Miltonaggro

The 'old dinosaur' was right about Austin's fitness and positioning, though.

Seven times in the past ten seasons. Moyes was very consistent to give him credit!

To be honest when considering the current obscene amount of cash sloshing around the Premier League, gambling 'aint what it used to be when the likes of Leeds and Pompey thought they were playing the market whilst playing Russian Roulette.

Probably Alpen, though she looks like a Frosties girl.

To be frank, I think that even if we are in the relegation spots at Christmas Krueger and Reed may attempt to 'tough it out' as sacking Puel will be an admission of mistake, and they are used to getting plaudits, not brickbats - at least it may see the end of this 'Southampton way' PR and 'blackbox' nonsense. For me, the most telling thing at the moment is not the formation or indeed the results, it's the players' body language and the bickering on the park. We were told (or perhaps spun) that Koeman had 'lost the dressing room' at one point last season, but I rarely recall his sides propelled by what looks like frustration, heads dropping, and senior players arguing with one another. Despite the sales, we still have some very good players, but are lacking drive and spark - Mane, Wanyama, and Pelle on their day, had that and as the weeks go by with Boufal sitting in the stands the pressure increases on him to be a saviour, not just a good player, more pressure. Our signings all look to have decent potential, but how many would have been automatic choices in last year's side or the year before that, per se? Puel may yet come good, and I hope he does. I am sure that he is a decent man trying his best, but today's English top flight is unique and unforgiving, requiring character and credibility as well as nous. I think the ten games point you mention is the point where we will be able to see with reasonably clarity where we might be headed with Puel and the players - expect activity and PR drive if that trajectory is upwards, and inactivity and stonewall silence, if it's downwards. Never a dull moment...

Quiet, isn't it? Not much positive spin around at the moment.

I think in reality there is about as much chance of that as Cortese teaming up with Dalian Atkinson.

To be honest the name of that restaurant has intrigued me for about thirty years, they were obviously going for a niche US cruise ship business - I believe that the prawn crackers are number zero on the menu!...

Clearly this is nonsense, if there really was a Chinese delegation Les and Ralph would have been instructed to take them to the Pearl Harbour all you can eat buffet, not Limewood.

On the contrary, Reed said we have the "BEST pool of midfield options in the Premier League" - so if anyone is misquoting or misinterpreting it is you. That, and / or chivalric defence through a form of deluded public relations telepathy. Do you agree with him, do we currently have the best pool of midfield options in the Premier League?

Best midfield options in the Prem though, according to Les.

Only our 'rivals' for two seasons, don't think we will have to worry about that for this year ;-)

His agent is a disgrace, we also sell lots of players to Arsenal, FFS!

Since the takeover Koeman by some distance for me. Perhaps the saddest thing was that SFC and Ron appeared to be a great fit, and I genuinely thought he was going to be at the club long term and win things here. Outwardly he seemed to love the club, the fans, and living in the area - the sticking point a difference of opinion in the Boardroom. In this sense there are comparisons with the Strachan era (another partisan delight with charisma welded to common sense), with a frustrating exit at seemingly the height of his powers. Not perfect Ron, but a winner who knew how to win games. Early days, but I think both Saints and Koeman will regret not trying harder at conciliation.

Oldhamgate...

When Les Dennis is called upon to open a School Fete, it will draw a crowd, some of the crowd will creep and fawn even though it's only f*cking Les Dennis at a School Fete. It's a matter of personal perspective and self-confidence, I suppose.

Surprised this exclusive info filtered down to Leandre in the French fifth division.

Current manager and squad, 11-14 or thereabouts.

I'd be surprised to see Eric 'Albatross' Black still here...

Brace for more boos, Leslie!

Allowing for the usual four hour lunch and six hour Mogadon press conference, it's unlikely to happen before the deadline...

Nicola, is that you? We knew you'd come back to us... :-D

It's a thankless and cut-throat world in crisis PR, but don't be so pessimistic Seb, it's a results business. If you are going to suggest Spurs rejects go with André Villas-Boas to lead the fight back in the new year. Perhaps with Hoddle as resident messiah / turbulent priest / director of football...

Nail on the head!

Crisis Management Report LRRC 27, codename 'The Peasants are Revolting'. Get it on my desk first thing Monday morning, scrub that, allowing for the bank holiday first thing Tuesday morning...