Badger

Fair point, although not mutually exclusive in hoping for a Ronnie Ekelund style gem ... and then ending up with another Mayuka.

Looking at the Barcelona player I was hoping for a Ronnie Ekelund type of gem, instead of which it looks more like ticking another well known box in our annual play 'summer strategy game' of 'obscure player few have previously heard of, in the attempt to be clever and sign a fringe player from a big club' . (or maybe that's two boxes combined.

That was the exception in his career. Never played to that standard before, or since. Didn't he secure a new contract on the back of that season? Then reverted to default position - shit.

Would have been our manager in 2001 but for Rupert not allowing him to bring his backroom team with him. Stuart Grey instead. SFC - a longstanding ability to create a clusterfuck all of it's own. Some things never change.

Problem is I can't see us being attractive enough for a Red Bull or Ratcliffe (Ineos) type of owner, which probably leaves it to the US leveraged purchases.

Yes, a last day of the season them (under Alan Ball) or us for relegation. 1996 I think.

Interesting. Not having a go, others have already made the comparison with Adkins, but : I thought they were a club on the up under Dean Smith although he has capitalised and built on it. Can't deny their success in bringing players through, but isn't it easier in the Championship than it is to throw players in to the EPL ? Is Frank involved in the scouting and recruitment ? As I've previously asked in response to your Thomas Frank posts, if we're looking at Brentford shouldn't we be looking to attract their head of recruitment and some of their scouts rather than, (or in addition to) their manager ?

Change of ownership, some ambition from the top and it should flow from there.

Why ? if Brentford don't make it two years running then doesn't that blight his reputation ?

What "incredible manager" is going to come to us as we are ? Totally agree about buying experience.

Serious question, but how does a manager do that ? Adkins was critiscised for some of his 'psychobabble' , perhaps that's the way. The players are grown men and should be able to take responsibility for themselves when they go onto the pitch. But they don't seem capable of it, too focused on their millionaire lifestyles, and what the next tattoo wiil be. We don't sign experienced players who will act as leaders on the field, that doesn't help. Imagine Bally or Jimmy Case putting up with this bunch of softies.

The blame for recruitment of players during his tenure remains with Reed (and his lackie Wilson), these are players we can't shift. If any manager can get something out of the poor squad at his disposal then he deserves credit.

Agreed. Only problems no one will take the players and we probably don't want to spend what little we have on paying up Watson's contract.

Has to take responsibility for the team selection and motivation but whichever way you look it's a pretty poor bunch to select from. I think the forum is already decided that Djeneppo for example offers fuck all.

Will only improve if it starts at the top with the owner.... And that cunt who wants to make the Kingsland centre into an area for corporates/padded seats shoud f.o as well. As ridiculous an idea as much as misguided.

Another masterclass in scouting .... thanks again, Les.

Just creating another area of the ground (sorry, stadium) with no atmosphere. The club are in danger of pricing out the thermos carrying and blanket over the knee brigade. Not sure we are successful or fashionable enough to attract the fuckers they want (ie the Surrey commuter who'll pay the £22 for burger in the 'wine bar' under the stand type of bollocks). Perhaps I've done them a disservice though and the padded seats are for those with lumbago, or just don't want a cold and uncomfortable arse when watching.

Okay, don't suppose they could resist that link to launch it, but agree with you 135 years isn't such a noteworthy milestone to commemorate.

I didn't think it did personally, although I don't recall the club heavily marketing it as such. If they did, then I missed it (or it's an age thing ...)

I'd like to see the sash reserved for anniversary kits.

What has his position been for them ? I thought he was a LB on leaving Bristol City but a quick google search indicates CB ?

Wasn't Ralph and the club in a similarly buoyant mood this time last year when the talk was of signing Zeefuik ? Shame looked too good an opportunity at a relatively low price.

Club rather than a pub but Hulse Road Social was the gathering point for the first 10-15 years of my Saints supporting days. Not as 'lively' as some of the places mentioned on here though I've learnt in later life.

The great days of 'The Alehouse'. Honorable mentions to Jimmy Gabriel, Dave Walker, and Dennis Hollywood, but I think the two you mention were a cut above the rest.

Totally agree. It is partially the Reed inspired 'resell' doctrine that has seen our decline, trying to make the "clever" signing with growth rather than build the team with youth and experience. For those obsessed with "resell value" just remember the Huddersfield chairman who declined his managers suggestion of signing Rickie Lambert for about £850,000 on the grounds of his age and no resell value about 12 months before we paid £1m for him.