[Mood : Emo-ing... but somewhat happier ]

Aug 11th's the start of the Championship season for Southampton!! ^^ It's a little scary though... they're facing Crystal Palace, quite a formidable opponent there... and things aren't as promising as would be ideal in the SFC camp.

Sure, pre-season has been relatively good... but Svarstad (what club and where the hell is that? Russia?), Exeter and Millwall? It would be a major embarrassment if we didn't beat them. And as usual, lots of politics going on behind the scenes. Boardroom tussles are fast becoming the norm, and all fans share George Burley's concern that Saints' defence is probably one of the weakest links that could make play-offs (let's not even think about automatic promotion) beyond reach for the 07/08 season.

But... I still think we've got one of the best (in terms of loyalty) fan bases ^^ Haha... it takes quite a lot to be a Saints fan. Politics, managerial musical chairs (it's shocking how many managers we've had in the past 10 years XD ), temperamental performances (occasional spurts of brilliance and sometimes downright bad playing) and non of the glamour of the EPL. Still, because we love the club and it's traditionally a family supported club (although I'm the first in my family =p ) ... we stick by the club through thick and thin. That DOES NOT mean we take whatever crap that's shoved down our throats though. Once again, because we love the club to pieces... the British Saints fans can become very garang when the need arises XD

Evidence:

The official ground name at opening was 'The Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium'. Initially the club wanted the ground to be named purely after the sponsors, but fan pressure influenced the decision to include a non-commercial title, and hence the ground is now nearly always referred to simply as 'St Mary's'. It is a rare example of fans successfully influencing club stadium naming policy in recent years, and one which earned Southampton fans respect amongst many other football fans.

Things like this makes one proud to be a 'Saint' XD

Besides, there are benefits. Club spirit is as awesome as the fans, the training academy has produced some wonderful footballers, we've had English football legends who stayed loyal to the club like Matt Le Tissier (he rejected moves to AC Milan and Chelsea FC, and tore up a contract he signed with Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in 1991), and St Mary's is the most architecturally beautiful stadium in the South Coast.

Therefore, the eternal Saints optimist in me will be eagerly anticipating this Saturday's match... and it'll be fantastic if we win... but if we lose, thank goodness it's only the first match of the season and there's still time to turn the tide in our favour. After all, SFC is renowned for perseverance and 'last-minute' inspired playing. Viva la Southampton Football Club.