NickG

I did read on here that Alpine was "demanding" more signings. The end of window approaches. No signings. Pardew gone. Makes you think.

sounded like he has changed his mind then - easy to say that when you think it will never happen - if you suddenly get a chance maybe his principals have changed. he had easy opportunity to dismiss it and he actually did the opposite.

think he even said something like "its not worth me commenting southampton may not want me". Sounds like "please call"

and done it in summer

or a bit of gossip which is bizarre, but seems to explain the odds circumstances we have and we are struggling with other ideas!

in summary...we haven't got a f'ing clue!

brother in Cardiff rang to ask about it as someone he works with (not saints fan) asked about it!

Did he? His solent interview sounded very keen

v poor record at M'boro - we should aim a lot higher

I trust you like you were my own brother.

that is the bit for me. Just don't go in for the "I am close to the club and you will never guess what I heard" style of certain posters. Who invariably get in wrong anyway. I suspect that nearly all of the signings in this window were by committee. Rednapp was on radio today saying how his chairman approached him and said Van derr Vaart is available and has agreed a price if HR wanted him.

Have never seen him undermined, was given the vote of confidence and has been allowed to assemble a good squad. I am always reticent in listenning to certain posters ITK gossip.

initially thought it very unlikely but no so sure now - hardly as in demand or glamorous as Mourinhio, out of work and could see as a a good project. A good manager should get us promotion this year. All these candidates will see themselves as good managers and therefore have chance at some success

don't think its reached fact stage! Its a scenario that just about fits, why do you think?

how not support him?

think he did well to get a great job!

do what we need to if we are going to copy them - might as well do it properly!

Maybe, if rumours are to be believed he is actually dealing with this with class and sensitivity and taking the flak that should be going elsewhere??

No idea if this is true. It is only explanation I have heard that fits in with timing, who went etc. Also flies in face on some who came on here crowing with their "told you so's" about what they heard last season and how its all Cortesse. Who knows.

worries that Howe has only been manager for about a year (not checked so maybe wrong) - a lot of pressure for young manager

don't think he did tell everyone! But it wasn't tight secret

yep, my concern!

It was known by members of staff that Pardew applying for other jobs

now Howe 2/3 Zola 4/1 Brown 4/1 Hart 5/1 MON 14/1

got feeling we will be pleased with appointment - nagging feeling that it could be Wilkins tho