It works very well here and I think we would be an excellent model. Nothing nationalistic in my sentiment, purely about sport (no need to attack, Billy!).
As I've stated previously, there are some brilliant models to follow. Billy Beane, also mentioned in an earlier post, was just hired by AZ Alkmaar as a consultant. He will do very well there, sharing his knowledge on how to build and sustain a successful organization within budget.
There is so much data and information available now to serve a club's plan, that to me it's incomprehensible that they wouldn't put it to use. To many, it has been proven beyond any doubt that the way to build a club (pick your sport) is from top to bottom. The Chairman/DoF lays out the plan, and then every decision after that is meant to serve the larger plan/philosophy. Southampton follows this type of model with passion, and have proven it can work in the prem. There was even a documentary on ESPN here illustrating how Southampton were utilizing these new models for success, while still making it their own.
No reason SAFC can't build a successful, and sustainable, model that would serve as an example to others. It requires a the right person for the job tho, and that person is not the manager. Leap of faith, yes, but relegation battles every year seems the alternative.
