Article: Playing The Southampton Way | Football, Southampton

A little while ago NC gave an interveiw where he said something like "not only do we want to win, but win with a style that will be known as the Southampton way". I have to say that although I liked his sentiments I didn't really take it too seriously. I thought he was saying something that we as fans wanted to hear.
I should have known better than doubt the Don, he has brought in a manager that is obviously capable of changing styles of play to suit the division. On the evidence of the first three games, we are playing totally differently from how we played last season let alone how it was under Pardew and that's with only one real change in personnel (Cork). As I've mentioned AP let me say that credit should given for the players he brought to the club, but this is now undoubtedly Nigel's team who are playing some of the best football in living memory. I don't think I'm alone in saying that I'm shocked at the transformation this season.
I've had a look on the Ipswich board because the opinion of the opposition is never going to be biased. In amongst all the wrist slashing about their own team are some quotes about us.

"The fact that we didnt attempt one tackle in the whole game really didnt change the overall feeling that we were totally outclassed"

and

"Southampton were the best team I have seen play at this level, their passing and movement were superb."

I've seen all three games and they are not wrong. The "Southampton Way" is up and running.

 

That's why they chose the away kit style - we are Brazil!

 

It's no use having a style without having the players who can play that way. We are blessed with a squad that is capable of playing this way. I must confess to not being surprised at how well we are playing. The team were under immense pressure last season to get promotion and this pressure was increased by the terrinble start we had. We had to scrap for victories at times and they did that. This season the pressure is off temporarily and the players can express themselves and are playing against teams who are not just trying to stop us playing. If this continues I'm sure teams will begin to play against us more negatively. The experience of last season will help us counter this.

 

But you Gus Poyet will stay say we are a hoof ball team...

(almost want to beat them as much as I want to beat Portsmouth)

 

Had a lot of faith in our players, but very impressed how they have effortlessly stepped up.
They are a credit to Adkins.

 

I am so proud of Saints (the chairman, manager and team) that sometimes I think I will burst. Yes, we will lose games and slide a bit down the table, but I trust everyone to pick themselves up and start again. I am also glad we can play beautiful football, whilst accepting that sometimes hoof ball and goal line clearances may be the answer in some games.

 

I think on SSN some of the commentary from Tony was very complimentary which always gives you that feel good factor!

 

The quotation you mention "playing the Southampton way" was a quotation first used by one Lawrie Mac all those years ago. Just after he got us promoted back to the then Div 1. In those days it is true we used to play fast open football. When we could we carried on playing that way while in Div 1 especially at home. So yes it is nice to be perhaps getting a bit of a reputation again for playing how we used to, open clean football. That is what got us into the headlines years ago and on that our reputation was built.

 

champions league here we come!

 

When asked if Saints would come on a tour of New Zealand (Australia?), Cortese replied,'When we win the Champions' League.' Some might take that to mean never, I prefer to think it's a promise

 

So do I.

What has struck me with Nicola Cortese is that he is the least BSing 'quoted' Chairman that I think I've ever come across. If he says something will happen, it either does or will when the time comes. He never seems to say anything to the media without meaning it. An attitude like that instils confidence, in fans especially.