saints-til-i-die

Without Cortese we may not have a club. We likely wouldn't have a successful club. I for one would rather have a club and enjoyed the last 2 years. Even if we get relegated because we don't sign a CB, I'd rather that than SISU, liquidation etc. I won't be complaining about Cortese for a second.

Adkins said we had bid for players which had been rejected and they just weren't reported. If the Italians/Ramirez hadn't mentioned anything then we wouldn't have known about this 'failed' transfer either and maybe wouldn't feel as disappointed. However, at least we know the money we have available now, so that's a plus. I'm sure there are other targets who we'll now go after. I am disappointed, but more relieved we have somebody in charge who will not risk our future but throwing money around. I'd rather get relegated but not spend beyond our means than do a Leeds/Pompey etc. Fair play rules will impact on clubs with massive wages and we wouldn't want this if we are supposedly aiming for Europe. I'm sure we'll get some players and have a great season. Let's have fun, think how far we have come. COYR!

Reading have 1bn worth of football talent?

How are people spending so much time on here when they are supposed to be working?

If we don't get him, it's because we can't afford him. it's not because Cortese messed it up or he couldn't attract the player (he clearly could). Nobody wants to overspend and commit financial suicide... fair play rules anyone?

SSN isn't reliable. BBC sport news is. BBC sport news hasn't yet mentioned the Ramirez transfer and until they do (or it's on the OS) I'm not going to believe it's a done deal. I'm guessing that if we don't get Ramirez we'll go for somebody like Lens, perhaps, maybe, possibly.

Curtis Davies?

Don't get me wrong, it's nice and refreshing not to have a Chairman always wanting to be the centre of attention. I think I remember him speaking last year and congratulating the squad/manager. Reading's chairman did the same. Was just wondering why Cortese hadn't done the same that's all. Just a thought.

I find it strange that Cortese is yet to comment on promotion. Has anyone heard anything from him that I've missed? I would have thought he would have posted a statement or comment of congratulations on the OS by now...

I hope there is no problem and that Adkins is here for the long term. I really hope so. However, I do find it odd he hasn't mentioned how great the Chairman is (which he did during the January transfer window and numerous other times). Also his interview the other day seemed to suggest that he wanted to stay (eg defending his win record) and obviously today he mentioned about having to sometimes stand up for what you believe or something similar. Could this be linked to Cortese? Perhaps Adkins wants to stay but maybe Cortese wants something Adkins is against? A mate of mine (no idea how reliable, probably not much) but he said he's heard of problems behind the scenes. I hope this is a load of rubbish! In Adkins we trust!

money*

Argghhhhh why do some people on here think we need MORE players. With the squad we have in LEAGUE 1..yes LEAGUE 1 the squad we have now should be MORE THAN CAPABLE of getting promoted. Other squads spend hardly any many, play players out of position etc but they have the fighting spirit to frind out results or just play effectively as a team. WE DO NOT NEED MORE ADDITIONS. People are just getting greedy. Money isn't the answer to everything. I'm sure some fans understand this. I HOPE most do.

How often does a favourite ever get appointed? Not very often I would say! Hope so this time. ZOLA? No way!

Tisdale has actually rejected offers to move before now. He stated he wanted to complete the job he was doing at Exeter. My friend is an Exeter fan and says that Tisdale is adored at Exeter where he has worked miracles (2 promotions and not PAID money for a layer for years). They also play attractive football and gave us a game. Do you not think that somebody who has achieved miracles on a budget of ZERO money would not be able to work wonders with the resources we have? Apparently Tisdale had a long conversation with Cortese after their defeat at St Mary's last season and Cortese praised him for his achievements and the way we have played - words from Tisdale's mouth to the Exeter fans I have been told. I'm not sure myself whether he would be great or not, but he would not necessarily be a bad choice. To just assume that he would not be good enough because he hasn't moved on is to not have all the facts. Having said all this, Tisdale is currently enjoying lots of freedom at Exeter to manage how he wants. Would he be willing to switch to a different style here if he was approached....? Who knows who will be appointed. Just please not DOWIE or ZOLA!!!!!!

Shame it won't be Nigel Pearson...think we let that one slip by us...

These post match reports are getting a bit repetitive now (Burley anyone?) It's all good and well to say this is what will happen and we have to find ways to counter other teams determination when they play us etc etc etc.. but isn't that what the manager should be doing? Coming up with ways to do this...rather than keep saying it needs to be done? These post match reports are getting a bit repetitive now (Burley anyone?) It's all good and well to say this is what will happen and we have to find ways to counter other teams determination when they play us etc etc etc.. but isn't that what the manager should be doing? Coming up with ways to do this...rather than keep saying it needs to be done? These post match reports are getting a bit repetitive now (Burley anyone?) It's all good and well to say this is what will happen and we have to find ways to counter other teams determination when they play us etc etc etc.. but isn't that what the manager should be doing? Coming up with ways to do this...rather than keep saying it needs to be done? Sorry, had I said that already? I think I'm doing it now

I would sat that we are either: a) Cursed b) Never prepared properly for the start of the season. I will let you decide the more likely...

Considering a team like Exeter City haven't PAID for a player for about 6 years shows that you don't have to spend lots just to produce a team capable of functioning in League 1. So the argument that 3-4mill spent just got us up to the standard of the other league 1 sides is a bit far fetched to say the least. The money we have already spent should be MORE than enough to get us promoted from this league. It now comes down to other factors...

I think people need to judge him at L1 level. Obviously we will not be signing the same calibre of player that we are used to seeing. We have to lower our expectations now. People will need to accept this sooner rather than later. He had a fairly good game - especially as it was his first game!

Awful right back. Good centre back IMO

MCG may have scored a few goals last year, but how many chances did he fluff. Remember early in the season when we were playing good football and creating chances but could not finish them?? One of those who could not finish them was MCG. Surely if a striker scores 15goals for example but has an average of 3 or 4 excellent chances per game, that's not a very good rate. Is it?

I was impressed with what Alan Pardew had to say. I can't wait for the exciting times ahead (hopefully!)

Did he actually say this? I can't remember him mentioning that. I did hear an interview on Saturday with Oldknow (Solent) and he was asked whether they would be looking for a manager or a continental style set up and he said BOTH! He said they want a manager and will then review the structures that exist to SUPPORT the manager and cited physios, coaches etc...but did not mention a DoF. I don't think the term DoF should be used synonymously with the idea of a continental style set-up - it could merely include features of (coaching side etc etc). The main point is, I think people should be very careful when reading reports and actually look at the words that are printed or spoken and to not report them back on here differently!!!! It's like Chinese whisperes...

I heard that Strachan was there to see a physio for a slipped disc in his back. Not sure how accurate this is, but it's a possibilty so lets not get carried away. Personally I don't think it will be him. I wouldn't mind P.Taylor or Coppell actually. They would be good selections IMO. Also someone mentioned Sean O'Driscoll would be nice too.

Just proves how people mis-read things and start making comments. If you actually read the story is does indeed say he HASN'T been offered a contract! I wish people would just take the time to read things carefully! haha