FdB, Emery and any other good European coach.

[Pilchards]

Okay we are going to lose Koeman but me as a fan of Saints does not know much about FdB, Emery and perhaps any other top European coach we might attract.

 

Does anyone have any knowledge to lift the fans this evening?

 

Emery -

 

FdB -

[alpine_saint]

I was thinking as I got my two little ones settled for bed, about who our Slaven Billic is.

 

Someone who played for us, has the affection for the club, and has done alright at club mgmt or national team mgmt level.

 

I came up blank. Marian Pahars doenst have enough experience.

Edited 4 June, 2016 by alpine_saint

[stknowle]

Okay we are going to lose Koeman but me as a fan of Saints does not know much about FdB, Emery and perhaps any other top European coach we might attract.

 

Does anyone have any knowledge to lift the fans this evening?

 

Emery -

 

FdB -

 

I have followed Emery's career closely, and am happy to provide a few snippets:

 

Born in Hondarribia, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Emery was a youth graduate of Real Sociedad, but never really broke into the first team (aged 24 he appeared in five La Liga games, scoring against Albacete Balompié in an 8–1 home win[1]). After that, he resumed his career mostly in Segunda División.

 

Emery retired with Lorca Deportiva CF at the age of 32, after one season in Segunda División B.

 

Managerial career[edit]

Lorca and Almería[edit]

As he was seriously injured in the knee while at Lorca in the 2004–05 season, Emery was offered the vacant manager position by the club president, and immediately helped it achieve promotion to the second division for the first time in its history,[2] while beating top level side Málaga CF in the Copa del Rey.

 

In his second season, the Murcian club's first ever in the second level, the team finished fifth with 69 points, only five points off promotion to the top flight.[3] It suffered relegation the following campaign, after the manager's departure.

 

Emery then moved to UD Almería in division two,[4] and again helped his squads overachieve: after guiding to a first ever promotion in 2007,[5] the Andalusian side finished eighth in the following campaign.[6] This prompted a move to Valencia CF, as he succeeded Ronald Koeman.[7]

 

Valencia[edit]

In his first season with the Che, Emery led them to a sixth place-finish, with the subsequent qualification to the UEFA Europa League, in spite of the club's serious financial problems. He led his team to the round-of-32 in the UEFA Cup, a 3–3 aggregate loss against FC Dynamo Kyiv, and the quarter-finals of the domestic cup, exiting against Sevilla FC.

 

In 2009–10 Emery led Valencia to the third place, with the club returning to the UEFA Champions League after two years. In the season's Europa League the team lost in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Atlético Madrid, on the away goals rule, and exited in the round-of-16 in the Spanish cup against Deportivo de La Coruña, losing 3–4 on aggregate; in May 2010, he renewed his contract for another year.[8]

 

The 2010–11 season started without David Villa and David Silva, sold to FC Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. Still, Emery managed to win five out of the first six league games (one draw), starting the Champions League campaign with a 4–0 win in Turkey against Bursaspor, a competition in which Valencia was eliminated in the round-of-16 by FC Schalke 04, being ousted in the same stage in the Spanish Cup by Villarreal CF. In the domestic league the team finished third, thus again qualifying to the Champions League.

 

Emery left the club in June 2012, after repeating the league position.[9]

 

Spartak Moscow[edit]

On 13 May 2012, Leonid Fedun, owner of Russian team FC Spartak Moscow, announced Emery as club coach for the following two seasons.[10] On 25 November he was sacked after a run of poor results, the last a 1–5 derby home loss against FC Dynamo Moscow.[11]

 

Sevilla[edit]

 

Emery with Sevilla in 2015

Emery returned to his country on 14 January 2013, replacing sacked Míchel at the helm of Sevilla.[12] He led the club to the fifth position in his first full season and, on 14 May 2014, also won the Europa League after defeating S.L. Benfica on penalties.[13]

 

After finishing the 2014–15 campaign in fifth place, one point behind former club Valencia, Emery again won the Europa League after defeating FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk,[14] thus qualifying for the following Champions League.[15] The victory meant that Sevilla became the most successful club in the history of the UEFA Cup/Europa League, with four trophies,[16] and he signed a one-year contract extension on 5 June 2015 which kept him at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium until 2017, after reported interest from West Ham United and S.S.C. Napoli.[17]

 

In 2015–16, Emery led Sevilla to the seventh position, having played the last games in the domestic league with several reserves and youth team players after the team confirmed their presence in the Europa League final.[18][19] On 18 May 2016, after trailing 0–1 at half-time, one goal from Kévin Gameiro and a brace from Coke resulted in a 3–1 triumph against Liverpool at St. Jakob-Park.[20]

 

Personal life[edit]

Emery's father and grandfather, respectively named Juan and Antonio, were also footballers, both in the goalkeeper position. The former appeared for several clubs in the second tier, whilst the latter competed with Real Unión in the top level;[2][21][22] his uncle, Román, played as a midfielder.[23][24]

[Pilchards]

I was thinking as I got my two little ones settled for bed, about who our Slaven Billic is.

 

Someone who played for us, has the affection for the club, and has done alright at club mgmt or national team mgmt level.

 

I came up blank. Marion Pahars doenst have enough experience.

 

We certainly don't have one unless Matty and Benali were coaching a successful team.

[Saint-Armstrong]

Nice little watch if you wanted to learn more about Unai Emery.

 

[Essruu]

I was thinking as I got my two little ones settled for bed, about who our Slaven Billic is.

 

Someone who played for us, has the affection for the club, and has done alright at club mgmt or national team mgmt level.

 

I came up blank. Marian Pahars doenst have enough experience.

 

I wouldn't want Sicknote Pahars.

 

Maybe we could tempt Ivan Golac out of retirement though...

[S-Clarke]

Emery is the 'name' among European fans at the moment, he's managed to get a decent Sevilla side to win 3 Europa Leagues in a row - they're now the most successful club in EL history. They've retained their La Liga form and finish in and around the top 6.

 

He's had a good team at his disposal, but he's had to deal with losing a lot of players - Sevilla, as a club, are similar to ourselves in that respect. They've lost the likes of Rakatic to Barca, Moreno, Navas over the last 2 or 3 years. But they have always replaced well, Kevin Gamiero came to the fore this year after Bacca's sale - and he has been excellent, and is another one likely to leave this year. So they have a high turnover, but a structure which allows them to replace sensibly and cleverly. I think they've just lost Banega to Inter as well. Funnily enough, Emry was the Valencia coach for a period - and replaced Ronald Koeman after he was sacked.

 

FdB has been very successful in Holland, he won 4 titles in a row, lots of European experience and obviously has the pedigree as a player. He has done well with young players and nurtured some of the new Ajax starts who are coming through, his name was linked to a host of big clubs a few years back, but he stuck at Ajax and he's now a free agent.

 

Both would be very good appointments and if we're looking for managers with experience in European football, then I'd imagine they'd be at the top of any list.

[shurlock]

Maybe the dutch boys can help out -who do they rate higher: De Boer or Cocu?

[Suhari]

Sitting having a pint in my local.

 

Just struck me how it's not long ago we were wondering who might be better than Wotte and Porterloo.

 

Now we're can seriously think about the likes of FdB, Emery etc.

 

Cheers Markus! And you Kat.

 

#wemarchon

[Saint-Armstrong]

Liverpool Echo report that Emery has a €2m buy-out clause if we do want to sign him up...

 

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-waiting-emery-buyout-clause-11410241

[Nolan]

well we're just about to get an unexpected €4m. so the option may be there.

[VectisSaint]

I have followed Emery's career closely, and am happy to provide a few snippets:

 

Born in Hondarribia, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Emery was a youth graduate of Real Sociedad, but never really broke into the first team (aged 24 he appeared in five La Liga games, scoring against Albacete Balompié in an 8–1 home win[1]). After that, he resumed his career mostly in Segunda División.

 

Emery retired with Lorca Deportiva CF at the age of 32, after one season in Segunda División B.

 

Managerial career[edit]

Lorca and Almería[edit]

As he was seriously injured in the knee while at Lorca in the 2004–05 season, Emery was offered the vacant manager position by the club president, and immediately helped it achieve promotion to the second division for the first time in its history,[2] while beating top level side Málaga CF in the Copa del Rey.

 

In his second season, the Murcian club's first ever in the second level, the team finished fifth with 69 points, only five points off promotion to the top flight.[3] It suffered relegation the following campaign, after the manager's departure.

 

Emery then moved to UD Almería in division two,[4] and again helped his squads overachieve: after guiding to a first ever promotion in 2007,[5] the Andalusian side finished eighth in the following campaign.[6] This prompted a move to Valencia CF, as he succeeded Ronald Koeman.[7]

 

Valencia[edit]

In his first season with the Che, Emery led them to a sixth place-finish, with the subsequent qualification to the UEFA Europa League, in spite of the club's serious financial problems. He led his team to the round-of-32 in the UEFA Cup, a 3–3 aggregate loss against FC Dynamo Kyiv, and the quarter-finals of the domestic cup, exiting against Sevilla FC.

 

In 2009–10 Emery led Valencia to the third place, with the club returning to the UEFA Champions League after two years. In the season's Europa League the team lost in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Atlético Madrid, on the away goals rule, and exited in the round-of-16 in the Spanish cup against Deportivo de La Coruña, losing 3–4 on aggregate; in May 2010, he renewed his contract for another year.[8]

 

The 2010–11 season started without David Villa and David Silva, sold to FC Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. Still, Emery managed to win five out of the first six league games (one draw), starting the Champions League campaign with a 4–0 win in Turkey against Bursaspor, a competition in which Valencia was eliminated in the round-of-16 by FC Schalke 04, being ousted in the same stage in the Spanish Cup by Villarreal CF. In the domestic league the team finished third, thus again qualifying to the Champions League.

 

Emery left the club in June 2012, after repeating the league position.[9]

 

Spartak Moscow[edit]

On 13 May 2012, Leonid Fedun, owner of Russian team FC Spartak Moscow, announced Emery as club coach for the following two seasons.[10] On 25 November he was sacked after a run of poor results, the last a 1–5 derby home loss against FC Dynamo Moscow.[11]

 

Sevilla[edit]

 

Emery with Sevilla in 2015

Emery returned to his country on 14 January 2013, replacing sacked Míchel at the helm of Sevilla.[12] He led the club to the fifth position in his first full season and, on 14 May 2014, also won the Europa League after defeating S.L. Benfica on penalties.[13]

 

After finishing the 2014–15 campaign in fifth place, one point behind former club Valencia, Emery again won the Europa League after defeating FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk,[14] thus qualifying for the following Champions League.[15] The victory meant that Sevilla became the most successful club in the history of the UEFA Cup/Europa League, with four trophies,[16] and he signed a one-year contract extension on 5 June 2015 which kept him at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium until 2017, after reported interest from West Ham United and S.S.C. Napoli.[17]

 

In 2015–16, Emery led Sevilla to the seventh position, having played the last games in the domestic league with several reserves and youth team players after the team confirmed their presence in the Europa League final.[18][19] On 18 May 2016, after trailing 0–1 at half-time, one goal from Kévin Gameiro and a brace from Coke resulted in a 3–1 triumph against Liverpool at St. Jakob-Park.[20]

 

Personal life[edit]

Emery's father and grandfather, respectively named Juan and Antonio, were also footballers, both in the goalkeeper position. The former appeared for several clubs in the second tier, whilst the latter competed with Real Unión in the top level;[2][21][22] his uncle, Román, played as a midfielder.[23][24]

 

Thank you Mr Wiki. You probably ought to add a link to the Commons Licence for this. :-)

[simo]

So the compo for Ron would pay for Emery's buy out clause and a bit of change to pay him a touch more than we were offering Ron?

[CB Fry]

Emery seems ludicrously out of reach and at absolute best coming to Saints would be sideways move, even with us being close to the New Forest and stuff.

 

No doubt we'd probably pay him more, but I can't think of any manager these days that would take on such pointless pathetic sideways move just the effing money.

[SuperSAINT]

About to do some reading on Emery:

 

http://outsideoftheboot.com/2015/07/23/tactical-philosophy-unai-emery/

[Convict Colony]

About to do some reading on Emery:

 

http://outsideoftheboot.com/2015/07/23/tactical-philosophy-unai-emery/

 

Great article thanks bro

[doddisalegend]

Emery seems ludicrously out of reach and at absolute best coming to Saints would be sideways move, even with us being close to the New Forest and stuff.

 

No doubt we'd probably pay him more, but I can't think of any manager these days that would take on such pointless pathetic sideways move just the effing money.

 

It's alright we can cover that little hypocrisy up by pointing out the challenge of managing in a league in a new country is always a draw...

[Batman]

As just read on another page

 

We are like a cow on steroids. We keep getting milk but continue to get bigger

[chuma]

Emery is a decent shout, as is De Boer, with De Boer maintaining Koeman's 433 if he got the job, so it wouldn't rock the tactical boat, so to speak.

 

Pelllegrini has worked well with similar teams like Villareal and Malaga, especially Malaga where his top talent were poached when financial trouble hit.

 

PSG are talking to Emery though, so why not go for the man he's supposed to replace, Laurent Blanc. Speaks English, has played in the EPL, so he knows what it's all about.

 

OR if we all want to get on a wild ride, El Loco Bielsa

[SuperSAINT]

Great article thanks bro

 

One more: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11834/10285909/sevillas-secrets-to-repeated-europa-league-success-analysed

[Cabrone]

All I know about this Emery guy is that his team gave 'Pool an absolute footballing lesson a couple of weeks ago. A very impressive 2nd half display.

 

If he could do something like that for us he'd be a top signing.

 

Normally I'd think it was out of the question but if he was interested in the Everton job then why not us and being as we are the best currently available entry into the prem you never know.

 

Seems that the prem is flavour of the month as far as managers go at the moment so maybe we could tempt him, TBH I never thought we'd get big Ron and we landed him so you never know.

 

Could be a fun run in the Europa.

 

[DrZuess1979 the 2nd]

As just read on another page

We are like a cow on steroids. We keep getting milk but continue to get bigger

 

Lol, saying of the day

[Patrick Bateman]

De Boer still for me - although there is a LOT of quality out there. I like his playing pedigree, he was another awesome defender to watch and his management credentials have so far put Koeman's to shame, despite being considerably younger!

 

But there are many I wouldn't object to.

[Restark19]

Normally I'd think it was out of the question but if he was interested in the Everton job then why not us and being as we are the best currently available entry into the prem you never know.

 

Didn't you hear? Everton are a much, much bigger club than us. Despite having an inferior squad, league position and youth academy; They have the most important thing in football - HISTORY.

[bt95]

It would be ironic if you lot got Emery, simply because it would send some Evertonians into the loony bin I think!

 

Apparently, he turned our offer down - though that did coincide with reported interest from PSG. Koeman was always first choice, but there was at one point a straight toss-up between him and Emery. RK came back to Everton when he found that out, I do believe.

 

Whoever you get, though, will be a good manager.

 

I've seen rumours of Eddie Howe, although tbh I think you'll aim higher than that? FDB would seem logical - or as logical as it did for Everton anyway.

[Whitey Grandad]

Didn't you hear? Everton are a much, much bigger club than us. Despite having an inferior squad, league position and youth academy; They have the most important thing in football - HISTORY.

 

That's the thing about history, it's all in the past.

[OldNick]

Considering Everton have been in the top league the longest alongside Arsenal , pound for pound they must be underachievers as they have had many more goes at winning the top title more than the rest

[brett24]

If we get Moyes that would be an awful appointment, I would have a meltdown and think the players would defo be on there way out then.

[Restark19]

If we get Moyes that would be an awful appointment, I would have a meltdown and think the players would defo be on there way out then.

 

Yep, of those Guan mentioned he's the worst option. Would honestly prefer Howe, at least he's a young progressive manager.

[bt95]

Didn't you hear? Everton are a much, much bigger club than us. Despite having an inferior squad, league position and youth academy; They have the most important thing in football - HISTORY.

 

We are a bigger club. On everything you gauge a bigger club on...

 

However, the current situation of the club's differs.

 

I wouldn't say the squad is inferior at all, just underperforming. Would you say Liverpool's squad is inferior, or Chelsea's, just because they finished below you?

 

Youth academy - you have a fantastic academy that has produced some brilliant players. However, of this current crop, only three to me seem to be good enough to make the step up (and none are 'superstars') - Ward-Prowse (very good player), Reed (looks decent), Targett (defensively raw but looks to have all the right attributes). I;m sure there'll be more that i'm unaware of and you will be able to fill me in?

 

Everton have recently produced an England regular in Barkley. For all the stick he gets, he's scored 14 goals and got 12 assists this season, despite being crap from March onwards. There's also some very promising prospects (and they're just that) coming through - Dowell, Davies, Browning and Pennington to name a few, and there's players we've signed but then developed (e.g. Stones, Holgate, Garbutt). So to belittle the academy is ridiculous. In fact, I'd say they are very similar in set-up. The fact that the best two British players of the last decade or so (Rooney and Bale) came from the two academies says a lot? We aren't a Liverpool, or Newcastle, who barely produce a thing, so stop acting like it.

 

Sotton are a good club, but this bitterness is so strange. You have finished above Everton twice in your history as a club? Twice. in the last two seasons.

 

Objectively speaking, as I've said before on this forum (and got slated for though I can understand why as that seems to be the default reaction from any fanbase) I can see why the RK move could be viewed as a side-ways step. But think about it - he's getting paid (rightly or wrongly) a lot more, he's been promised a 'bigger' budget and, with the fact that there are three other huge managers now in the same area, you can certainly see the attraction.

 

Also, before even more hate gets directed at Everton, I can confirm (and this is solid info from the person who has been the most up to date (actually, ahead of the press) throughout this entire process) that Sotton gave Everton permission to speak to RK at the end of the season. We opened discussions through the club, and there was no trickery or tapping up. Initially, it seemed Koeman was happy to remain at Saints, but something happened (most likely we switched our attention to Emery) to change his mind - he basically didn't want to miss out. We didn't up our initial offer or anything, the first offer (at the end of the season) was the same as it is right now.

[Saint Charlie]

Yep, of those Guan mentioned he's the worst option. Would honestly prefer Howe, at least he's a young progressive manager.

Agree. Moyes would be a backward step. For that reason I doubt he will be picked. Only real bonus with him (from clubs point of view) is he is out of work.

 

The time of dour Scottish Managers has been and gone.

[Stu Man Do]

We are a bigger club. On everything you gauge a bigger club on...

 

However, the current situation of the club's differs.

 

I wouldn't say the squad is inferior at all, just underperforming. Would you say Liverpool's squad is inferior, or Chelsea's, just because they finished below you?

 

Youth academy - you have a fantastic academy that has produced some brilliant players. However, of this current crop, only three to me seem to be good enough to make the step up (and none are 'superstars') - Ward-Prowse (very good player), Reed (looks decent), Targett (defensively raw but looks to have all the right attributes). I;m sure there'll be more that i'm unaware of and you will be able to fill me in?

 

Everton have recently produced an England regular in Barkley. For all the stick he gets, he's scored 14 goals and got 12 assists this season, despite being crap from March onwards. There's also some very promising prospects (and they're just that) coming through - Dowell, Davies, Browning and Pennington to name a few, and there's players we've signed but then developed (e.g. Stones, Holgate, Garbutt). So to belittle the academy is ridiculous. In fact, I'd say they are very similar in set-up. The fact that the best two British players of the last decade or so (Rooney and Bale) came from the two academies says a lot? We aren't a Liverpool, or Newcastle, who barely produce a thing, so stop acting like it.

 

Sotton are a good club, but this bitterness is so strange. You have finished above Everton twice in your history as a club? Twice. in the last two seasons.

 

Objectively speaking, as I've said before on this forum (and got slated for though I can understand why as that seems to be the default reaction from any fanbase) I can see why the RK move could be viewed as a side-ways step. But think about it - he's getting paid (rightly or wrongly) a lot more, he's been promised a 'bigger' budget and, with the fact that there are three other huge managers now in the same area, you can certainly see the attraction.

 

Also, before even more hate gets directed at Everton, I can confirm (and this is solid info from the person who has been the most up to date (actually, ahead of the press) throughout this entire process) that Sotton gave Everton permission to speak to RK at the end of the season. We opened discussions through the club, and there was no trickery or tapping up. Initially, it seemed Koeman was happy to remain at Saints, but something happened (most likely we switched our attention to Emery) to change his mind - he basically didn't want to miss out. We didn't up our initial offer or anything, the first offer (at the end of the season) was the same as it is right now.

 

Just for your information ... Saints have finished above Everton more than twice and at least 2 other seasons since the prem started you finished a massive one points above us. A little point perhaps but for all of Evertons obvious History you lot haven't exactly been a powerhouse since the premier league began. Only as good as your last result as they say and at last count we finished what? 15 points plus ahead of you despite the fact you have this supposedly better team, squad etc Anyways best wishes with Ron at least you know if he gets a better offer he'll leave you as well. football has zero integrity nowadays ey.

[View From The Top]

Sotton are a good club, but this bitterness is so strange. You have finished above Everton twice in your history as a club? Twice. in the last two seasons.

 

 

That is utter boll_ocks.

[Saint Garrett]

Bear in mind this guy is probably 20/21 as the username is 95

[Dark Munster]

That is utter boll_ocks.

Not if you take out the period: Twice in the last two seasons.

[nta786]

Bear in mind this guy is probably 20/21 as the username is 95

 

or they won the FA cup in 95, and his only memory it.

for such a big big club, the sleeping giants as they say, you'd have expected league titles in 30 years, not just that fa cup in 95.

[DuncanRG]

Sotton are a good club, but this bitterness is so strange. You have finished above Everton twice in your history as a club? Twice. in the last two seasons.

 

You must be annoyed Liverpool took credit for your 1984 title win!

[CB Fry]

Koeman on course to basically be the Dutch Mike Walker at Everton.

[buctootim]

I preferred FdB when Koeman was appointed. Maybe second time around now. Emery is a bit more of a risk imo.

[bt95]

Just for your information ... Saints have finished above Everton more than twice and at least 2 other seasons since the prem started you finished a massive one points above us. A little point perhaps but for all of Evertons obvious History you lot haven't exactly been a powerhouse since the premier league began. Only as good as your last result as they say and at last count we finished what? 15 points plus ahead of you despite the fact you have this supposedly better team, squad etc Anyways best wishes with Ron at least you know if he gets a better offer he'll leave you as well. football has zero integrity nowadays ey.

 

Ah, yes, my mistake. I can remember the 03-04 season, we finished 17th, so you obviously did come above us.

 

No, we haven't been a 'powerhouse'. Nobody should be claiming that. However, in the same breath, football didn't start when the PL began, and even in the PL era we have had more relative 'success' than Sotton.

 

I wouldn't say we have a better side. I'd say they are about equal on paper - and that while your side has performed brilliantly, ours has underperformed in the last two seasons. I think you've got a fantastic squad, and over the past two years you have certainly been the better team. I have said that before. However, that doesn't make you 'bigger'.

 

Tbh, I think the plan with RK will be to see where he can get us. If he gets us in a position that a massive club comes calling, then we'll most likely be in the top four, which means we can attract a replacement that is of equal quality. I suppose that's the hope, anyway.

 

As for whoever you end up with as your new man (should this RK deal not implode at any minute), then the best of luck. You're in a great position to attract a very good manager, and Europe to boost.

 

I've been entirely civil in every post on here. I'm not going to be oversensitive about any snarky comments - whatever, it's the internet - but usually it is good to get the views of other fans (apart from Liverpool). I just really don't get the whole 'Sotton are bigger than Everton' argument... they ain't... and that's not to be rude or even to say it's a reason RK has moved (I don't think it is - I think money and the 'project', whatever that may be, is what made him want to join, and maybe a lack of support from Saints' side?).

 

Anyway, I'll have used up my post allowance with this, but if people are willing to have a reasonable discussion I'd like to stick around. It'll be interesting to get the views once all the dust has settled...

[Dark Munster]

I must've missed the Sotton (sic) are bigger than Everton claim. Can someone point me to it?

[Golac's Cunning Stunts]

Ah, yes, my mistake. I can remember the 03-04 season, we finished 17th, so you obviously did come above us.

 

No, we haven't been a 'powerhouse'. Nobody should be claiming that. However, in the same breath, football didn't start when the PL began, and even in the PL era we have had more relative 'success' than Sotton.

 

I wouldn't say we have a better side. I'd say they are about equal on paper - and that while your side has performed brilliantly, ours has underperformed in the last two seasons. I think you've got a fantastic squad, and over the past two years you have certainly been the better team. I have said that before. However, that doesn't make you 'bigger'.

 

Tbh, I think the plan with RK will be to see where he can get us. If he gets us in a position that a massive club comes calling, then we'll most likely be in the top four, which means we can attract a replacement that is of equal quality. I suppose that's the hope, anyway.

 

As for whoever you end up with as your new man (should this RK deal not implode at any minute), then the best of luck. You're in a great position to attract a very good manager, and Europe to boost.

 

I've been entirely civil in every post on here. I'm not going to be oversensitive about any snarky comments - whatever, it's the internet - but usually it is good to get the views of other fans (apart from Liverpool). I just really don't get the whole 'Sotton are bigger than Everton' argument... they ain't... and that's not to be rude or even to say it's a reason RK has moved (I don't think it is - I think money and the 'project', whatever that may be, is what made him want to join, and maybe a lack of support from Saints' side?).

 

Anyway, I'll have used up my post allowance with this, but if people are willing to have a reasonable discussion I'd like to stick around. It'll be interesting to get the views once all the dust has settled...

 

Please don't stick around. You can't even spell the abbreviation of our city correctly. Stick to your Bluenose mates.

[BARCELONASAINT]

Ah, yes, my mistake. I can remember the 03-04 season, we finished 17th, so you obviously did come above us.

 

No, we haven't been a 'powerhouse'. Nobody should be claiming that. However, in the same breath, football didn't start when the PL began, and even in the PL era we have had more relative 'success' than Sotton.

 

I wouldn't say we have a better side. I'd say they are about equal on paper - and that while your side has performed brilliantly, ours has underperformed in the last two seasons. I think you've got a fantastic squad, and over the past two years you have certainly been the better team. I have said that before. However, that doesn't make you 'bigger'.

 

Tbh, I think the plan with RK will be to see where he can get us. If he gets us in a position that a massive club comes calling, then we'll most likely be in the top four, which means we can attract a replacement that is of equal quality. I suppose that's the hope, anyway.

 

As for whoever you end up with as your new man (should this RK deal not implode at any minute), then the best of luck. You're in a great position to attract a very good manager, and Europe to boost.

 

I've been entirely civil in every post on here. I'm not going to be oversensitive about any snarky comments - whatever, it's the internet - but usually it is good to get the views of other fans (apart from Liverpool). I just really don't get the whole 'Sotton are bigger than Everton' argument... they ain't... and that's not to be rude or even to say it's a reason RK has moved (I don't think it is - I think money and the 'project', whatever that may be, is what made him want to join, and maybe a lack of support from Saints' side?).

 

Anyway, I'll have used up my post allowance with this, but if people are willing to have a reasonable discussion I'd like to stick around. It'll be interesting to get the views once all the dust has settled...

 

 

Please don't be put off coming back by some of the reactions you are getting on here. Some people on here have taken it very personally what RK has done (if he is about to sign for you) and just can not accept he would go to a club outside the top four. I like to think that once the dust settles that any of my fellow Saints fans would be more than happy to have a reasonable discussion with you....at the end of the day we are all football fans and as you have put it you have have been very entirely civil in your comments. I still think far too many football fans in general believe in loyalty and the word of men like Koeman when they say they will honour their contract. Me....i stopped believing that dream many many years ago and know there is no such thing as loyalty or honour in the modern game. Money talks....end off!

[Dangermouth]

Please don't be put off coming back by some of the reactions you are getting on here. Some people on here have taken it very personally what RK has done (if he is about to sign for you) and just can not accept he would go to a club outside the top four. I like to think that once the dust settles that any of my fellow Saints fans would be more than happy to have a reasonable discussion with you....at the end of the day we are all football fans and as you have put it you have have been very entirely civil in your comments. I still think far too many football fans in general believe in loyalty and the word of men like Koeman when they say they will honour their contract. Me....i stopped believing that dream many many years ago and know there is no such thing as loyalty or honour in the modern game. Money talks....end off!

 

I'd like to endorse that. Most of the Toffees fans have been quite refreshing and made some good points. I do find it slightly surprising that people don't recognise that Everton have underachieved and are/were in the same bracket as Spurs (who do deserve hatred from all and sundry for how they behave - like West Ham do but with less grace) but I do think that it will take time for them to re-establish themselves and also that the old predictable order will not necessarily come to pass once again. China will have a lot to do with that but its league will mirror Russia's more than this league and much longer term the US is the greatest threat and then after that the superleagues of the Mancs v Barca v Bayern etc which will happen. What I am interested in is a comment that was made when Koeman signed for us from a Dutch supporter in that RK has one good season, one mediocre and one poor and the pattern suggests he may not do particularly well at Everton. I do think he has underachieved though, especially last season when we should have made the top 3 so perhaps you'll get him when he's on fire. I do think there are many better coaches/managers out there and it would be nice if he could learn a bit of English because he still hasn't improved in this regard which suggests he thinks he knows it all.

 

I do like the fact that the fans in Southampton are now minded to want to look upwards i.e. 'show ambition' because I think they should and as far as I'm concerned it's a question always of what we do, not what others do (apart from on match days of course).

 

Have a good day and prepare to be depressed at the Euros with Owl Face.

[ADutchSaint]

Maybe the dutch boys can help out -who do they rate higher: De Boer or Cocu?

 

De Boer, by a mile really. Cocu can use 1/2 more years at PSV i think but both will become great managers in the future.

[Saint86]

Ah, yes, my mistake. I can remember the 03-04 season, we finished 17th, so you obviously did come above us.

 

No, we haven't been a 'powerhouse'. Nobody should be claiming that. However, in the same breath, football didn't start when the PL began, and even in the PL era we have had more relative 'success' than Sotton.

 

I wouldn't say we have a better side. I'd say they are about equal on paper - and that while your side has performed brilliantly, ours has underperformed in the last two seasons. I think you've got a fantastic squad, and over the past two years you have certainly been the better team. I have said that before. However, that doesn't make you 'bigger'.

 

Tbh, I think the plan with RK will be to see where he can get us. If he gets us in a position that a massive club comes calling, then we'll most likely be in the top four, which means we can attract a replacement that is of equal quality. I suppose that's the hope, anyway.

 

As for whoever you end up with as your new man (should this RK deal not implode at any minute), then the best of luck. You're in a great position to attract a very good manager, and Europe to boost.

 

I've been entirely civil in every post on here. I'm not going to be oversensitive about any snarky comments - whatever, it's the internet - but usually it is good to get the views of other fans (apart from Liverpool). I just really don't get the whole 'Sotton are bigger than Everton' argument... they ain't... and that's not to be rude or even to say it's a reason RK has moved (I don't think it is - I think money and the 'project', whatever that may be, is what made him want to join, and maybe a lack of support from Saints' side?).

 

Anyway, I'll have used up my post allowance with this, but if people are willing to have a reasonable discussion I'd like to stick around. It'll be interesting to get the views once all the dust has settled...

I think it's a good post. But I think the point you miss is that saints fans resent being told he's going to Everton because you're a big club. It's a stupid argument. Koeman was going to stay with saints after your original large offer, so you upped it to a ridiculous level. He's joining you because of the money. If anything that tells you that saints are the more attractive prospect. Sadly (and wisely) saints don't overspend and are sustainably run so we're not going to pay him more than he's worth, especially if he's had his head turned. Their are plenty of good managers in the sea so I am eager to see who we get. We could well still be laughing. Meanwhile Everton need to get over this "big club" malarky, it really doesn't count for anything when you haven't won anything within the lifetime of most of your players. It comes down to recent history, fanbase/stadium, set up and money. So yes, you are big, but not much between you and half the premium teams. Maybe you'll change that by sliding money around, maybe you won't.

 

Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk

[eddie]

FYI Guan's post is just naming national newspaper rumours with a big after it. There's no mention that this is the insider knowledge on the shortlist, and he even said so a few posts afterward.

 

Most of us are just using the shortlist for Everton, adding Eddie Howe / ex-prem out-of-contract managers and choosing the best one - I think it wouldn't be at all unlike the saints board to bring in someone that pundits and fans alike are surprised by and that could go either way in results terms.

 

For me the annoying thing isn't that Koeman is likely to go to Everton - they are a really decent club. The frustration is with all this club/coach communication. I feel we've been run round the mill, Koeman reaffirms his intention to stay in a presser, Les releases this glossy marketing video about contracts going well...it all feels a bit like yet again the fans are being treated like one of many interested parties in this club, including sponsors, the press, owners, partners, kit manufacturers, FA, league bosses etc.

 

That's the world we live in, but it's difficult to take. I said about the Les video and I'll say again, my honest belief is they put out that video just to appease fan unrest about the manager situation. They've got their extra few weeks of quiet, while behind the scenes talking with a new club about RK.

 

Sorry, it sounds like I've jumped to conclusions. I have. The reality is that I am not so angry at the club, because that's the way clubs are run these days. It's just a sad reminder.

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Why these blue dippers feel the need to come on here at all whether

they mean to be friendly or not is a mystery..

[saint77]

Ah, yes, my mistake. I can remember the 03-04 season, we finished 17th, so you obviously did come above us.

 

No, we haven't been a 'powerhouse'. Nobody should be claiming that. However, in the same breath, football didn't start when the PL began, and even in the PL era we have had more relative 'success' tha

 

I wouldn't say we have a better side. I'd say they are about equal on paper - and that while your side has performed brilliantly, ours has underperformed in the last two seasons. I think you've got a fantastic squad, and over the past two years you have certainly been the better team. I have said that before. However, that doesn't make you 'bigger'.

 

Tbh, I think the plan with RK will be to see where he can get us. If he gets us in a position that a massive club comes calling, then we'll most likely be in the top four, which means we can attract a replacement that is of equal quality. I suppose that's the hope, anyway.

 

As for whoever you end up with as your new man (should this RK deal not implode at any minute), then the best of luck. You're in a great position to attract a very good manager, and Europe to boost.

 

I've been entirely civil in every post on here. I'm not going to be oversensitive about any snarky comments - whatever, it's the internet - but usually it is good to get the views of other fans (apart from Liverpool). I just really don't get the whole 'Sotton are bigger than Everton' argument... they ain't... and that's not to be rude or even to say it's a reason RK has moved (I don't think it is - I think money and the 'project', whatever that may be, is what made him want to join, and maybe a lack of support from Saints' side?).

 

Anyway, I'll have used up my post allowance with this, but if people are willing to have a reasonable discussion I'd like to stick around. It'll be interesting to get the views once all the dust has settled...

Away with the fairies aren't you or sniffing glue like most bin dippers there is no way your finish in top 4 anytime soon

[doddisalegend]

FYI Guan's post is just naming national newspaper rumours with a big after it. There's no mention that this is the insider knowledge on the shortlist, and he even said so a few posts afterward.

 

 

 

Most of us are just using the shortlist for Everton, adding Eddie Howe / ex-prem out-of-contract managers and choosing the best one - I think it wouldn't be at all unlike the saints board to bring in someone that pundits and fans alike are surprised by and that could go either way in results terms.

 

 

 

For me the annoying thing isn't that Koeman is likely to go to Everton - they are a really decent club. The frustration is with all this club/coach communication. I feel we've been run round the mill, Koeman reaffirms his intention to stay in a presser, Les releases this glossy marketing video about contracts going well...it all feels a bit like yet again the fans are being treated like one of many interested parties in this club, including sponsors, the press, owners, partners, kit manufacturers, FA, league bosses etc.

 

 

 

That's the world we live in, but it's difficult to take. I said about the Les video and I'll say again, my honest belief is they put out that video just to appease fan unrest about the manager situation. They've got their extra few weeks of quiet, while behind the scenes talking with a new club about RK.

 

 

 

Sorry, it sounds like I've jumped to conclusions. I have. The reality is that I am not so angry at the club, because that's the way clubs are run these days. It's just a sad reminder.

 

 

I'm pretty convinced Les and co are not deliberately lying to people. When players and managers ( or more likely their agents) are making positive noises about staying they seem to assume they are being honest ( and lets face quite a few of us did with Koeman to). The board can be accussed of being naive at times certainly but not actively dishonest IMO. More important is that the club has good secessionist planning in place for this sort of thing which they seem to.