Pamplemousse

He turned down the Anderlecht job last week. Perhaps he already had a better offer on the table...

In France, undoubtedly they consider Garcia the better manager out of him and Puel

There's an interesting interview with him. I'd translate it but I can't be bothered to do it all. But it mentions how he develops young players and has succeeded with a high turnover of players, how he had to sell his best players and replace them in a very short period of time at Nice. http://www.eurosport.fr/football/ligue-1/2015-2016/puel-aujourd-hui-on-tresse-des-lauriers-aux-jeunes-l-an-dernier-il-fallait-les-mettre-dehors_sto4949461/story.shtml

It doesn't fit the 'There's only one duh-duh duh-duh' chant (unless we elongate the Claude bit) I guess 'There's only one Claude Puel' works. Personally I would prefer Rudi Garcia. However, I trust the board 100% to get this right.

Anderlecht offered Puel their manager's job but he rejected it last Friday. He has exclusively managed in France. Started off at Monaco, won Ligue 1 and the Trophée des Champions (French equivalent of the Community Shield). Was involved in an incident during a Champions League match where Ryan Giggs scored a controversial goal and he encouraged his players to walk off the field briefly. Alex Ferguson criticised him for trying to intimidate the referee. At Lyon, he managed them to the semi finals of the Champions League for the first time ever in their history. At Nice, normally they are a mid table team, but this season they finished 4th (and we could possibly face them in the Europa League). I would say that he clearly has the European expertise we desire but his lack of experience outside of France may be an issue. I wonder what his record is of developing young players.

If it's someone with European experience then we can narrow the search down a bit. Christophe Galtier got through the Europa League group stages with Saint-Étienne last season.

The manager of Le Havre is Bob Bradley, who's American, so it definitely isn't him

Whatever you do, DO NOT google Fournier and go the images. I REPEAT, do NOT do an image search of Fournier. You have been warned.

Rémi Garde?

Léandre Griffit on Twitter (remember him?) says it will be amazing news for the club if we appoint Garcia. His reputation in France and indeed Europe is very good.

A heads up that the draws for the first two qualifying rounds is on Monday at 12pm and 1.30pm http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2017/draws/round=2000788/index.html http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2017/draws/round=2000789/index.html

Seeing how far his odds have fallen, perhaps he already has

Who says the bookies know nothing then

I would quite like a Guan smiley face please

I'll translate for Rudi Garcia. Don't bother getting an expensive translator, I'll do it for free.

First week of July

First one I remember was Gordon Strachan. I remember being told in the school playground and my 8 year old self was thoroughly underwhelmed. I one I properly properly recall was Harry Redknapp. That song 'Harry and Jim, Red and White' was very catchy.

A thought about Pellegrini. Technically, he is still Man City's manager until 30th June. I don't know if that would pose any problems or if Man City would demand compensation or refuse us permission to speak to him.

Emery is currently in Qatar, meeting with PSG's oil-rich owners. So I imagine that one will be done and dusted soon.

Fraser Forster is out of their range and they know it.

It would be good PR opportunity to reveal the new kit alongside our new manager

I know ART is supposed to be mad but has anyone really considered that he's just a troll?

I was hoping we'd win it at Goodison Park. But beggars can't be choosers

The Man Utd away game will definitely be moved for TV, what with it being José's first match at Old Trafford... I'm in America then so I'm hoping for the Monday night match too. Any other time would involve me having to get up at stupid o'clock in the morning.

Everton at home moved because of the Europa League. There is some poetic justice in that, surely.