Toussaint

One difference is it seems to take much less time to reach a decision. I have also to agree with others, the refereeing does seem far superior to what we have had to endure.

I'm not sure he does, in his final England game he was moving it on really quickly, the opportunity to do this is created by having players taking up intelligent positions and making good runs, he doesn't get that opportunity at Saints, whether its wholly the calibre of players, Rigid Ralphs automatonisms (or whatever they are called) or players like Redmond always making sure there is an opposition player between him and the ball. I think he would have done really well. His potential won't be realised until he moves to a better team.

I would, but I confess I didn’t actually see it. I’m working on the evidence, which is, I don’t like him, I don’t like Man Utd and I don’t like the way he brutally attacked Jankewitzs studs with his thigh.

You have to think beyond management success, it's not the only factor. Players do like to play for managers who were themselves great players, I've heard many say this and it stands to reason. For someone my age Koeman was a legend, the Dutch national team he played for were very charismatic and glamorous, his club career was exceptional also. As were Poch's Argentina. That's why I originally mentioned Strachan and Hoddle, also playing legends. You may think of Hughes as the exception, but he came here with a very tarnished management reputation. I do not remember Ralph as a player, I wasn't even aware of him before he joined us. I look back on the RK era very fondly.

Manager pulling power is a factor, especially with someone Koeman. Whatever Ralphs stock was when he joined us will be a lot lower now, in my opinion.

You have to bear in mind we are not that attractive to very ambitious upwardly mobile players. Maddission for one was just not interested in us. Unfortunately we are in a bit of a mediocrity trap. In the past players would sign just to play for Koeman, Poch, Strachan, Hoddle and so on. We just don't have that draw with Ralph. They may even have signed for the Europa league, what do we offer now to players like the ones you mention? Plus i expect they are on better wages.

Thank God

I hope more than anything else right now it’s genuine

Anger is a natural response when things like this happen. Try not to judge too harshly.

Totally agree, football needs to see a return to being an escape, an outlet from life's pressures, politics and social issues / signalling and general bullshit need to be kept well away.

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Not the right height.

Phttt ... that's nothing, I've already booed him!

We still have Reddy Redders, the apple of Ralphs strudel!

I do agree, I think he's victim of Ralphs ultra rigidity. I'd have him back in a heartbeat. By definition the "automatisms" or whatever he calls them take away spontaneity, unpredictability and therefore excitement. Probably why Djeneppo has gone backwards, and Redmond gets picked every game, he does exactly what he's told even if he is completely unproductive. I think Bertrand may have had a dig to that effect in his parting statement.

I just don't have any confidence that we would re invest effectively.

I was thinking generally, how values have been affected, or not. My feeling is not much will change.

Lots of references and speculation about "current market" (covid affected values). Is there any indication so far that values are, or will be lower? I guess it's too early to know as nothing has really got moving yet. Anyone have any insights?

Agreed, and you have to bear in mind he has achieved all of that with some bang average at best players around him. Honestly could see him at somewhere like MU, Tottenham or Arsenal.

I doubt it, results don’t seem nearly as important to the England powers that be as a yes man who tows the line and says all the right things.

Have to say I disagree. By people do you mean swf posters?,Because the commentators were very complimentary, also apparently as are the wider England football fraternity according to others on here that keep an eye on that sort of thing

He was pure class, it seems like it’s only some of his own fan base take him for granted. I really hope we don’t lose him in the summer but I think we might.

I know, I’m watching it. But we aren’t as cohesive, they could have had a couple too.

He could

Gone a bit ragged since JWP went off, he seemed to be stitching it all together