Nigel to continue as manager

[hypochondriac]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20237630

 

Interesting article on the Beeb. Of particular note is where they say Cortese is close to NA as he "trusts him and likes him". Contradicts a lot of what is said on here although there's no mention the warmth is reciprocated by NA...

 

I'd be interested to know how they would know that. Speculation?

[It's There]

Would now be a good time to bring in Joe Jordan for a month to boost the coaching. He's highly qualified, been v successful at Spurs and can frighten the players into pulling their socks up!!!!!!!! A wise, premiership ear for Nige to learn from without losing the authority. After a month Joe rejoins HR at QPR!

[shirleysfc]

I never said anything about Guly starting every game. Maybe it was around the time of his drink driving and him paying for it meant he wasn't going to get his guarenteed 15 minutes a week minimum!!!

 

Guly's drink driving was 25 August. He came on againtst United on 2 September for his 15 mins (lol!) but then missed the Arsenal game and stayed on the bench against Villa as punishment??

 

I think you're desperate for this rumour to be true but I just can't see it. Again, if it turns out I'm wrong I'll hold my hands up and admit it.

[Turkish]

Guly's drink driving was 25 August. He came on againtst United on 2 September for his 15 mins (lol!) but then missed the Arsenal game and stayed on the bench against Villa as punishment??

 

I think you're desperate for this rumour to be true but I just can't see it. Again, if it turns out I'm wrong I'll hold my hands up and admit it.

 

He was arrested on the 25th, he was convicted until the 12th of September. Our next game was Arsenal So he was obviously punished or "made to pay" as Adkins put it by dropping him for that game. I guess Cortese must have made Adkins pick him in the squad for the Villa game but the punishment had ben reduced to not getting his 15 minutes!

[shirleysfc]

He was arrested on the 25th, he was convicted until the 12th of September. Our next game was Arsenal So he was obviously punished or "made to pay" as Adkins put it by dropping him for that game. I guess Cortese must have made Adkins pick him in the squad for the Villa game but the punishment had ben reduced to not getting his 15 minutes!

 

Top wumming!! On the off chance you actually believe this, give your head a wobble!!

[Convict Colony]

He was a beast on championship manager 3. Him and Alex Farnerud were gods.

 

Interesting I could of sworn he was getting passed around Serie A teams, having said that Milan arent all that anymore so if you had to choose between Mexes and Kjaer who would you pick ?

 

Mexes - 30yrs old seems to have had knee and ligament issues http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/philippe-mexs/profil/spieler_5422.html

 

Kjaer - 23yrs old (prefer him already) no major injuries and looks a bit cheaper http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/simon-kjaer/profil/spieler_48859.html

Edited 7 November, 2012 by Convict Colony

[Kingsland Red]

I think NC would be foolish to sack NA - give him the season, and if we do go down who is the most successful manager over the last few seasons in getting clubs promoted ? - NA.

Its a win - win situation and continues to build on the stability built at the club since Markus arrived.

[dronskisaint]

He's also said many times he has a great relationship with the chairman. I think most people are starting to accept that isn't true now.

 

'Most people'? Quantify that...it's a ludicrous statement even by your standards!

[Turkish]

'Most people'? Quantify that...it's a ludicrous statement even by your standards!

 

Okay, we'll most sensible people. A lot of people are certainly far from convinced they have this supposed great relationship.

[dronskisaint]

Okay, we'll most sensible people. A lot of people are certainly far from convinced they have this supposed great relationship.

 

Unreal, even by your standards

[S-Clarke]

Personally, at this stage, I think it is the right call.

 

I've said before that we're coming up to a crucial period of games. I'd prefer to be going into that period with a manager who knows the club, rather than a care-taker position and then a new guy. It would be a bit of an upheaval at the wrong time.

 

I don't take the idea that he hasn't gone because we haven't got anyone lined up either. If he does go, there will be a period of a caretaker manager and we'll get the usual ''the start for a manager has begun'' articles. So those thinking that NA will go and someone will just walk right in are wrong.

 

It's a brave call, but I think it's the right call. NA deserves his shot this month, I don't think there's anyone who wants to get this right more than him. On Monday there was a sense of going back to basics, and let's hope he can lift the confidence for Saturday.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

'Most people'? Quantify that...it's a ludicrous statement even by your standards!

 

I think ludicrous is possibly a little ott. IMO reasonable should be substituted

[Wade Garrett]

Personally, at this stage, I think it is the right call.

 

I've said before that we're coming up to a crucial period of games. I'd prefer to be going into that period with a manager who knows the club, rather than a care-taker position and then a new guy. It would be a bit of an upheaval at the wrong time.

 

I don't take the idea that he hasn't gone because we haven't got anyone lined up either. If he does go, there will be a period of a caretaker manager and we'll get the usual ''the start for a manager has begun'' articles. So those thinking that NA will go and someone will just walk right in are wrong.

 

It's a brave call, but I think it's the right call. NA deserves his shot this month, I don't think there's anyone who wants to get this right more than him. On Monday there was a sense of going back to basics, and let's hope he can lift the confidence for Saturday.

 

It's not that brave a call. Adkins is caretaker manager in all but name.

[dronskisaint]

I think ludicrous is possibly a little ott. IMO reasonable should be substituted

 

It's about opinions....your answer is masterful in it's ambiguity- I mean that as a compliment!

 

Ever thought about being a negotiator?

[Bucks Saint]

Personally, at this stage, I think it is the right call.

 

I've said before that we're coming up to a crucial period of games. I'd prefer to be going into that period with a manager who knows the club, rather than a care-taker position and then a new guy. It would be a bit of an upheaval at the wrong time.

 

I don't take the idea that he hasn't gone because we haven't got anyone lined up either. If he does go, there will be a period of a caretaker manager and we'll get the usual ''the start for a manager has begun'' articles. So those thinking that NA will go and someone will just walk right in are wrong.

 

It's a brave call, but I think it's the right call. NA deserves his shot this month, I don't think there's anyone who wants to get this right more than him. On Monday there was a sense of going back to basics, and let's hope he can lift the confidence for Saturday.

 

This

[alpine_saint]

Personally, at this stage, I think it is the right call.

 

I've said before that we're coming up to a crucial period of games. I'd prefer to be going into that period with a manager who knows the club, rather than a care-taker position and then a new guy. It would be a bit of an upheaval at the wrong time.

 

I don't take the idea that he hasn't gone because we haven't got anyone lined up either. If he does go, there will be a period of a caretaker manager and we'll get the usual ''the start for a manager has begun'' articles. So those thinking that NA will go and someone will just walk right in are wrong.

 

It's a brave call, but I think it's the right call. NA deserves his shot this month, I don't think there's anyone who wants to get this right more than him. On Monday there was a sense of going back to basics, and let's hope he can lift the confidence for Saturday.

 

Looking at the games we play this month, if NA gets it wrong we are so f**king down. NC has taken a colossal risk.

[ant]

Looking at the games we play this month, if NA gets it wrong we are so f**king down. NC has taken a colossal risk.

 

Are you saying that getting a new manager in with next to no time before those key fixtures (and obviously zero ability to bring in new players) wouldn't have been a colossal risk?

[Whitey Grandad]

Are you saying that getting a new manager in with next to no time before those key fixtures (and obviously zero ability to bring in new players) wouldn't have been a colossal risk?

Well something has to change, either the manage or the way we play.

[trousers]

@solentsport: #saintsfc boss Nigel Adkins tells us "my relationship with the chairman is very good. The chairman wants me to be the Southampton manager."

[shirleysfc]

@solentsport: #saintsfc boss Nigel Adkins tells us "my relationship with the chairman is very good. The chairman wants me to be the Southampton manager."

 

Keep up trousers, we've already heard that "sources" have confirmed they have a bad relationship and if Adkins says otherwise he's lying to keep his job!!

[alpine_saint]

Well something has to change, either the manage or the way we play.

 

I'm guessing that yesterday there was a frank exchange of views between NA and NC. I wonder if Reed was present too. My guess is NC gave NA sh*t for our poor start, NA reminded NC that the signings were heavily influenced by NCs vision of how he wants us to play, and that we are being forced to play with a formation and tactics that we dont really have the players for.

 

I am further guessing that the conclusion/stand-off reached was something along the lines of NC saying "OK, NA, for now, do it the way you think is best and get the results you think you and the team are capable of. But at some point I want us playing the way I envisage. If you cannot stabilise the situation now, doing things your way, you are out. We will review this in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I want to know if you are committed to implementing my vision over time. If not, get out of my office and my stadium now".

 

OK, I have a vivid imagination, but lets see what the team looks like and behaves on Saturday before sneering at it. If these two have an ounce of brains between their ears, the priority has to be get a few points behind us any way we can.

[Shroppie]

Looking at the games we play this month, if NA gets it wrong we are so f**king down. NC has taken a colossal risk.

 

Can't accept that's a bigger risk than putting in an unknown quantity for critical games.

[shurlock]

I'm guessing that yesterday there was a frank exchange of views between NA and NC. I wonder if Reed was present too. My guess is NC gave NA sh*t for our poor start, NA reminded NC that the signings were heavily influenced by NCs vision of how he wants us to play, and that we are being forced to play with a formation and tactics that we dont really have the players for.

 

I am further guessing that the conclusion/stand-off reached was something along the lines of NC saying "OK, NA, for now, do it the way you think is best and get the results you think you and the team are capable of. But at some point I want us playing the way I envisage. If you cannot stabilise the situation now, doing things your way, you are out. We will review this in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I want to know if you are committed to implementing my vision over time. If not, get out of my office and my stadium now".

 

OK, I have a vivid imagination, but lets see what the team looks like and behaves on Saturday before sneering at it. If these two have an ounce of brains between their ears, the priority has to be get a few points behind us any way we can.

 

Vivid's an understatement - I'll be surprised if there's much of a difference in terms of personnel, formation and style, though hopefully the players will be more up for the game given its last chance saloon for NA.

[lordswoodsaints]

I'm guessing that yesterday there was a frank exchange of views between NA and NC. I wonder if Reed was present too. My guess is NC gave NA sh*t for our poor start, NA reminded NC that the signings were heavily influenced by NCs vision of how he wants us to play, and that we are being forced to play with a formation and tactics that we dont really have the players for.

 

I am further guessing that the conclusion/stand-off reached was something along the lines of NC saying "OK, NA, for now, do it the way you think is best and get the results you think you and the team are capable of. But at some point I want us playing the way I envisage. If you cannot stabilise the situation now, doing things your way, you are out. We will review this in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I want to know if you are committed to implementing my vision over time. If not, get out of my office and my stadium now".

 

OK, I have a vivid imagination, but lets see what the team looks like and behaves on Saturday before sneering at it. If these two have an ounce of brains between their ears, the priority has to be get a few points behind us any way we can.

 

I'm with this,if nothing changes then I'm guessing nobody has the vision or balls to realise we cannot continue on this course without certain relegation.

I also think that NA is in a difficult position because there is a lack of quality in our squad,even if he puts out his strongest team and they don't perform then one glance at the bench and you realise that things can only go downhill but the crucial question is who's fault is it?

[lordswoodsaints]

Vivid's an understatement - I'll be surprised if there's much of a difference in terms of personnel, formation and style, though hopefully the players will be more up for the game given its last chance saloon for NA.

 

Or they could play like ****s just to stick the knife into him.

[OldNick]

i hope Nc has factored in relegation into his plans. There is no way this manager will keep us up.

[Bucks Saint]

i hope Nc has factored in relegation into his plans. There is no way this manager will keep us up.

 

There may be no way these players can keep us up. But FWIW I have not given up just yet

[Thedelldays]

There may be no way these players can keep us up. But FWIW I have not given up just yet

if norwich, wigan, hull, stoke can stay up in their first seasons..then yes, this team has the quality to stay up

[Window Cleaner]

if norwich, wigan, hull, stoke can stay up in their first seasons..then yes, this team has the quality to stay up

 

Indeed, it's not the players it's the manager's use of them. Since he has started wanting to play both JRod and SRL again we've gone tits up. Nigel...it's JRod or Rickie but not both.

[The Kraken]

From the OS

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/adkins-implements-change-of-routine-474988.aspx

 

Adkins implements "change of routine

 

Nigel Adkins has revealed that his squad will spend the next few days away from Staplewood ahead of Saturday's visit of Swansea City. Saints sit bottom of the Barclays Premier League after ten games, leading the gaffer to opt for a change of approach in the run-up to the next batch of fixtures.

 

"We've got players coming back to fitness and we're going to take the guys away for a couple of days in preparation," Adkins said during his pre-match media briefing this morning. We'll change things around a little bit and change the stimulus, which I think is important because it can become a bit of a 'Groundhog Day'. [trousers was right all along]

 

"We've reached ten games and we were always going to look to have a break by changing the environment and the mindset so we are focused for the next game. I think it's good to change the routine, and take that into this weekend's important game.

"We've got to start getting points on the board and having the winning mentality that we've had for the last few years at the football club," he continued.

 

"We've just had ten games, so we've assessed where we are and accepted the situation. We'll keep moving forward. We can't do anything to affect the ten games we've had previously so we've put them to bed now. We'll move on and look forward to the next ones with positivity and a steely resolve.

 

"We've had to assess and address our aspirations at the start of the campaign. We're in a relegation dogfight, and we're fighting – everyone is well aware of that. People have got to be accountable and the players have got to take responsibility, as have every other member of staff.

"The supporters are behind the football club and behind the players when they go out on that pitch, and that's important. We're all going to work hard to make this a successful season for Southampton."

 

The gaffer confirmed that he has no new injury concerns after Monday's trip to West Bromwich Albion, where Gastón Ramírez made his return from a month-long lay-off.

 

Jack Cork will come into contention for his first top-flight appearance of the season having played the full 90 minutes of the Under-21s' win over Sunderland earlier this week.

 

Defender Frazer Richardson, who suffered a thigh injury again Fulham last month, will play for the Development Squad at Spurs on Monday.

 

The bits in bold definitely reinforce my opinion that he's demanded to do things entirely his own way and told others to butt out. I actually feel pretty positive ahead of the Swansea game.

Edited 8 November, 2012 by The Kraken

[Thedelldays]

From the OS

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/adkins-implements-change-of-routine-474988.aspx

 

 

 

The bits in bold definitely reinforce my opinion that he's demanded to do things entirely his own way and told others to butt out. I actually feel pretty positive ahead of the Swansea game.

seems that way....trouble is, if we lose with another lackluster performance.........what next..?

[shurlock]

From the OS

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/adkins-implements-change-of-routine-474988.aspx

 

 

 

The bits in bold definitely reinforce my opinion that he's demanded to do things entirely his own way and told others to butt out. I actually feel pretty positive ahead of the Swansea game.

 

 

Rather than just a bit of paintballing, karaoke, jellied eel at the seaside and whatever other ersatz activity passes off as teambuilding?

Edited 8 November, 2012 by shurlock

[The Kraken]

Rather than just a bit of paintballing, karaoke, jellied eel at the seaside and whatever other ersatz activity passes off as teambuilding?

 

Yes. More than that. Glad I could clear that up.

[alpine_saint]

From the OS

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/adkins-implements-change-of-routine-474988.aspx

 

 

 

The bits in bold definitely reinforce my opinion that he's demanded to do things entirely his own way and told others to butt out. I actually feel pretty positive ahead of the Swansea game.

 

Thats fine, just so long as he completely understands hes all alone in carrying the can if it goes tits-up.

[The Kraken]

Thats fine, just so long as he completely understands hes all alone in carrying the can if it goes tits-up.

 

As it should be.

[Shroppie]

It's obvious that there's a lot frustration at the moment and a lot of it comes from posters who may have come lately to Saints and are, for those with longer memories, in the strange position of expecting and being used to us winning everything.

 

What's pretty clear from the widespread ranting (and, before I get shouted at, interspersed by the occasional thoughtful piece), is that there are nearly as many views on our current state and its causes as there are posters.

 

So it's either the manager's fault, the fault of whover didn't buy whoverin the summer, Cortese's fault (maybe because he's power mad and making all the decisions), or Player X's fault (insert absolutely any name you like - if you look back I'm pretty sure every current first choice player has been blamed).

 

And this has happened so quickly in a club that has set the leagues on fire for three seasons with a policy of "Together as one", "All on the bus" etc etc.

 

To try to bring a little perspective, what has gone wrong?

 

Firstly, just as fans have got used to being positive, usually winning and when we didn't, not getting too low, drawing a line, moving on with the belief still there, I'm sure that everyone in the club from Chairman and Coach has shared the same feelings, riding high on the crest of the wave. How many times has NA warned us not to get too high when the going is good? But that has happened, and for a few glorious moments when we led against MU and City, we (fans and i suspect players alike) dared to think we could keep on doing it in the Premier League.

 

But we haven't and the critical thing has been the slow draining of confidence and belief. I don't accept that players who were outstanding in the Championship have become poor players in this league. Yes, they have to go on a learning curve and realise that everything is that much harder. In particular, mistakes will be punished. But the players we have now are talented and did perform against MU and City, although ultimately without success. We'll never know, but say we'd hung on for a draw and a win in those games - where would we be now? At this level it's a game of fine margins, and with four more points life would seem very different.

To take the WBA game (and yes, I was there), I can't believe the negative posters who saw the whole game as a disaster. We lost to a deflected shot and a good breakaway goal. We hit the bar and could have had a penalty. If either of those had gone our way, we could have had a draw at one of the most solid home teams in the league.

 

And please can we stop slagging off the players, both collectively and individually? Do we really think they are uninterested? Most have had great success in the last three years and it can't feel good at the moment. I don't accept that a single player isn't giving everything they can for Saints. Yes, I agree that we do need to strengthen in some areas, but for now, get behind what we have rather than demoralising them.

 

And so to NA. He still has my complete backing, but this is the challenge that will make or break him. He's not out of his depth, but has learning to do. He needs to keep his nerve and I would challenge anyone to name a better option in terms of dealing with the psychology of lifting the team and keeping all the players happy. I have doubted some of his decisions, but all decisions are to some degree or other gambles, and some haven't paid off. I still have faith in him.

 

Confidence and belief and everything, and I still believe that a couple of wins will make all the difference. Changing the manager might or might not make a difference, but it would be the end of the relationship betwen NA and many players who have worked so well for him, and I don't believe it's worth the risk.

 

I don't apologise for copying this from another thread, where I posted, probably in error, yesterday.

 

This is a vital week coming up and I'm relieved NA is still here and talking a very positive talk about breaking the habit of losing.

 

I still believe in him. Let's hope he can walk the walk too. Two wins, and all the gloom will go away.

[alpine_saint]

I don't apologise for copying this from another thread, where I posted, probably in error, yesterday.

 

This is a vital week coming up and I'm relieved NA is still here and talking a very positive talk about breaking the habit of losing.

 

I still believe in him. Let's hope he can walk the walk too. Two wins, and all the gloom will go away.

 

Well, you are entitled to your opinion, of course.

 

IMO your post and your quote glibly and superficially, almost disssmissively, deal with the issues facing NA and the team. Your summary of the WBA game is utterly bizarre.

[Tokyo-Saint]

I've just had a phone call, Nigel wants me to bring Miss Hanna in to teach some of the squad Japanese. Said I should bring a skipping rope, curtain pole and horse riding whip?

 

All part of the change of stimulus I guess.

[Shroppie]

Well, you are entitled to your opinion, of course.

 

IMO your post and your quote glibly and superficially, almost disssmissively, deal with the issues facing NA and the team. Your summary of the WBA game is utterly bizarre.

 

And you're entitled to yours too, which I will respect but disagree with wholeheartedly.

[shurlock]

Yes. More than that. Glad I could clear that up.

 

Read literally, of course, NA is taking the players away for a couple of days to freshen things up, to change the scenery, to reflect on what we've done etc. And it would appear this was always the plan -regardless of our league position- after all, we're ten games into the season, a quarter way through - a milestone which some would argue is quite symbolic.

 

And perhaps that has something to do with the 8am presser -that instead of f**king off home after afternoon training when NA usually talks to the media, they're all going off somewhere....

 

Granted stranger things have happened.

Edited 8 November, 2012 by shurlock

[Saint_Randell]

From the OS

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/adkins-implements-change-of-routine-474988.aspx

 

 

 

The bits in bold definitely reinforce my opinion that he's demanded to do things entirely his own way and told others to butt out. I actually feel pretty positive ahead of the Swansea game.

 

I agree with your view, and it's a very likely scenario, just not quite sure how the bits in bold back that up? To me going away for a few days doesn't mean hes demanded to do it all his own way.

[Bucks Saint]

Indeed, it's not the players it's the manager's use of them. Since he has started wanting to play both JRod and SRL again we've gone tits up. Nigel...it's JRod or Rickie but not both.

 

Ok thanks! I did not realise it was this easy to solve.

[OldNick]

From the OS

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/adkins-implements-change-of-routine-474988.aspx

 

 

The bits in bold definitely reinforce my opinion that he's demanded to do things entirely his own way and told others to butt out. I actually feel pretty positive ahead of the Swansea game.

not sure how that says others butt out of it. personally it seems to me that he knows hes had a reprieve and has to stop making some amateur decisions, and knows he will be accountable. For the sake of the club i wish for him to get us to safety.

[Thedelldays]

Ok thanks! I did not realise it was this easy to solve.

phil brown, paul jewell found it easier...

[Wes Tender]

Nigel Adkins:-

The supporters are behind the football club and behind the players when they go out on that pitch, and that's important

 

I would say that for most of the fans, that is true. However, there appears to be quite a few on here who want Adkins sacked, regardless of the fact that they offer little in the way of intelligent suggestions as to the alternative candidates who are either able or willing to come here and take over and do a better job.

 

Perhaps the appearance is given that many wish Adkins gone because they are a minority, but a very vocal one. Maybe others who hold the contrary view don't post as often, because they are fed-up with being ridiculed and insulted whenever they dare to disagree with those who believe themselves to be always right, when often opinions by either side are based purely on rumour, or conjecture. You only have to look a few posts above this one to see the polarised views on the relationship between Adkins and Cortese, again all without foundation. It was the opinion of many of the doom and gloom brigade that Adkins would already have been sacked and it has not happened. Presumably these people are now disappointed that their prophecies or wishes have not come to fruition.

 

I still hold the opinion that Adkins deserves a chance to see whether he can turn things around and I believe that he can. But he shouldn't be undermined by supposed Saints fans clamouring for his head, especially if they don't have a credible replacement for him in mind.

[Turkish]

Thats fine, just so long as he completely understands hes all alone in carrying the can if it goes tits-up.

 

Im glad Nigel has finally had the balls to tell Cortese to wind his neck in and butt out of team affairs. I'm glad to see that if he's going to go, he gets carried out on his shield with his sword in hand rather than going down with a wimper. It might also get used to Cortese being told where to go by a new manager who wont stand for it. Good news allround.

[OldNick]

Im glad Nigel has finally had the balls to tell Cortese to wind his neck in and butt out of team affairs. I'm glad to see that if he's going to go, he gets carried out on his shield with his sword in hand rather than going down with a wimper. It might also get used to Cortese being told where to go by a new manager who wont stand for it. Good news allround.

where does it say that?

[The Kraken]

I would say that for most of the fans, that is true. However, there appears to be quite a few on here who want Adkins sacked, regardless of the fact that they offer little in the way of intelligent suggestions as to the alternative candidates who are either able or willing to come here and take over and do a better job.

 

Perhaps the appearance is given that many wish Adkins gone because they are a minority, but a very vocal one. Maybe others who hold the contrary view don't post as often, because they are fed-up with being ridiculed and insulted whenever they dare to disagree with those who believe themselves to be always right, when often opinions by either side are based purely on rumour, or conjecture. You only have to look a few posts above this one to see the polarised views on the relationship between Adkins and Cortese, again all without foundation. It was the opinion of many of the doom and gloom brigade that Adkins would already have been sacked and it has not happened. Presumably these people are now disappointed that their prophecies or wishes have not come to fruition.

 

I still hold the opinion that Adkins deserves a chance to see whether he can turn things around and I believe that he can. But he shouldn't be undermined by supposed Saints fans clamouring for his head, especially if they don't have a credible replacement for him in mind.

 

What a strange post. You seem to want to suppress the opinions of others who hold a contrary view to your own. "Supposed Saints fans" is a quite ridiculous and pompus assertion too.

[alpine_saint]

Nigel Adkins:-

 

 

I would say that for most of the fans, that is true. However, there appears to be quite a few on here who want Adkins sacked, regardless of the fact that they offer little in the way of intelligent suggestions as to the alternative candidates who are either able or willing to come here and take over and do a better job.

 

Perhaps the appearance is given that many wish Adkins gone because they are a minority, but a very vocal one. Maybe others who hold the contrary view don't post as often, because they are fed-up with being ridiculed and insulted whenever they dare to disagree with those who believe themselves to be always right, when often opinions by either side are based purely on rumour, or conjecture. You only have to look a few posts above this one to see the polarised views on the relationship between Adkins and Cortese, again all without foundation. It was the opinion of many of the doom and gloom brigade that Adkins would already have been sacked and it has not happened. Presumably these people are now disappointed that their prophecies or wishes have not come to fruition.

 

I still hold the opinion that Adkins deserves a chance to see whether he can turn things around and I believe that he can. But he shouldn't be undermined by supposed Saints fans clamouring for his head, especially if they don't have a credible replacement for him in mind.

 

Wes, I've frequently viewed you as a beacon of rationale on this site over the past few years, but this is garbage, mate.

 

Most of the very worst ridicule and abuse comes from the side that you currently view as the supportive side. I've been called all the names under the sun simply because I am "persistently negative" and "post less when we win"

 

Yes, as with all issues regarding Saints, the opinions become deeply polarised. Remember all the Lowe and Wilde stuff ? I cant see how that will be avoided.

 

Oh, and imo very few posters really want him sacked, its just many of us cant see him turning it round with the players available to him and his level of experience.

[shurlock]

Im glad Nigel has finally had the balls to tell Cortese to wind his neck in and butt out of team affairs. I'm glad to see that if he's going to go, he gets carried out on his shield with his sword in hand rather than going down with a wimper. It might also get used to Cortese being told where to go by a new manager who wont stand for it. Good news allround.

 

 

Even Alpine was sane enough to concede that this theory might be the product of a 'vivid imagination'