Ive just see on news now that Jason Dodd and Paul Williams have been sacked by Saints for not spending enough time with the players. Sorry that I can't post a link because my computer is playing up.
Dodds an unsung hero for Saints in my mind, gutted for him. Clutching at straws buy maybe this is something MoPo wanted as his conditions staying. (Looking for positives)
If its true, then I'm not that sad other than Dodds missed an opportunity to continue his status at the club. If he/they weren't doing the job the way the club wanted it, so be it. If it is a political move or an 'excuse' to sack them, then it is sad.
Time will tell we suppose. Still, Dodd has been a decent long servant to the club we can't deny that.
I'm sure the club have their reasons but I find it odd that what Cortese was happy with is not enough for current owners. Can only conclude it is an issue that has been building up over a period of time. Reed and Hunter will have made the recommendation I'm sure
I don't doubt this is a fact but it hasn't been put on the OS yet so I will wait and see what the options are before making any comments.
Feel sorry for them, but have to be hopeful that we are looking to improve. Suggests that KL et al want even more from the Academy after paying all this money for the training ground. Kreuger mentioned that our main selling points are the Academy and playing a lot of English players (inc our own lads), so this may be all part of something even better (and Dodd and Williams got caught in the middle). Or there is something more serious...hope not.
Are they likely to release a statement saying they've sacked (if it's true) two ex-players from the coaching staff given the stick Cortese got for his treatment of ex-Saints? If it is true, they'd probably hope it slips under the radar.
Statement probably delayed because no agreement has been reached. Are they on contracts (like players) or are they employees...very difficult to sack employees...you have to follow a set procedure i.e. have they been warned, given opportunities to improve etc. Our Academy results haven't been as good as you might think...though it may be down to the age of our teams. There's some issue with their behaviour with another employee...doubt we will ever know. Hope it is dealt with as reasonably as possible...don't need slagging off in the press.
I think they will have to say who is going and who is replacing them, what is the point of sweeping it under the carpet? I hope it is a sign that they are striving for even better results.
That is surprising to me, since the Academy has certainly enjoyed tremendous success under Dodd. And he seemed to be very dedicated to Saints; I can't imagine that "not spending enough time with players" should be a fireable offense instead of just calling him into the office and directing him to do it. Make him mark a timesheet if you have to, shoot. But OTOH, it's one of those things where we as fans have pretty much no knowledge or really even much of an ability to guess what's happening on that detailed/inside a level. So all I can say is that it's surprising if true. Think the club deserves the benefit of doubt, but it makes me a little nervous.
This is much different to Cortese. That was treatment of ex players. This is treatment of people employed to do a job. Cortese was criticised for the way he treated people that were basically wandering around doing nothing for Saints. I doubt it is anything as simple as 'not spending enough time with the U16s'.
KL has spent the best part of £30m on the training facility, probably one of the best in the country - Man City being the other. This has now got to pay dividends for the first team and others moving on. With respect this has to be run 100% professionally like every other department. Football is now at another level and the money's involved is getting bigger and bigger. I know we all love the ex players but once their playing days are over then I'm afraid they are out the door like the rest of us. I see a few people on here say Kelvin should pack up now and become a coach at Southampton? Sorry but a great player doesn't necessarily make a great teacher / trainer? Only my opinion !
