Badger

Mine would have been too with Les Reed leading the hunt, and Wilson on the case, but unfortunately **** Emery passed away in the 1980's.

It always is with us though isn't it? The smart move of course, which Les is probably already working on, is to nab the 'next Tuchel' before he becomes a known and sought after manager.

I expect his aspirations will be higher than us though. Already linked with Arsenal, and Hoffenheim in the CL again next season. This is one of our problems, the established and proven names are unlikely to be interested, and not sure we can allow Reed to indulge over the summer months in trying to find 'someone like' who might fit the prototype we're after (perhaps the selection method used for MP, who was hoped to be Poch II).

I think the Wolves rumour started a couple of weeks ago in the press, the article linked was dated 12th May though.

This has been evident on the pitch and in the celebrations, and the short term boost this has brought is a major factor in us getting out of the drop zone. Slight concern is how quickly this close relationship with the players will last. His record at Stoke seems to be regular fall outs with players (although you can understand him not getting on with an arsehole like Berahino), most recently Arnautovic (probably also an arsehole).

Carillo ?

Which he wouldn't be at Liverpool, and Arsenal are strongly linked with a GK from Germany. As good as McCarthy has been I can't see him being a first choice at either.

I like the comfort of having three clubs you know will struggle to stay up.

So would I but expect he's viewing grander places, or rejoining his love-in with Poch.

I think his departure this summer has been on the cards for the season. He's given good service for four seasons, and as he's 29 in August I think this is a good time for us to part, and perhaps the last chance of raking in a large sum. Providing we get the £25-30m touted, and Reed doesn't fritter it on rubbish, or Cariilo's, and reinvests in quality then it'll be a good move all round.

I had an interesting discussion with a Stoke supporter yesterday. He repeated the view I've heard from several on the radio etc, that Hughes was fantastic for them for the first two three years, but it stagnated, and in truth they should have parted company at the end of last season before it turned really sour. Interesting though about who is responsible for signings at Stoke, and who/how they are worked, by the manager, DoF, board or combination of them. This is one of the issues their supporters are up in arms about. There is no real understanding of this (same for us really). Berahino they believe rests with the board,and CEO. Wimmer they think is Hughes choice, yet they also signed Zouma on loan. Hughes transfer record is a source for concern, as is his record of falling out with players (although understand this with Boufal, but wonder what the history was with Arnautovic). Wonder why we appeared so much more attractive to Cedric, and Lemina than Stoke.(apart from nicer part of the country perhaps!), didn't one of them sign for us after visiting the Stoke training ground ? Who would be on this shortlist then ? Safely rule out the bold capture of a Tuchel (who has already rejected our approach)or similar, and Emery as unrealistic, I wonder who is left.

Why ? Less track record than Hughes.

Fulham would be my preference, decent club, fairly easy to get there. Only downside might be making it more difficult to attract Jokanovic if they come up, but with us looking like staying up and Hughes growing reputation at the club this is not as critical as important as it was a few weeks ago.

Yes, definitely. But you carry on, we'll look out for you holding your scarf aloft and swaying side to side.

Sorry, meant after winning the semi, and reaching the final.

May have hoped it, but don't think many expected that of him, quite the opposite. As he was Clown's choice, I think most expected him to be of fairly limited benefit, if not crap;to that end he has lived up to expectation.

I think only Brighton have got in a huff about it, when Saints didn't do one for them in L1. I recall them in the 1970's, and in particular when Blackpool gave Saints a guard of honour after we'd reached the FA Cup final in 1976.

Reed spinning, the Beaker & Bunsen Mutual Admiration Society at it's finest.

Yes - some balanced views on there amongst aome usual mongboard type drivel:

Where should we be targetting for Saints though ? After this seasons 'drama' and flirting with the drop zone perhaps a year or so to see ourselves as a safe middle of the table club should not be overlooked. I deally I'd like the ambition to be safely in the top 10 seeking Europa League etc, but taht may take a bit of investment and building to getr back there. As for "much better out there" - who do you have in mind as a shortlist ? Not sure we should allow Reed the time to indulge himself in a Unai Emery type of fantasy until July. Are we big club anymore, and do we have the ambition ? We have to await the new owners plans. Like you, I'm not completely convinced by MH although he has (almost) done the job he came for, and many of us thought would be beyond him or anyone else. Not sure you can lay the blame for Stoke's signings entirely at his door though, as 'recruitment' involves many others at a club, no longer just the managers selection. That said there was clearly something wrong with the team spirit and attitude of players at Stoke, was that due to bringing in players with the wrong attitude, or an abrasive approach by the management team?

Causing two years of turgid football, and gambling our league status in the process.

Just seen Garth Crooks team of the week, including Nathan Redmond. Crooks sets out his view: Then in the same article he includes this stat: Think about it for a moment Garth. Not difficult. Thick sod.

Hughes must be overdue an away win in the league surely ? If we don't win tomorrow then I think we've gone... if we haven't already. Have thought we're destined for relegation for some weeks - clown sacked too late - so anything other than that is a massive bonus.

We've got , the appointment and rtention of Pellegrino, lack of quality CB signings, not bringing in a Striker, the signing of Carillo for £19m, and add to the that retaining faith in Forster (a new contract even )... It really does make for an absolute clusterf^ck of the nth degree... Take a bow Les.

Yes - I think Augsberg, and then Wolves were clear warning shots as to what was ahead, but everyone was hoping these were just early 'teething errors', but it was evident before Christmas that we were in a dire position lacking tactics and leadership.