Fitzhugh Fella

But 8th is as good as it is probably going to get - which is my point about the glass ceiling. Yes we might surpass that and hit 6th with good luck, but the days (early 1980s) when we could seriously compete with the really big guns have gone forever. People are quoting Everton and they have a point, but in my book Everton have always been a top 6 or thereabouts club.

The days of a club like Southampton finishing second are, sadly, gone. 8th is very good. Maybe 6th at a squeeze but top four it just won't happen without investment over and above what has already been delivered. A sad fact of life that while foreign governments and dodgy oligarchs continue to own our football clubs the playing fields have never been so unlevel.

It's not an option - he's has burnt his bridge so to speak.

Just back from the Silverlake, what a pity Po+pey couldn't keep their half of the dream. Such was the crush when Eastleigh got their second a wall came down reminiscent of Leyton Orient 1978

I think our budget will depend on how good a World Cup Osvaldo has.

I agree but not sure some of our younger "stars" would settle for that.

It seems the manager has not been told yet what sort of summer budget he can expect. I find that a little odd myself. And have we as the article hints at - "hit our glass ceiling"? To push on from this excellent season is going to take a hefty outlay, so have we peaked? So many questions and an interesting summer awaits. http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/11158610.Poch__I_don_t_know_a_budget_for_next_season/?ref=var_0

That is perfect, this guy Mick whatever his name is is the ultimate hound dog

But Turkish lives in Yorkshire?

I wouldn't have missed that epic home defeat by Cardiff for anything, so pleased we went points chasing!

you obviously don't get a matchday programme Manji - there is an article in there every game by Duncan Holley club historian. Good article in today's actually on the Saint who never was. Reminds me of the fan who never was!

Since my earlier post I have had a quick pint in town with someone (well-connected locally) who has given me a little bit of hope. Can't obviously say too much because I need to protect this guy's professionalism but let's just say the family of one of MP's trusted lieutenants seem to be putting down firm roots. Having posted at a 70/30 chances of him going I am now revising odds to 40/60 which is good news. Perhaps MP is just playing the field. Sorry I can't be more specific and this is not "a look at me" type post, but just shows the more you listen the more you find out.

Cork must be there or thereabouts on distance travelled?

This will not be a popular view but with each passing day the more sure I am he is leaving. I would understand his reticence to extend his deal if our future was still unresolved but the season is over, give or take one place in the table. He needs to start building BEFORE the season ends with new player recruitment etc and so the distraction of having him reluctant to extend his contract when the fans, the board and the players want him to, is something that concerns me.

From a journalist who is local to Southampton and is well-respected http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/10753611/Mauricio-Pochettinos-contract-situation-at-Southampton-keeps-Tottenham-on-alert.html

Interesting to see Katarina Liebherr in that 2009 photo

A variety of reasons. Reading between lines, the fact he is in no rush and listening to people who are better placed than me to give an opinion. Like I said hope I am wrong but my gut feel is not good

Saint_Clark I usually respect your posts but on this subject you are way off the mark. The answer is because he made them sign confidentiality clauses etc. Ask yourself why would MLT make all this up? The staff were absolutely terrified of him, I witnessed it with my own eyes.

He gave plenty of details in his Q and A evening with me at Waterstones and let the Echo go on the record.

I am increasingly of the opinion Mauricio will not be our manager come the start of next season. I hope I am wrong.

If you have a contrary view to the establishment you have an agenda according to many on here. He did not like Cortese, he thought him a bully (which he was), he spoke out (others remained silent because they were too afraid). He had no agenda other than tell it how he saw it.

The infrastructure and building blocks for a successful PFC future has, through the hard work of so many people associated with the club - Chairman, Directors, PST, Presidents and most importantly the fans that come and watch us week in week out - enabled the club to outperform on almost all areas over the amount originally budgeted for. - Catlin When oh when are they going to stop bigging themselves up. How on earth can they boast they are "outperforming on almost all areas"? If I was a skate reading that I would be pretty angry but they seem to accept it with a whimper. The self-delusion is doing them more harm than they realise.

Yep I have him featured on page 55 of All the Saints. Played 162 games for us. If you email me on duncan@duncanholley.co.uk I can help further.

One last photo then - again never been published until now