13 Jan 2026 12:07:06
Just reading that Steve Holland has come in to assist Michael Carrick. I like the idea of having an older, experienced head supporting, think that will be important. Slight concern that Holland being involved lays some foundations for Southgate to come in, in the summer. Carrick hasn't worked with Holland previously so seems a out of no where appointment. Hope I am worrying about nothing.

1.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 12:51:30
I’d tried to block those thoughts out of my head Ports too. But it is worrying, but also what Ashworth suggested right before he was sacked?

2.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 12:54:41
Also read that Woodgate will be a coach, gulp.

3.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 12:57:09
Furthermore, wasn’t he Ashworth’s choice ti succeed ETH? A view which got him sacked.

It wouldn’t surprise me if we do this.

4.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 13:28:11
Woodgate worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough so not as surprised with that one.

5.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 15:20:20
Surely if it was Southgate even the clowns would have just appointed him now.

. hopefully time to review the market reveals a plethora of managers better equipped than Southgate. Or, failing at Boro (Southgate and Carrick) is the main criteria?

6.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 15:34:16
Ashworth had a few views which didn't align with the board. I think Southgate was a choice or Ratcliffes, going back to the late great ed002s posts here.

Ashworth didn't agree with the RA appointment and the redundancies.

Holland is a good shout though. Fantastic, well thought of and experienced guy in beside Carrick.

7.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 15:39:35
I could never get behind Southgate as manager.
There is a reason he’s still unemployed since July 2024.

8.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 16:55:47
I don't get the Southgate hate. He's the second most successful England Manager ever, a job that more experienced and revered crashes have failed at. He created a great culture and built England into a force.

Yes he was too conservative but hopefully he has learned some lessons. I'm not saying I want him as United Manager, but he gets a lot of unfair stick.

And twenty, the reason he is out of work is because he chose to be out of work. He's made that clear.

9.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 17:06:23
AJH

How did Southgate do in club football? Do you really think his ethos fast attacking football?

No to Southgate, ever.

10.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 17:37:29
I didn't say that Red Man, I just think his achievements are overlooked.

11.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 17:40:38
AJH he was a crap England manager remind me what he won in all those years because that’s really what matters. He won’t cut it. He’s an average manager at best. This is Manchester United top 3 clubs in world football.
You weren’t happy with Amorim but Southgate would be ok? Are u ok? At this point you have to get someone in who mitigates a bit of risk someone’s who’s been there and done it.

That is not Southgate!
I’m starting to think you work on the board.

12.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 18:01:05
Ajh, never really beat anyone that England weren't supposed to. Like England teams in recent years. Couldn't beat the big ones.

13.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 19:17:57
Twenty, RTFP. I didn't say I want Southgate, he is too conservative. I was pointing out he doesn't get the respect he deserves for what he did with England.

And Angel, fair point, but that's more than pretty much every other England Manager achieved.

14.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 19:32:13
Second best England manager is no big accolade.

15.) 13 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 21:33:10
It’s a conversation about him possibly being the next manager? And you are saying he’s done well deserves respect for his achievements of nothing. Southgate did well at beating the likes of San Marino. i would say no top half club who have ambitions to win the league would be looking to employ him actually i don’t think anyone in the league would employ him I really don’t.

His level is championship and I’m not sure he would do great in that league.

16.) 14 Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 23:21:18
The fact the manager merry-go-round has been in full flow in the EPL and abroad and he is still out of a job speaks volumes! He has been a perennial underachiever as a player and a manager.
If we appoint Southgate, I will turn off from football altogether.
Eds, if we appoint Southgate, please terminate my account.

17.) 14 Jan 2026
14 Jan 2026 13:06:49
Mine too.