Dragan Solak has been speaking to the media about recent speculation that he is trying to sell the club and reveals that in fact the opposite is true and his love for all things Southampton FC is growing.

A few weeks ago came whispers in the media started by former Crystal Palace Chairman Simon Jordan, that a Saudi Arabian investor was trying to buy a football club and that Saints were high on his agenda.

That brought some anticipation that this would happen in some quarters of the Southampton fanbase, although many more also thought that it might be a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire and that although Sport Republic had made mistakes, they could not be accused of skimping on investing money in the club, only of some poor decisions in appointing key personnel to run the operation both on and off the field.

Now Sport Republic major shareholder dragan Solak has been speaking to the BBC here's what he had to say to BBC Radio Solent..

"We have had some really great highs and enjoyable moments but we have also had devastating and sad periods - but I guess that's the sport

"But the good thing is that my love, respect and loyalty for Southampton is just growing through all of this."

As I have often said on this site, our main problem over the last 12 months has been operating without a Director of Football and it seems that agrees saying that Saints had "reluctantly" allowed Wilcox to depart after just six months in the role.

"I really liked working with Jason during his time here but I understand it, if you get the call from Manchester United, you go," Solak added.

"We suddenly lost a man who [had] started building something, we didn't replace him fast enough so we went into the challenge of the Premier League without a leading figure in our football department and that was very, very costly."

Again the message to be taken from this is that Sport Republic have done some good things and sometimes things have happened that were beyond their control, but they have not reacted to them, that they accept mistakes have been made and that they have already rectified them.

Addressing the recent stories about putting the Club up for sale he had this to say.

"I have never had any plans of selling the club, We have quite a few very exciting projects.

"I might invite some partners to join me if and when we are promoted to the Premier League, because I think we'll need maybe more [investment].

"But selling was never on my mind, I was thinking much more about this 10-year project of how to develop the club commercially and financially so it is more robust and less dependent on TV rights deals."

Solak also seems to think that new manager Will Still is the right fit for the job, although cynics would say that he has to say that!

"I spent some time with him and I have to say he's definitely a very smart guy," Solak said.

"He went from a first-tier team in France to come to the Championship, he thinks it's a right move for him because I think he believes his place is in British football.

"For him to be willing to basically take the challenge and to try to prove that it is his place, I think it's great so I'm very positive."

Solak's interview will be well received by some Southampton supporters and greeted with distain by others, I can understand both views, but overall I think we have to give Solak a second chance to show that he can get things right, if for no other reason, that there is now one else out there, at least no one that could do better at present.

Saints are still in a strong position to challenge for promotion next season and if they can shift some of the underperformers from the past two seasons and get in the type of player who fit the Southampton Way, then it could be a very good season next year.

All Photos Via Reuters

Southamptonfan added 14:39 - Jun 19 You didn't mention the bit, where Solak blames VAR for Martin's sacking. If VAR was to blame, why was Martin sacked?
-3

DellBoyWally added 17:18 - Jun 19 No No No Gospod Solak did not say RM was sacked due to VAR! Try reading the whole interview. He mentions losing 8 points to questionable VAR decisions (I say we were robbed either by inept or corrupt officials!) Gospod Solak adds that the atmosphere around the team would have been different. After all, we'd have had 8 more points, been out of the relegation spots, confidence would have been higher, the team consequently playing better. But, after the robbery the team lost confidence and, as mentioned by fans at the time, looked disinterested, demoralised. Gospod Solak saw this too but RM was unable to change things so (quite rightly in my view) had to go. So RM was NOT sacked because of VAR but because he couldn't handle the resulting situation. Having read ALL the interview (not just BBC and The Echo click bait extractions) I don't think we can have anyone better running the club) He's moved the people who made mistakes, admitted to not making the right decisions at times (replacing J Wilcox more quickly) But he is now taking on a more hands-on position, has got people he likes and trusts in important roles (Spors; Still) and intends getting Saints back into the PL (NOT EPL, use the proper name!) and keeping us there. Can't ask for more

3

Bowlercow added 18:04 - Jun 19 We asked for a bit more openess and now we have it.From the start we have known about the "Soccernomics approach" buy young develop and sell on I look forward to the new season with total optimism and confidence in SR and Will Still
4

highfield49 added 18:44 - Jun 19 And, for what it's worth, a vote of confidence from me. I believe that Will Still can get the squad to work as a team, not only winning but also gaining the huge benefit of adaptability. Can't wait for substitutions that have a positive impact on results rather than the headless chicken syndrome.
1

Jesus_02 added 19:30 - Jun 19 I more was said at the time.. VAR was outragious against saints at the time and media coverage focused soley on us playing out from the back. The derby thing was being mentioned very early on. It was like the rest of the football world was like "dont get clever , now your place". I didnt feel like anyone highter up including RM came out fighting for saints. Things have shifted and Solak has taken more of a direct role. We have some great players for this level and while it would be mad to assume success Im really looking forward to the season.

1

mascott514 added 21:44 - Jun 19 I listened to the /bbc interview with Adam. Solak seems to have his head screwed on. Certainly improved my mood going into next year. Let hope the window goes well.
0

davidargyll added 08:48 - Jun 20 My Goodness! What an EXCELLENT AND POSITIVE INTERVIEW!!! I now do feel more than justified in renewing my season ticket and am looking forward to August with rather more optimism than I dared even think about a couple of months ago!
0

Blogs 31 bloggers

Derby County Polls