We had been selling our best players for years, we still do now, it wasn't because they didn't like Ralph that players left. I dont disagree that he clearly wasn't popular with the players - but that doesn't matter as long as he was respected. Even Bertrand who clearly fell out with him said he still respects Ralph now. I think you're underestimating the impact being broke has in the premier league. Clubs spend £100m net and still go down, how on earth would any manager have kept us up with zero net spend for multiple seasons?
Redmond, Bednarek, now Bertrand off the top of my head, have all implied heavily that is was because of Ralph. Reed as well. The clubs that spend 100m and go down are typically the promoted sides. We were an established Prem club with a Prem-level squad. We were still bringing in players like KWP, Ings, Broja, Livramento, Lavia. Ralph’s last window we spent well over 100m. We also spent lots on garbage players; whether you blame that on scouts or the manager, it’s up to you. I guess both should take responsibility.
Just giving these lads a shout out, been watching their podcast for a few weeks and they deserve a few more subs...
Just heard the short Damion Downs interview with Blackmore. His reason for coming to Saints: “I obviously had ambitions to play in the premier league and stay in the premier league” Err…has nobody told him?
His first words were:- " Being able to play in the Premier League next year is a big factor in that, with the ambitions that the club have"
