Pamplemousse

I've tried to register on that St Etienne forum so I can ask them a few questions and report back to Saints Web Unfortunately, they follow the POL method of approving all new registrations, so I might have to wait a little bit.

They still haven't signed any players though. Already most teams in that division are signing players that have been released by higher division clubs. If this takeover isn't sorted out soon, they're going to be at a real disadvantage come the start of the season. They have a decent-ish squad, but they will definitely need better players if they're going to make the leap to the next level. It really would be such a shame to see them miss out on the top players...

The ones who are saying 'Decision from Southampton about Puel next Thursday' seem to be the ITKs there. And it seems most of think it is a done deal. What also appears to be the case is their chairman and directors wanting a coach who will promote young players, which is why Puel is their number 1 choice.

Mention the passionate fan base - tick. A mention of how they are a big club with big expectations - tick.

Kenny Jackett has always come across as a calm, reasonable and likeable manager. What a shame he's gone to them. He's got a decent record of getting out of League 1 too.

If we don't want to pay off Puel and they don't want to pay us compensation... can the clubs not agree a free transfer? Or are there still contractual fees which have to be paid?

Lukaku only has 2 years left I believe? (Please correct me if that's not the case) So there is no way they'll get £100M for him. They'll accept the first big-ish offer for him because next summer he'll be available for less money and the year after that for nothing at all. And if the player kicks up a fuss, that'll weaken their hand further.

Off to Palace

Taylor must do some coaching stuff as well, surely. I'd say Harry Lewis is effectively our third goalkeeper anyway.

There was no traction with the Pellegrini appointment. The ITKs repeatedly told us we wouldn't go for him, it was only the tabloids and the likes of Crook that were going with it.

I am on the Tuchel Train

This is from a Sporting fan about Ruben Semedo

Good.

So an Ajax home and an Inter Milan away

http://www.asse.fr/fr/Actualites-du-club/Nouvel-entraineur-letrsquoasse-communique-ac19733 There were rumours that the Saint-Étienne job was between Puel and Ranieri... Well Saint-Étienne have issued a statement, which says that the process must be entirely confidential because of the contractual situation of potential managers at other clubs... As Ranieri is a free agent, the statement would suggest that they are leaning towards a Puel appointment...

The other thing I like is the return of the white socks.

Finally, a new kit thread. It's about time someone started one.

Two missed penalties at home didn't help, of course.

Ericb's comment about expecting a well briefed story made me think it was a done deal already Perhaps he's suggesting that all of this is coming from the Liverpool side, in a bid to put pressure on us?

https://southamptonfc.com/news/2017-05-31/stadium-store-closure-southampton-robbie-williams-concert Store closing from the 3rd June to 8th June Convenient time to restock the club shop with the new merchandise?

Jackett would be a good fit for them. I just hope he remembers to mention how great the fans are

No. This journalist is the only one so far. And just a one line throw away comment I do feel that we're getting carried away a bit here

I discussed this in the other thread This is precisely what the journalist says in the video "[Tuchel] serait en pôle pour remplacer Puel à Southampton" Tuchel is in pole position to replace Puel at Southampton For those who know their grammar, 'serait' = 'to be' conjugated in the conditional (would be), but using the conditional is a common feature in French journalism, and implies that the source is unconfirmed and/or unreliable. So, until there is a report about it in newspapers in Germany, France or over here, rather than a Saints fan website, it's not really anything to get excited about. On the other hand, this journalist may have a massive scoop, but if he did, surely he'd share it first with the organisation for whom we works (France Football).

Normally these things get announced by the other clubs first. Can't find anything where any French clubs have announced that they're playing us.

Is Wemarchon our new signing? Tiny writing though, a nightmare for the commentators.