If Adkins is sacked ...

[Turkish]

It's completely retarded that we are even discussing sacking Adkins.

 

When the fixture list came out we all agreed we would probably get d!cked and have next to no points at this stage. Yet when it happens people start questioning a manager that has taken us from the bottom of League 1 straight to the Prem.

 

We could have had Moriniho in charge and we still would probably be bottom.

 

It isn't though. We've defended poorly, lost 4 games in a row and for whatever reason failed to address our weaknesses in a bungled transfer window. And crucially there is clearly tension between Adkins and Cortese. He's one of the favourites for the chop and there are lots of rumours going round that all is not well. Adkins himself seems like a man who knows time may be running out. Regardless of if we agree with it, or like it, Adkins is under tremendous pressure and has already been verbally sacked a couple of times already with that then rescinded. So it's not retarded all is it.

[scotty]

No Ron Atkinson and Howard Kendall.

 

...and no Branfoot, wtf??

[obelisk]

It would be madness to ditch Adkins this early. Ok, the expected business in buying a 'keeper and defenders wasn't forthcoming but we are where we are and any replacement would be in the same boat. Adkins and the defence know they have to shape up and prove that they aren't mugs over the next few winnable games otherwise the consequences are obvious.

 

Adkins needs to know that he has until the end of October at least to bring about improvements. Shore up that defence and we'll be fine.

[SuperMikey]

Christ. Stick with him for 10 games at the very least. But Cortese won't. Problem is no signings of defenders or keeper during close season. Really hope Cortese didn't hold that back on purpose just to get Adkins out early. Surely not. Any free agent keepers around?

 

Craig Gordon and Artur Boruc.

 

Would take either of those now.

[Wade Garrett]

It would be madness to ditch Adkins this early. Ok, the expected business in buying a 'keeper and defenders wasn't forthcoming but we are where we are and any replacement would be in the same boat. Adkins and the defence know they have to shape up and prove that they aren't mugs over the next few winnable games otherwise the consequences are obvious.

 

Adkins needs to know that he has until the end of October at least to bring about improvements. Shore up that defence and we'll be fine.

 

Or alternatively, a new coach could get more out of the team and better organise the defence.

[obelisk]

Or alternatively, a new coach could get more out of the team and better organise the defence.

Indeed. Although it is Adkins job to make sure the coaching is adequate of course. Currently something is plainly lacking.

[OldNick]

i noticed that in the post match interviews that NA has mentioned him learning as well. The decision to take off our best players against Man u may be the watershed, I suspect the players would have lost a bit of confidence in him then

[Wade Garrett]

It's toxic once a manager starts to lose the dressing room, and only ever has one outcome.

 

Not that I'm saying this is necessarily the case with us at the moment.

[Dalek2003]

It's toxic once a manager starts to lose the dressing room, and only ever has one outcome.

 

Not that I'm saying this is necessarily the case with us at the moment.

 

This is what happened with Luggy from the day he walked in. trouble was the players were expecting the appointment of the experienced and proven Glenn Hoddle and Luggy could never compete. Still we have the vocal minority to thank for that unhappy episdoe.

[scotty]

This is what happened with Luggy from the day he walked in. trouble was the players were expecting the appointment of the experienced and proven Glenn Hoddle and Luggy could never compete. Still we have the vocal minority to thank for that unhappy episdoe.

 

Sturrock was only brought in because lowe assumed anyone from a lower division that knocked us out of the cup must have a fantastic manager. (The same went for Dave Jones.) iirc,the players didn't go for "the plymouth model" of team bonding and cross-country runs.

 

All imho, of course...

[charliemiller]

Billy Sharp , Barnard and Hammond all performed admirably for us in the championship and Div 1 . They all played there part in our promotion to the PL , they are gone because either Adkins or Cortese thought they couldnt cut it in the premiership . Especially harsh on Sharp IMHO .........The club showed no mercy or regard for what they have done in the previous seasons with these guys .

 

What evidence do we have to suggested Cortese will take a softer view with Adkins ?? Especially as he effects the whole club and not just one position !!

 

Personally I think he is on borrowed time Cortese is driven and wont blink an eyelid at making the decision . IMHO

[Wade Garrett]

Billy Sharp , Barnard and Hammond all performed admirably for us in the championship and Div 1 . They all played there part in our promotion to the PL , they are gone because either Adkins or Cortese thought they couldnt cut it in the premiership . Especially harsh on Sharp IMHO .........The club showed no mercy or regard for what they have done in the previous seasons with these guys .

 

What evidence do we have to suggested Cortese will take a softer view with Adkins ?? Especially as he effects the whole club and not just one position !!

 

Personally I think he is on borrowed time Cortese is driven and wont blink an eyelid at making the decision . IMHO

 

Very well put. Agree 100%.

[Turkish]

I was told euring the summer that if Di Matteo didn't get the Chelsea job he was being lined up to replace Adkins. Also that Cortese didn't think Adkins has the status in the game to attract the players he wanted to bring to the club. This came from a very good source.

[Topcat]

in truth it doesn't matter whether we think he is out of his depth, it's whether Cortese does.

With Les Reed hovering in the background he could easily give him the job as caretaker, whilst Cortese searches Italy for his replacement

 

That is most likely to happen, we all know what Les Reed did at Charlton. Which brings up the question of whether Les Reed is the cause of the problems?

[ART]

I always had the strong feeling that it was Lowe that convinced Cortese that Saints were a great investment. Their style of management is too similiar. Yet I recall. during Administration when we were close to folding, how Harry Redknapp said Saints were a fine investment and he had spoken to a contact who was showing interest.

 

Was it Redknapp who convinced Cortese to speak to Markus Liebherr?

 

Is this why the rumors of Cortese having spoken to Redknapp and lining him up to replace Nigel were doing the rounds after our poor pre season results?

 

Les Reed, like Redknapp is a Londoner and maybe the two of them have links through Frank Lampard. Interestingly, Reed, on the books of 3 clubs, never played a League game for any of them. Hard to believe he now is an Executive Director, one of 4 on the board. Yes, Topcat, Reed could be a/the cause of th problems.

[Wade Garrett]

I always had the strong feeling that it was Lowe that convinced Cortese that Saints were a great investment. Their style of management is too similiar. Yet I recall. during Administration when we were close to folding, how Harry Redknapp said Saints were a fine investment and he had spoken to a contact who was showing interest.

 

Was it Redknapp who convinced Cortese to speak to Markus Liebherr?

 

Is this why the rumors of Cortese having spoken to Redknapp and lining him up to replace Nigel were doing the rounds after our poor pre season results?

 

Les Reed, like Redknapp is a Londoner and maybe the two of them have links through Frank Lampard. Interestingly, Reed, on the books of 3 clubs, never played a League game for any of them. Hard to believe he now is an Executive Director, one of 4 on the board. Yes, Topcat, Reed could be a/the cause of th problems.

 

That is some imagination ART. Ever thought of a career as a writer?

Edited 16 September, 2012 by Wade Garrett

[CB Fry]

I always had the strong feeling that it was Lowe that convinced Cortese that Saints were a great investment. Their style of management is too similiar. Yet I recall. during Administration when we were close to folding, how Harry Redknapp said Saints were a fine investment and he had spoken to a contact who was showing interest.

 

 

 

Was it Redknapp who convinced Cortese to speak to Markus Liebherr?

 

 

 

Is this why the rumors of Cortese having spoken to Redknapp and lining him up to replace Nigel were doing the rounds after our poor pre season results?

 

 

 

Les Reed, like Redknapp is a Londoner and maybe the two of them have links through Frank Lampard. Interestingly, Reed, on the books of 3 clubs, never played a League game for any of them. Hard to believe he now is an Executive Director, one of 4 on the board. Yes, Topcat, Reed could be a/the cause of th problems.

 

 

This entire post is unspeakable garbage.

 

Just nonsense from start to finish.

[MOSaint]

Just out of interest some of the latest odds

 

Harry Redknapp 3/1

Alan Curbishley 10/1

Alan Shearer 10/1

Claudio Ranieri 10/1

Delio Rossi 10/1

Fabio Capello 10/1

Rafa Benitez 10/1

Glenn Hoddle 10/1

Gus Poyet 12/1

Iain Dowie 16/1

Ian Holloway 20/1

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 25/1

Pep Guardiola 66/1

 

Some big names on this list and some that just wouldn't be good enough.

 

Say Cortese decides Adkins isn't up to it and wants a big name like Benitez or heaven forbid Redknapp to come in and sort things out. If the rumours about his and Reeds' influence over signings etc are true, does he really think managers like the ones mentioned are going to put up with an investment banker and a guy who failed as a player and as a manager telling them that they know better and interfering?

 

I think we'd be more likely to see another promising nPC/l1 manager come in tbh.

[shurlock]

I always had the strong feeling that it was Lowe that convinced Cortese that Saints were a great investment. Their style of management is too similiar. Yet I recall. during Administration when we were close to folding, how Harry Redknapp said Saints were a fine investment and he had spoken to a contact who was showing interest.

 

Was it Redknapp who convinced Cortese to speak to Markus Liebherr?

 

Is this why the rumors of Cortese having spoken to Redknapp and lining him up to replace Nigel were doing the rounds after our poor pre season results?

 

Les Reed, like Redknapp is a Londoner and maybe the two of them have links through Frank Lampard. Interestingly, Reed, on the books of 3 clubs, never played a League game for any of them. Hard to believe he now is an Executive Director, one of 4 on the board. Yes, Topcat, Reed could be a/the cause of th problems.

 

Such conspiratorial looney tunes - can't help but think you look like your avatar in real life.

[jam]

Sturrock was only brought in because lowe assumed anyone from a lower division that knocked us out of the cup must have a fantastic manager. (The same went for Dave Jones.) iirc,the players didn't go for "the plymouth model" of team bonding and cross-country runs.

 

All imho, of course...

 

They didn't seem to have a problem with it under Strachan.

[Badger]

I think we'd be more likely to see another promising nPC/l1 manager come in tbh.

 

Would that be a step forward though ? Or, would even NC see it as such ?

[MOSaint]

Would that be a step forward though ? Or, would even NC see it as such ?

 

Perhaps I'm being negative here, but if Cortese and Reed interfere as much as some people suggest I just don't see a marquee name or anyone with worthwhile PL experience willing to put up with interference with team affairs (signings and such), whereas a lower league coach may be more willing to put up with it because its an opportunity at managing a PL club.

[shurlock]

Perhaps I'm being negative here, but if Cortese and Reed interfere as much as some people suggest I just don't see a marquee name or anyone with worthwhile PL experience willing to put up with interference with team affairs (signings and such), whereas a lower league coach may be more willing to put up with it because its an opportunity at managing a PL club.

 

Not if its a foreign manager - they're much more used to working with DoFs, transfer committees and all the other organisational paraphernalia that tie the hands of managers.

[MOSaint]

Not if its a foreign manager - they're much more used to working with DoFs, transfer committees and all the other organisational paraphernalia that tie the hands of managers.

 

That's a good point, but other than Benitez or the even less likely Guardiola are there any foreign managers without a job that could be brought in? Delio Rossi is listed by the bookies but given the reason he lost his last job I don't see many takers for him (He assaulted a player who got upset at being substituted)

[Thedelldays]

It will be arry redknapp.

Many fans will go mental but will soon come round when we climb the table playing good football

 

He will have Ramirez in the van der vaart role and some will live arry (again)

[shurlock]

It will be arry redknapp.

Many fans will go mental but will soon come round when we climb the table playing good football

 

He will have Ramirez in the van der vaart role and some will live arry (again)

 

Would you welcome him back if he kept us up?

[Thedelldays]

Would you welcome him back if he kept us up?

 

I am a saints supporter... And if he came back, I will be livid... But like most average fans, I will soon come round if he did the business..

 

Is he a ****s... Yes

Is he a good manager... Clearly yes

[Guest flickjax]

keep adkins, if we go down so be it, just proves we weren't ready yet. Adkins is a good coach, not his fault that Cortese drives the transfers.

[Maggie May]

Adkins is clearly a great manager, having guided Saints to successive promotions, and taking unfashionable S****horpe up before that. But how is he supposed to adapt in the Prem? What makes a manager perform in the highest league? Lambert and Rodgers did ok, so calling for Adkins to go already is ridiculous.

[Thedelldays]

keep adkins, if we go down so be it, just proves we weren't ready yet. Adkins is a good coach, not his fault that Cortese drives the transfers.

 

What proves we are not ready yet.. That is the dumbest thing I have read on here

[Cabrone]

If NA gets the chop without at least 1/2 a season to give it a go I'd be massively disappointed. I'd even be prepared to stick with him if we went down.

 

The team have by and large been playing some good stuff, we've just had a really tough set of fixtures. The team also has a lot of new faces and they need to gel.

 

NA has been brilliant for us and given a chance could become a great manager at this level IMO.

 

Besides which I don't want any of the alternatives. They all have their downsides.

 

It was Lowe's managerial merry-go-round that was the start of our original downfall.

 

I don't want to see that circus ever, ever again.

[Thedelldays]

If NA gets the chop without at least 1/2 a season to give it a go I'd be massively disappointed. I'd even be prepared to stick with him if we went down.

 

The team have by and large been playing some good stuff, we've just had a really tough set of fixtures. The team also has a lot of new faces and they need to gel.

 

NA has been brilliant for us and given a chance could become a great manager at this level IMO.

 

Besides which I don't want any of the alternatives. They all have their downsides.

 

It was Lowe's managerial merry-go-round that was the start of our original downfall.

 

I don't want to see that circus ever, ever again.

 

I agree... But if we keep losing every week then keeping a manager for the sake of it sounds good but worth £40m......That's is a lot of money if we are woefully underoferming and we try nothing

[Avenue Saint]

If NA gets the chop without at least 1/2 a season to give it a go I'd be massively disappointed. I'd even be prepared to stick with him if we went down.

 

The team have by and large been playing some good stuff, we've just had a really tough set of fixtures. The team also has a lot of new faces and they need to gel.

 

NA has been brilliant for us and given a chance could become a great manager at this level IMO.

 

Besides which I don't want any of the alternatives. They all have their downsides.

 

It was Lowe's managerial merry-go-round that was the start of our original downfall.

 

I don't want to see that circus ever, ever again.

 

Good post.

[Saint 76er]

There is a lot of differing opinions on this board right now, but only one man's opinion actually counts and that is Cortese.

 

Nigel has been in job survival mode since the Coventry game and I would guess that Cortese has been viewing these first few games as something of an audition of NA's PL ability.

 

It's painful to say so but it seems likely that so far he has failed the audition. He has had trouble getting the players to adapt to his new system, sometimes doing okay but other times failing spectacularly and all for the return of precisely zero points, despite tough opposition admittedly. Substitutions used to be Nigel's strong point, but this season have been a liability.

 

Clearly NA is learning on the job in the PL, but how long will he be given? With so many rumours of Cortese wanting him out for a high profile candidate I suspect that time is limited (AP was sacked after a 4-0 away win!) and results against Villa and Everton may well prove the tipping point as Cortese is not noted for drawn out managerial sagas!

 

One final thing, which is very likely of nothing. However, in the transfer window there were reports that Les Reed and other club officials had made two or more visits to Barcelona and it was assumed they were looking at a couple of Barca players who did not end up signing with us. This may be so, but LR's remit is not strictly scouting and neither is any club officials. Normally only bone fide scouts would look at players and Les and others would then read the report or view the video. I wondered at the time if the real purpose was to make contact with a possible high profile replacement for Nigel if the early season did not go well.

 

Cortese may possibly therefore have a replacement waiting in the wings and if so and it will be expensive then I suspect NC will be prepared to spend whatever it takes to truly put the club in the world spotlight. After all he spent 15-20 million, or whatever all up, on Ramirez and is unlikely to baulk at paying top dollar for the manager of his dreams.

[Badger]

 

One final thing, which is very likely of nothing. However, in the transfer window there were reports that Les Reed and other club officials had made two or more visits to Barcelona

 

.

 

Are you suggesting Reed went there for some sort of 'pep' talk ?

 

As you say " very likely nothing" in it.

 

Anyone know if there is any history between Les Reed and Hoddle in their long and illustrious careers ? Purely out of interest of course.

[Saint 76er]

Are you suggesting Reed went there for some sort of 'pep' talk ?

 

As you say " very likely nothing" in it.

 

Anyone know if there is any history between Les Reed and Hoddle in their long and illustrious careers ? Purely out of interest of course.

 

Possibly for a "Pep talk", but also where does Benitez reside in Spain? They could have simply been looking at players, of course.

 

For Hoddle references, you will need to refer to Dalek I believe ...

[scotty]

They didn't seem to have a problem with it under Strachan.

 

Strachan was a hard-as-nails, experienced, well respected top-flight manager. Sturrock was a yokel from the lower divisions, getting a team to punch slightly above their weight.

[LostBoys]

Benitez still has a home near Liverpool. He gave an interview at the gate when Dalglish was sacked. It can have been Spain as it was pouring with rain an he came out with tea.

[Turkish]

If we did get Redknapp then his traditionally deadline day interview from the wound down window of his car as he leaves the training ground is going to blow open our 'we do our business in private' policy.

[InvictaSaint]

Get a sense of humour.

 

Sense of humour's fine, but thanks for your concern. Perhaps you could use one of the internet's wonderful emoticons next time you try irony? Would enable my fab sense of humour to connect with your fab comedy. Ta love.

[Wade Garrett]

Sense of humour's fine, but thanks for your concern. Perhaps you could use one of the internet's wonderful emoticons next time you try irony? Would enable my fab sense of humour to connect with your fab comedy. Ta love.

 

Sorry, is this ok

 

:lol:?:rolleyes::scared:

[Maggie May]

ADkins has to stay. But I've just seen his post match interview from yesterday's game and he brings up our tough start to the season and that our season starts against Aston Villa. No Nigel, it started against man city, no excuses. And you conveniently forgot to mention the Wigan defeat too. We've had opportunities to get points on the board and haven't. I do think we were unlucky against Man City but we got it wrong against Wigan and Manchester United and he needs to take blame for that. Arsenal just steam rollered us and I don't think many other managers (and the fact we have some sort of hoodoo over us against the gunners away) would have overseen anything different. We should have had points from united and Wigan, end of.

[InvictaSaint]

Sorry, is this ok

 

:lol:?:rolleyes::scared:

 

Wonderful! We can now be friends again. Xxx :-)

[colehillsaint]

I always had the strong feeling that it was Lowe that convinced Cortese that Saints were a great investment. Their style of management is too similiar. Yet I recall. during Administration when we were close to folding, how Harry Redknapp said Saints were a fine investment and he had spoken to a contact who was showing interest.

 

Was it Redknapp who convinced Cortese to speak to Markus Liebherr?

 

Is this why the rumors of Cortese having spoken to Redknapp and lining him up to replace Nigel were doing the rounds after our poor pre season results?

 

Les Reed, like Redknapp is a Londoner and maybe the two of them have links through Frank Lampard. Interestingly, Reed, on the books of 3 clubs, never played a League game for any of them. Hard to believe he now is an Executive Director, one of 4 on the board. Yes, Topcat, Reed could be a/the cause of th problems.

 

You've written that like one of those conspiracy theory books; You put forward a rumour and then use it as fact to support the next hypothesis. Clever if your joking. Otherwise.....

[hypochondriac]

It will be arry redknapp.

Many fans will go mental but will soon come round when we climb the table playing good football

 

He will have Ramirez in the van der vaart role and some will live arry (again)

 

I wouldn't know whether to laugh or cry. You just know he would take the job on as well. Say what you want about him but he has balls!

[The Kraken]

[Colinjb]

 

Truly, relegation would be preferable. And there will be some dalek esque troll in years to come saying.... "Had we only swallowed our pride and reappointed #he who shall not be named#....."

[The Kraken]

It would be the biggest division of the fanbase ever. I simply don't know how I could continue to support the team in the same manner if he were to become manager; I simply despise everything about the man. I couldn't imagine doing anything but booing him.

 

Then again; Chris Nichol used to get absolute pelters from the home fans on his pitchside walk at the start of the games, so its not totally unprecendented!

[Colinjb]

It would be the biggest division of the fanbase ever. I simply don't know how I could continue to support the team in the same manner if he were to become manager; I simply despise everything about the man. I couldn't imagine doing anything but booing him.

 

Then again; Chris Nichol used to get absolute pelters from the home fans on his pitchside walk at the start of the games, so its not totally unprecendented!

 

It would make me want to abandon my season ticket. The thought of that man managing England was horrifying..... this is infinitely worse.

[Hedgehog]

I would rather go down than have that C*** Redkrapp anywhere near this club. F***ing hate everything about the man. Give me anyone apart from him (Branfoot apart).