Everyone said the same when we appointed that relatively unknown Argentinian fella who had one job at Espanyol and got sacked with them bottom of the league table. He didn't speak English and he had no experience of the league. He then turned up, did a cracking job, moved to Spurs, did another cracking job, almost won the title and now people think he's one of the best and biggest rising stars in the world. Saints' whole policy is about being one step ahead and I trust them to do the same again, Howe or otherwise.
Upon joining Clasie said that he would of joined Southampton regardless if Koeman was In charge or not. Koeman's well known and respected, but the club in itself is very appealing now. Players should sign for the club, not the manager.
I'm not going to be around much over the weekend (fundraising for Cats Protection) so for my sanity, and Fran's and probably untold others, if something concrete happens can it be posted as a new sticky thread? No messages on the thread, just the actual, proper, has-happened news? Ta
Saints will appoint some random that will turn out to be good. Ron's agent saying "it's a touchy subject" Translation: "I can't say anything or I will get in trouble"
or "Les Reed has gone into one because we've been talking to Everton before they contacted the club and when they come to St Mary's this season, he's going to piss on their chips"
I'm off to work till late ... dread to think how many pages will elapse between now and the early hours of the morning.
Good point guys. I just think if we'd managed to land a Rafa type, the players would stop and think "hey, hold on, this is worth a pop" whereas Howe (probably extremely unfairly) might feel a bit 'Chris Hughton' to them. Moreover, I kinda sentimentally don't want to screw over our neighbours as has been done to us previously.
I read it as talks have taken place all is basically done. But I will get in **** if I admit it before compo is paid.
After all the claims that he would see out his contract, I wonder if the board would just insist he stays? They could do although it's a high risk strategy.
Ralph and Mostyn(?) get on as well, we would at least be fair. I am pretty much treating this as a done deal now.
Genuinely think if he hadn't taken the Celtic job, Rodgers would be a leading candidate to take over. Not that I like him particularly, but fits the profile (Head coach mould, comfortable with transfer committee set up, PL experience, decent with young players). But a total dick.
That would just put the club in limbo for a year. Better to sever ties now and get someone who's in it for the long term.
