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Poortvliet wowed by Saints quality
JAN POORTVLIET
JAN POORTVLIET

JAN Poortvliet can't wait to unleash his talented youngsters on the Coca Cola Championship.

The Saints head coach admits he has "never seen" the sort of quality some of the club's much-heralded young players possess.

"Since I joined Southampton, the quality in the squad I have seen is lovely," said the Dutchman. "They're ready in terms of football and physically.

"How they handle he pressure we will see.

"I believe in the boys because they have qualities - I've never seen qualities like it."

In an exclusive interview in today's Daily Echo Saints pre-season special, Poortvliet admits he is aiming high.

"In terms of our aims this season, myself I go out to play for the prizes," he remarked.

"You have to believe in it and when I see the quality I believe in it.

"The only thing I don't know is the quality of all the opponents.

"There is a lot of quality because they say there is 150 international players in the Championship, so there must be a lot of quality.

"In football when you have a team that can play and believe in each other you have a chance."

For full interview don't miss the 32-page Saints pre-season pull-out in today's Daily Echo.

7:00am Monday 4th August 2008

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Posted by: on my soapbox!!! on 8:31am Mon 4 Aug 08
Good on jan for coming out and supporting his players and although i can see the potential it does worry me when he comes out and says he does'nt know about our opponents quality. I know you have to keep your own house in order and that is a priority but to not be clued up on our opponents is slightly worrying.

UTS!!!!
Posted by: Andover Saint, Andover on 9:09am Mon 4 Aug 08
Morning Saint Stephen. I bet you spent the whole weekend thinking up your witty comment - get a life !

We saw enough on Friday to see that the young Saints possess enough skill to perform well this season - the usual superb support from the majority of true Saints fans could turn an average finish into a dream one. Get behind the lads from the first to last whistle and be patient - the good times are coming back.
Posted by: rational on 9:11am Mon 4 Aug 08
on my soapbox!!! wrote:
Good on jan for coming out and supporting his players and although i can see the potential it does worry me when he comes out and says he does'nt know about our opponents quality. I know you have to keep your own house in order and that is a priority but to not be clued up on our opponents is slightly worrying. UTS!!!!
But surely no manager knows about their oppositions quality at this stage of the season.

Every team has new players, coaches, manager, tactics, formations.

At the start of last season, who knew the quality of Hull, Bristol and so on?

Who new that Saints, Coventry, Leicester and Sheffield would be so poor?

Jan has won round a fair few of the doubters with performances against Celtic and West Ham. He has shown he knows his football and how to get players playing.

I'm sure he didn't win all those championships and play off spots without learning quickly about his opposition.

I'm looking forward to it all myself.

Posted by: BaconHead, In a Water Buffalo on 9:13am Mon 4 Aug 08
He just seems very open and honest about things, ALL THE TIME! It might pay to sometimes not speak though, perhaps?
Posted by: Unblinkered, Saint for life., Southampton on 9:14am Mon 4 Aug 08
PLEASE LET ME BE WRONG!!
But i suspect that our 'BOYS' will try and play attractive, energetic football which occasionally will be effective. As the 42 game season settles down and our lightweight squad begins to tire, pick up injuries,and get increasingly rolled over by the many physical teams in this division,not only will that be stopping the youngsters development in its tracks, it will see the team in freefall.
OR,.... as Jan and Rupert see it, we will wow the division with our neat, passing game, they will show our lads so much respect that we march into the playoffs and never look back.
Very steep learning curve Jan. At the moment it's men against the boys, get some more steel into the team NOW, or you will quickly become another managerial notch on Rupert's desk.
Survival will be the target this season.
I really do want to be proven wrong.
But sadly, i don't think i will be.
Posted by: Message in a bottle on 9:22am Mon 4 Aug 08
Message to Jan:

Good luck, but if you think you have the full support of Lowe and Wilde, you could well be in for a shock come Xmas (if not sooner).

So enjoy your time as Saints boss while you can and if Rupert suggests which player should be playing, respectfully tell him to keep his nose out of your job.
Posted by: Les A Faire, In Despair on 9:23am Mon 4 Aug 08
uplifting words from JP . except the bit where he admits the ONLY thing he doesnt know the quality of our opponents . Quite an important thing not to know i'd say - but we'll see.
Maybe before Mike Wilde made such bold predictions about us getting promoted , he should have first found out whether the head coach knows anything about the opposition.
Posted by: Codger on 9:32am Mon 4 Aug 08
Les A Faire wrote:
uplifting words from JP . except the bit where he admits the ONLY thing he doesnt know the quality of our opponents . Quite an important thing not to know i'd say - but we'll see. Maybe before Mike Wilde made such bold predictions about us getting promoted , he should have first found out whether the head coach knows anything about the opposition.
I have been watching English football for over 50 years, I do not know the quality of our opposition either and fail to see your point.

So easy to just keep chipping away with petty little digs at the board.

The FOOTBALL played on Friday was some of the best I have seen in recent years, and I am looking forward to the start of another season supporting The Saints.
Posted by: Andy Welsh on 9:33am Mon 4 Aug 08
Above all what we need to do is give this revolution time. I am sure the Lowe haters will jump on our first poor result, but Poortvliet and Wotte will not be able to succeed overnight, unless they are miracle workers. We need to get behind the team and the management and start to believe.
Posted by: Dont forget an optimist is someone, who does not have all the facts! on 9:33am Mon 4 Aug 08
Jan you should have been here ten - fifteen years ago then you would have seen real talent. Sadly our club has been ruined. Once we were rich now we are poor, once we had great players now we have boys, once we were debt free now we are in hock to the bamk, once we were respected now we are ridiculed, once we were known around the world now we are destined for oblivion, once we were all united in our support for the club now we are divided into various squabbling camps and it is all down to Lowe and his mate Askham. PS Would you like to borrow some of my videos of the great days at the Saints before mr Lowe arrived?
Posted by: STFU on 9:39am Mon 4 Aug 08
Dont forget an optimist is someone wrote:
Jan you should have been here ten - fifteen years ago then you would have seen real talent. Sadly our club has been ruined. Once we were rich now we are poor, once we had great players now we have boys, once we were debt free now we are in hock to the bamk, once we were respected now we are ridiculed, once we were known around the world now we are destined for oblivion, once we were all united in our support for the club now we are divided into various squabbling camps and it is all down to Lowe and his mate Askham. PS Would you like to borrow some of my videos of the great days at the Saints before mr Lowe arrived?
Ten - fifteen years ago we were stuck at The Dell desperate to move to a bigger ground. Everyone knew that we HAD to move to survive, we had to borrow money to do this, and THIS is when the trouble started. If you are worried about the amount of squabbling, please stop adding it to every article on this site.
The article is about JP and the squad for the new season.
Posted by: Hythe Peer, Hythe Pier on 10:23am Mon 4 Aug 08
Maybe - just maybe - the others in the CCC won`t know too much about Saints `quality` either.

Hope springs eternal.
Posted by: LATEST NEWS on 10:42am Mon 4 Aug 08
Arsenal have made a move for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and are hoping Liverpool will drop their asking price for the Spaniard. Should Liverpool sell Alonso to one of their rivals?
Posted by: Jason, Salisbury on 11:39am Mon 4 Aug 08
Unblinkered, Saint for life. wrote:
PLEASE LET ME BE WRONG!!
But i suspect that our 'BOYS' will try and play attractive, energetic football which occasionally will be effective. As the 42 game season settles down and our lightweight squad begins to tire, pick up injuries,and get increasingly rolled over by the many physical teams in this division,not only will that be stopping the youngsters development in its tracks, it will see the team in freefall.
OR,.... as Jan and Rupert see it, we will wow the division with our neat, passing game, they will show our lads so much respect that we march into the playoffs and never look back.
Very steep learning curve Jan. At the moment it's men against the boys, get some more steel into the team NOW, or you will quickly become another managerial notch on Rupert's desk.
Survival will be the target this season.
I really do want to be proven wrong.
But sadly, i don't think i will be.
Sorry, but how can letting young players actually play first team football impede their careers?

It's a myth. It's just been invented because, in the do or die world of modern football, managers are too scared to take a chance.

So instead young kids spend their time on loan or in the reserves while the team field experienced players with average ability who often don't even look motivated or have the belief.

What's wrong with enthusiasm, youth and confidence?

Strangely enough, I think what you're predicting is pretty much accurate, but that's nothing to be worried about – as you say at the very end it is actually progress.

So yep, if we play great, brave football and get the occasional result that's got to be better than where we were, right?

And we picked up injuries and got out muscled by a lot of teams last season didn't we?

So, from what you're saying, we'll have improved and you'd only be blinkered if you expected us to take the league by storm.

I hope the biggest challenge for us this season will be to control our expectations and not expect too much from these kids.

To be honest, all I expect is for them to go out on the field and try to express themselves, enjoy themselves and keep that confidence and enthusiasm.

If they do that, I think it will have been a successful season and we'll do enough to finish OK.

Looking forward to the adventure.
Posted by: miltin roiad, alicante on 11:46am Mon 4 Aug 08
I expected Celtic and West Ham to thrash us, neither did. We have a very young in-experienced team. Yet the 'want' to play and prove yourself worthy of the best, is real motivation and these youngsters have that. We need to be behind them, even if there are a few rough days. They need that, our fans can build or destroy their confidence. Please give them a chance and be patient. This really is your team.
Posted by: Glenn, Southampton on 12:55pm Mon 4 Aug 08
LATEST NEWS wrote:
Arsenal have made a move for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and are hoping Liverpool will drop their asking price for the Spaniard. Should Liverpool sell Alonso to one of their rivals?
Nope Liverpool should definitely keep Xabi Alonso. Gareth Barry in my opinion is not worth £18m pounds. Wenger is looking to get Alonso for around £10m but isnt prepared to battle it out with Liverpool for Barry and end up paying around £17 to £18m. Rafa should stick with the spaniard for sure. Selling him to one of your main rivals would be disastrous, especially paring him with Cesc Fabregas would be effective for the gunners... anyway back to saints, oh yeah umm youngsters, quality... well done.
Posted by: Jason, Salisbury on 12:56pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Someone tell Saint Stephen that, if he's looking for his idiotic mates, they are hiding in the Michael Wilde room today talking their usual nonsense.

They've got their tails between their legs after a good Saints performance so are off licking their wounds with like minded mates until the next bad result.

In case you wanted an update of their discussions, they involve donkeys, "wasn't 1976 really good", Rupert Lowe, players they slagged off last season but now don't want to leave and constructive talk about who to blame this week.


Posted by: Captain Swing, Southampton on 1:07pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Jason wrote:
Someone tell Saint Stephen that, if he's looking for his idiotic mates, they are hiding in the Michael Wilde room today talking their usual nonsense. They've got their tails between their legs after a good Saints performance so are off licking their wounds with like minded mates until the next bad result. In case you wanted an update of their discussions, they involve donkeys, "wasn't 1976 really good", Rupert Lowe, players they slagged off last season but now don't want to leave and constructive talk about who to blame this week.
Yeah. It's funny how they make you laugh and yet simultaniously induce depression, isn't it?
That said, one must expect a reaction of some sort, as Friday's performance must have been demoralising for the poor lambs.
Posted by: Costa Baz on 1:17pm Mon 4 Aug 08
As I keep saying, for every idiot anti lowe poster there's an idiot pro lowe poster.

See above for proof.

Every idiot anti lowe post is met or preceded by an idiot pro lowe poster trying to jab the dumb animal with a sharp stick, just to keep these pointless arguments going.
Posted by: shhhhhhh on 1:21pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Baz has spoken.

--------------------
-----------
end
Posted by: Itchen Stand, Southampton on 1:33pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Just need to avoid having 15+ different centre back combinations and a multitude of different fullbacks and that will help no end with our league position. Bristol City had barly any injuries, consistant back 4-5 players and a bit of luck.
Posted by: Jason, Salisbury on 1:39pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Costa Baz wrote:
As I keep saying, for every idiot anti lowe poster there's an idiot pro lowe poster.

See above for proof.

Every idiot anti lowe post is met or preceded by an idiot pro lowe poster trying to jab the dumb animal with a sharp stick, just to keep these pointless arguments going.
Baz

Sorry but I think you mistake "pro-Saints" for "pro-Lowe".

Just because you are positive and want to see the team do well doesn't mean you like Lowe or dislike him.

I for one couldn't care about the guy himself or any other bloke in a suit running a football club.

Obviously we have to appreciate what he does has an effect on the club and object if we think he's done a bad job, but not at the expense of the spirit of the club.

I, and I think many others, object to the people who blindly want to bring this club down and drain it of any optimism.

I object to people who would rather point score against/or for an individual ahead of the health of a club they are supposed to love.

Thankfully, I think that the optimism and belief that this new young team will bring will make us forget these negative postings pretty quickly anyway and change a few minds, I don't think they reflect the spirit of the majority of Saints fans.

It's not tit for tat posting, but there is a danger that, if all everyone sees on these sites is negative, bad, depressing stuff, they begin to start believing it and I honestly think there is a lot to be optimistic about.

I think there is a chance our club could be reborn this season.
Posted by: Graham, Herts on 1:53pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Jason wrote:
Costa Baz wrote: As I keep saying, for every idiot anti lowe poster there's an idiot pro lowe poster. See above for proof. Every idiot anti lowe post is met or preceded by an idiot pro lowe poster trying to jab the dumb animal with a sharp stick, just to keep these pointless arguments going.
Baz Sorry but I think you mistake "pro-Saints" for "pro-Lowe". Just because you are positive and want to see the team do well doesn't mean you like Lowe or dislike him. I for one couldn't care about the guy himself or any other bloke in a suit running a football club. Obviously we have to appreciate what he does has an effect on the club and object if we think he's done a bad job, but not at the expense of the spirit of the club. I, and I think many others, object to the people who blindly want to bring this club down and drain it of any optimism. I object to people who would rather point score against/or for an individual ahead of the health of a club they are supposed to love. Thankfully, I think that the optimism and belief that this new young team will bring will make us forget these negative postings pretty quickly anyway and change a few minds, I don't think they reflect the spirit of the majority of Saints fans. It's not tit for tat posting, but there is a danger that, if all everyone sees on these sites is negative, bad, depressing stuff, they begin to start believing it and I honestly think there is a lot to be optimistic about. I think there is a chance our club could be reborn this season.
Great one, Jason.

All you can do is keep telling it how you see it.

Common sense will eventually win out over stupidity and bigotry.

In the end we are all Saints fans (unless you think that some of the postings are from some obscure mad religious sect) and all we can do is pray that it works out well for all of us Supporters.

Look forward, never back!!

Posted by: Glenn is a legend as always, southampton (sad eh?!) on 2:02pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Good point Glenn, you make a lot of sense. Barry isnt £8m better than Alonso at all. People say "oh but hes an England international..." And??? Alonso is a spanish international with a medal from a tournament that Barry/England couldnt even reach. If Liverpool F.C have £18m to spend then i suggest they should spend it on a proven winger. On the other hand i can see Rafas point. Barry is left footed and it would balance it out a bit.
Posted by: Gary, Liverpool on 2:05pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Yeah but Rafa will be judged on trophies simply because of the money he is spending. Liverpool will be a genuine threat this season i feel. But Gareth Barry shouldnt come to anfield with a price tag like that.
Posted by: Simon says, Swansea on 2:07pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Yep i feel Liverpool could do summat this season with or without Gareth Barry.
Posted by: Joey mc, Farnborough on 2:09pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Yep but Rafael Benitez is buying brits at least... its quite good to see. Keane/Torres will be interesting.
Posted by: Baddabing, Newcastle under-lyme on 2:11pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Liverpool should go for Gareth Bale i think. Good player, great left foot and still young. Meanwhile Newcastle are screwed (again!)
Posted by: Guy wilmer, Ontario Canada on 2:15pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Liverpool need to win league i think. Champions league run always helps too.
Posted by: Jamie, Thornhill on 2:16pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Since only supporting since I was 3, back in 87, only 21 years I know, but I have seen in those years some classic up's and down's. Some of the ups have been great, like the FA Cup final, Zenith Data final's and managing to stay up in the premiership when it was really beyond possibilities and last but not least watching Le tiss for the whole of his career. The bad stuff includes The Brantfoot era and of course getting relegated.

I do have to say this team what I saw them play like on Friday and what I'm looking forward to on Tuesday played some of the best football I have seen and not just by Saints!

And the doubters saying that too many teams will be too physical for us, I alaways say, think about the young team Hull had last season and think how they didn't get muscled out. Also think of some of the players that we have that won't be too easy to push over.

I think this is why playing Stoke on Tuesday will give us a good test of how we will be like against the more physical sides. I believe that if we do well against Stoke we shouldn't have any problems against any other sides in the Championship.
Posted by: Ryanair, Blackburn (Lancs) on 2:22pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Ive never come across this forum before but its great... better than msn one. Yeah Liverpool need to improve on 4th spot but what about my team (Blackburn?)
Posted by: Sheathy, Sunderland on 2:23pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Lol what about Blackburn?!?!?! Ince isnt up for a prem job yet and with Bentley gone and Santa cruz on way i think they will do well to stay up i really do.
Posted by: Rhys, Bristol on 2:25pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Bristol city for promotion. I actually think Cardiff will do bad
Posted by: Sat gav, Warrington on 2:27pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Moyes is staying!!! Good on ya matey, as much as i hate to say i think Liverpool are gonna do well ARRGHH...
Posted by: jay k, London on 2:29pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Alan Pardew da man!!! Comon addicks!!
Posted by: Kman, Neverland on 2:34pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Facebook and Beyonce 4eva
Posted by: Andy on 2:45pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Regarding all of those who rightly want to get behind the team, does this include not being one of the few who booed the other night when Nathan Dyer's name was read out?
Perhaps if someone does that tomorrow we should all tell them to shut up.
Posted by: Billy 2 Baps, Waiting for my Whistle on 2:58pm Mon 4 Aug 08
I’ve been under the weather since Thursday, leaving my laptop at work. In those 5 days I’ve been out once, for the game on Friday. So apologises for some of my comments seeming a little old news. I said to my nephew, I would be happy with just a good performance whatever the score line. Well i thought the first half was some of the best football I’ve seen in a long time. Overall we played the better football against a Premiership team fielding a number of 1st team. I’ve had my laptop brought to my home today to catch up on my emails, so thought I would have a quick read of the Echo site first. The one thing that jumps out at me, are all the negative posts. Before the WHU game people saying we were going to get spanked into next year. Those same posters didn’t seem to be so vocal after the result. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and it would be easy for me to jump on the bandwagon and insult certain individuals. But I read nowhere of those fans saying “i got it wrong” you all know who you are. But people make mistake, RL is here to stay for the foreseeable future. I love my team, the one that can make me so happy even when i have to drag myself out of bed feeling like S&*t to watching them on a Friday night in a pre season friendly. I support my team through thick and thin, I didn’t choose my team, my team choose me the day i was born in the General Hospital. It’s time we all supported the team we love and show them in the coming season how much we care. They showed all the things i look for in a SFC team on Friday night, the biggest for me was passion and belief. As fans it’s time we need the same. Yes Lowe made mistake, but what if he has actually pulled a master stroke in getting JP in. Nigel Pearson was a fans manager and I was sad to see the guy leave. But if he had played WHU in a friendly and so nearly win it. This board would be full of his praises, so give Jan and the team some praise where it is due- COYR
Posted by: saintian, southampton on 2:58pm Mon 4 Aug 08
jay k wrote:
Alan Pardew da man!!! Comon addicks!!
are all the comments on here from other teams fans, or just wind-ups?to be honest i dont give a monkies about the premiership untill sfc go back there.so all fans talking about liverpool etc naff off and add your 2p worth on the bbc 606 or something,this is for southampton fc fans or anyone wanting to comment on them,looking forward to the season coyr.
Posted by: Football mad, Bradford on 3:06pm Mon 4 Aug 08
saintian wrote:
jay k wrote: Alan Pardew da man!!! Comon addicks!!
are all the comments on here from other teams fans, or just wind-ups?to be honest i dont give a monkies about the premiership untill sfc go back there.so all fans talking about liverpool etc naff off and add your 2p worth on the bbc 606 or something,this is for southampton fc fans or anyone wanting to comment on them,looking forward to the season coyr.
What? This is a forum about football, Sfc? whos that then? Cmon Bradford City!!
Posted by: Will, Brum land on 3:10pm Mon 4 Aug 08
saintian wrote:
jay k wrote: Alan Pardew da man!!! Comon addicks!!
are all the comments on here from other teams fans, or just wind-ups?to be honest i dont give a monkies about the premiership untill sfc go back there.so all fans talking about liverpool etc naff off and add your 2p worth on the bbc 606 or something,this is for southampton fc fans or anyone wanting to comment on them,looking forward to the season coyr.
What do you mean wind ups? People are talking about football on a national footie forum so whoever you support obviously aint in the prem as you stated it dont mean us fans cant mention prem teams ect... since when has this been owned by a certain club? avfc rule. Barry stay plz!!
Posted by: SuperNeilWarnock, Sth London on 3:13pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Will wrote:
saintian wrote:
jay k wrote: Alan Pardew da man!!! Comon addicks!!
are all the comments on here from other teams fans, or just wind-ups?to be honest i dont give a monkies about the premiership untill sfc go back there.so all fans talking about liverpool etc naff off and add your 2p worth on the bbc 606 or something,this is for southampton fc fans or anyone wanting to comment on them,looking forward to the season coyr.
What do you mean wind ups? People are talking about football on a national footie forum so whoever you support obviously aint in the prem as you stated it dont mean us fans cant mention prem teams ect... since when has this been owned by a certain club? avfc rule. Barry stay plz!!
Innit, some bitter fan here me thinks!! If you want ur own club discussed then go on a local type club forum or summat... im guessing sfc means southampton rite? If so youve got no chance... Palace all da way
Posted by: Fergie, Manchester on 3:14pm Mon 4 Aug 08
If Ronaldo leaves we're doomed. Nani isnt nowhere near ready for the new season. Tomorrow is D-day for united
Posted by: Wiseman, Finsbury on 3:18pm Mon 4 Aug 08
THFC are gonna be best team and win da league 4 sure
Posted by: Millsey, N London on 3:19pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Wiseman wrote:
THFC are gonna be best team and win da league 4 sure
Lol yeah and Ryan Giggs will be reborn as a tractor and win F1, Arsenal forever. Big big season for us
Posted by: Neil, London on 3:22pm Mon 4 Aug 08
STFU wrote:
Dont forget an optimist is someone wrote: Jan you should have been here ten - fifteen years ago then you would have seen real talent. Sadly our club has been ruined. Once we were rich now we are poor, once we had great players now we have boys, once we were debt free now we are in hock to the bamk, once we were respected now we are ridiculed, once we were known around the world now we are destined for oblivion, once we were all united in our support for the club now we are divided into various squabbling camps and it is all down to Lowe and his mate Askham. PS Would you like to borrow some of my videos of the great days at the Saints before mr Lowe arrived?
Ten - fifteen years ago we were stuck at The Dell desperate to move to a bigger ground. Everyone knew that we HAD to move to survive, we had to borrow money to do this, and THIS is when the trouble started. If you are worried about the amount of squabbling, please stop adding it to every article on this site. The article is about JP and the squad for the new season.
STFU - You seem to know sweet FA about Saints. This was our squad 15 years ago! How many of these 'real talents' would you like back? I'm guessing 1:

Dave Beasant
Jeff Kenna
Jim Magilton
Richard Hall
Ken Monkou
Matthew Le Tissier
Craig Maskell
Iain Dowie
Neil Maddison
Francis Benali
Neil Heaney
Ian Andrews
Simon Charlton
Jason Dodd
Nicky Banger
Kevin Moore
Steve Wood
Paul McDonald
Tommy Widdrington
Matthew Bound
Neil Hopper
Frankie Bennett
Neal Bartlett
Lee Powell
Paul Allen
David Hughes
Colin Cramb

Plonka!
Posted by: MORE LATEST NEWS on 3:24pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Rafael Van der Vaart has announced that he will move to Real Madrid this week after Hamburg agreed a deal with the Spanish giants. He will be presented at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.

The Dutch international broke the news on his official website and stated that he was delighted that talks had finally been completed after weeks of speculation.

Madrid held talks with Hamburg officials in London as both clubs were in the English capital for the Emirates Cup and struck an accord.
Posted by: STFU on 3:27pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Neil wrote:
STFU wrote:
Dont forget an optimist is someone wrote: Jan you should have been here ten - fifteen years ago then you would have seen real talent. Sadly our club has been ruined. Once we were rich now we are poor, once we had great players now we have boys, once we were debt free now we are in hock to the bamk, once we were respected now we are ridiculed, once we were known around the world now we are destined for oblivion, once we were all united in our support for the club now we are divided into various squabbling camps and it is all down to Lowe and his mate Askham. PS Would you like to borrow some of my videos of the great days at the Saints before mr Lowe arrived?
Ten - fifteen years ago we were stuck at The Dell desperate to move to a bigger ground. Everyone knew that we HAD to move to survive, we had to borrow money to do this, and THIS is when the trouble started. If you are worried about the amount of squabbling, please stop adding it to every article on this site. The article is about JP and the squad for the new season.
STFU - You seem to know sweet FA about Saints. This was our squad 15 years ago! How many of these 'real talents' would you like back? I'm guessing 1: Dave Beasant Jeff Kenna Jim Magilton Richard Hall Ken Monkou Matthew Le Tissier Craig Maskell Iain Dowie Neil Maddison Francis Benali Neil Heaney Ian Andrews Simon Charlton Jason Dodd Nicky Banger Kevin Moore Steve Wood Paul McDonald Tommy Widdrington Matthew Bound Neil Hopper Frankie Bennett Neal Bartlett Lee Powell Paul Allen David Hughes Colin Cramb Plonka!
Dont forget an optimist is wrote the first post.
I responded to him.

Now who is a plonka? ;)
Posted by: Graham, Herts on 4:00pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Billy 2 Baps wrote:
I’ve been under the weather since Thursday, leaving my laptop at work. In those 5 days I’ve been out once, for the game on Friday. So apologises for some of my comments seeming a little old news. I said to my nephew, I would be happy with just a good performance whatever the score line. Well i thought the first half was some of the best football I’ve seen in a long time. Overall we played the better football against a Premiership team fielding a number of 1st team. I’ve had my laptop brought to my home today to catch up on my emails, so thought I would have a quick read of the Echo site first. The one thing that jumps out at me, are all the negative posts. Before the WHU game people saying we were going to get spanked into next year. Those same posters didn’t seem to be so vocal after the result. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and it would be easy for me to jump on the bandwagon and insult certain individuals. But I read nowhere of those fans saying “i got it wrong” you all know who you are. But people make mistake, RL is here to stay for the foreseeable future. I love my team, the one that can make me so happy even when i have to drag myself out of bed feeling like S&*t to watching them on a Friday night in a pre season friendly. I support my team through thick and thin, I didn’t choose my team, my team choose me the day i was born in the General Hospital. It’s time we all supported the team we love and show them in the coming season how much we care. They showed all the things i look for in a SFC team on Friday night, the biggest for me was passion and belief. As fans it’s time we need the same. Yes Lowe made mistake, but what if he has actually pulled a master stroke in getting JP in. Nigel Pearson was a fans manager and I was sad to see the guy leave. But if he had played WHU in a friendly and so nearly win it. This board would be full of his praises, so give Jan and the team some praise where it is due- COYR
I couldn't make it from North of Watford but, for me, you've used the magic words - PASION & BELIEF.

I was born in Southampton General and it's in my blood.

TRAGIC, TRAGIC, TRAGIC that so many people are prepared to see the Club die when we could now be at a turning point.

Loof forward, not back

Posted by: Jason, Salisbury on 4:14pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Indeed.

With the new management team and young players, plus the removal of loads of dead wood, we finally have the opportunity for a new start.

Would be great if us fans started it with a truly clean slate as well and put personal grievances aside for the sake of the club.

If we do, we've got the chance of something genuinely worth cheering for this season.

Even if results aren't fantastic, I'm proud we're making a statement about giving youth a chance.
Posted by: forcaster, spain on 4:15pm Mon 4 Aug 08
forcast for promotion.Any 3 from 6.Birmingham,Crystal Palace,Ipswich,Q.P.R
.,Sheffield Utd.,and Wolves.For relegation.Barnsley,
Blackpool,Doncaster Rovers,Watford,South
ampton and Plymouth.
Posted by: N on 4:29pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Jason wrote:
Indeed. With the new management team and young players, plus the removal of loads of dead wood, we finally have the opportunity for a new start. Would be great if us fans started it with a truly clean slate as well and put personal grievances aside for the sake of the club. If we do, we've got the chance of something genuinely worth cheering for this season. Even if results aren't fantastic, I'm proud we're making a statement about giving youth a chance.
Far better to build a team of youngsters with pride, passion and commitment than a squad of loanees who couldn't give a toss about the club.

I can see the current crop finishing mis-season this year, promoted next year, then mid-prem, then Europe the year after.
If we had had the same commitment last year we would have turned the losses into draws, and the draws into wins.

Up the Saints.
Posted by: Barcelona Saint, Barcelona on 4:52pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Neil wrote:
STFU wrote:
Dont forget an optimist is someone wrote: Jan you should have been here ten - fifteen years ago then you would have seen real talent. Sadly our club has been ruined. Once we were rich now we are poor, once we had great players now we have boys, once we were debt free now we are in hock to the bamk, once we were respected now we are ridiculed, once we were known around the world now we are destined for oblivion, once we were all united in our support for the club now we are divided into various squabbling camps and it is all down to Lowe and his mate Askham. PS Would you like to borrow some of my videos of the great days at the Saints before mr Lowe arrived?
Ten - fifteen years ago we were stuck at The Dell desperate to move to a bigger ground. Everyone knew that we HAD to move to survive, we had to borrow money to do this, and THIS is when the trouble started. If you are worried about the amount of squabbling, please stop adding it to every article on this site. The article is about JP and the squad for the new season.
STFU - You seem to know sweet FA about Saints. This was our squad 15 years ago! How many of these 'real talents' would you like back? I'm guessing 1: Dave Beasant Jeff Kenna Jim Magilton Richard Hall Ken Monkou Matthew Le Tissier Craig Maskell Iain Dowie Neil Maddison Francis Benali Neil Heaney Ian Andrews Simon Charlton Jason Dodd Nicky Banger Kevin Moore Steve Wood Paul McDonald Tommy Widdrington Matthew Bound Neil Hopper Frankie Bennett Neal Bartlett Lee Powell Paul Allen David Hughes Colin Cramb Plonka!
So that millionaire Paul Allen did play for us at one point! I was trying to work out that link..... he must've made loads playing for us!!
Posted by: Artful Dodger, Millbrook on 5:03pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Barcelona Saint wrote:
Neil wrote:
STFU wrote:
Dont forget an optimist is someone wrote: Jan you should have been here ten - fifteen years ago then you would have seen real talent. Sadly our club has been ruined. Once we were rich now we are poor, once we had great players now we have boys, once we were debt free now we are in hock to the bamk, once we were respected now we are ridiculed, once we were known around the world now we are destined for oblivion, once we were all united in our support for the club now we are divided into various squabbling camps and it is all down to Lowe and his mate Askham. PS Would you like to borrow some of my videos of the great days at the Saints before mr Lowe arrived?
Ten - fifteen years ago we were stuck at The Dell desperate to move to a bigger ground. Everyone knew that we HAD to move to survive, we had to borrow money to do this, and THIS is when the trouble started. If you are worried about the amount of squabbling, please stop adding it to every article on this site. The article is about JP and the squad for the new season.
STFU - You seem to know sweet FA about Saints. This was our squad 15 years ago! How many of these 'real talents' would you like back? I'm guessing 1: Dave Beasant Jeff Kenna Jim Magilton Richard Hall Ken Monkou Matthew Le Tissier Craig Maskell Iain Dowie Neil Maddison Francis Benali Neil Heaney Ian Andrews Simon Charlton Jason Dodd Nicky Banger Kevin Moore Steve Wood Paul McDonald Tommy Widdrington Matthew Bound Neil Hopper Frankie Bennett Neal Bartlett Lee Powell Paul Allen David Hughes Colin Cramb Plonka!
So that millionaire Paul Allen did play for us at one point! I was trying to work out that link..... he must've made loads playing for us!!
Don't you mean Dave Allen, who was a finger tip away from playing for Ireland?
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 5:21pm Mon 4 Aug 08
All we need to do this season is stay up. Next year a new TV comes in and there will be more money in the Championship. Hopefully we can retain the services of Surman, Lallana and the like for at least another two years. With the addition of quality like Holmes and Schneiderlin I feel that promotion within 2 seasons is not beyond us. We're certainly in a better position than Watford (heading towards administration), Reading (about to lose all their decent players)and the likes of Barnsley, Blackpool and Plymouth.
Posted by: 3rd hardest man in sholing, southampton on 5:42pm Mon 4 Aug 08
hey im looking forward to tomorrows game against stoke, i didnt make the west ham game,but it sounded like there was a lot of positives to come out of the game.im a bit worried though to be honest,in sundays observer they did a feature on the championship and they spoke to a supporters group from every club,and a least half of em had us as their tip for relegation, also the bookies have us as third favourites to go down.I cant believe how far we`ve fallen in people`s estimation to be honest.You never know whats going to happen in this league,im just hoping and praying that we can string a few decent results together ,and keep out the bottom 6,its crazy how a club like ours playing in front of 20000 plus at home every time, can be in such a dire financial position,oh well...im still gagging for the season to start,hope springs eternal and all that.
Posted by: rational on 7:33pm Mon 4 Aug 08
3rd hardest man in sholing wrote:
hey im looking forward to tomorrows game against stoke, i didnt make the west ham game,but it sounded like there was a lot of positives to come out of the game.im a bit worried though to be honest,in sundays observer they did a feature on the championship and they spoke to a supporters group from every club,and a least half of em had us as their tip for relegation, also the bookies have us as third favourites to go down.I cant believe how far we`ve fallen in people`s estimation to be honest.You never know whats going to happen in this league,im just hoping and praying that we can string a few decent results together ,and keep out the bottom 6,its crazy how a club like ours playing in front of 20000 plus at home every time, can be in such a dire financial position,oh well...im still gagging for the season to start,hope springs eternal and all that.
Trust in those who have seen Saints play.

An outsider would look at the headlines about us, that our 'big name' players have gone and we are relying only on youth. And that we have a manager they've never heard of.

They have probably also seen some of the earlier, negative comments here and on other boards.

The reality is that the supposed 'big names' were the biggest problem here last season, not delivering, not caring and so on.

We have long had a strong academy, just that these youngsters have been held back.

The likes of James, Lallana, Thomson, Lancashire and so on are not 15 and 16 year olds. Basseya had been performing regularly for the reserves and I really believe he would have brought a lot to last years first team. Sadly, he seems to have decided too early that he's fed up playing reserve football and I think he may come to regret his decision.

Don't worry about what the pundits say - look how often Lawrenson got it wrong about Saints!

All the games will be played on the pitch, not on paper.

Like you, I can't wait for the real action to start. I expect highs and lows, bit it will all be ours, and I'm confident we'll see a lot more passion than of late.
Posted by: Michael, Itchen on 7:35pm Mon 4 Aug 08
I'm cautiously optimistic about the new season. The CCC is highly competitive with up to 18 teams in with a shout at promotion. Whatever happens one way or another the Saints will make news headlines and I hope this time good headlines. My hope is mid-table for the Saints, financial stability and Michael Svensson clattering at least Premiership striker in a cup game. COYR
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 9:58pm Mon 4 Aug 08
I'm sure many SFC fans will agree that this will be a season of consolidation. We need to move away from bringing in journeymen who are not giving it 100%. I am sure our lads will give Stoke a game tomorrow.
Posted by: across the pond, across the pond on 9:58pm Mon 4 Aug 08
This is exactly the football that will attract new owners.Let's all get behind Saints youngsters, they are hungry and want to play,that is 100% better than last season,i hope you lot cheer and remember all of us that sit at our computers on a game day regardless of time differences,wishing we could be there please give an extra shout for all of us Saints fans all over the world we are relying on you on this site for some accurate information.I am excited for a new season.COYR
Posted by: Billy 2 Baps, Waiting for my Whistle on 10:43pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Condor Man wrote:
I\'m sure many SFC fans will agree that this will be a season of consolidation. We need to move away from bringing in journeymen who are not giving it 100%. I am sure our lads will give Stoke a game tomorrow.
I completely agree, this season is about building a strong base and moving forward. I would be happy with a top half finish. Things will not happen over night, but if i see progress over the season i will be more than happy. Be interested to see how many people show tomorrow night, hopefully a few more than last Friday.
Posted by: ian, Portsmouth on 10:57pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Play Up Pompey Best Team in hampshire ,2nd best team in hampshire is Havant and Waterlooville dont think we will be playig the scummers in the league for a few years
Posted by: LATEST NEWS on 11:10pm Mon 4 Aug 08
Real Madrid's Brazilian star Robinho has stated that he has an offer to join Chelsea.
Posted by: Nanny., Hampshire on 11:28pm Mon 4 Aug 08