Had definitely crossed my mind for the very same reasons. However, obviously very happy with Koeman, and want him to stay.
So, if there was any doubt, it would very much appear that Koeman is asking the board to show him the transfer money/show willingness to retain our best if he is to re-up.
Which you have to say has been accomplished this week. Obviously we don't know the proposed budget, but then that all depends on a number of factors.
It has been a big step in the right direction, but we cannot say that it is accomplished yet. It does mean that, if Koeman signs an extension, it's doubly good news: one, he's sticking around, and two, Ronald has gotten a plan to his liking.
I'm really looking forward to the next few weeks which is strange, seeing as there won't even be any Saints to watch.
Well, the press seemed to be having a hard time getting hold of Ron immediately after the match so you never know... (I know it was because of the lap of honour but it's a nice thought )
Benitez talking to Mike Ashley right now....see Les, that's how you do it. Catch Ron when he's weak and sentimental.
Good to see Katharina and Ralph looking so happy and relaxed this afternoon, clapping along with the crowd. Ralph was happy because he'd just pinched a whole book of signed blank cheques from Kat's handbag, while Kat was happy because she hadn't noticed yet.
Koeman: "It depends on the ambition of the club" .. On being asked about his future. Forster: "I signed because of the ambition shown by the club"... On being asked about his new contract. All looking good
I am sure he knows and likes the ambition of the club...on several occasions that he has been asked during an interview, he only mentions ambition in response to a direct question.
I think you're right, only I didn't want to be the happy-clapper to say it, because I'm always the happy-clapper saying it. I also think Ronald gets a bit cheesed off being asked the same question, week after week. But he's a nice bloke, so he answers. It has always been about whether he is going to remain happy. He says he's happy now. He doesn't do any of those shots across the club's bow. It's not about money. He would like some assurances from the club, which incidentally, I'm pretty damn sure the club want to give him. So the potential short meeting could indeed be a short meeting. He goes on holiday. BTW, I want Erwin, Jann, Sammy and Dave to extend their contracts too. Erwin is almost as important as Ronald. It's like Cloughie and Taylor, to my way of thinking. Besides. I found out a great Dutch saying from Gus Hiddink: Don't disturb the hen that's sitting on the egg. Almost as good as Ron's mayonnaise saying below.
Here's a stat for you. Providing that Ronald finishes next season, he'll be the first man to manage Saints for three entire seasons back-to-back since Chris Nicholl between 1985 and 1988. 28 years since a manager lasted three seasons. Go on, Ron.
Oh my goodness. That is a sad state of affairs for football, not just Saints. Especially when you think we went from about 1890 to 1985 with just 2 managers, or something similar. Driving to the game yesterday, I heard a stat on the radio that said the average Premier League managers term was 2 point something years..... and that included Wenger at 20 years!!
It's strange that the Everton fans have interpreted those comments as a done deal for him signing for them within the week. They, and the stirrers in the media, are convinced Ron's careful phrasing is him trying to let us done gently. Also a little bemused by them saying SFC could not match the levels of financing the new Everton owners provide. Has Kat lost a few billion down the back of the settee? I agree Ron will look at what's on offer and if enough increased ambition (money) is evident will sign an extension. However if the clubs plans are limited and don't match his ambitions he will offer to see out his contract or go if that's what THE CLUB wants in such circumstances.
