Badger

FDB - probably the biggest name we might lure although only a small chance , Benitez - big name but not sure if he would fit the club and academy bringing players through role. Jorge Bloke - nah, b0ll0cks, don't see the attraction Yakin & Tuchel - seem to read all the right things about them, Tuchel looks a good tactician etc but wonder if he'd have the "presence" to win over the players quickly, this is where Yakin probably has the advantage. Laudrup - no ffs, theres a reason why he is out of Swansea. Rosler - unproven, no better than NA Adkins - I would not get upset if he returned but water under bridges etc, might not be right for either party. Poyet - mildly acceptable Moyes - 13 years too late but ahead of Lambert or Mackay

Dave Jones.

But would he 'translate' into the English game ? I don't mean language as I've read he speaks English, but putting it another way, how would the squad receive him ? That will be an acid test for any incoming manager.

Tell Levy.

Bit unfair, unless you know - heard - differently.

For me the realistic shortlist would be: Domestic based managers: Adkins Howe Imports: Yakin Tuchel. All of which are gambles for one reason or another. Moyes is the boring option, 13 years too late.

Back to the question: I think we would have made steady progress with NA, rather than a few quick leaps forward, followed by a sudden collapse. So, for me, over a longer period I think we'd have been better off keeping NA.

Problem being if they are intrinsically linked of course.

I'd prefer Adkins to the other three you mention.

But sensibly, Ralph presumably is not going to be there day in day out, so we needed an experienced hand as 'operations director'. Maybe they thought Reed the man for the football side of things, although it did not take RK long to talk up bringing in a "sporting director". Not that this detracts from your own point of course.

Agree. B0ll0cks to them.

Do you expect to be asking the same question in 48hours ? Or do you think you'll know by then.

We certainly missed a trick in not appointing John Williams. GR may be an excellent financial director, but CEO which in my view requires a higher public profile is too big a step.

Of the overseas names mentioned these two stand out. Although how the players react to either is questionable, but then again no one knew how MP would be met. Needless to say though if either do come here, Yakin may use it as a stepping stone to Galatasaray or wherever, Tuchel to wile away his time before replacing Klopp at Dortmund...

Definitely.

How about honouring his existing contract ? Board should hold him to that, or put him on leave. The 'board' whether its the entire board, or a combination of Krueger and Reed, seem pretty hapless from the limited noises heard, actions seen.

You're confusing him with his brother Ricoh.

I'll be pucking livid if Ralph lets MP leave without a fight.

I can see that one being sold to us and the media as "giving a young English manager a chance in the Premiership etc..." I'd certainly prefer him to the Petrescu's , Di Masturbateo's previously mentioned. Or Oscar Garcia for that matter.

Agree. If he informs the board he wants to go off then I hope they remind him he has a year left on his contract and will be put on gardening leave. If he went to Spain or Portugal then so be it, but I really detest Levy, Tottingham etc.

Do you get a prompt whenever someone types his name ? Strangely though, we were one of the better periods in his managerial career, helping his rehabilitation along the way, but the phrase "lost the dressing room" did tend to feature a few times on his CV. Please don't reply about GH ; that topic is long gone.

Interesting. But to add a few observations: Contract - although he has left Mainz he has an agreement with them regarding taking another post http://www.bundesliga.com/en/liga/news/2013/0000294912.php "tactical genius" - that label worries me as the last one we had was Hoddle, wizard on a whiteboard in setting out formations but without man management skills to motivate "ambition" - if this is in place we might not be discussing MP leaving "bigger clubs" - not yet, although I'm sure his progress might be monitored closely ( we all know how this could pan out don't we ?) I agree with much of what you say and can see the attraction, but don't agree this to be an incredible signing (though might prove to be for someone).

A promising manager by all accounts, but not sure he'd be either "incredible" or "out of our league" , why do you think this ? He's achieved league positions towards the top of their league and qualified for Europa League with an unfashionable side, but to my knowledge has yet to win a trophy. Perhaps a German equivalent of MP. Klopp would be "incredible" and "out of our league" without a doubt,[ so not suggesting for a second it would happen ] Tuchel would represent 'unfulfilled potential' and, in coming to England, a 'gamble' (for him as well as for us).

No reason why it should be after all it seems to manage for Ajax without it becoming a dog's breakfast.

Not for me it doesn't. Better than our last two efforts admittedly, but the white sleeves are too Arsenal for my liking. Away version is better but again would not be first choice.