Dig Dig

Apparently so and apparently you are mentally ill if you question it?!

Don't think anyone is shouting at their computer screen or anything like that. It seems to me like a perfectly valid question. With two weeks to go before the start of our premier league campaign and with some much needed work to do to our squad, it seem curious to find out that NC is potentially on his summer holidays. There may be absolutely no impacts what so ever, I've said as much before. However, the question still remains that why couldn't he have gone on holiday at the same time as the coaching and playing staff? With the level of work being but in by the squad and NA to prepare for the season and with some high profile pre-seaon games underway etc you'd expect the leader of the club to be phyically present during this time wouldn't you? And before anyone starts, I'm not moaning, I'm not bickering and I'm not stoking an agenda. I'm asking some reasonable questions about Saints on Saints related football forum.

Why couldn't he go when NA, players and most of the footballing world were on holiday?

No one really knows if him being away is impactful or not but it still seems odd. Are many chairmen on holiday now?

Look, however you put it, the CEO of a company going away on holiday during a time when demand for you is at it's peak doesn't look good. You have to at least think about perception FFS!

Even if NC is available whilst on holiday, why on earth would you go on holiday now? Especially as he's often cited on here as a control freak. Doesn't make sense.

Whilst technically it is illegal, the scenario you provided probably wouldnt get too far within the legal system. I know that you didn't like my point about the wife beating and of course I'm not comparing you or anyone else to people who do this but the general point I'm making is that if you saw a man even half slap or smack a women it would be seen as abhorrent and disgraceful and completely unacceptable... Lasting mark or not. If everyone is entitled to a level of protection from ANY kind of physical abuse, why are children now the ONLY exception. I know all parents have a responsibility to discipline their children when necessary but my question would be why there needs to be a physical element to it? As I've said it seems very archaic to me, especially when other techniques which need a level of patience and consistency have been proven to be very effective.

Yes I actually watched as this happened to a friend of mine when I was quite young. It was horrible to watch and very distressing to my friend. Agree that this is far worse than a smack on the bum but the trouble is, this sort of thing is still seen as "mild corporate punishment" reserved for parents to dish out as they please. Most people wouldn't even do this to an animal so how can they do it to their own kids?

What makes you think they won't be sufficient quality when they do come in? I think everyone is in agreement that the earlier you do business the better. What I find strange is the notion that the club are in some way being complacent or lazy about it. Knowing what we know about the meticulous planning around everything else at the club, don't you find it strange that the club wouldn't be as driven and focused when it comes to something like transfers? Other than Reading (and it's debatable re the quality of their signings), who else has pretty much done all their business already? It seems difficult for most teams, especially when you want a certain type of player.

1) We have got deals done since the end of last season 2) You have no idea about the number of players we have been enquiring about 3) You have no idea of the sense of urgency. Maybe it's not in line with your expectations but desire to sign the right players will still be there...NA has said plenty of times that we WILL bring players in 4) You don't know that we will need to hit the ground running to stay up, that's just speculation. 5) We're no different to anyone else

Just don't leave a mark. That's the key. If in doubt, aim for parts of the body which are not exposed such as the bum or back of the legs.

The sole justification for it seems to be that because they are children it's ok. Doesn't that seem a little archaic to you?

Yes the earlier the better of course but this problem isn't reserved exclusively for Saints. Most clubs are still trying to bring players in and I can see lots of late deals for everyone this year, especially with the Euros and the Olympics. I won't worry until the end of the transfer deadline day. We're not going to be relegated by 1st Sept after all.

Why this week? What about Tuesday next week?

I'm questioning the method of used to discipline not the need to do it itself. I'm also questioning why the "hit but don't mark" policy applies to children but not domestic spouses or anyone else for that matter? Are these not valid questions or am I still trolling?

Yes, I've been threatened with the sack 4 times already this morning. But my boss loves me and I'm in line for a promotion.

No but if you ***** slapped me across the chops you could be.

Yes it does. It's called assault.

Ok thanks Pap. Key is to cause a little pain, some intimidation and plenty of shock without leaving a mark. Do the same rules apply to men who strike their wives?

I'm sorry that your Sunday is lonely Pap but obviously this isn't the thread to discuss that. It was a simple question, not trying to get a rise just trying to understand where ones mans "mild corporate punishment" becomes another mans abuse. Must be a very thin line I would imagine. As a big strong man I cant fathom using physical intimidation as a means to control my children regardless of the fact that I might only be seeking a shock factor. Some dog owners use the same techniques on their dogs with devices like the electric collar. Doesn't hurt the dogs apparently but causes them significant distress and therefore are being made illegal throughout the UK.

Don't take your guilt out on me. It was just a question. What happens if the "shock" doesn't work?

Ok, I'll remember that. If that doesn't work I'm sure the people's elbow square in the ribs would also work a treat. Only as a last resort though and only if they do something dangerous like touch a hot pan.

People keep saying that's it's ok as a "last resort". What happens if it doesn't work, do you just contine beating the **** out of them?

Move might do him good then. He's still got a lot of quality and would be a versatile addition. Everyone keeps banging on about prem quality/experience but then turn their noses up at most we are linked with. Can always "do better" or "aim higher" it seems.

Would be a very good signing IMO