Badger

Trouble is, we've seen isolated good performances and results (WBA away recently) but we then revert to type and serve up dross again soon after, often with a number of changes involving players to have performed well.

An everyday occurrence amongst Staplewood folk. Only headbutting the captain is considered newsworthy.

You may or may not be right, I don't know. But I've previously asked the question, how does their "dislike" raise itself, players or agents making representations to Les Reed, Kelvin as player liaison (or whatever the role is) bringing this to the clubs attention, or does it just fester in the background ?

Expect next season's matchday programme to include a regular feature The Thoughts of Chairman Gao. saintslongmarchon#

Intersting article. http://www.atimes.com/article/chinas-deep-state-behind-english-soccer-investment-push/ Not sure it adds anything new, although the suggestion of 'state sponsored' investment in football is not one I'd read before. The only comment left after the article just refers to money laundering.

I like your targets but do the club have sufficient ambition to go for either ?

11th May tomorrow - isn't this the day the six month exclusivity period expires ? (I think the recent Lander announcement said it commenced 11th November) Perhaps this will be the start of some further developments.

Not necessarily, as it seems Les is teflon coated. Although much depends on ownership as you say.

I think it is more to do with his track record of perceived serial failure at his previous clubs that has led to the doubters rather than the the 'sting'.

Perhaps we're waiting to do a Burley - agree a compensation package from St Ettiene to take him off our hands

#myar$e

Ridiculous one in my view. What purpose does it serve ? Possibly more marketing space to carry a logo ? Out of interest where does the rule come from, is it an edict from UEFA or have the PL/FA dreamt this crap up on their own?

Had forgotten that name.

Sorted. Would be an excellent move for him, and us (providing we could get him past his injuries .. does seem to pick them up a lot). Won't happen though. Despite turning into a bench warmer at Utd the likelihood is he'll move to City (can't see it personally, but the press suggest it), Chelsea or spurs, where he'll still only be a squad player (plenty of bench time though) where the ££ is more.

Thanks, I had intended to add the point about player unrest, and had edited the post, but you were ahead of the edit !! Fans - I'm not sure if the forums truly represent fan feeling, but yes, if ST's plummet and there is a feeling of discord it doesn't help. Justified decision ? Only if we can improve on the current manager/coaching set up. Not convinced Silva is the simple answer as many suggest. Hopefully the black box 2017 conjures up something more inspiring if it is called upon.

As I see it there are two strands to the debate over whether Saints should retain Puel or not. A)Should he go on the basis of our results, performances and the outcome of this season ? - For me our league position, and a cup final deserve a further season, and as you say, would be harsh to sack him, although we've had several flat performances taht cause concern. B)Are we confident he's the man to take us forward ? On that I'm not convinced. If we can attract a manager who plays the attractive football we want, and has a track record then I'd be pleased with a change, but in truth we're unlikely to be able to bring in the sort of candidate we'd want/need, and then there's the question if we could retain them beyond a year. Have to also add a c)perhaps - the dressing room, and how his position might affect players willingness to stay (but probably agent ******** really, even if we appointed Pep, most players would play for Fleetwood if they suddenly offered mega £££ Face fact with Saints - we either have a manager no one (bigger) wants, or a manager we can't keep hold of

See Koeman talking about seeing out his three year contract with the Dugouts: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39802501 Be off at the end of next season then when he refuses to extend.

Bring on the nuns.

Or simply that he wanted to leave, move on for a new venture. Shocking I know, but it does happen.

That's not a not a rumour worth repeating though. It has to be more scandalous. Are we sure he wasn't knobbing a player's wife, or exposing himself in from of the Junior Saints ?

Wasn't he an NC appointment in the first place?If so, he might just sack him for not quitting after he left.

Should have a table for some of the family who you have to invite but don't really get on with. That should be the "Paine" table

If , and at the moment it is only if, we part company with Puel then the obvious contender as far as the press are concerned is Silva who they know will have other offers than Hull. A flaw in this theory though is that we don't go for the obvious stand out candidate and are likely to have another 'Les list' at the ready.

No but there might have been a rumour that Fonte wanted out after Puel knobbed his wife...

Captainchris truly dividing opinions.