Saint Fan CaM

Don't think I'm saying Zola is the right guy, because I'm not. I cannot believe you really don't see this, however, here's some idea's... a. He's a mate for NC now Markus is gone - don't underestimate this...NC is possibly somewhat isolated. b. He has got good experience in the English game. c. His time at Chelski means he has good contacts with certain staff who also have contact at Saints. d. He was an exponent of utilising youth at West Ham and there are 2-3 good examples of where he helped develop players through the 1st team. e. He is a Premiership quality manager that is without a club. f. NC should be expected to aim high or risk failing in his quest for success. g. Only a rumour, but there was talk of Zola being in the area recently. There may be other points, but put these together and there's a case IMO.

I would not like it to be McClaren frankly - I just don't think he would have what it takes to get us out of L1. Plus he talks rubbish.

As I mentioned on another thread, I think Zola ticks all the boxes. I understand that he is friends with NC and since losing his mate Markus, I think NC needs a new trusted ally by his side that has experience and commitment to the youth development program they are building. If I were a betting man, this is where my money would go right now (mind you, I'm not because I tend not to win too often!).

I think our season may take a dip to start with - instability is not good for this club - history tells us this. We will not know the longer term effects until it's clear how the players respond to the new man. I can imagine Wilkins will be kept on as Assistant as there will be links to the Prem via his brother at Chelski. Further, I have been thinking about the deeper issues regarding why NC made the change and I believe the passing of Markus to be a key moment. Why? Because Markus provided NC with a friend along the journey...he needs to replace Markus as such and Zola is that man IMO. I think around May/June time when Zola became a free agent, NC had marked AP's cards and Markus' passing sealed the matter. NC needs a friend on his journey now, preferably from the footballing fraternity and he's not going to get that from anyone better placed than Zola, especially when it comes to their mutual approach to youth strategy.

Might I suggest that getting AP's demise is not something to particularly gloat about. Managerial instability at most football clubs has largely resulted in one thing - failure to achieve any form of sustained core success. We shall see what this brings for Saints, however I am extremely disappointed that NC has not been able to maintain managerial stability and therefore there is a big question mark over FUTURE stability also.

ZOLA - West Ham United On 9 September 2008, Zola agreed a three-year contract to manage West Ham United, replacing Alan Curbishley, who resigned following differences with the board. He was unveiled as manager on 11 September, despite not having the required UEFA A managing licence. Zola, surprisingly for someone closely associated with West Ham's cross-town rivals Chelsea, quickly gained the backing of the fans. Nevertheless, he received applause from Chelsea fans whenever he returned to Stamford Bridge as West Ham manager. After a shaky start Zola began to develop a side with a flair not seen in a West Ham side for some years.[17] He was also praised for integrating more youth products into the first team.[18] The likes of Junior Stanislas and Zavon Hines were given their debuts. The duo and first team youngsters Jack Collison and James Tomkins all scored their first goals for the club. In April 2009, Zola signed a contract that could have kept him at Upton Park until 2013.[19] West Ham struggled in the 2009–10 season. Zola's position as manager was put in doubt when he revealed he had not been consulted over a bid for West Bromwich Albion player Graham Dorrans and by chairman David Sullivan's announcement that the entire squad was for sale except for midfielder Scott Parker. West Ham finished in 17th place, only five points above the relegation places.[20] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shocking decision by Cortese and one which I believe could see us staying in League One another season. I am extremely disappointed because (a) I liked AP and his style of football and (b) because it shows up a very large crack in the unity at the club. I do think that sacking him after a 4-0 win could be considered as "best timing" as it leaves the playing squad believing in themselves rather than focussing on negatives. However, I think we will likely lose on Tuesday now, but this will not be seen as a big negative by NC as it's promotion he craves - it is his sole business focus for financial reasons. Regarding the above outtake from Wiki I've posted, the key part for me is the bit highlighted in red. I think AP was telling NC that the key types of players needed to get out of L1 were not available in the youth ranks, but the key strategy of the club is to promote from within - hence the lack of transfer activity. If AP had said "well forget about promotion this season without the players to do it" then NC only had one decision to make perhaps? I think there's an 70-80% certainty that Zola is in the frame - all the boxes are ticked for him (including the supposed sighting in Soton recently). Whether the new manager will do a better job remains to be seen, however my fear is whoever gets the job will also be sacked if he is failing at Xmas. Then its same old, same old instability at Saints ad infinitum.

Yeah, that's my feeling also. He has all the right qualities - just needs to hone them to his (and the teams) best advantage. Getting to the byline a bit more would be nice also.

This pretty much sums it up for me.

Absolutely terrible result...how AP could allow the team to settle for 4-0 is beyond me...I hope those boo boys had a good loud boo at the team throughout the entire game. Or then again...perhaps we ARE promotion candidates after all? Perhaps AP is a fantastic Manager that will get us promoted? Perhaps we have got a superb L1 team to be proud of? Mmmm...happy times indeed. COYS!

Ah, you may be correct, but you just have and in typically fashion I might add. If you or anyone else thinks my proposition makes no sense then say so and back the assertion up with a reason. I would welcome the exchange providing the thread is not hijacked by the usual bickering and name calling. And I honestly believe that my comments are of some value to the OP otherwise as a non-prolific poster, I would not have bothered in the first place TBF.

Regardless of whether you agree with my idea or not, thanks for taking the time to comment on my post. It seems to be the norm on the forum lately, if you post a non-inflammatory, non-personal opinion about football in general, it is almost completely ignored. Unless you're one of the 'in-crowd' of course.

Saints to win 2-0...we'll be too much for them. WIFM. COYS!

Some of the issue is with the mentality of the observer. For example, pretty much the same players lined up against Prem Bolton when their players were arguably of a much higher calibre. Although we lost 0-1, our players played above their station - why? Because they have an exceptional Manager that they wish to play for and who gives them the tactical knowledge to combat their opposition. I have been pondering this issue a little further and while I admit I am not entirely convinced by my own argument yet, I have a theory. There are essentially two types of team that are successful in this league and the nPC in particular. Team A will be made up of a number of players that are much better than the league they are playing in - perhaps some these might be 'mercenaries' - but the general strategy is to plan for the next league up. Team B is made up of players that have got less ability but make up for it by bonding well as a team, having a real fire in their belly and are thick enough to believe their charismatic Manager when he says they are the dog's doodahs. I will leave you to guess which team we are and why sometimes we lose to the other type of team. Edit: Team B also have a following that KNOW they'll not be the next ManU or Chelski, so they're expectations are less and they don't boo their players even when they're losing. Team A's supporters on the other hand EXPECT almost instant success regardless. I repeat, guess which team we are!

Not disagreeing as such with anything you've said Prof, but how do you know AP has not requested new players, but NC has not been able to complete deals due to financial restraints in terms of transfer fee and/or wage demands? I cannot imagine a Manager not wanting the best players available to him in his squad, so why do you think AP should shoulder the blame for not getting in new players? Makes no sense to me.

I agree he would be a great signing at this level, but it would not happen - who would he replace...Morgan, Hammond, Wotton or Guly? As you can see we have our four CM's now and I do not think there is room for another in the budget with other positions a priority. Also, I do wonder about Hendries attitude and whether he would be here for the right reasons (probably a reason why he's a free agent now).

I would love it for Vassell to come here - a good highly experienced English player who has lost his way. In fact I wonder why he has been seemingly ostracised by English football - perhaps because of his penalty miss in the Euros...was it this that ruined his career, with the English game turning its back on him? Is the professional organisation that damning? Anyway, he would be IMO a fantastic signing at this level and one that could in fact galvanise the entire 1st team.

I agree completely with what you've said here, except I would suggest it's NEVER the best way! However, there are times I am sure when like any business, the CEO might consider a risk worth taking in order to capture extra ground on his opponents. These risks need to be measured and commensurate with the resources available. For NC and Saints I suspect that those equations are quite complex but simplified in the sense that don't need a bank to back the risk taking.

I would imagine that Harlee Dean will be the replacement for Pulis who I expect will be released next week?

Would be a very good signing. Wages would not be an issue if we signed him because I would trust in NC's ability to do a good deal for Saints.

Yep, overall I think he had a great day. His oppo on their left wing was taller than him (and their goalie launched many kicks that way in the 1st half), but Butterfield had him in his pocket pretty much all game in the air. It was only when they started playing the ball on the deck that we started to look a bit wobbly.

Well I would agree with you if there was clear evidence that AP told them NOT to win! Otherwise, if a Manager tells his players to go out and win it for Markus and then they don't get the breaks or some of them don't perform as they should, why should the Manager get the blame? Players cross the line and then it's their ability to play to their highest standard that determines a result - or to put it another way, Managers can only work with the players at their disposal. But hey, if you slate AP enough I guess as he's most likely to be sacked before the players, you'll be able to claim a know-all victory. Let me be the first to congratulate you on that.

What a load of twoddle the OP is. And FF's continued b!tching is somewhat transparent too. AP is one of the most coherent Managers we've had the pleasure of at Saints. If you think he's bad, (a) listen to Cotteralls post match interview today and (b) IF Cortese makes the massive mistake of sacking AP, then just watch the threads start to come undone and see what we end up with, because I would lay money on it being a whole lot worse.

Jaidi and Puncheon had particularly poor games today with the formers distribution really terrible. Puncheon needs to (a) get to the byline more and (b) look up once in a while to see what's going on and where his team-mates are - he's a shadow of his former self in the Dons. Overall the team played well - it was the one defensive blunder that let them score on their ONE attacking move. It's only the 2nd match of the season - it's not all doom and gloom. The boo-boys are a disgrace and I wish they would stay home TBH.

Exactly the type of central midfielder we've been crying out for. I truly hope this one is true - we would score hatfulls with this guy involved.

It is essential for the club and it's stability I would say. I will still support the team - I love my footie and I cannot imagine supporting any other club, so it will go on for me. I cannot imagine though that the quality of this team will not achieve the success we all crave this season, whether by auto or by play-offs we will do it. WIFM