Saint86

Think we're in this weird limbo currently where we wait for the decisions, and where the space is being dominated between the defend at all cost 'just a slap on the wrist' brigade, and the group that wanted him sacked immediately and delight in telling everyone that they'll throw the book at him. Somewhere in the middle are the realists, who I would assume are expecting something between a 3-6 game touchline ban and a fine. Ultimately everyone is guessing. The EFL punishment was already a multi season sanction and was clearly ludicrous. Kicking us out of the playoffs alone is one thing, but then to extend it to a points deduction for the next season was laughable - that's in effect trying to prevent the club being promoted over 2 seasons for a minor offence. If the FA then consider it's their remit to discipline the manager (and club) further by over riding our own internal disciplinary process, they are essentially ruining Southampton football club for 2 seasons 🤷.. which would seem to be an extreme punishment... But then we did receive arguably the biggest sanction in English football already from the EFL - so all bets are off really. And also, if they gave tonda no sanction, they are in effect saying it's a minor offence and make the EFL look ludicrous.

The world of Football is one thing trump cannot get his mitts on - no matter how much he jumps up and down, bribes, or threatens people.

In fairness to MB, I reckon there was a lot of very strong view points flying around behind the scenes back then, and at one point most of the fanbase had turned on Eckert. Credit to the brave few on here that stood up for him and started to turn the tide I say 😌

Imagine the reaction from our North eastern admirers if he does get an 8-10game touchline ban, we have the audacity to go against their wishes and don't sack him, and then we charge into the playoffs again over the second half of the season and get promoted 😄 Getting promoted via Wembley is the best way to go up anyway 😌

Are we expecting a decision today? I was assuming there is still at least a week to go with this, likely more 😕

I agree. We need to clear that and get in the running asap. I wonder if (after the mindset of last season's incredible run / chase) the players will pick up where they left off and be fully focussed on chasing down the teams above them - business as usual for them now?

The only question is, will it be Still vs Lallana.

It is for QPR. Burnley having a mare.

See above.

The appeal ultimately goes to the FA appeal board though? Which is headed by a legally qualified chairman, then two additional members (such as football administrators, former players, former managers etc). Crucially, none of the panel members must have any link to the case, so they shouldn't be from the same organisation that arbitrated it for the EFL as quite clearly they have a vested interested in not contradicting their colleagues (and potentially opening up a further civil case over the resultant sanction handed down in the EFL case). Surely, Saints would have grounds for a civil lawsuit if the FA breach the impartiality requirement?

Was BBD played as the central striker? I actually think he's alright in that role for this level and could see us retaining him in place of stewart if we don't sign anyone else. Anything is better than seeing him playing him on the wing again...

Wouldn't be very impartial now would it... Would be an immediate appeal that we'd likely win if we properly contested it.

Think that sends a lot of subtle (and not so subtle) messages to various parties tbh (fans, players, FA etc.). Its not just an off the cuff visit or it wouldn't be shared like that.

Not to go all MLG on you, but you don't know that it"will be" an issue. He's done nothing so far to indicate he's kicking off or agitating for a move - if anything he's come across as one of the nicest guys in football and someone who very much lives for the day and whatever life brings.

He signed on 1st September, Still got sacked on 2nd November. In that time, he was only played in 8 league games and had a managed introduction to the first team - playing only 390minutes of the available circa 760mins (8x95)... It's pretty harsh to aportion him blame for "the Will Still era" 😅. The guy is 27/28, has had a pretty rocky life in football, has never downed tools at saints, isn't kicking off or agitating for a move, and is well within his rights to back himself for a prem move and to say he'd consider it if it became available. Personally, I hope he makes it with saints as I suspect that's his best real chance of having a good couple of seasons in the prem - so a win win for all parties. But he has a long contract and we'd get good money for a sale. As with Charles, he isn't irreplaceable and we'll get well paid if he moves... In some ways, it's a good time to sell him.