S-Clarke

It's not always about putting bums on seats. Sometimes you've got to look at the long term.....bums on seats in the long term is better than bums on seats for the ''initial'' reaction IMO...

If somewhat surprising, it’s a cracking appointment when all is considered. I really liked watching West Ham when he was managing them in the premiership; they played some cracking football and had a real team spirit about them. I think Charlton was a difficult one for him. If you remember when we came out of the prem the first season, redkrapp struggled much the same as pardrew did - both for the same reasons , they weren’t really given the 'clout' they needed to make an impact. If we support him (which I believe we will) and the structure which is put in place around him works...then he will guide us through the leagues. At league 1 level he is a big name, heck - even at championship level I’d have been happy with him. I know a lot of us had our hearts set on a WGS return and if that didn’t happen anything else would feel a bit underwhelming...well I actually feel pleasantly surprised by the pardrew appointment. I believe IT IS a statement of intent from us - at this level, no one else in league one would be able to attract him. Good job Markus/Cortese/Oldknow....onwards and upwards.

Playoffs. Why can't we make them? Leeds had -15, finished 5th and got to the final. I'm not settling for mid-table this season and i honestly don't think im being unrealistic in expecting a playoff push to start from mid-November. I'm not understanding the posts from people who are saying ''staying up will be a result'' - we've got to think higher than that!!! We will bring in players now and we have some clout (at league 1 level) to compete and bring in good players at this level. If we keep the likes of Adam and 2 out of Stern/Saga/Rasiak - then we're a good bet.

I reckon WGS will be there I've got two tickets myself - can't wait!

Well we'll just have to wait and see i guess. I still believe it will be him...but if it's not...well I'm just grateful we are even able to debate this.

i'm not sure he's said anything specifically relating to WGS?

Personally, i wouldn't listen to Tony L ....only my 2 cents..

agreed. i believe it's in the perfect place atm. i hate these ''out of town'' stadiums...

True story

The same speculation Pilchards posted is doing the rounds everywhere at the moment (in kind of the same form), from more than one person. I cannot believe it's a made up Chinese whisper - we'd know by now if it was. i reckon he's on his way back...

Too bloody young, i'm shocked at how quick it's done this to him. All the best...

If he meant that, we'd all know about it in the media now. Everything is pointing towards a WGS return.... If he wasn't lined up he wouldn't be storming on the betting sites and also would not be keeping silent. and in the words of radio solent last week.....''Strachan today refused to comment on reports linking him with a return to saints...''

Sky's score centre says a Bristol city XI though, so i assume it was pretty much their reserve/youth team.

Good - put the fear back into them. they've had it too ****ing easy for the past 3 years - that's why we're where we are. time to get some fitness and urgency back into this team.

it's not that bad. just count your lucky stars it's not like this one:

I'm sure it's not just down to him, Andy Oldknow will play a part and i'm sure the manager hunt is also why they've consulted MLT. I'm confident in them anyway.

Something isn't right. I reckon it still boils down to the price and if the they cannot get the price down...they'll walk IMO. If i was a pompey fan, regargless of the statement released tonight, i'd be very nervous. - they look set to have a disastrous pre-season.

He's another one of those ''great former players'' that doesn't actually make a good manager. but because of his reputation, clubs always seem to appoint him. He kept WBA up that year by fluke imo, he's generally just rubbish. Kevin Blackwell beat him hands up at Sheff U with the same squad...

spot on. Nicola Cortese is one of the best in the business. we didnt' get any leaks during the takeover and we won't get any leaks during the manager hunt either. really impressive imo.

A few years ago (on FM05 i think) i somehow managed to take Southampton up as championship winners, and then managed to win the premiership in our first year back up :confused: (i didn't cheat either...just bought very well, loans mainly) the best bit was....Higgy was the premiership winning captain, alongside Chris Baird. never been able to do that again.

i think you'll find the people saying we'll go down again (or will struggle) are those who didn't' believe we'd ever get taken over. I think we'll be fine too - we need a few new players, but honestly, not this whole-sale squad replace that some are saying. Luton went further down because they didn't have any money and had to sell their entire squad (almost) - we'll just be adding to it from now on. exciting times!

John is on trial at palace i think, warnock is apparently very keen. I'm not even sure Euell is at the club anymore? I'm sure he's been released, and is now looking for a new club.

He doesn't manage anymore, so sad tbh. Saw a recent article in one of the papers, he's unrecognizable these days, confined to a wheel chair now i believe -but he still came across as the bobby we all loved! Newcastle's decline started when they sacked him.

interesting.... going to be another exciting week i think.

I guess he means he's been interviewed, as he's not been in any polls....