In the cold light of day...

[theyin]

Who's starting to think this could be a masterstroke from NC.

 

OK, it's despicable the way Nige was disposed of and it would've been better done at the end of a PL surviving season with a proper explanation from NC.

 

Shocked and saddened to see NA go like the 99.9% on here, but the more I read about this guy, the more I'm coming round.

 

Only time will tell of course but MP could really be the man to take us forward IMO and the likes of Abramovich could well be kicking themselves they didn't get in there themselves.

 

COYR

[Colinjb]

"Only time will tell."

[Red]

Ah, but will people admit they went OTT or were simply wrong, should that happen? I for one am not holding my breath!!

[for_heaven's_Saint]

"Only time will tell."

 

Whilst this is true, I do think the first marker will be our transfer activity between now and the end of January.

[SaintRobbie]

Who's starting to think this could be a masterstroke from NC.

 

OK, it's despicable the way Nige was disposed of and it would've been better done at the end of a PL surviving season with a proper explanation from NC.

 

Shocked and saddened to see NA go like the 99.9% on here, but the more I read about this guy, the more I'm coming round.

 

Only time will tell of course but MP could really be the man to take us forward IMO and the likes of Abramovich could well be kicking themselves they didn't get in there themselves.

 

COYR

 

Yep. Good post. What's more we have no choice, so we might as well celebrate Nigel and thank him and get behind the new guy. There's no time for division. It's time to move on to become the Barcelona of the South. And if Cortese fails to deliver with this action, then it'll be time to drum him out of the club. If he succeeds? I dont care what sort of **** he is, he'll get a beer off me if I meet him down the pub.

[Colinjb]

Ah, but will people admit they went OTT or were simply wrong, should that happen? I for one am not holding my breath!!

 

I agree.

 

One of the big positives that come up for me for Pochettino may be a greater international profile. Will that become immediately evident?

[aintforever]

There is a possibility that this guy turns out to be a real deal, it does appear he was up against it somewhat at Espanyol so he could have been a good manager in a bad situation. But he could also be an Argentinian Ian Dowie.

[Leslie Charteris]

Whatever the future holds for the club, this was a very, very shabby way to treat a decent, honourable and very successful manager. The whole episode has done a great deal of damage to SFC's reputation. If it was Cortese's avowed intention to appoint Pochettino, would it not have been possible to pay him a retainer and tell him to go away and watch the Premier League, study the squad and learn some English and then do the swap in, say, June.

 

IMHO, if this had happened, I think the fanbase would have reacted better, NA could have left with a little more dignity, the club would not get the slating it is now from journos, pundits and even SAF and NC would not look as big a tosspot as he does now. Pochettino would even have a little time to get to know the players and he might even have had some say in picking the first team!

[SNSUN]

Well simply this could go one of two ways. (Obviously, but there's more to it.)

 

We stay up, and it doesn't matter by how much. Pochettino has won some fans over, and has the summer to bond with fans, players, and build a team in his (well respected) image. He also starts the season able to speak fluid English.

 

or...

 

We get relegated. The media is right in saying we shouldn't have got rid of Adkins and we slump down the nPC after losing Lallana, Lambert, Rodriguez, Ramirez, Morgan, Shaw, Clyne and co. Pochettino is sacked, Cortese decides he's had enough and bails, and we're taken over by the fans who put the money they've saved from selling their season tickets together to buy the club. We end up back in League 1, but new chairman Alpine Saint apologises to Nigel Adkins for the way he'd been treated, and he agrees to take over the reigns again after being sacked by Chelsea. With limited finances, we're led to the nPC mainly by the form of Chaplow and Hoskins, and end up comfortably mid-table in the nPC. The fans are mostly happy at this predicament.

 

All jokes aside, I think we're in a prime position to stay up. Ignoring the way Adkins went, we have the same players, the same spirit, and the same points total. I also expect new signings to come in pre-deadline day.

[dubai_phil]

Have to agree with the OP. Also have to say it is one massive gamble right at this moment.

 

I would have preferred the "work on a retainer" concept, but then in the world of the PL how could you keep that quiet? Would it not have been even WORSE for Nigel to find out he was really a Dead Man walking?

 

IF he really is the real deal, someone's going to have to re-open that Stadium Expansion/CL plan thread again

 

Oh great

[hutch]

Well simply this could go one of two ways. (Obviously, but there's more to it.)

 

We stay up, and it doesn't matter by how much. Pochettino has won some fans over, and has the summer to bond with fans, players, and build a team in his (well respected) image. He also starts the season able to speak fluid English.

 

or...

 

We get relegated. The media is right in saying we shouldn't have got rid of Adkins and we slump down the nPC after losing Lallana, Lambert, Rodriguez, Ramirez, Morgan, Shaw, Clyne and co. Pochettino is sacked, Cortese decides he's had enough and bails, and we're taken over by the fans who put the money they've saved from selling their season tickets together to buy the club. We end up back in League 1, but new chairman Alpine Saint apologises to Nigel Adkins for the way he'd been treated, and he agrees to take over the reigns again after being sacked by Chelsea. With limited finances, we're led to the nPC mainly by the form of Chaplow and Hoskins, and end up comfortably mid-table in the nPC. The fans are mostly happy at this predicament.

 

All jokes aside, I think we're in a prime position to stay up. Ignoring the way Adkins went, we have the same players, the same spirit, and the same points total. I also expect new signings to come in pre-deadline day.

I'd rather be took some lessons in fluent English. You could join him

[CB Fry]

Well, his track record is amazing.

 

Two Europa Cup wins back to back.

 

Taking small unfancied La Liga club into the top three and the Champions League.

 

Fantastic reputation as one of Spains hottest managers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh. Sorry. That was Juande Ramos.

[egg]

His record in Spain was decent before his players were sold. His teams playing style was very good. There's no doubt he's got pedigree.

 

Language worries me though, a lot. Subject to that, this could be a very good (but appallingly executed) move.

[Shroppie]

His record in Spain was decent before his players were sold. His teams playing style was very good. There's no doubt he's got pedigree.

 

Language worries me though, a lot. Subject to that, this could be a very good (but appallingly executed) move.

 

His recent record was much worse than his replacement at Espanyol, with the same players.

 

I can see his style of playing was an attraction. Just hope he has the flexibility to deal with the different way teams play in the Prem.

[Eddie Lizzard]

Since Cortese has been at the helm there has been a JPT win and two promotions. The sacking of Pardew was a shock and caused protests. Some were concerned at Adkins' appointment and even now some fans don't rate him (which I can't beleive). I'm gutted that Nigel has gone, but this is just a part of Cortese's plan. Up to now he has had a great record. The facts speak for themselves. Remember, it could have been Micky Fialka at the helm!

 

Many of us were concerned on the day we defeated Coventry at the somewhat reserved handshake between Cortese and Adkins, and at Adkins' comments in a post match interview about when his time came to leave the club. Nigel was probably fully aware what was going happen.

 

Cortese has his plan and is carrying it out. As I said above, I'm gutted Nigel has gone, but who is to say Mauricio won't be an outstanding success. I'm sure the majority of us are upset that Nigel has gone and in the way it has happened, but the club's progress is all that matters to Cortese, and if we're honest, to us providing it's all above board.

 

I hope we don't perform like Chelsea fans have about Rafa against Everton. In front of the cameras it gives an easy chance for the media to stir up trouble for us.

 

Support Mauricio. The king is dead. Long live the king!

[scotsaintsfan]

Since Cortese has been at the helm there has been a JPT win and two promotions. The sacking of Pardew was a shock and caused protests. Some were concerned at Adkins' appointment and even now some fans don't rate him (which I can't beleive). I'm gutted that Nigel has gone, but this is just a part of Cortese's plan. Up to now he has had a great record. The facts speak for themselves. Remember, it could have been Micky Fialka at the helm!

 

Many of us were concerned on the day we defeated Coventry at the somewhat reserved handshake between Cortese and Adkins, and at Adkins' comments in a post match interview about when his time came to leave the club. Nigel was probably fully aware what was going happen.

 

Cortese has his plan and is carrying it out. As I said above, I'm gutted Nigel has gone, but who is to say Mauricio won't be an outstanding success. I'm sure the majority of us are upset that Nigel has gone and in the way it has happened, but the club's progress is all that matters to Cortese, and if we're honest, to us providing it's all above board.

 

I hope we don't perform like Chelsea fans have about Rafa against Everton. In front of the cameras it gives an easy chance for the media to stir up trouble for us.

 

Support Mauricio. The king is dead. Long live the king!

 

Could'nt agree more with this post, just got to accept the decision, support the new manager and move on. It might turn out to be the perfect managerial appointment you never know. Protesting isn't going to help matters either.

[SNSUN]

I'd rather be took some lessons in fluent English. You could join him

 

Eek! Well if I told you how much booze I'd had when I wrote that, you'd realise it was quite impressive! #smashedasanewt

[Nigel=God-Poyet=Sod]

I'm still ashamed. Still can't believe we have treated the man who brought so much to club, including a feel good factor in everyone and back-to-back promotions, like a piece of dirt on the floor. Not so much as a thanks from NC in his comments on the OS, just "whilst we acknowledge...'. Outrageous and what ever the outcome of this, the fact remains that NC has done it in such a dreadful way.

[Big Ron fan]

I'm still ashamed. Still can't believe we have treated the man who brought so much to club, including a feel good factor in everyone and back-to-back promotions, like a piece of dirt on the floor. Not so much as a thanks from NC in his comments on the OS, just "whilst we acknowledge...'. Outrageous and what ever the outcome of this, the fact remains that NC has done it in such a dreadful way.

 

Hear! Hear!

 

I still think this change has "disaster" written all over it. I wasn't unhappy when Pardew went, but this situation is very different.

[krissyboy31]

Truth is it's a harsh and unpopular decision but nobody knows if it was the right one. Only time will tell! It could be start of an exciting new era but as others have said, it could be a disaster. I hope NC is proved right for the clubs sake but I am sceptical.

[Lallana's Left Peg]

Whilst this is true' date=' I do think the first marker will be our transfer activity between now and the end of January.[/quote']

 

I am not sure that is a good marker to use in this case. I'm far more interested to see how Pochettino goes about his job with his team selection and formation than any player the club buys in the next two weeks. I want to see how adaptable he is either with respect to slowly changes things to how he wants them or if his way of playing can be instantly used with enough success to keep us up this season.

 

That he has been studying us for weeks is both disgusting and perhaps potentially a little comforting at the same time.

[Glasgow_Saint]

I'm still ashamed. Still can't believe we have treated the man who brought so much to club, including a feel good factor in everyone and back-to-back promotions, like a piece of dirt on the floor. Not so much as a thanks from NC in his comments on the OS, just "whilst we acknowledge...'. Outrageous and what ever the outcome of this, the fact remains that NC has done it in such a dreadful way.

 

Like

[Glasgow_Saint]

I think NC was getting upset as Nigel was getting all the credit for Southamptons recent success........ Simple as that

 

 

Maybe we just need more Nicola songs to keep his ego ticking

[Ewell]

Maybe we just need more Nicola songs to keep his ego ticking

 

I am pretty sure he may get a couple of songs sung tomorrow night especially if we lose the game.

[SaintBobby]

I'm a bit more sanguine about the whole thing after a couple of days to reflect.

 

Maybe 15th was the highest NA could ever get us to...

[Puddings and Monkeys]

I'm a bit more sanguine about the whole thing after a couple of days to reflect.

 

Maybe 15th was the highest NA could ever get us to...

 

Agree. And more importantly, so does Cortese.

[Roger]

Agree. And more importantly, so does Cortese.

 

First season back because of Adkins and heading upwards rapidly. What do you expect champions league?

[paulwantsapint]

Sacking Nigel Adkins was extreamly harsh

But Cortese must have looked at the problems between Pardew going & Adkins arriving & decided to have his new man lined up similar to loyal Stuart Gray leaving & WGS instant appointment

 

Biggest test for NC is what new signings arrive before Wigan

[Dangermouth]

Been watching videos of his old team.

 

They look like Wigan. And play like them, too.

[david in sweden]

Who's starting to think this could be a masterstroke from NC.

OK, it's despicable the way Nige was disposed of and it would've been better done at the end of a PL surviving season with a proper explanation from NC.

Shocked and saddened to see NA go like the 99.9% on here, but the more I read about this guy, the more I'm coming round.

Only time will tell of course but MP could really be the man to take us forward IMO and the likes of Abramovich could well be kicking themselves they didn't get in there themselves. COYR

 

Nigel is such a likeable guy, and I think most fans would have been content to keep him on - even if we had been relegated...but Nicola Cortese is a man with a vision (as quoted) and he doesn't want a well-meaning, half-hearted approach that might need a relegation and another promotion to achieve it. Now he's in the Prem. he intends to stay....only time will tell if he's made the correct decision.

 

However, it has to be said that the " shock " of moving from L1 to the Prem. in only 2 seasons surprised fans ..and players, and that we weren't prepared. I certainly wanted a new keeper in pre-season.

It may have sounded " crude / rude / impolite " as reported , but indeed we have seen that Cortese's summer comments about " not good enough for the Prem " seem to be about right.

 

We started with out a very young side, and without a single player with real Prem experience and although a handful have acquited themselves well..but how many would be considered good enough for a move to ANOTHER Prem side (except Shaw of course)....not many.

The idea of having a 25 squad is ridiculous, as not much more than half a dozen are anywhere near good enough...the rest are only there to make up the numbers.

 

I'm still disappointed at the manner of Adkins' dismissal, but in the long run - Cortese may be right - AGAIN !

Edited 20 January, 2013 by david in sweden

[scotty]

Well simply this could go one of two ways. (Obviously, but there's more to it.)

 

We stay up, and it doesn't matter by how much. Pochettino has won some fans over, and has the summer to bond with fans, players, and build a team in his (well respected) image. He also starts the season able to speak fluid English.

 

or...

 

We get relegated. The media is right in saying we shouldn't have got rid of Adkins and we slump down the nPC after losing Lallana, Lambert, Rodriguez, Ramirez, Morgan, Shaw, Clyne and co. Pochettino is sacked, Cortese decides he's had enough and bails, and we're taken over by the fans who put the money they've saved from selling their season tickets together to buy the club. We end up back in League 1, but new chairman Alpine Saint apologises to Nigel Adkins for the way he'd been treated, and he agrees to take over the reigns again after being sacked by Chelsea. With limited finances, we're led to the nPC mainly by the form of Chaplow and Hoskins, and end up comfortably mid-table in the nPC. The fans are mostly happy at this predicament.

 

All jokes aside, I think we're in a prime position to stay up. Ignoring the way Adkins went, we have the same players, the same spirit, and the same points total. I also expect new signings to come in pre-deadline day.

 

 

Very good.

[View From The Top]

I'm still ashamed. Still can't believe we have treated the man who brought so much to club, including a feel good factor in everyone and back-to-back promotions, like a piece of dirt on the floor. Not so much as a thanks from NC in his comments on the OS, just "whilst we acknowledge...'. Outrageous and what ever the outcome of this, the fact remains that NC has done it in such a dreadful way.

 

+1.

[View From The Top]

I'm of the opinion that those fans that stuck with Saints during the L1 years, you know, the ones that showed loyalty by attending games, don't just want to "move on" and those who believe solely in winning and being in the PL is the most important thing have adopted the "king is dead" approach.

[Thedelldays]

I'm of the opinion that those fans that stuck with Saints during the L1 years, you know, the ones that showed loyalty by attending games, don't just want to "move on" and those who believe solely in winning and being in the PL is the most important thing have adopted the "king is dead" approach.

agree...but looking at the pardew sacked thread...it was a very similar response....yet no one cares about him anymore..infact, many laugh at him (and newcastle)....pards won us a wembley trophy..so not too shabby

[Sheaf Saint]

I'm of the opinion that those fans that stuck with Saints during the L1 years, you know, the ones that showed loyalty by attending games, don't just want to "move on" and those who believe solely in winning and being in the PL is the most important thing have adopted the "king is dead" approach.

 

I agree with you. I'm not so naive as to believe that football is exempt from ruthless business decisions, but this whole episode is one step too far for me. I don't want to support a club that has a 'win at all costs' attitude. Look how that worked out for our fishy friends down the road. Winning isn't everything, and Cortese's delusions of grandeur (challenging the top six and getting into the CL) will only ever end badly for everyone.

[View From The Top]

agree...but looking at the pardew sacked thread...it was a very similar response....yet no one cares about him anymore..infact, many laugh at him (and newcastle)....pards won us a wembley trophy..so not too shabby

 

Perhaps many of us feel differently (from the Pardew sacking) as Adkins is such a decent human being and rekindled our enthusiasm and love for Saints. He did for me.

[Thedelldays]

Perhaps many of us feel differently (from the Pardew sacking) as Adkins is such a decent human being and rekindled our enthusiasm and love for Saints. He did for me.

that is fair enough....be interesting to see how adkins gets on at another similar size club...whether he recreates top 2 NPC/bottom half prem side....

or were we "his club".....at that level if you get me..

 

I hope he avoids the blackpool job as I cant see him reproducing his magic there at all....on the way down, running out of parachute payments and good players..where at ours, money was not an issue and he could only sign players that would improve the squad whilst only letting one good one go (oxo)

[SaintRichmond]

Yep. Good post. What's more we have no choice, so we might as well celebrate Nigel and thank him and get behind the new guy. There's no time for division. It's time to move on to become the Barcelona of the South. And if Cortese fails to deliver with this action, then it'll be time to drum him out of the club. If he succeeds? I dont care what sort of **** he is, he'll get a beer off me if I meet him down the pub.

 

 

And how exactly would you plan to do that ???

 

The Club is NOY "ours". It is owned by the Leibherr's, and "RUN" by Cortese

 

In that sense it is a privately owned Business

 

Do you honestly think Cortese has, does, or will, take notice of US ??

 

Every decision he has or will make will be a BUSINESS decision, and when HE (Leibherrs) feel the time is right, they will sell the Business, but not before he thinks it is time

[SaintRichmond]

There is a possibility that this guy turns out to be a real deal, it does appear he was up against it somewhat at Espanyol so he could have been a good manager in a bad situation. But he could also be an Argentinian Ian Dowie.

 

No ..... I think Dowie shades it with his good lloks ...

[Sour Mash]

I'm of the opinion that those fans that stuck with Saints during the L1 years, you know, the ones that showed loyalty by attending games, don't just want to "move on" and those who believe solely in winning and being in the PL is the most important thing have adopted the "king is dead" approach.

 

Perhaps many of us feel differently (from the Pardew sacking) as Adkins is such a decent human being and rekindled our enthusiasm and love for Saints. He did for me.

Sums up the whole situation pretty well for me.

[sotonist]

And how exactly would you plan to do that ???

Drums.

[Bourne Valley Saint]

Cortese has a background in banking (that is meant to be a "b") so someone please explain to me how he has such foresight in the footballing world that he can tell that Nigel Adkins could not take us any further?!! He's been at the club a little over three years whilst many of us on here have been watching Saints for years and thought Nige was doing ok. What knowledge (no - not money) does he possess to make such a decision on football matters? Who is advising him if anyone? Some of you on here state that he's done ok so far (he got rid of AP for allegedly non-football reasons) so trust him but what football knowledge does he actually have? Do you trust this new managerial appointment to deliver something that is better than what we had? Serious question.

[Whitey Grandad]

Cortese has a background in banking (that is meant to be a "b") so someone please explain to me how he has such foresight in the footballing world that he can tell that Nigel Adkins could not take us any further?!! He's been at the club a little over three years whilst many of us on here have been watching Saints for years and thought Nige was doing ok. What knowledge (no - not money) does he possess to make such a decision on football matters? Who is advising him if anyone? Some of you on here state that he's done ok so far (he got rid of AP for allegedly non-football reasons) so trust him but what football knowledge does he actually have? Do you trust this new managerial appointment to deliver something that is better than what we had? Serious question.

 

My thoughts too. I would have to say that it's very unlikely that he has such knowledge. There again, he could just be an egotistical megalomaniac with no understanding of football at the upper levels.

[UpweySaint]

Maybe some of us don't care if we appointed Pep. No problems with the new manager and no idea how he'l perform ... its the hows and whys that make me ashamed of what NC has done to OUR club. (Yeah fine it's his business but a football club, this football club, is more then that).

[red&white56]

Even if this turns out to be the best appointment ever I still am disgusted by the way the club has treated Nigel.

 

No amount of success will ever erase the shame I feel at the way Nigel was dismissed.

 

Success should not be bought at the expense of core values; respect, loyalty being 2 I think of in this situation - if it is then I may as well support Portsmouth who won the FA cup by compromising their core values .................

[Ohio Saint]

Once all the wailing and gnashing of teeth has subsided I think the Don will have pulled it off again.

 

I don't like it, I don't enjoy it, but I think it may well be the case.

 

I'm only saying it now so that I can have proof that I thought this when all the "I told you so" threads appear a couple of years from now when we are in the top 5.

 

I still wish we were a "Heart" team instead of a "Cash" team though.

[alpine_saint]

Once all the wailing and gnashing of teeth has subsided I think the Don will have pulled it off again.

 

Ooo-er...

[positivepete]

Since Cortese has been at the helm there has been a JPT win and two promotions. The sacking of Pardew was a shock and caused protests. Some were concerned at Adkins' appointment and even now some fans don't rate him (which I can't beleive). I'm gutted that Nigel has gone, but this is just a part of Cortese's plan. Up to now he has had a great record. The facts speak for themselves. Remember, it could have been Micky Fialka at the helm!

 

Many of us were concerned on the day we defeated Coventry at the somewhat reserved handshake between Cortese and Adkins, and at Adkins' comments in a post match interview about when his time came to leave the club. Nigel was probably fully aware what was going happen.

 

Cortese has his plan and is carrying it out. As I said above, I'm gutted Nigel has gone, but who is to say Mauricio won't be an outstanding success. I'm sure the majority of us are upset that Nigel has gone and in the way it has happened, but the club's progress is all that matters to Cortese, and if we're honest, to us providing it's all above board.

 

I hope we don't perform like Chelsea fans have about Rafa against Everton. In front of the cameras it gives an easy chance for the media to stir up trouble for us.

 

Support Mauricio. The king is dead. Long live the king!

 

Well put. It is Cortese's gamble, he has been correct so far with his decisions, but if he gets it wrong he will have to face the consequences from the owners.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Only Cortese knows the answer however

Take the time to make some sense

Of what you want to say

And cast your words away upon the waves

Bring them back with Acquiesce

On a ship of hope today

And as they fall upon the shore

Tell them not to fear no more

Say it loud and sing it proud

And they...

 

Will dance if they want to dance

Please brother take a chance

You know they're gonna go

Which way they wanna go

All we know is that we don't know

What is gonna be

Please brother let it be

Life on the other hand won't let you understand

Why we're all part of the masterplan

 

I'm not saying right is wrong

It's up to us to make

The best of all things that come our way

And all the things that came have past

The answer's in the looking glass

There's four and twenty million doors

Down life's endless corridor

Say it loud and sing it proud

And they...

 

Will dance if they want to dance

Please brother take a chance

You know they're gonna go

Which way they wanna go

All we know is that we don't know

What is gonna be

Please brother let it be

Life on the other hand won't let you understand

Why we're all part of the masterplan

[Saint Fan CaM]

So many jumping to conclusions - nobody but Adkins and Cortese knows the truth about how Adkins was 'treated'. Sure, he lost his job - he probably didn't want to lose it (or perhaps he did - who knows?) - but the circumstances were more than likely professional. And on reflection I reckon Nigel will be looking back on the last two years thinking "what a great springboard that SFC job was!".