If they stick to it. Not saying they won't (they may already have had conversations that ensure that they can get at least that much, should they pull the trigger), but they could be in a bit of a bind if Mane's more willing to force his way out than they believe, and the top-dollar offers aren't forthcoming. They don't write the headlines for articles, but "can now afford to keep stars like Sadio Mane" followed shortly by the sale of Sadio Mane is the sort of thing one wants to avoid when it's an article you've dictated, heh.
We managed to keep Schneiderlin and Wanyama the last few Summers when they kicked up a fuss. I would imagine they would be able to do the same for Mane.
Seriously, the guy is just a walking shoulder chip and not built for the Premier League. Thin-skinned is putting it mildly. No, I don't know him, but it was completely clear for all to see when he was managing here - plus he calls out and publicly blames players, which is a heinous trait in managers. Cares too much? Please don't build him up to be some sort of crusading hero.
Good call. As unlikely as he is to come over here. I'd say his mind wouldn't be focused enough on Saints, but I like the thinking.
I think you've misunderstood me. I wasn't saying 'it's brilliant how much he cares about his job', I was saying 'he pays too much attention to what other people say about him'. As for singling out players, well, Ronald was known for that and did it too. I don't remember Mauricio doing it, actually. I think, anyway...
Every club is a selling club apart from Barca and Real, people need to remember that. To keep on moaning at the board when a big bid comes in gets boring, every player has his price. Yes we can afford to keep big players, but that doesn't mean we can stop them leaving.
Yeah. The battle is lost though, Koeman has been convicted in the court of public opinion already. He's joined Lallana and Pochettino (but not Schneiderlin or Lambert). Some day in 10 years someone will come back and study these posts to work out why. Hi to that person. This should be encouraged though.
Also, it's possible he could learn from his own past mistakes and improve. Especially given the right support and guidance from Les and others.
Absolutely. What I'm talking about is their willingness to put a stake in the ground via the press on various matters, only for circumstances to get away from them. If we're expecting to sell Mane, and it sounds like we are, having your pet journo write an article about how you don't need to sell players like Mane isn't good PR when he is sold, no matter the bid. They're trying to portray confidence, which is fine so long as the thing you're confidently predicting comes to pass. That's my problem here: the board's actions would speak pretty positively on their behalf. It's their words that end up backfiring.
Who would never, of course, given the opportunity, have gone to Everton (or Spurs) for over double the salary!
I am not going to be sensible or mature about this; I never do in these situations. I am not angry, I am calm and I am looking forward with some excitement as to what Les will do next. However, I think it's a bit lame all these people "understanding" Ron's decision to take the money and run. I think these people have over looked something; what he said. Now I know it's only words, but why same them and try and make yourself out to be some special chap. Just don't ****ing say it. Don't say,l that you'll see out your contract and make our you are Mr. Honourable, because you don't know what's around the corner. That's the bit that's pissed me off. He didn't have to say anything, but he chose to be Mr Righteous. Well I'm going to choose to be Mr Self-Righteous and give him ****. The lying bastard. Hope you suck.
Appropriate video in several ways. Soon after, Denny Laine got a little too big for his boots [in fact he didn't like what several of the others wanted to do music wise], and so He and Chris Warwick [who left because he found touring stressful] left. Laine's career nosedived until rescued by Everton supporter Paul McCartney and WIngs and then nosedived for good after they split up. For the original members of The Moody Blues, Graham Edge [drums], Mike Pinder [keyboards] and Ray Thomas [flute] added John Lodge [bass] and Justin Hayward [lead guitar] and never looked back to become one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Let's hope for similar things.
