Southampton are (or at least, have been) one of the best run football clubs in England. Their recovery from a third-tier outfit, to the side which finished sixth in the Premier League under Ronald Koeman, was impressive.
Yesterday they sacked the manager who took over from Koeman a year ago, Claude Puel, after a season which saw them finish 8th in the league, and reach the League Cup final. It looks like a bonkers move, but Southampton have a made bonkers-looking moves work before.
In 2013 they sacked Nigel Adkins, who achieved two promotions at the club, to replace him with little-known Mauricio Pochettino, who had been sacked by Espanyol a year earlier. What’s worse, Pochettino couldn’t speak to language. I’ve no idea what happened to him.
When bold moves come off, they embolden you. Risk-aversion reduces until you become an irascible gambler and are caught with insufficient chips. Southampton look like they are closing the book on an era.
The man who replaced Adkins with Pochettino, Nicola Cortese, left the club in 2014, his replacement also left last month. They are looking for both a manager and a chief executive. Your guess is as good as mine who will appoint the former.
All of this takes place which the club is preparing for a sale to Chinese investors, doubtlessly with the potential buyers approval. If it was Cortese placing these chips, I would hold my criticisms, but this looks like nothing more than a ludicrous punt.
Southampton fans didn’t cover themselves in glory on this one either, chanting “You don’t know what you’re doing” at Puel as his side ran out of steam at the end of the season. Football is so dysfunctional.
This episode tells us lots about the managers’ market in England, but the most relevant point is that it is an increasingly unpredictable environment, which Brendan Rodgers knew when he pitched his tent in Glasgow a year ago.
If you want to build a great football team, the Celtic job is a rare place you may succeed.
Listen to 'The CQN Podcast: A Celtic State of Mind' with special guest, Paul Gallagher https://t.co/GcqBRsupLY pic.twitter.com/NYtC4ETCCE
— Paul John Dykes ⭐️ (@PaulDykes) June 11, 2017
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BT
Saying nothing:)
The CQN Taliban will be right on my case.
HH
TGM
It was posted late, I apologise ☘️☘️
BT
Just as well you didnt mention the Iraq War, or, whisper it….theresa brasier, shhh.
The Ayatollah of CQN would have awoke in an instant and swooped online in virtual jihad mode:)
Not mentioning any names:)
HH
Was it against forest for Davie provans testimonial ?
Nearly forgot to mention loved the CQN podcast mad for it our kid
TGM
Hope R and my niece are enjoying there time in Tenerife and behaving themselves
Their even
For a people…..@ 3.23
Yes! Well done.
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD on 15TH JUNE 2017 2:33 PM
WeeBobbyCollins
Quonno
Cheer up bhoys, at least you will never be huns:)
HH
Can’t speak for others. Have flirted with being accused of Hunnery. on here.
Have Theresa and Arlene signed a Devil’s pact yet?
BT
As long as they get back ok.
Ive tried the old ‘you need to be careful, stay off balconies etc’.
I can tell you his granny wasnt amused with pics of his lads holiday. His mates stitched him right up:)
He just laughs:)
Sent us a pic of him and Bertie the other week.
As long as they are ok:)
HH
Quonno
Somebody, cant remember who now; called me a ‘Hun Journalist’:)
I was laughing for hours.
Wouldnt be CQN otherwise.
HH
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/06/15/argentine-defender-admits-poking-strikers-needle-cup-upset/
I saw a headline stating that Newco’s Harry Forrester had been sent home and told to find a new club – surely if he is on a contract this is constructive dismissal – or has he resigned (hic) – I am sure fraser wishall will be all over it.
Oldtim
you have mail
Gene
Absolutely – these Sevco contracts are pure rubbish.
BSR
First month, dressing room stand off between the Scddish Huns and Mexican Tims.
Bunfight at the OK Coral:)
Id buy a ticket for that:)
HH
Wait til the Sevco Mexicans find out their fellow players hate them:)
That should go well.
HH
TGM
The Alamo?
Anybody else think Arlene Foster has an Orange Order hair do?
Threesie at the bus stop
BSR
LOL The Mexican Revolution.
HH
Can just imagine jimmy bell being delighted at sevco’s new free transfers.
If i was a Mexican superstar at the Black Lagoon, Id check my boots every morning before i put them on:)
Punch up on the cards:)
HH
Wee Efraín Juárez was the first Mexican player to star in Scotland and pulled on the famous hooped jersey just 13 times.
Wiki CSC
BSR
Cant wait till the sevconians welcome their new catholic players with Mexican flags.
Should be a fun day out:)
HH
from the BBC….
Celtic are one of 12 clubs pursuing the signature of Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts.
The 20-year-old spent 18 months on loan at Celtic Park, winning the treble last season, and is expected to leave City permanently ahead of the new season.
Nice, Porto and clubs from England and Germany are also keen on signing the England Under-20 international.
Celtic’s latest offer is believed to be considerably well below City’s valuation of Roberts.
Celtic have agreed a deal to sign Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes, subject to a medical. (BBC)
I wonder if the Glib and shameless one has seen this
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-40258553
I am sure he will be signing up the deluded bears as volunteers
Gene
Well i do know that the usual sevco signing on fee is two dozen pies, a sash, and a case of vintage buckfast.
So this could be a step up for them:)
HH
GARY67 on 15TH JUNE 2017 4:40 PM
from the BBC….
——–
A Kenny McIntyre aka hurting hun ‘exclusive’. Enough said.
TGM
Andy Halliday will be first in line for a boot in the ole nachos.
BSR
The Mexican wear tear Halliday’s face off, attach it to a ball, and leave it outside Sports Direct:)
And they would be well within their rights:)
LLf
HH
Pity the 1st wan that puts some guacamole on the table for the nachos!
Wait till the Mexicans meet ra bomber,..wooft.
God help him:)
They will trample him with their new fancy superstar boots.
Cant blame them.:)
HH
These Mexican signings, must be EL Cheapo behind it, Boss of the Nohoper Cartel:)
LLF:)
HH
For no better reason than close season baiting of lurking huns and list-haters, I’ve reproduced, below, the current Premiership Table of countries with the most Catholics. The figures in brackets are millions.
Nigeria suffered automatic relegation last season and Poland were replaced, after a play-off defeat, by DR of Congo.
1. Brazil (172)
2. Mexico (111)
3. Phillipines (84)
4. USA (72)
5. Coatbridge (loads)
6. Italy (58)
7. France (48)
8. Colombia (45)
9. Duntocher (rampant)
10. Spain (43)
11. DR of Congo (43)
12. Argentina (41)
looks like wee Patrick Robetrs is a no goer. There seems to be plenty of clubs after him but it doesnt look like Man.City are going to play this coming season. H.H.
https://youtu.be/WsTZd5BPr6s
test