Doctoroncall

Nothing to do with pay. Everything to do with sexual abuse and exploitation as documented in the Yates report about the US NWSL.

Maybe it wasn’t exactly withdrawn but some clauses added/changed? Otherwise it doesn’t make sense for it to reach a stage where the contract is withdrawn and less than 48hrs, it’s agreed and signed.

Is that post lubed?

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s time at Southampton is coming to a close as the club consider the timing of the Austrian coach’s departure. Hasenhuttl, 55, has survived several setbacks since his appointment by the former Chinese-backed regime in December 2018 and has performed above expectations at times to keep Southampton in the Premier League. Nevertheless, a change of coach has been on the cards for some time at the club, who are now under the management of Sport Republic, backed by the Serb telecommunications billionaire, Dragan Solak. Southampton face Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday, a fixture in which they secured a well-deserved draw last season. This time the pressure is much more acute after three successive defeats. With another likely, Hasenhuttl’s departure is drawing closer. Lack of support: Ralph Hasenhuttl has lost his coaching team and those who originally appointed him have also left the club Hasenhuttl has proved himself to be an adept tactician and capable of pulling off occasional eye-catching victories over much stronger, wealthier opposition. There is a feeling that the club now need change, and require a coach who can help develop a model of younger, developing talents. There is still no outright first choice to replace him, although alternatives have been discussed. Southampton have struggled this season, and have just seven points from their first eight games, and while the objective is survival, there have been some concerning results – including last Saturday’s home 2-1 defeat by Everton. Southampton had taken the lead on 49 minutes but its lasted only five minutes as Everton scored twice in quick succession’ leading to murmurings of discontent from the home supporters. Southampton’s poor end to last season has also been taken into account, after 10 defeats in the final 13 matches. Hasenhuttl survived a summer review, but the majority of his backroom staff left. Southampton are now run on the football side by the Sport Republic chief executive Rasmus Ankersen, formerly of Brentford, and Henrik Kraft, the chairman of the same investment company. Ankersen was responsible for the negotiation of deals over the summer and Sport Republic recruited Joe Shields from Manchester City’s academy as head of their senior team recruitment programme. At the end of last season, the Sport Republic ownership sacked all three of Hasenhuttl’s key assistant coaches – Craig Fleming, Kelvin Davis and Dave Watson – and installed their own coaching team. There is an acceptance that Hasenhuttl has not always had the support around him that might have been expected for a Premier League manager because of the change at the club. He was appointed and supported by former sporting director Ross Wilson, who later left for Rangers. He was then given the full backing of Martin Semmens, the chief executive, while the club were in the process of being sold by former Chinese owner Gao Jisheng. As a result of the changes Southampton have been through, many of those who backed Hasenhuttl originally are no longer in the key decision-making positions. Hasenhuttl has occasionally struggled to connect with players away from the training pitch, and that has been an issue – especially for those who have not been part of his plans. The club would also accept that he has had to contend with limited scope for recruitment. Managing relationships within the club with players and key staff will be vital for the new manager, who will have to work within the Southampton development system. The signing of young players, with scope to improve, such as Romeo Lavia, Gavin Bazunu, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Joe Aribo has thus far been vindicated by individual performances, if not the results of the team. Saints are unable to compete with wealthier rivals in the league

He’ll use the five subs.

Yet The Telegraph editorial is loving it!

A few things: The royal family are part of the establishment elite. The rules for this are older than ERII, may she rest in peace. She was the head of state. Join on the bandwagon, you don’t want to be left behind.

It’s been a steady improvement both in league position and players brought in. Last season saw them gain most points, most wins, fewest defeats, most away wins, highest finish. Nothing flashy with recruitment, mainly concentrating on young talent not yet ready for the first team and either loaning them out or B team and coaching. Maybe they got lucky with Potter but they did recognise Hughton limitations in transitioning the team from promotion, to staying up and moving up the league. Let’s see what happens and the new man’s credentials if Potter does move on.

Brighton are a well oiled machine with a very good succession at least with the players. I’m sure there is a replacement lined up for managers as well. The new man may take a while to settle but I wouldn’t be surprised if Brighton stay at least mid table.

£16m is his release clause. A good opportunity to test himself, however, it seems not all is functioning well or in the same direction with squad development in the Boehly organisation.

I don’t understand in this day and age of professional referees and officials why there isn’t improvement. There seems to be some fundamental issues here beyond ‘getting used to the VAR system’.

I remember we tried to organise a mid week trip to Peterborough many years ago but work or transport issues put paid to the trip.

It’s nice to think we still have a chance when falling behind…** ** unless we play five at the back.

They had to sell Richarlson by a certain date to help out. They’ll be in a similar position next year with the current spending.

I don't think he'll be able to get in the side at this rate. Brighton lose away to Fulham Palace and Brentford draw.

Deepest Cambridgeshire due to work after Uni. Only managed to get to a few games at SMS and a few aways. I’m sure there are a few Saints fans around here, I remember following a van which had a Saints sticker on it!

There was talk both were required by ETH.

A good performance against a side that has that individual quality if not the team dynamic yet. Can quibble on minor things. Hopefully have a couple of transfers that can make an impact like those bought earlier have done.

As Chelsea are our goto club for players, Billy Gilmour is available and hasn’t been given a shirt number 👀

It’s an attitude thing, the self belief. A good poacher’s goal. He did have a shot blocked in the previous attack when Mara was better placed, however, the confidence is there without the being overawed (I know it was against Cambridge but first team debut counts).

Pacing themselves. It’s hot and muggy in Cambridge. Most of the action in the Cambridge half.

Now that should have been the Leeds results. Glad it’s four at the back but against teams that will be lower half in the PL, we need to win, especially at home. Performances will improve with a few more games and a couple more additions should help as well.

What do you think his wages would be?

Yes, around seven players left.

All over now.