Cifuentes OUT

[winteriscoming]

The biggest issue with a replacement is these clowns won’t look abroad and only go for someone with previous experience in this country. 
 

[Chrysalis]

3 hours ago, Miquel The Work Geordie said:

 

"Half the forum" didn't think that at all, there was barely any praise for our squad depth / quality last season

You missed all the under performing posts whilst not in the relegation zone?  The forum was absolutely flooded with them.  I was been kind saying it was half.

[FoxinNotts]

1 hour ago, ClaphamFox said:

Really? Can you name a few?

But an even bigger problem than the dearth of decent candidates is that we don't really have a 'project' in the way other clubs do, so even if we did manage to identify somebody with pedigree the chances of them agreeing to join us hovers around zero. 

Completely agree. We're saying the same thing.

 

current managers out there with pedigree (but we haven't got a project to sell them, and they won't come here anyway):

 

Marco Rose

Adi Hutter

Gareth Southgate, even !!!

 

 

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

8 minutes ago, Chrysalis said:

You missed all the under performing posts whilst not in the relegation zone?  The forum was absolutely flooded with them.  I was been kind saying it was half.

 

Thinking we could've shown an iota of attacking intent under Cooper and being a bit drained by constantly setting up in a 9-1-0 formation ≠ half the forum thinking we had a midtable Premier League squad, Jesus wept.

 

 

Edited 3 December 2025 by Miquel The Work Geordie

[Ric Flair]

3 hours ago, Grebfromgrebland said:

Changing the manager won't change anything. There's deep rooted issues at the club that need sorting first.

 

Things like the players not trusting the club, no money, incompetent board, loads of players likely to leave as soon as they can or have tried to leave but have been unsuccessful. 

 

It's just toxic all round on every level. 

 

I would say that the manager is the least of our worries.

 

 

Much of this could have been said in 2008, but literally the new manager sparked a lot of everything else that needed to be fixed too. 

 

We need so much joined up thinking and strategy at this club that we are unlikely to get so once again it relies on a new manager to be the difference.

[Stadt]

Our fans have bit of masochistic view of the club sometimes.

 

"Who would want come here!!!?? We're clueless, there is no project, we are the worstest club in the whole world!!" We're still pretty high up in the food chain in England and English football broadly is the apex. Probably >99% of managers in world football will be earning less than £20,000 p/w. The vast majority of managers across the world would jump at the chance to earn that. With the exception of maybe 7 or 8, every manager in the Dutch and Portuguese leagues would move to earn more money. Some take this myopic asymmetric view that we can't compete, it's all about the money, we can't keep academy players, it's just not fair et cetera - but we should do the same to clubs beneath our stature!

 

That's before you factor in literally one of the best training facilities in the world, a productive academy set up, a 32k ground, some very good players to work with. The problem is we have a stupid, negligent twat as an owner and a stupid, negligent twat leading the footballing side. Even with these idiots in charge we could have a better manager than this mediocrity - we shouldn't settle just because there are bigger problems.

Edited 3 December 2025 by Stadt

[ClaphamFox]

8 minutes ago, Ric Flair said:

Much of this could have been said in 2008, but literally the new manager sparked a lot of everything else that needed to be fixed too. 

 

We need so much joined up thinking and strategy at this club that we are unlikely to get so once again it relies on a new manager to be the difference.

 

2 minutes ago, Stadt said:

Our fans have bit of masochistic view of the club sometimes.

 

"Who would want come here!!!?? We're clueless, there is no project, we are the worstest club in the whole world!!" We're still pretty high up in the food chain in England and English football broadly is the apex. Probably >99% of managers in world football will be earning less than £20,000 p/w. The vast majority of managers across the world would jump at the chance to earn that. With the exception of maybe 7 or 8, every manager in the Dutch and Portuguese leagues would move to earn more money. Some take this myopic asymmetric view that we can't compete, it's all about the money, we can't keep academy players, it's just not fair et cetera - but we should do the same to clubs beneath our stature!

 

That's before you factor in literally one of the best training facilities in the world, a productive academy set up, a 32k ground, some very good players to work with. The problem is we have a stupid, negligent twat as an owner and a stupid, negligent twat as the de facto leader of the footballing side. Even with these idiots in charge we could have a better manager than this mediocrity - we shouldn't settle just because there are bigger problems.

I think you both describe the problem in a nutshell, albeit in different ways. Our club is institutionally very weak, and has been for several years. There is no clear direction coming from the top, and no clear sense of identity. This means that whoever occupies the manager’s position not only has to coach and pick the team, he also must be the engine that drives the entire club. It’s a lot to ask of somebody and there aren’t many who will be up to the job. Enzo succeeded for a season before he was plucked by Chelsea, then when he left the building we immediately resumed the downward trajectory we were on before he arrived.

 

If we were institutionally strong, led by owner with a clear vision and the ability to communicate that vision throughout the club, we’d be less reliant on finding a Svengali-type manager with the charisma and energy to effectively lead the club as well as manage the first team. As it is, that is exactly the kind of figure we need to get us out of the mess we’re in. If—and it’s a big ‘if’—the new CEO and Technical Director turn out to be very good appointments, we won’t need to rely so much on the manager to lead the club. That’s why these two appointments are massive for us.   

[Stadt]

6 minutes ago, ClaphamFox said:

 

I think you both describe the problem in a nutshell, albeit in different ways. Our club is institutionally very weak, and has been for several years. There is no clear direction coming from the top, and no clear sense of identity. This means that whoever occupies the manager’s position not only has to coach and pick the team, he also must be the engine that drives the entire club. It’s a lot to ask of somebody and there aren’t many who will be up to the job. Enzo succeeded for a season before he was plucked by Chelsea, then when he left the building we immediately resumed the downward trajectory we were on before he arrived.

 

If we were institutionally strong, led by owner with a clear vision and the ability to communicate that vision throughout the club, we’d be less reliant on finding a Svengali-type manager with the charisma and energy to effectively lead the club as well as manage the first team. As it is, that is exactly the kind of figure we need to get us out of the mess we’re in. If—and it’s a big ‘if’—the new CEO and Technical Director turn out to be very good appointments, we won’t need to rely so much on the manager to lead the club. That’s why these two appointments are massive for us.   

The trouble is the appointment will be done by some executive search, just as we did with Glover.

 

There's probably about a 20% chance they're both good appointments so 4% overall chance!  

[ClaphamFox]

8 minutes ago, Stadt said:

The trouble is the appointment will be done by some executive search, just as we did with Glover.

 

There's probably about a 20% chance they're both good appointments so 4% overall chance!  

Sadly, I don't disagree. 

[Les-TA-Jon]

16 minutes ago, ClaphamFox said:

If—and it’s a big ‘if’—the new CEO and Technical Director turn out to be very good appointments, we won’t need to rely so much on the manager to lead the club. That’s why these two appointments are massive for us.   

The key problem being both appointments are reliant on Top / some recruitment consultancy...

[ClaphamFox]

Just now, Les-TA-Jon said:

The key problem being both appointments are reliant on Top / some recruitment consultancy...

Yep.

[RoboFox]

22 minutes ago, Stadt said:

The trouble is the appointment will be done by some executive search, just as we did with Glover.

 

There's probably about a 20% chance they're both good appointments so 4% overall chance!  

More likely to be a Google search and we can all guess Rudkin's search history

 

"Southampton FC managers"  

 

Edited 3 December 2025 by RoboFox

[Blue.Fox84]

42 minutes ago, Stadt said:

Our fans have bit of masochistic view of the club sometimes.

 

"Who would want come here!!!?? We're clueless, there is no project, we are the worstest club in the whole world!!" We're still pretty high up in the food chain in England and English football broadly is the apex. Probably >99% of managers in world football will be earning less than £20,000 p/w. The vast majority of managers across the world would jump at the chance to earn that. With the exception of maybe 7 or 8, every manager in the Dutch and Portuguese leagues would move to earn more money. Some take this myopic asymmetric view that we can't compete, it's all about the money, we can't keep academy players, it's just not fair et cetera - but we should do the same to clubs beneath our stature!

 

That's before you factor in literally one of the best training facilities in the world, a productive academy set up, a 32k ground, some very good players to work with. The problem is we have a stupid, negligent twat as an owner and a stupid, negligent twat leading the footballing side. Even with these idiots in charge we could have a better manager than this mediocrity - we shouldn't settle just because there are bigger problems.

We’re not the worst of propositions to a potential manager but it’s also about finding the right manager 

 

We’re a club in turmoil, little to no money to spend to invest in a side that needs investing into - or atleast for you to bring in the players that you’d like to create your own identity. Point deductions/transfer embargo’s lingering

 

Yes the training ground is a huge selling point but we’re slowly starting to fall behind with more clubs starting to improve their training facilities knowing this is now required 

 

Then there is also the issues of how much time would someone be given if appointed, if we was to sack MC it would be 4 managerial appointments within 18 months and then as fans we also have the dread of trusting this board would find the right appointment and give them the tools and time to rebuild 

 

Theres no doubt were a mess and most managers will be well aware of our situation, if they are up and coming there’s every possibility that they will not be wanting to take that risk atleast this season and tarnish their own reputation for a club who at this current point, could be in a relegation scrap 

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Rudkin conducts manager searches based on who Skybet make favourites

Edited 3 December 2025 by Miquel The Work Geordie

[Stadt]

2 hours ago, Blue.Fox84 said:

We’re not the worst of propositions to a potential manager but it’s also about finding the right manager 

 

We’re a club in turmoil, little to no money to spend to invest in a side that needs investing into - or atleast for you to bring in the players that you’d like to create your own identity. Point deductions/transfer embargo’s lingering

 

Yes the training ground is a huge selling point but we’re slowly starting to fall behind with more clubs starting to improve their training facilities knowing this is now required 

 

Then there is also the issues of how much time would someone be given if appointed, if we was to sack MC it would be 4 managerial appointments within 18 months and then as fans we also have the dread of trusting this board would find the right appointment and give them the tools and time to rebuild 

 

Theres no doubt were a mess and most managers will be well aware of our situation, if they are up and coming there’s every possibility that they will not be wanting to take that risk atleast this season and tarnish their own reputation for a club who at this current point, could be in a relegation scrap 

Edwards went to Wolves - they’re in a similar mess (albeit basically us in late 22), the pay rise and even briefly managing a level up is attractive. Managers are willing to move even if they know they’ll be sacked. Especially if it’s a step up in division, literally or in reputation.

 

If you’re on £250k a year at a League 1 club (probably less?) or say, Casa Pia - a short stint at Leicester and a £_m pay off advances your career more than it wards off any potential suitors for failing. 
 

Juric walked into a great job after being shit at Southampton. Russell Martin keeps failing upwards.

[Katy]

I really, really, REALLY don’t want Russell Martin. 

[Blue.Fox84]

21 minutes ago, Stadt said:

Edwards went to Wolves - they’re in a similar mess (albeit basically us in late 22), the pay rise and even briefly managing a level up is attractive. Managers are willing to move even if they know they’ll be sacked. Especially if it’s a step up in division, literally or in reputation.

 

If you’re on £250k a year at a League 1 club (probably less?) or say, Casa Pia - a short stint at Leicester and a £_m pay off advances your career more than it wards off any potential suitors for failing. 
 

Juric walked into a great job after being shit at Southampton. Russell Martin keeps failing upwards.

Wolves are still a premier league which will attract managers, without knowing too much of their situation they could also be plan in ahead to ensure they are set up ready for life in the championship giving Edwards assurances he will get the backing and time to get them straight back up. If not believing he has enough time to keep them up with a January transfer window, we should of done this with Rodgers but sat on our hands when fans was crying out for change because the signs was there as to where the club was heading

 

I don’t believe a short term solution is the answer, this club needs a bit of stability and someone who is capable to rebuilding a side. Players are out of contact in the summer (thank god) so we are in need of someone who is able to assess the squad early, identify what is required but also capable of leading a side who can remain competitive. It’s a messy job and unless someone is eyeing up a potential risk with a pay off (which we probably can’t afford) then we have slim pickings, which given this clubs ability to scout for a manager - it’s likely to be even slimmer and likely to be someone who will need fit any of the criteria’s listed above 

[Bob Weasel Fox]

8 minutes ago, Katy said:

I really, really, REALLY don’t want Russell Martin. 

Agreed 👍 

[StanSP]

We're gonna delay his sacking for far too long aren't we. 

 

Should have been gone at any point during November. 

Knowing us we'll drag it out til towards end of Jan where the new manager won't have an opportunity to do anything in the transfer window. 

[MadsEmil]

[Lesta Legend]

3 hours ago, Ric Flair said:

Much of this could have been said in 2008, but literally the new manager sparked a lot of everything else that needed to be fixed too. 

 

We need so much joined up thinking and strategy at this club that we are unlikely to get so once again it relies on a new manager to be the difference.

People still don't get it, Pearson et al built the structure that brought us this success.

 

Vichai provided the funding (some of it even dodgy back then, red flag) but at least had the nouse to realise his mistake in insisting NP be let go the first time and that the big name managers won't get us out the league. And once NP left and Rudders took stewardship it was slowly dismantled and all we're left with is the dodgy money and a nepo man child that is seemingly mesmerised by a good power point presentation when managers interview. Cifuentes, O'Neil and Wilder all interviewed, all completely different manager style, where is the strategy if you have chosen to interview all three !

 

I'd imagine top was happy with Marti's patter (he talks a good game) and was happy that Cifuentes was going to be rigid to Top's insistence of our possession based approach at all cost's, a boring approach that we can neither afford the profile of player required to play it (we already lack the profile) well and we now find ourselves staring down the barrel of another relegation by insisting on playing it.

 

I can only remain pessimistic as to the future and direction of this club with people responsible for the strategy and of course this includes Cifuentes, who seemingly is not the strong minded pragmatic organiser who we clearly need to grab the bull by the horns taking a tough stance on changes that need to be made. More of the same is not an option, I've gone passed believing we will start to see performances pickup, that finances will sort themselves out and logical recruitment will happen for right player in a system that works. 

[RoboFox]

41 minutes ago, Katy said:

I really, really, REALLY don’t want Russell Martin. 

Nobody does, but we all know what a fetish for shit Southampton rejects Teflon Jon has. 

[Muzzy_no7]

26 minutes ago, MadsEmil said:

He would be a SENSATIONAL appointment but sadly this board won’t have heard of him 

[BKLFox]

Lets say we sack him & go for a name mentioned above Marco Rose do things suddenly turn good?

Rose himself says he prefers a 442 diamond & will default to that when he can, yes he has also used combinations of 433/4321 but lets stick with the 442 (diamond) now look at the squad 

[CosbehFox]

3 minutes ago, Muzzy_no7 said:

He would be a SENSATIONAL appointment but sadly this board won’t have heard of him 

What's the reasoning for one win this season? Been let down by the board?