by Nick Mabey.
I can usually tell how excited I am about the forthcoming season by how early I renew my season ticket. This year my deadline was 30th June, if I wanted to get the early bird discount, and I actually renewed on 20th. I reckon that’s about a seven out of ten on the excitement scale.
Why so upbeat after a season of mostly misery and a rare relegation? For our last two relegations, from Premier League to Championship in 2005 and from Championship to League 1 in 2009, it felt like the world was ending – okay I exaggerate – but it wasn’t great and my season ticket renewal was an act of blind faith, financial recklessness or emotional masochism; perhaps a little of all three. This time feels much more hopeful. Back then it was all fire sales and administration. Now it’s strategic transfer activity, a stable environment and very active ownership.
I’m also excited about a few other things. Being in a league where we can hopefully win more than we lose. Being in a league with more even competition from top to bottom. Having more games, and more of them at the traditional time of 3pm Saturday. Seeing the progression of our young, technically excellent squad (without knowing who is staying yet). Welcoming a new young manager with a reputation for the sort of football I like.
There are two big narratives for Saints this summer. Appointment of a new manager and what is likely to be a very busy transfer window. This second story has yet to really get going, but the first is finally resolved after some typical Southampton soap opera. It seems the club identified Russell Martin immediately last season ended, but then couldn’t, or wouldn’t, appoint him until 21st June (the eagle eyed will have spotted I renewed my ticket the day before he arrived – perhaps they were waiting for me to commit?!).
I liked Russell Martin as a player. He reminded me of Jason Dodd, a fully committed club professional who, on top of being a good, reliable club professional, showed great leadership on the pitch and a calm, low ego demeanour off it. I don’t know much about him as a manager, other than reading about how he likes his teams to play, based on possession and aggression. Having watched his first interview since being appointed I’m left impressed and excited. Regular readers will know (a) this is not unusual for me and (b) being Saints this could easily be a prelude to disaster.
For now it’s all eyes on the rumour mill. Virtually every player in the squad is likely to be mentioned as a target, as the club look to thin out what was a very bloated squad. Whether it be a valuable asset to help with the financial model, a more seasoned player looking to play in the top-flight, or an academy graduate looking to get more game time at a level suited to them, everyone is up for grabs. From this last category we’ve already seen Kegs Chauke and Dan Nlundulu depart. I’m expecting around 10-12 departures and perhaps 3-4 new players arriving, but who knows?
Renewal is not just the financial purchase of a season ticket. It’s a chance to renew energy, optimism, allegiance and enthusiasm for this great game and the club I love. The off-season is a time to enjoy the sun and the cricket, recharge the batteries and only keep one occasional eye on proceedings at St. Marys. I need as much renewal as my ticket.
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