Badger

At half time against Villa, at 1-0 down , and having looked fairly mediocre all half - lots of huff and puff but no end product - I had a horrible thought, wonder how Hoddle would organise this lot (defence in particular) ? Sorry but this might come to fruition.* * and this is from someone opposed to his return in 2004.

You been on weed on something ? Sorry but I'd don't share your love and peace man, type of sentiment if Saints are losing, and being tonked.

or he's as disinterested as the rest,and like them has lost heart.

Agreed. I like NA, and hope he can fulfill his potential with us. But sadly, there does seem an inevitability to a parting of the ways, can't see Cortese not wanting to 'change his hand' and soon. Next alarming thought is who ?

On his early showings, he can f^ck off. Looks overweight, or as if he's playing in wellies.

Snap his ankle in the first minute. Sorted.

After his edgy first match at West Ham, I thought Boluck might have given way for Gazzaniga who has looked more commanding in goal so far. I hope Rodriguez is up front rather than in a wide position where he can easily disappear from the game.

I ssem to remember Scvnthorpe fans commenting on his zany post match interviews, and referring to him as Madkins. This is as close as we've seen him living up to that billing.

That I doubt very much. First time NC hesitates on a signing or has to speak to Di Canio over something, and it will be a major tantrum, most probably played out in public.

For all his success last time I can't help think WGS would just be trading on his reputation and unlikely to live up to expectation. Could he work with NC & Reed ?

Although I don't expect NA will be looking at these jobs, it would not surprise me if the Ipswich and Palace boards dithered a bit until Adkins position here (or not) is clearer.

And discovered Walcott don't forget. In fact 'arry tipped Walcott for stardom whilst he was still a foetus.

yeh, f'sure... ...wheeler-dealer, no I ain't a wheeler-dealer...f^ck off...

So in your view, in 2012 - not 2004- who is the best man for us now ? NA or GH ?

The respectful "RIP" just does not sit easily with the previous sentence.

No, I reckon he'll be edged out by Phil Brown at second interview stage,

It is a good gesture, even moreso taking into account he is no longer at the club, and on Sky etc. Is this purely a Saints thing, or more widespread as its around the first anniversary of his tragedy ?

Good idea - lets go on to the Spurs sites afterwards complaining they were disrespectful unless they join in.

Perhaps Carsten Jancker should move into management, or could we entice Oliver Bierhoff ?

What about Harry Bassett, possibly with Dennis Wise again, purveyors of Total Football wherever they have been ?

One aspect of Gazzaniga's game that has been impressive, especially given his age, is his decisiveness coming for crosses and taking charge of the penalty area. I can't imagine him hesitating and then backpeddling as Boluc did yesterday for the first W Ham goal,("fully fledged international" or not).

Presumably Nixon has now gone to ground, or has anyone 'tweeted' him to find his take on our managerial question yet ?

I don't disagree with the theory of that, and certainly think either Coppell or Hoddle could assist NA, possibly overseeing defensive coaching.Is Joe Jordan a defensive coach though ? There are two potential conflicts and flaws here though. Firstly, does the new 'assistant' or 'adviser' (whatever the title is) have to be prepared to accept the 4-3-3 blueprint that appears to be handed down ? Secondly, how does this affect the managers authority beyond the short term ? Remember what happened at Middlesboro when Venables was 'assisting' Bryan Robson, the worst kept rumour in football at the time was that Robson was really the teaboy.

As I said yesterday : And the winning post: There had to be one, didn't there ? Think I'd better have a word with your carer.

I'm surprised no one has started an "Open letter to Adkins or Cortese" thread yet. Certainly would have been one in the old Saints Forever days.