Who do we want next as Saints manager?

[manji]

I reckon we know who the new manager is. The way Spors got his job sounds like careful planning. Spors will have had months prepping things and whoever we appoint will be slagged down by the fans.

members of this forum already complaining about the appointment of someone who was mentioned in a rumour again what’s the matter we had ages to prepare the team. We’ve got a good budget. There’s no reason why we can’t walk the championship .

im not saying we will but FFS everything is in our favour. Looking forward to it.

[Badger]

7 hours ago, leesaint88 said:

Looking at what's being reported it seems the first target is Rohl with Still in a close second. Personally, I think we'll up with with Still as I think Rohl wants a gig back in Germany over another year in the Championship. 

This is my fear …. If not, Still then might well be doing some other barrel scraping 

[Badger]

20 hours ago, Appy said:

Sounds like Rangers are getting Ancelotti Jnr

Although a former player of theirs I’m not sure he was ever that good for them. In fact in one interview I seem to recall he apologised for how his time there went.

From that it wouldn’t be a glorious homecoming of a former hero for him, or them. 

[Turkish]

8 hours ago, Kenilworthy59 said:

Josh Windass would be a good shout for the level we will be at. Maybe bring back Valery?

His mum is fit and dirty too, allegedly  

[Miltonaggro]

5 hours ago, revolution saint said:

What's a Leipzig?  Sounds like some kind of truffle hunting pig.

[SouSaint]

43 minutes ago, manji said:

I reckon we know who the new manager is. The way Spors got his job sounds like careful planning. Spors will have had months prepping things and whoever we appoint will be slagged down by the fans.

members of this forum already complaining about the appointment of someone who was mentioned in a rumour again what’s the matter we had ages to prepare the team. We’ve got a good budget. There’s no reason why we can’t walk the championship .

im not saying we will but FFS everything is in our favour. Looking forward to it.

Sport Republic are the reason why we will not walk the Championship. 

Edited Thursday at 17:14 by SouSaint

[qwertyell]

4 hours ago, Forester said:

O’Neil took over from Parker off the back of poor start to season at Bournemouth, newly promoted, and kept them up comfortably in their first season back.  Then goes to Wolves, widely predicted for the drop which is why Lopetegui walked out on eve of season starting.  Took them against expectations to comfortable mid table finish.  Was sacked in second season, but how many managers don’t have at least one disappointment on their CV?  Strachan, Poch and Koeman all had one when appointed.

My objection to O'Neil is that he's a shit philosophy manager - and we've had our fill of them, surely.

I watched a Wolves game earlier in the season where they were a goal down at home with ten minutes to play, and they didn't attack. At all. They just continued methodically passing slowly, sideways and backwards in rigid formation, barely making it to the halfway line, then turning around and going backwards to start again. The crowd couldn't roar them on because they literally did nothing but pad their passing stats. In the end the fans became apathetic and simply shrugged their way to another passive defeat.

Fuck that.

Edited Thursday at 17:23 by qwertyell

[die Mannyschaft]

Of the potential list of managers how many play possession football? 

[Harry_SFC]

It was an interesting listen when Will Still was auditioning on MNF a month or so ago. Certainly sounds like he'd be a better fit than Martin was anyway. Whoever ends up getting the job let's just make sure it's sorted well before pre season starts. 

[Badger]

1 hour ago, manji said:

I reckon we know who the new manager is. The way Spors got his job sounds like careful planning. Spors will have had months prepping things and whoever we appoint will be slagged down by the fans.

members of this forum already complaining about the appointment of someone who was mentioned in a rumour again what’s the matter we had ages to prepare the team. We’ve got a good budget. There’s no reason why we can’t walk the championship .

im not saying we will but FFS everything is in our favour. Looking forward to it.

Perhaps you’re right but I suspect we know who we want, and may even have offered the job, or come to a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ for the end of season.

The problem  is if we came to such an agreement a couple of months ago, or longer, things might change with another better or more lucrative offer from elsewhere. Then we’re left scurrying around for Option II. 
 

Wonder how quickly Spors will be able to get a Plan B in place. 
 

Edited Thursday at 18:08 by Badger

[Willo of Whiteley]

Non ITK’s hearing about Will Still for the first time

[trousers]

8 hours ago, MindtheGab said:

Are we Still debating who it is going to be? 👀

You started it Mr 'Interesting First Two Posts'...

 

 

[Turkish]

4 hours ago, ally_uk said:

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/25165538.next-southampton-manager-odds-slashed-flurry-bets/

Someone ITK? 

 

I’ve Been in Brussels this week, coincide?

[trousers]

2 minutes ago, Turkish said:

I’ve Been in Brussels this week, coincide?

This morning I made a Belgian waffle, and in the afternoon I made a Frenchman talk bollocks...

[CB Fry]

Selles available.

 

 

[UpweySaint]

33 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

Selles available.

 

 

Well that’s a short statement. No frills. I wonder if he pissed off the chairman? He’s not pulled up any trees but kept them up. 
 

I don’t fancy him back here at this stage but I wonder if the job he’s done at Reading is enough evidence of a coach with potential.

[chivvy]

Still seems to me a rasmus type appointment trying to mirror Brighton.  Is he even younger ?? Seem a bit one upmanship.

No matter how good a manager is he needs good players.

Edited Friday at 04:25 by chivvy

[Kermitzasaint]

On 14/05/2025 at 12:58, justvisiting said:

To all those supporters wanting Rohl...  Have you asked owls fans about the type of football they have watched this season.  Be careful what you wish for......

Fans are ignoring the fact that like RM, Rohl can't organise a defence either 

[Dusic]

Don't particularly get the feeling from some against Still. He has obviously grafted hard to get where he is at his age without having played professionally so has certainly done it the hard way rather than being handed opportunities on a plate.

I don't pretend to be an expert on him but in the MNF chat he certainly didnt come across as being fixed on one approach and actually came across as being very adaptable, referring to changing shape since Kusanov moved to City for example.

Ok he hasn't worked in England before but neither had a couple of our best managers and he would also be desperate to make a success of it rather it just being another job at another club like it ends up being for so many of the merry go round types.

If we go for him then I'm sure its because Spors thinks he is the best fit, not because they are trying to be too clever - its not like Still is an unknown, he has been linked with Championships sides for a year or more now.

 

[Galway saint]

The rumours around steve ogrizovic aren't going away 

Could we see him as player manager ? Need to bring that concept back into the game. 

[West end Saints]

If you look at the experience the following had, when they were appointed into their last job Fabian Hürzeler, Enzo Maresca (when appointed to Leicester), Vítor Pereira, Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner, then likes of Rohl and Still don't look lacking. Both of those would be of a level of giving me optimism and hope rather than total confidence. Probably similar to Martin, which worked last time, but more than Juric or Jones.

I would be ok with either. Not without Thier risks but quite exciting.

Cooper is more a steady should be ok, won't be a disaster but takes away that little bit of hope of doing great I would have with the other two.

If there were options of being exciting and proven I would be happy....

[Saint Fan CaM]

31 minutes ago, West end Saints said:

If you look at the experience the following had, when they were appointed into their last job Fabian Hürzeler, Enzo Maresca (when appointed to Leicester), Vítor Pereira, Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner, then likes of Rohl and Still don't look lacking. Both of those would be of a level of giving me optimism and hope rather than total confidence. Probably similar to Martin, which worked last time, but more than Juric or Jones.

I would be ok with either. Not without Thier risks but quite exciting.

Cooper is more a steady should be ok, won't be a disaster but takes away that little bit of hope of doing great I would have with the other two.

If there were options of being exciting and proven I would be happy....

I can’t remember seeing a single confirmed link to Cooper being in the running?

[benjii]

8 hours ago, Miltonaggro said:

Kevin de Bacuyn.

[Turkish]

6 hours ago, West end Saints said:

If you look at the experience the following had, when they were appointed into their last job Fabian Hürzeler, Enzo Maresca (when appointed to Leicester), Vítor Pereira, Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner, then likes of Rohl and Still don't look lacking. Both of those would be of a level of giving me optimism and hope rather than total confidence. Probably similar to Martin, which worked last time, but more than Juric or Jones.

I would be ok with either. Not without Thier risks but quite exciting.

Cooper is more a steady should be ok, won't be a disaster but takes away that little bit of hope of doing great I would have with the other two.

If there were options of being exciting and proven I would be happy....

Isn’t that exactly what we need? Someone steady and solid to build the club, get us back up and keep us there. Cooper has a record of doing that the others don’t. SR have had more managers that’s years in charge we don’t need alter manager based on hope. What Maresca and the others did is irrelevant to what Still or Rohl might do  as he is not them and Leicester aren’t is.

[Oisin]

3 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Isn’t that exactly what we need? Someone steady and solid to build the club, get us back up and keep us there. Cooper has a record of doing that the others don’t. SR have had more managers that’s years in charge we don’t need alter manager based on hope. What Maresca and the others did is irrelevant to what Still or Rohl might do  as he is not them and Leicester aren’t is.

Not saying your opinion is wrong, but while you’ve been banging the Cooper drum for weeks now, you do realise that in all of this time Cooper’s never been in the running, don’t you?

[West end Saints]

20 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Isn’t that exactly what we need? Someone steady and solid to build the club, get us back up and keep us there. Cooper has a record of doing that the others don’t. SR have had more managers that’s years in charge we don’t need alter manager based on hope. What Maresca and the others did is irrelevant to what Still or Rohl might do  as he is not them and Leicester aren’t is.

Possibly. Point I was trying to make is how hard it is to judge a manager before you find out the fit with this club.

As well as those, I can remember feeling uninspired by WGS being appointed after his relegation then being sacked from the division below us.

It's an emotional subjective feeling, as long as it's not someone totally wrong (Jones) I would rather someone, with decent experience than someone who may have better track record but you know what you are getting (Fat Sam, Dyche). Not saying it's right, just what will make me more excited, optimistic for going to first game of the season.

I don't think Rohl is linked just because he was here - his CV as a number 2 is very good, he has now shown he is happy to take the lead and we look at the right level for each other. I think he looks a good fit. Spors knows him and likes him and that working relationship is vital.

Still - clearly looks impressive but maybe too much of  gamble at this stage. I would say more likely to fail than Cooper but a bit more of a chance that he is the real deal and we have great season - which is why he excites me more.

Would be satisfied rather than excited for Cooper - but isn't this all about hope and excitement before the inevitable disappointment?

 

Edited Friday at 06:17 by West end Saints

[Turkish]

19 minutes ago, Oisin said:

Not saying your opinion is wrong, but while you’ve been banging the Cooper drum for weeks now, you do realise that in all of this time Cooper’s never been in the running, don’t you?

Whether he’s in the running or not it’s just my opinion on what I think we need. After 5 out of the box/panic appointments in 3 and a bit years we need a steady type to stabilise us for a while. Not very Sports Republic though is it 

[Turkish]

33 minutes ago, West end Saints said:

Possibly. Point I was trying to make is how hard it is to judge a manager before you find out the fit with this club.

As well as those, I can remember feeling uninspired by WGS being appointed after his relegation then being sacked from the division below us.

It's an emotional subjective feeling, as long as it's not someone totally wrong (Jones) I would rather someone, with decent experience than someone who may have better track record but you know what you are getting (Fat Sam, Dyche). Not saying it's right, just what will make me more excited, optimistic for going to first game of the season.

I don't think Rohl is linked just because he was here - his CV as a number 2 is very good, he has now shown he is happy to take the lead and we look at the right level for each other. I think he looks a good fit. Spors knows him and likes him and that working relationship is vital.

Still - clearly looks impressive but maybe too much of  gamble at this stage. I would say more likely to fail than Cooper but a bit more of a chance that he is the real deal and we have great season - which is why he excites me more.

Would be satisfied rather than excited for Cooper - but isn't this all about hope and excitement before the inevitable disappointment?

 

Maybe, been supporting this club too long to get my hopes up by anyone!

[wild-saint]

1 hour ago, Turkish said:

Whether he’s in the running or not it’s just my opinion on what I think we need. After 5 out of the box/panic appointments in 3 and a bit years we need a steady type to stabilise us for a while. Not very Sports Republic though is it 

What does “stabilise us for a while” actually mean though, Is it sit in the top 8 and don’t spend beyond our means or is it a play off chance or are you wanting promotion?

if its promotion then what’s next? Stick with them regardless of whether we stay up or not? Genuine question as people always talk about stabilising and then immediately jump on a managers back when they don’t look like achieving the clubs goals.

[Wade Garrett]

32 minutes ago, wild-saint said:

What does “stabilise us for a while” actually mean though, Is it sit in the top 8 and don’t spend beyond our means or is it a play off chance or are you wanting promotion?

if its promotion then what’s next? Stick with them regardless of whether we stay up or not? Genuine question as people always talk about stabilising and then immediately jump on a managers back when they don’t look like achieving the clubs goals.

I take stabilise as having a manager good enough to stay for a while and not be looking for the next best thing.

[Turkish]

36 minutes ago, wild-saint said:

What does “stabilise us for a while” actually mean though, Is it sit in the top 8 and don’t spend beyond our means or is it a play off chance or are you wanting promotion?

if its promotion then what’s next? Stick with them regardless of whether we stay up or not? Genuine question as people always talk about stabilising and then immediately jump on a managers back when they don’t look like achieving the clubs goals.

Someone not appointed due to random stats. Someone not appointed because they are ingrained in a philosophy that they dont have players not able to carry out. Someone not panic appointed. Someone who can build us back up again, make us hard to beat and give us a foundation to build on. Give us a solid core of players who want to be here not just collecting players. Then get us promoted within two years and give us a fighting chance of staying up when we do.

[Convict Colony]

14 hours ago, Turkish said:

I’ve Been in Brussels this week, coincide?

Reminds me of a joke.

Belgium is famous for 2 things, chocolates and pedophiles and they only made the chocolate to get closer to the kids.

[wild-saint]

4 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Someone not appointed due to random stats. Someone not appointed because they are ingrained in a philosophy that they dont have players not able to carry out. Someone not panic appointed. Someone who can build us back up again, make us hard to beat and give us a foundation to build on. Give us a solid core of players who want to be here not just collecting players. Then get us promoted within two years and give us a fighting chance of staying up when we do.

Sensible approach but no chance the fan base accepts anything but a a promotion charge in year 1.  All sounds a bit West Brom to me with dull football to watch. 

[Turkish]

7 minutes ago, wild-saint said:

Sensible approach but no chance the fan base accepts anything but a a promotion charge in year 1.  All sounds a bit West Brom to me with dull football to watch. 

Didn't say no promotion charge, i said get promoted within 2 years.

Most fans are fucking idiots tbh we've been in decline since 2018, we've tried all these clever strategies and it's led to two relegations and narrowly avoiding being the worst top flight team ever. If fans whinge because of a couple of years of not so exciting football then they need their nuts sliced off.

[SaintsBarry74]

How about Steven Gerrard, so that we can complete the circus.

[Fabrice29]

4 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Didn't say no promotion charge, i said get promoted within 2 years.

Most fans are fucking idiots tbh we've been in decline since 2018, we've tried all these clever strategies and it's led to two relegations and narrowly avoiding being the worst top flight team ever. If fans whinge because of a couple of years of not so exciting football then they need their nuts sliced off.

I don’t disagree with your sentiment necessarily but I’m intrigued to fast forward a year and see if you’re okay with a ‘stats guy’ leading a promotion charge but failing like you say you would be Cooper. 

[malcolm waldron]

Would the fanbase accept Rooney as a left of centre option?  I know I would.  He'll have learned so much from relegating three clubs so far in his short managerial career, and so I'm confident he would meet the SR ambition of getting us out of the Championship at the first attempt.

[tdmickey3]

Just now, malcolm waldron said:

Would the fanbase accept Rooney as a left of centre option?  I know I would.  He'll have learned so much from relegating three clubs so far in his short managerial career, and so I'm confident he would meet the SR ambition of getting us out of the Championship at the first attempt.

The fans will be happy with anyone who turns this shit show around but will have reservations about some potential candidates, we will have to accept whoever it is in any case as we have zero influence of the decision

FWIW I don't want Rooney

[leesaint88]

6 minutes ago, malcolm waldron said:

Would the fanbase accept Rooney as a left of centre option?  I know I would.  He'll have learned so much from relegating three clubs so far in his short managerial career, and so I'm confident he would meet the SR ambition of getting us out of the Championship at the first attempt.

He took Birmingham from the playoffs to struggling to stay in the division (I know relegation was completed under another manager). He's a poor choice and whilst i'm pretty open in terms of who we appoint, he's proven that he's not quite got it to be a manager in this division. 

[SaintLondon]

I see Graeme Bailey is beating the Lampard drum again... Don’t get me wrong, he did a decent job at Coventry, but let’s not forget he still lost 9 games - that’s nearly a third of his matches. Sure, 16 wins is impressive, but I really think we need someone who can make us solid and hard to beat, which hasn’t been the case in what feels like a thousand years.

I agree with those who say Mark Robins laid the groundwork, and Lampard just gave the team a short-term boost. Honestly, I really don’t think Frank Lampard is the right fit for us.

[SaintLondon]

2 minutes ago, leesaint88 said:

He took Birmingham from the playoffs to struggling to stay in the division (I know relegation was completed under another manager). He's a poor choice and whilst i'm pretty open in terms of who we appoint, he's proven that he's not quite got it to be a manager in this division. 

I think the OP is messing about here - yes we would get out of the Championship at first time of asking but he means the wrong way.. 

[OldNick]

Robbie Savage has done well at Macclesfield (record points), he plays attacking football and will do good interviews.....the TV interviews has always been a must with the fanbase.

[ally_uk]

Rohl, Still or Cooper for me.....

[Saint86]

Rumours of a saudi bid for Sheffield Wednesday started circulating on Tuesday. When did the odds start to shorten on Will Still?

[Chez]

4 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

I take stabilise as having a manager good enough to stay for a while and not be looking for the next best thing.

I'm more than happy to have an ambitious manager that will happily move to a bigger club. And if it happens, so much the better, as it means he has actually done well here. The same applies the players. 

do they want to stay at Saints long term should not be on the list of interview questions.

[Chez]

1 hour ago, OldNick said:

Robbie Savage has done well at Macclesfield (record points), he plays attacking football and will do good interviews.....the TV interviews has always been a must with the fanbase.

Kill me now.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

1 minute ago, Chez said:

I'm more than happy to have an ambitious manager that will happily move to a bigger club. And if it happens, so much the better, as it means he has actually done well here. The same applies the players. 

do they want to stay at Saints long term should not be on the list of interview questions.

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

"Sacked by you in under 2 is normal. If we're in the PL, then a mid level club there, while being feted for England manager for a while. If I do exceptionally badly, but don't adjust, then the Bayern or Barca job."

[Matthew Le God]

23 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

Rumours of a saudi bid for Sheffield Wednesday started circulating on Tuesday. When did the odds start to shorten on Will Still?

That still would not be able to give Rohl a bigger wage and transfer budget he'd have with us for next season. Our income will dwarf theirs and allows us to spend more.

[Sheaf Saint]

1 hour ago, OldNick said:

Robbie Savage has done well at Macclesfield (record points), he plays attacking football and will do good interviews.....the TV interviews has always been a must with the fanbase.

33 minutes ago, Chez said:

Kill me now.

I think I'd rather have Lily Savage.

[The Kraken]

I think I'd rather have the macho man Randy Savage.