Badger

Should only change if we can bring in a better option. Like you though, not convinced by Silva, and doubt that those considered a truly better option if available (for example Emery or Tuchel) would be interested, that's assuming the club in the current takeover limbo have the drive and ambition to go for such a manager.

I certainly wouldn't look to replace Puel with Ranieri, nice bloke that he is, he's had his glory and it won't be repeated. Of the non- English working in England, I'm not convinced by Silva, or Jokanovic. Silva is perhaps the obvious and fashionable candidate but its not our style to follow that path. Jokanovic is less well known and despite one or two advocating him on here I wonder if he has the reputation to keep a few of our names happy. The other one, obviously opens up the candidate field to wider speculation. Can only hope this is someone who meets all the criteria of style of play, and will be accepted by the squad quickly in convincing VVD for example that they should give us another season. Don't think our league position warrants changing CP, but if there are issues in the squad over him, then that changes things around. Personally I'd only look to a change if it retains key players we want to hang on to, and we can bring in a stronger candidate than some of those already touted.

Still leaves Jokanovic in the running from the clues given.

Clasie will be dropped next game then.

That'll be £12m in the summer then please.

AFCB now 1-0 up and above us in the table. Cue a mini-meltdown on the mongboard.

Read on the BBC matchday update: Not necessarily a wise move Marten.

Also prone to a sulk at some stage every season it seems. If not with club then with his country.

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.