SW11_Saint

Try Betfair, you can bet on almost anything there... (or Paddy Power?)

Obviously in the minority, but I think it's okay. Minor issue anyway - it's who's wearing it that matters.

I'm with you on Boothroyd, but can't agree on Coppell being 'dour'. More like reserved and intelligent. But his record speaks for itself, and his teams always play fast attacking football. #1 choice in my book.

Dear oh dear, what a bitter little man you are! Why you're spoiling for fights still is beyond me, but I guess ranting about this is better than you trying to stir up anti-semitic feelings...

Thanks Tony - magnanimous of you. Although many of us may have been frustrated at the timing, especially when we felt we might miss out on a new buyer, I think the vast majority of fans see past that now and will only owe you thanks for the time, money and effort that went into your bid - and we were all particularly impressed with the way you kept Saints fans informed. Didn't pan out for you, which is a shame, but hopefully the club is now in a good place and I am sure you and your colleagues will be welcomed at SMS always (maybe one day not too far away we'll be playing 'your lot' down here again!!!). Cheers.

Please not Boothroyd... personality free-zone, and dire football to boot.

Reading between the lines, as others have said, it seems that the new board have missed out on their #1 target, and are now looking elsewhere. Does seem odd that it has taken this long to sort out their criteria though - given they have "hit the ground running" in other areas (and this is THE most critical area). Given that Coppell wanted some "time off" wonder if this now plays in our favour? (although believe he was talking months rather than weeks - but you never know). Interesting 2p worth from TL too (thanks Tony) - we know AO has consulted with "football people" as he met with MLT, a good move, and hopefully he got some direction on that - perhaps towards whoever Pinnacle might have appointed???

We're in League 1 now, not a prerequisite...

That would be mine definitely. Followed by about a dozen from MLT, then Ivan Golac's vs. West Brom (rocket of a half volley)

Agreed, or a rather nice life-raft!

I think Wotton could fulfil one of those roldes, certainly prepared to get stuck in. In this lower league he might be worth his weight in gold. Certainly proved he'll bleed for the cause... As for the leader - we're lacking there. Murty has good leadership experience, so if we keep him I'd make him captain for now. Would be nice to have a new Steve Williams or someone emerge over the next couple of years though.

Great post Verbal. I agree, with your last point. If I am forced to mention him, it will be thus - L***, or R***** L***. He's gone. A bad dream (although unfortunately he's left us in it...).

Thanks Mike - funny, I was thinking that was an odd statement coming from you!!

Agree, I wouldn't be upset if Dowie got the job at all - likely bring Tim Flowers with him too. Both have an affinity with the club, and Dowie has proved he can produce at this level (and got Palace promoted via the play-offs too remember). My first choice would still be Coppell, but I think Dowie would be here for the long term.

Re. Adams - That reminded me of when Andrew Cole 'retired' from international football - as one paper later said, "Andy Cole was the last person to confirm that his international career was over".

Shouldn't we add Tony Adams too - even if just as the 'control'...

Oh you're back. Great...

Call me old fashioned, but I'd call x2 relegations and administration (ignoring all the other cr@p that came with) a bit more than a "blip", but I've decided to move on from L***. He's gone, good riddance, don't want to discuss him any more.

As the Celtic song goes - "... and IF you know your history...". No further comment!

Exactly, and it is these intangible qualities that are often overlooked (or are not even noticed by some) when the "cost cutting scissors" arrive.

What, Pearson as kit man? Wouldn't that be a waste of his talents?

I have absolutely no doubt that was part of the motivation for getting rid of him. Petty, vindictive and spiteful, just what we came to expect from him!

Really nice bloke too - interviewed him once for one of the fanzines (while he was at Orient) and treated us really well, got us match tickets etc. (okay, it was Orient, so hardly a sell out... still nice of him though). Loved his time at Saints.

Perhaps he could bring in an apprentice too to provide (E)cover??

No, you can't, but that doesn't mean that any decision which might have an element of emotion to it is necessarily wrong (something our last Chairman never understood). We always talk a lot about the "Spirit of Southampton" - well, we used to until it was trampled underfoot - and Woggy was a personification of some of that spirit. Just ask any of our players, past or present, what they think of the man. He always did a fantastic job - and was just a victim of a rather spiteful "cut" from the previous board. He may not even want to come back, but it'd be nice to at least offer him a role, even if it's not with the full responsibility he once had, although I suspect he'd love to get back into things full-time.