trousers

The Echo have done a word-for-word transcript of the press conference... http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/16093108.BIG_INTERVIEW__Hughes_speaks_for_the_first_time_as_Saints_boss/

I almost caveated my post with that, knowing there would be a clever cloggs who'd mention it....

Just watched it on the club's facebook feed (replay here: ). It's such a breath of fresh air having a manager whose native tongue is English. I'm not saying that from any kind of bigoted/parochial persepective, it's simply that nothing gets lost in translation so you get straight and indepth answers to straight questions. For example, towards the end one of the journos asked about Austin's fitness.... cue Hughes explaining his current status and how they are going to try to get him fit for West Ham. Contrast that with the generic and sketchy "he's still a few weeks away" responses we've had previously. I'm convinced it's as much to do with language and the translation thereof that hinders the likes of Pellegrino and Puel in press conferences.

I booked a space 5 mins walk from the stadium using justpark.com With so many fans traveling up, I didn't want to chance my luck getting a spot in the stadium car park and it should also be quicker getting out of town by avoiding the inevitable congestion after the game.

First time in nearly two years I've watched a Saints manager interview without drifting off half way through

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The only thing Hypo and I usually have in common is underpants thank you very much

If Hughes is announced today then no Jackett required.... (I'll fetch my.... jacket....)

3rd legend in a week.... RIP Jim Bowen

A substantial 'keep us up' bonus, perhaps?

I don't think I've seen a single post where anyone has suggested Hughes is guaranteed to keep us up (implied or otherwise)

Indeed. Hughes's appointment is as far removed from rocket science as it's possible to get, and yet some people don't get it. That's Saintsweb for ya Hughes on a 3 month 'trial' contract is as good as it gets in our situation.

It looks to me that Hypo is "lauding" his appointment purely in comparison to Pelligrino. I'm sure if you asked Hypo to come up with his top ten ideal candidates, then Hughes would struggle to make his list. The fact is, we're not in a position where we can hire an ideal candidate, therefore Hughes could be the best option at this moment in time.... given the position we find ourselves in here and now.

Fair point

We can always sack him in the summer if we stay up (if we've got someone better lined up longer term). Yes, it'll cost us a few bob to do so, but if we're still in the premier league then the cost of paying up his contract will be peanuts in comparison to the financial implications of relegation. So, it's still possible to view Hughes a short term solution, even if he's given a longer contract...

533 tickets remaining

This. Any new appointment needs to be judged versus what we've had to endure thus far this season, rather than versus some alternate reality.

"The team are one point above the relegation zone after winning only once in 17 Premier League games and there is a strong feeling that they now need a manager who will have an impact, but potentially also fit with a longer term playing philosophy that gives younger players their chance." Doesn't that last bit rule out Hughes? I don't believe he's renound for blooding young players, is he?

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He was my choice to replace Puel, but too risky at this stage of proceedings IMO

Wouldn't be unhappy with either of those

Talking of ITKs.... No-one got a sniff on this happening today it would seem.... Unless AR-10 logs on shortly with one of his retrospective scoops....

The exact wording is "the search for a replacement is already underway"... Not "now underway". So that *could* be interpreted as the search having started a while back. The emphasis on 'could' of course....