Andy, as yet there is no considered approach. Plenty of feelings both for and against. I'll put up an article on this in the next day or two.

Please try and keep the faith. I still firmly beleive that Southampton are not that far away fom giving someone a good pasting The result yesterday Flattered QPR the Ref had a nightmare and the second goal was a joke. Saints need a little luck and continued support Don't forget you don't really need to be winning every game at this stage of the season in fact you can start winning at christmas and easily reach promotion this was illustrated by the like of Hull City last year. The manager is a cl*@?! act I have no Doubt The players are still learning and getting to know each other I beleive they are working as hard as they can and the football they play at times is just superb. Now is the time not to take these defeats too seriously. It will come saints will go up this year The real positives for me were as follows The striker who came on Le Peque (or some made up name ) He looked realy bright and we all know e need a killer up front he could be the answer. Wotton played out of his skin he is getting better evry game I counted 34 p*@?!es in one move before QPR got the ball short sharp fast one touch football that was awsome this is surely what we should all be concentrating on Saints are still about 30/1 to go up I know my money is on them

Whats happened alls quiet on the commentation/comment front ??????? Sorry I'm very unhappy since Saints lost against QPR

Dear Editor All the more that we must support Saints Team to the full and ensure that Lowe and Wilde are aware that we the fans are not going to sit back and let Lowe and Wilde continue like that (not allow someone to buy the club) we are fully aware of the plight we are in and hope they will roll their sleeves up and seek funding to bolster the clubs financial situation.

Roger, I just got back from the Basingstoke match. The team fielded looked quite sharp and scored 5 goals. I'm impressed more and more by Adam Lallana each time I see him; reminds me very much of Le Tissier (the lean version). However, if Saints do score goals, I think they may well ship a few also. Both Wilde and Lowe were at the game; I suppose it is good news that they are both interested enough to go to friendlies. I think the biggest concern I have over these two, apart from how long their alliance will last, is that they appear to have no inclination to roll over and make it easy for someone with real money to come and buy the club.

your comment re concerns of new players and management. I can't say your wrong, but also can't say any different. All I'm going to say is that we hope the new influx of players will gell together and make some headway at the start of the new season rather than later in the season as we seem to make a habit of winning games when it is almost too late. On another note, I had perchased my new season ticket in the hope that new investment was forthcoming but lo and behold Rupert is back (Not that I wanted him back) but hopefully he has learnt his lesson or has he!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. If he (Rupert) fails to do anything this season I fear there will be more than just problems this season

Does the Trust has an 'official' stance as regards the new Board? i.e. is it for or against?

I agree with Robin's points in his Sunday Blog. DMcG does seem untouchable at this moment but it can't be good for our two other strikers to find DMcG playing alongside them and sometimes further up than them in a central position. What we need is a winger (we miss Lee Holmes) who stays on the wing and crosses the ball quickly. When a striker knows he can expect that, he will start making runs early and to devastating effect. If you watch Tomas, he's stopped making runs into the area as he is expecting DMcG to go solo, lose the ball or not be there in the first place. It was the same at Barnsley and to some degree against Norwich. I believe JP needs to drop him until he is prepared to play for the team, and in the position he is given to play.

Man City (and good luck to them) appear to have hit the jackpot owner-wise, have signed Robinho, and in January will sign more world cl*@?! players. Saints meanwhile have announced their 'swoop' for yet another injured, loan player. Sadly, I have to own up to strong feelings of envy and, more to the point, wondering why MY club cannot succeed in attracting meaningful investment rather than being reduced to a player fire sale. We once were on a par with Man City -now I think we can feel closer to Farnborough Town. As a small shareholder, I feel powerless to influence anything regarding the future of the club. I just hope someone (Lowe/Wilde?) has a plan B.