West end Saints

Did you see the squad two years ago??? Of the players who started at least half of our games with have lost Mara, Che Adams, Stu A, and KWP. We have gained Ramsdale, Fernandes, Nathan Wood, Kayi Sanda, wellington, Taylor, Sugawara, Archer, brereton Diaz, onouachu, Dibling breaking through, Edwards, Shea Charles returning as player of the season, edozie after ok loan. Players will go, but as will signings arrive. We will be stronger than last promotion season....is the manager better or worse?

I think we are half agreeing - CA does at times make an impact (in better sides tho) , but MF offers more,all round play and less like to have a brain fart and pass to the wrong team

I liked him and had flashes where he showed ability and tried things others wouldn't. I liked his character and enjoyed watching him. However, it wasn't him being adventurous which slowed his progress it was misplaced easy passes, mistimed tackles etc. He is still young and there is a player in there, but he isn't one that I feel we have lost out on. The RM argument fails when you see how a younger adventurous midfielder, who likes driving forward and passing forward has done so much better - in higher league, and worse team Fernandes showed more than CA. As he gets older, more experienced he may well be a regular starter, rather than odd exciting flashes. I have no idea whether we pushed him out or he wanted out but we have lost dozens of better players.

Reading this forum; Promotion is very hard and teams can't be expected to bounce back and may plummet Russell Martin was poor Our players weren't great last season Russell Martin can't organise a defence Bazunu is the worst goalkeeper in professional football And yet he played 41 times in a team that got promoted!

He was decent last season "Not the top 20", the most popular championship podcast, named him the player of the play offs (the 5 games). He, like many of our players has been found lacking in speed and physicality in the premier league.

First poster to have his name?

Works for me

Looking at this thread, twitter posts and polls it looks like Still is the fans preference out of anyone who has been linked or mentioned in betting odds - which is a good start for getting the positive feel back into the club. I'm more optimistic than I was this time two years ago. Not many against him (and suspect some of those are wind up accounts). No guarantees, and it is natural to have doubts but genuinely feel we are approaching next season with a decent manager and strong basis of a team.

His girlfriend is on 5 live now. Started broadcasting in Southampton at uni Any good appointment

Why? If you look at 15 players who played most in our championship promotion we have lost 2 (stu and Che). We may lose Jan, KWP, THB and Downes. We have added and likely to stay Sugawara, Archer, onouachu, Stewart, a more experienced Charles, BBD, wood, wellington, Edwards. We have young players coming through, Matsuki, Juan, etc who I know little of. So even if you assume we lose Ramsdale, Fernandes, Dibling, THB and Downes we are still around the level we were last season. And if those go, we will have best part of £100m coming in and certainly will spend plus loans. Whatever happens a decent manger should be competing for top 3. If we keep those players or reinvest we have to be targeting the title (as will a couple of others)

Disagree, he has had bad periods, scraped some play offs, had some good periods - just can't see how he guarantees success. I wouldn't mind him, but would personally be more confident going into the season with Rohl or Still

I do not care whether a new manager has championship experience, I don't think it has any impact on how they will do. For the last 9 years the only winning manager who had managed in the championship before was Farke - and the first of the three times he won it was with no championship experience. It is just not a factor. Only two others had managed in England. I think either Still or Rohl are very good options, for the level we are. We are in a better place than last time we were relegated as we have a championship squad already this time! I don't think an extra championship season prepares you better for premier league - it is investing when you get there. The biggest thing for me is getting a manager sorted before we start deciding who leaves / comes in

By "never learn" do you mean only pick a manager you personally approve of? Despite not knowing who would even be interested, what any of them are like to work with etc? I have my doubts but as already been proven most managers who win this league have never managed here before. We aren't going to poach someone who is currently a proven success in a top league. He looks a risk, but so is any manager.

Options are 1) manager on the way up 2) on the way down 3) at this level already so why come here I would prefer on the way up. The average life expectancy for a championship manager is about 1 year - so most don't gather experience. I think there would be a tiny advantage of knowing the league. Last few Winners of championship Benitez - not managed ch Nuno Espírito Santo not managed ch, first in England Farke - not managed ch, first in England Bielsa - not managedch, first job in England Faarke - Parker - been there 3 years Kompany - not managed ch Kieran McKenna - not managed ch Farke So only evidence recently that it helps are Parker and Farke who are at that level. And Farke did it in his first season. So I don't think it helps at all!

Still resigned to return to england

I've been a little disappointed in him, been decent but hoped for more

Possibly. Point I was trying to make is how hard it is to judge a manager before you find out the fit with this club. As well as those, I can remember feeling uninspired by WGS being appointed after his relegation then being sacked from the division below us. It's an emotional subjective feeling, as long as it's not someone totally wrong (Jones) I would rather someone, with decent experience than someone who may have better track record but you know what you are getting (Fat Sam, Dyche). Not saying it's right, just what will make me more excited, optimistic for going to first game of the season. I don't think Rohl is linked just because he was here - his CV as a number 2 is very good, he has now shown he is happy to take the lead and we look at the right level for each other. I think he looks a good fit. Spors knows him and likes him and that working relationship is vital. Still - clearly looks impressive but maybe too much of gamble at this stage. I would say more likely to fail than Cooper but a bit more of a chance that he is the real deal and we have great season - which is why he excites me more. Would be satisfied rather than excited for Cooper - but isn't this all about hope and excitement before the inevitable disappointment?

If you look at the experience the following had, when they were appointed into their last job Fabian Hürzeler, Enzo Maresca (when appointed to Leicester), Vítor Pereira, Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner, then likes of Rohl and Still don't look lacking. Both of those would be of a level of giving me optimism and hope rather than total confidence. Probably similar to Martin, which worked last time, but more than Juric or Jones. I would be ok with either. Not without Thier risks but quite exciting. Cooper is more a steady should be ok, won't be a disaster but takes away that little bit of hope of doing great I would have with the other two. If there were options of being exciting and proven I would be happy....

Just playing around with chatgpt and thought would ask who we should have, to get us promoted with preference to high energy football.... Based on your criteria — successful promotion campaign, attacking high-energy football — here's how the four candidates stack up: --- 1. Steve Cooper — Best Fit Pros: Promotion experience: Took Nottingham Forest from the bottom of the Championship to the Premier League in 2022. Championship savvy: Knows how to build momentum over a long campaign. Flexible but intense: Teams play with good structure and energy; can adapt between possession and pressing styles. Cons: Not known for ultra-attacking football; more pragmatic when needed. Premier League tenure with Forest turned more conservative. Verdict: Most proven at getting promotion quickly — your safest and strongest bet for the goal. --- 2. Danny Röhl — Rising Star Pros: High-energy football: Transformed Sheffield Wednesday with an aggressive pressing style. Tactical pedigree: Coached under Hasenhüttl, Nagelsmann, Flick — elite footballing minds. Modern coach: Brings intensity, tactical structure, and ambition. Cons: No experience gaining promotion (yet). Very new to head coaching — still proving consistency across a season. Verdict: High-upside gamble — could bring both promotion and exciting football, but riskier than Cooper. --- 3. Will Still — Potential but Unproven Pros: Young, modern coach who favors attacking football. Strong communicator with players; brought success to Reims (France). Cons: No Championship experience. No track record of promotion or managing in England. Verdict: Exciting idea, but a real risk given lack of experience with English football or promotion races. --- 4. Frank Lampard — High Profile, Low Reward Pros: Knows English football well. Promoted Derby to the play-offs with an attacking style. Cons: Poor recent record: struggles at Chelsea, Everton. Questionable tactical identity and adaptability. No promotion success despite big resources at Derby. Verdict: Big name but least suited based on recent record and inconsistency. --- Final Ranking (Best to Worst Fit for Your Goals): 1. Steve Cooper – proven, safe choice with promotion on his CV. 2. Danny Röhl – high-upside, exciting gamble. 3. Will Still – potential for future, but premature for this role. 4. Frank Lampard – not aligned with success or style objectives. Personally my feeling is that Danny Rohl would be the best fit and connect with the fans best

Given Southampton's recent relegation and the pressing need to rebuild for an immediate return to the Premier League, the club's managerial appointment is critical. Working under Sporting Director Johannes Spors, who emphasizes a cohesive footballing philosophy and strategic player recruitment, the next manager must align with this vision. Top Managerial Candidates 1. Danny Röhl (Sheffield Wednesday) Profile: At 35, Röhl has garnered attention for his transformative work at Sheffield Wednesday, steering them from relegation threats to playoff contenders. His prior experience includes assistant roles at Southampton and Bayern Munich, showcasing his tactical acumen and familiarity with the club's environment. Alignment with Spors: Röhl's emphasis on structured, high-pressing football dovetails with Spors' vision, making him a strong fit for a collaborative rebuild. Considerations: Securing Röhl would require negotiating a compensation package due to his existing contract with Sheffield Wednesday. 2. Carlos Corberán (West Bromwich Albion) Profile: Corberán has demonstrated his capability by revitalizing teams like Huddersfield Town and West Brom, instilling a possession-based, high-energy playing style. Alignment with Spors: His tactical approach and experience in the Championship align well with Spors' strategic objectives. Considerations: While Corberán has expressed interest in the Southampton role, his commitment to West Brom and potential compensation requirements are factors to consider. 3. Will Still (RC Lens) Profile: At just 32, Still has made significant strides with RC Lens in Ligue 1, achieving commendable results despite budgetary constraints. Alignment with Spors: His adaptability and success in developing talent resonate with Spors' emphasis on youth and sustainable growth. Considerations: Transitioning from Ligue 1 to the Championship presents challenges, and his lack of experience in English football could be a hurdle. 4. Kasper Hjulmand (Former Denmark National Team Coach) Profile: Hjulmand led Denmark to the Euro 2020 semi-finals and has a reputation for disciplined, tactical football. Alignment with Spors: His strategic mindset and experience in international football could bring a fresh perspective to Southampton's rebuild. Considerations: His limited experience in English club football and a brief, less successful stint at Mainz may raise concerns. 5. Liam Rosenior (RC Strasbourg) Profile: Rosenior has impressed at Strasbourg, a club under Chelsea's ownership, showcasing his ability to manage within a broader footballing network. Alignment with Spors: His progressive approach and experience in multi-club structures align with Spors' operational model. Considerations: Potential complications due to Strasbourg's ownership and the perception of moving to a lower-tier club may affect negotiations. Recommendation Considering the need for a manager who can immediately impact performance, understands the Championship landscape, and aligns with Johannes Spors' strategic vision, Danny Röhl emerges as the most suitable candidate. His previous association with Southampton, combined with his recent successes and tactical philosophy, make him well-equipped to lead the club's resurgence. Should negotiations with Röhl prove challenging, Carlos Corberán stands as a strong alternative, bringing valuable Championship experience and a compatible footballing approach. AI - simple

When you look at the team that got us to play offs last time (Bazunu, KWP, THB, Bednarek, Manning, Stu, Downes, Smallbone, Fraser, Adams, AA) or even to win play offs (add Aribo, McCarthy, Brooks, Stephens). How many will be available next season? How many are likely to be improved upon? I think Shea Charles will be very good for us, plus new younger players coming through, so even if KWP, Ramsdale, Sibling, Fernandes go, I would be very surprised if we aren't stronger than last time. Downes, Charles, Smallbone will be as good as any teams midfield - (Smallbone was probably one of the best players from any team during play offs). Defence / keeper will easily match last time - except KWP. I think we are a centre forward away from being a very good championship side - if managed right. But I do expect the odd surprise with who stays, and think we will sign quite a few. I would never say we will be comfortable for promotion but think we are very well placed, possibly the best of relegated sides

WGS is always my go to for never knowing how an appointment may go. Relegated with Coventry, then doing badly in Championship (was it called that then?) hated by fans... Back to title of thread.. Seems most popular choice is Rohl, who remains bookies favourite, with some interest here for Cooper and Still.

Have I missed anything? Unsubstantiated rumour mentioned in passing on talk sport subsequently denied by local press, local radio and indeed talk sport?

I have no idea in the truth but 1) if a journalist hears a rumour, looks into it, finds there is no basis to it, then no I would not expect them to report it. 2) if you are trying to sell something it is usual to seek interest in your sale, not deny it.

I think the league will be marginally weaker than when we got promoted. Our main 11, on appearance times, was Bazunu KWP Bednarek THB Manning Smallbone Downes Stu Armstrong Ryan F Che Adam A Manager Martin Surely with players who stay, half decent manager, a few good youngsters coming through and a couple of signings we will be stronger? I feel Shea Charles could be central for us.