Saint-Armstrong

Puel's message to the fans: From the horse's mouth, it's 'Clod Pu-ell'

Koeman's first signing at Everton. Signed.

Cédric and José are into the semi-finals!

Pretty sure he's off to PSG and even without PSG I don't think it's likely at all.

Yeah, read a couple of pieces that say he's quite calm with the press and they never love him because he doesn't give them a line every time they turn up, but he's very outspoken behind the scenes and is very animated and vocal on the sidelines also. The French writer from L'Equipé earlier said if he anyone isn't pulling their weight then they're going to fall out with Claude quickly.

Saints target Kapustka coming on for Poland...

Believe so. Interestingly THEVMAN seemed certain that Puel was going to get the Saints job in 2014, but we appointed Koeman instead and Puel carried on with Nice.

So two fifths of the Tory MPs have given their endorsements. At current it looks like this... 75 - May 21 - Crabb 12 - Gove 11 - Leadsom 09 - Fox

Poland in the lead after 2 minutes - Lewandowski. Cédric made a mistake in the build-up.

https://betting.betfair.com/football/premier-league/southampton/southampton-betting-odds-claude-puel-new-manager-300616-666.html Piece from Andy Brassell, who writes/talks about European football for the BBC, The Guardian and BT Sport.

Video of Puel's career so far:

Chief Football Writer of L'Equipé giving his take on the news here, in English...

He managed Puel, then encouraged him to join the coaching staff. Had him as youth coach, fitness coach, head of academy etc. Presume there were conversations with Wenger for Puel/Saints at some stage.

I was totally non-plussed. Now quite enthused and optimistic after reading and listening to some informed opinions. If you can't be optimistic preseason then what's up!? Welcome Claude.

Translation 'Good luck to our two old Great Danes (club nickname) Claude Puel and Pascal Plancque in their new adventure on the other side of the channel' Also a 'good luck coach Puel!' message from OGC Nice on Twitter.

Ignore.

Cool as you like.

Not to mention the way the club is run behind the scenes and the stability at board level. Someone seemed to be resigning at Villa as often as they do with the shadow cabinet these days.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-reasons-remi-garde-10783980

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: “The process to appoint a new First Team Manager has been diligent and meticulous. In order to ensure we appointed a manager who would meet our needs as a club, feedback from the dressing room, as well as taking account of our culture, vision and values, was critical in drawing up our criteria for the appointment. “As the process eliminated a number of excellent candidates, Claude clearly came out on top of a very impressive shortlist. We have not only got the best man, but the right coaching team to support him. “Eric Black has an excellent pedigree as a coach and vast experience domestically and internationally. Pascal Plancque has an excellent record as a technical coach and, like Claude, has been responsible for developing many young French talents into top quality players. “The development of our young Academy players and delivering a pathway to the first team is key to the role. We were keen to appoint a coaching team who would also work closely with Martin Hunter and Radhi Jaïdi in accelerating the development of our youngsters, as well as developing our current first-team squad as individuals and as a team. “We have an excellent group of first-team players who are keen to take another step forward. There is already a confidence and excitement in the building as some of the squad has returned for testing and they are in great shape. “Claude has a fantastic platform to work from and is aware that our ambition is to repeat and improve on our performances in the Premier League over the past three seasons. “Claude has a track record of improving the situations he has been presented with and we are confident he can repeat this at Southampton. “His Champions League and European experience will be valuable in our Europa League challenge this coming season and with the support of our excellent staff at the club I am sure he will do well. “We are once again excited about what the new season will bring, and we will continue to chase records as we have done in recent years.” ]