revolution saint

Sorry lads, I made it up. To be honest I could have let it run and run but it's not really fair.

Boothroyd in the crowd apparently.

I say this every time but no manager can guarantee success. Bally should have been rubbish for us - he was for everyone else. Burley should have been great and he wasn't. There's really no way of judging whether Tisdale would be that good or bad but I think the ex saint thing has been overplayed. The club may have had a big impact upon him but as a player he didn't have a big impact upon us. I know injuries etc and he was with us for 6 years but even so his appearance record barely merit the title "ex-saint". Oh and didn't he wear a cravat during one of Exeter's play off games? I'm not sure people who wear cravats make good managers though i suppose it would sort out the last away game theme.

Well not much gets leaked from the new owners but I'd have thought they already had someone in mind when they took over. If they had no one then the sensible thing to do would have been to keep Wotte. With that in mind and with Pearson's links to both the club and Oldknow I'd probably guess that Pearson is front runner. He fits the already stated criteria (well stated by the Echo anyway). It's not an appointment that leaves me awestruck but it might be the most sensible. Personally I'd have Boothroyd, or Dennis Wise. Neither are popular choices either but would probably do a decent job.

We've never replaced Jimmy Case.

He's probably been interviewed as an assistant to Dennis Wise.

Fine if they are subservient to the manager, in other words just an assistant. However a sporting director sits on the board and has the capability to assist in decisions that can be imposed upon a manager.

Wasn't he just a member of the board?

I hate institutions not people, for example, I hate the Monarchy. I've never met Liz Windsor or her offspring so can't really hate them although sometimes they make it easy for me to dislike them. Oh, I forgot I do hate the Finchley *****. Sorry but I do, and I'll dance on her grave when she pops her clogs.

It's never worked over here.

I like to pride myself on the fact that I know every saints fan. I asked all of them if they wanted Hoddle and they all said No. HTH.

Except of course that Coppell is a manager. He may come across as introverted but I doubt he is, you don't get success as a manager by being introverted. This DoF/Sporting Director role almost seems like an assistant to the manager and yet in continental terms the sporting director is superior to the head coach. If, for example, we appointed Tisdale there would be nothing wrong with him getting in an experienced assistant but Tisdale would still be the main man. Whoever we get in I want them to have sole responsibility - they call the shots, take the glory when it goes well and the flak when it doesn't.

Winning games is determined by scoring more goals than the opposition. Corners and set pieces provide an excellent opportunity to score goals, and to practise goal scoring opportunities in training. I think scoring more goals from corners and set pieces is an excellent idea - I'm very suprised no on else has thought of it. As an aside can we practise passing to team mates as well?

I'm sure I saw in an interview an intention to appoint a sporting director. I guess this would be along the lines of a director of football role? Can't say I'm a massive fan of that model as I'd prefer a manager to run the show but it's the owners call. Anyway, if this is the case then wouldn't it make sense to appoint the sporting director before looking for a manager?

The way I see it both Tony Adams and Strachan are in the running. I think a crate of Toblerone may seal Adams exclusivity as they haggle over contracts but two weeks and no progress added to media speculation about Adams still living at his parents house will scupper that deal. Strachan will then step forward and take the job after a couple of days of will he/won't he speculation.

That's true - you've listed some ex-saints in management and Tommy fits into that list. However he doesn't come with any baggage like Shearer and Dowie with relegations on their CVs. Like I said Tommy would be a gamble and I don't deny that but it's wrong to write him off just because he doesn't have experience (or experience of failure in many of the cases you've listed). For the record Tommy would draw a lot on the experience of both Matt and Nick Holmes which would help anyway.

Thing is Tommy Widdrington is still friendly with MLT, and has worked with Nick Holmes for quite a while. He's had experience of the lower leagues and his blood flows red and white - anyone who saw him play for us knows that. Sure you can argue he's a gamble but then any managerial appointment is exactly that - a gamble. I'd be happier taking a risk on Tommy than I would the other options and you'd have loyalty pretty much guaranteed. Anyone who's spent any time talking to Tommy will tell you the guy is very passionate but also an extremely articulate and confident man with very definite views on how the game should be played - similar to Strachan in that respect. He'd restore a sense of pride in the players, wouldn't tolerate half hearted performances and with MLT as chairman we'd have confidence in a harmonious relationship between the chairman and manager. Tommy gets my vote.

I knew someone would bring that up. It's true though and fair play to him but comparing managing us and Team Bath is like comparing apples and oranges. He could be great though but I've had enough of experiments, new coaching setups, revolutionary ideas etc....I'd rather have someone with experience. Appointing a new manager is a gamble whoever you choose but you're statistically more likely to succeed with an experienced manager.

Do bar work. Lots of fun and a better education than university. Well I thought it was anyway.

Don't know enough about Tisdale and I'd obviously support him if he were appointed but....I'm always a bit wary of managers who've only had success at one club. The setup at Exeter probably suits him but there's no guarantee that he can transfer that to us. He could be a total success (as could anyone) but I'd rather have someone with a bit more experience.

Well for all of Dowie's innovation he still gets his players very fit, a bit like Strachan. He'll get us playing more direct and concentrate on being hard to beat and scoring goals - I wouldn't expect a team packed with flair but we're division 3 stuff now. I wouldn't complain if he was appointed. Personally I'd prefer Boothroyd - I know a lot slag him off but his Watford side always played us off the park and scored goals - it would be nice to do that to someone else.

Breakfast? Too much hassle - I'd rather have a lie in, turn up late for work then grab something unhealthy.

Cheers both of you. Obviously I'll take my time over it anyway but the bikes Baj suggested seem to fit the bill. Have to say the Triumph Bonny looks good - a step away from a first bike though and according to my Dad hasn't had great reviews but I think it looks good. PS One of the reasons I can afford to do this is my Grandad's just died and left me some money - why does probate take so long? And why do they take a percentage of the estate?

yes, might cross that off the list. In fact my original price bracket of 3-4 grand might not really be sensible. It makes more sense to go for something that is safe but inexpensive and when I've learnt enough then go for something I really want. God, I hate my practical side! So I'd be looking for something around the 600cc mark (if I'm going to do the DAS course then I want to make it worthwhile). Easy to ride, maybe not flashy and certainly not scary fast. The one thing I am concerned about is my height, at 5ft 8" I'm not the tallest and I don't want to end up with a bike that looks great but I'm scared to take out. Any suggestions on a boring, practicle but hopefully ultimately fun bike?