SKD

Or for whatever reason, Les thought Puel was a better fit, has realised he was wrong and is now assessing other options, including those he was impressed with in the summer but didn't give the job (because he thought Puel was a better option). If no1 choice was chosen and failed, surely that would make someone else then become no1?

Holland, Norway & Italy (We'll score 1 more than you mentality) ---------Stekelenburg-------- -----Van Dijk-Claus-Monkou-- Martina*---------------------Van Gobbel ---------Classie--Tessem-------- Gabbi-----------------------Osvaldo --------------Pelle----------------- Manager: Koeman Bench: Ostenstad and Elia *not strictly dutch

That was in reference to PL experience, just in general. I think if you look at Puel's record he's managed some big clubs in France and has been around for a while, where as Silva has only managed a handful of clubs in relatively un-thought of leagues. Perhaps that swung it. Even so, it appears, to some, they picked the wrong man

The situation we find our self now, is completely different to those during the 90's and 2000's... that's what has moved the goalposts. Lets take Tottenham for example... from 1990 - 2010 their average league position is 10th. Do you think they would accept a top half finish now, just because they we're average during the 90's? You cannot judge success on previous failures. As a club grows, ambition / targets changes. In answer to the OP, I don't think it's that we lack ambition, I just believe it's that Kat cannot afford to throw money about, like Cortese had done with her fathers (I do wonder where we would be if we still had them both.. I suspect either top 4 or bankrupt). After all, if we really lacked ambition, would we have invested as much as we did in the training ground? I do agree that some of our fans lack ambition though. Some would just happy to be in the lower - mid table of the PL. Once new investment comes in, I fully expect player sales to slow however, due to FFP, you have to live within your means. If we get a bid of £50m for a player, we have to accept it. As frustrating as that can be for Fans. I think it is the right time for Kat to sale, she's openly admitted that we need new investment to take us to the next level, I just hope she finds and chooses the right buyer, who keep the same infrastructure in place (i.e keep Les!!!).

Koeman was/is a defensive minded manager, however, his teams broke with pace and scored goals (a lot of them). From what I've seen, which is not a great deal in all honesty, this is similar to Silva, all be it without the mass of goals. I'm not saying that I want Silva, although I would take him, just pointing out that exciting football isn't all about going hell for leather at the opposition. For me, I can't see past Emery but obviously that would rely on him getting sacked from PSG and us persuading him to come.

I think they are there for the taking. Defend well and attack with pace on the counter and I think we'll get a point at least. ------------------Forster------------------ Cedric----Yoshida--Stephens----Bertrand ------------Romeu--Clasie---------------- -----------------Davis--------------------- Boufal---------------------------Redmond ------------Gabbiadini-------------------- Wouldn't mind us trying something diffrent and going with 3 CB's ----------------Forster---------------- ----Caceres--Stephens--Yoshida---- Cedric-----------------------Bertrand -----------Romeu--Davis------------ Boufal----------------------Redmond -------------Gabbiadini--------------

No one really knows what goes on behind the scenes... Silva (I believe it was reported we were interested), could have been a target but Les / the board may have had reservations about him being relatively untested. Perhaps his time at Hull has shown he has what it takes to cut it in the PL. As much as I'm disappointed with Puel, I don't think he'll go. If he stays, the club really need to back him. It's looking likely that we'll lose Bertrand and VVD from our regular starting 11 so we will need to get top quality replacements for these as well as other for positions we are struggling in (2nd CB, CM to play alongside Romeu, AM to replace Tadic, CF/FW to replace Jay Rod and Long).

If chuck them on the Puel table, because they're boring and no one really likes them.

I agree. I think we should be going out to win every cup we enter. Just pointing out, that IMO, getting to the final of the smallest major competition in this country is not some massive achievement that we should be celebrating? Completly different if we win the thing. I don't really think Puel has done a very good job. Not disastrous as some say, but certainly not as well as others have made out. I have concerns about next season and would prefer to see him gone this summer, but I'm realistic enough to know that won't happen. I think this is what Puel has done to the fan base and split opinion. He's basically Arsene Wenger without the success.

ark at the super fan who doesn't attend games unless they're a couple of miles from his house.

Perhaps that's why I whinge, when it takes up your time and hard earned money, it tends to hit a little harder. It's easy to say we're not that bad to watch when you sit at home and watching week doesn't cost you a penny. I enjoyed wembley, had a fantastic day, gutted about the result however and don't think it's tonne celebrated mind.

Because we played our reserves and didn't give a ***** about it. A bit like the other top clubs... starting to understand my point...?

I would say it is a fine line between the 2. Ultimately, if you play sh!te and don't win, the fans won't be happy, will they.

Entertain the fans and they will. As many have pointed out... it's not the league position that people are sick of, its the football implemented by the current manager. It's really not difficult to understand, is it.

If this is the case, they may as well sack him now.... If the players dont perform for him thinking he may be their manager next year, what will they do if they know he won't...? Also, i'm sure agents talk and players, if they find out Puel's going, he will find out. A silly suggestion, really.

Sounds very similar to Koeman......

How many games have you been to in recent years? I'm not renewing and have held a season ticket and go home and away for 20 odd years. This is not only because of the manager, but he has played a major part in it. I generally don't see the benefit of it anymore. I haven't enjoyed home games, or most of the away's either to be honest, this season. I'll just pay £25 to get a membership and pick and chose the games I fancy. The same can be said about my mates who also aren't renewing. Basically, you're statement is completely wrong but as you generally don't attend games other than the big ones (whom IMO are the real wan_kers), I wouldn't expect you to understand.

There is no denying that as a club we have massively underachieved (in terms of major trophies), but what exactly are you celebrating? I would say getting to a final is an achievement, and as a day out it was brilliant, but being runners up in a cup that 80-90% of PL teams play their reserves, until the semi final, is not a success or something to celebrate, IMO. In recent years, us, Sunderland, Bradford, Swansea (winners), Cardiff, Birmingham and Villa have all got to the final.... To me this suggests it's really not taken that seriously by the bigger teams.

Qualifying for Europe, playing exciting football and beating the top teams was much more enjoyable / fun, than watching sh!te football and loosing in a cup final......

Haven't they just moved it from kingsland / chapel corner to chapel / itchen corner...? Not too sure why this would persuade any more people to purchase one? If anything, it'll just **** off those that currently sit there.

I think you'll be surprised, I know a number of people who are either not renewing due to the manager and/or are waiting to see who we sell first before deciding. With the club no longer offering discount for renewals, they've opened themself up to people holiding off to see what happens over the summer as there is no real benefit (other than holing your seat) to renew early.

Let's see how keen the club are to keep him when they see the drop in ST renewals...

100% It is true that not all players liked Koeman's management style which is pretty much no nonsense, however he had the respect of the squad. IMO there's pretty much 3 ways to gain respect and that is to be a big name (i.e Koeman), be an excellent man manger (i.e Poch) or have instant success. Unfortunately, I don't believe that Puel is either.

Ive said all along I'd only want new owners to come in, if they keep current structure (i.e Les). Unfortunately for us to proceed we will need further investment and I don't think Kat has this. Which I think she has pretty much confirmed herself. Les / board members will have targets to act within the means of the owner. If further investment comes and targets change, so will the way Les acts in the transfer market.

You don't need to motivate players for a final.. the event does that itself. You do need to motivate them for games against hull etc... If the manager can't motivate his players, is he getting the best out of them...?