I have a good feeling about this appointment. Does it pay to trust your feelings? Sometimes, probably not always. Anyway, Mark Hughes just feels right for Saints. A mate of mine, Arsenal fan, said to me yesterday that he was amazed by the emotion on Hughes' face at the end of the Swansea game; and remarked that it couldn't just have been the thought of a £million bonus producing that reaction.
I'm happy with Sparky, I think he'll get us playing good footie again...that's all that really matters to me, I just want to be entertained and see some fight from the team.
Played in a good atmosphere too hopefully, I think that Puel and Pellegrino suffered through the fans not really taking to them personally. The matchday experience means a lot to me and it has been pretty dull and quiet for a couple of years at SMS.
At least Hughes knows where the goal is...and that in order to score you have to occasionally propel the ball towards it. He is also a leader and a motivator. We have had none of those things for two years so I see a mid-table finish next year with no relegation worries....even with the current squad. For me it is already Huddersfield, Brighton and one other (I fear for Burnley too - being in the Europa league and the premier league could be too much for their squad).
Hughes is the only Premier League striker we have ever had as a manager. The only English league top flight striker ever, in fact. Previous strikers turned managers are Paul Sturrock, who only played for Dundee United, and, of course, Ted Bates, who only ever played lower league. I say all this to back up your first point, which is something we badly need.
Can't see Huddersfield having the same magic next season. Very difficult to add to that hard working group. WHU will probably buy Mooy for £30M and then they'll be right in the tut.
I don’t fear for Cardiff, I just hope they go. Never liked them. Only time I’ve feared for my safety at a football game.
Funny bunch Millwall. I remember going to Saints Millwall, was a cup game, probably 15 years or so ago...think it finished 1-1 but Claridge scored for them which didn't go down too well! Anyway, we were in Northam and pretty close to those lovely away fans...apart from Claridge scoring (and his socks not being pulled up, that really annoyed me for some reason) the only other thing I can vividly remember is looking over and watching the Millwall fans for a bit. My gaze settled on a rather large lady, must have been in her late 40's at least, she was sporting a big gold chain...our eyes locked on each other...after a few seconds of eye contact she started shouting something followed by running her thumb along her neck at me! As I say, funny bunch...didn't fear for my safety, far from it, it was hilarious, but something i'll always remember...that and Claridge's socks!
In fairness to Luggy, Dundee United were an excellent team in those days. They beat Barcelona away, and I recall Brian Clough saying that their performance was the best he`d seen in Europe from a British club as long as he could remember.
I think most would agree he earned his chance by getting us over the line to safety. While I understand the point the doubters are making, none have suggested a viable alternative, who Saints would be able to give it a go here. Not to mention there would be no gaurentees with their alternative chioce either. The one thing sparky has got over anyone else it would seem is the backing of the majority of the players. In my book that goes a hell of a long way. We know what skills he had as a player not to mention his motivation skills. Who knows he just might be the wizard we all hope he is..........
Hughes will be a success for us, if he is backed in the transfer market this summer. I'm very confident of that. If he isn't backed, I don't think he'll be here come the opening day of 2019/20.
You don’t have to list alternatives to justify thinking that a manager may not work out for us. That is irrelevant. .
