In a bizarre coincidence, I just overheard the security guard in Croydon Sainsbury's issue forth the following to a colleague: "I think Southampton will get back in the Premiership with that manager." This got me thinking - even in the likely event said security official knows next to k'all, and certainly (hopefully) less than NC, our achievements this season under AP have created that perception. What psychological advantage for next year might we have earned from our comparative successes this season? And what might the appearance of going back to square one with a new manager cost us?
I for one hope this is speculation with no real basis in fact, and that the only person responsible for ending Pardew's tenure with us before Christmas is the man himself, if he so chooses...