05 Dec 2018 13:32:39
I'm sure we've all been reading up about our new manager over the last few days (he's been confirmed now) so its genuinely exciting for someone of his calibre and potential to be taking over the first team. We know RB Leipzig played some exciting stuff under Hassenhutl, along with previous teams. He has shown an ability to get the best from a squad and importantly, to integrate youth with experience.

The thing that struck me though, is that this guy has a great reputation as a person. An inspiring and enthusiastic coach who, despite his success and the interest he has generated, has kept some humility. Bayern wanted him to take over not too long ago but he turned them down as he felt it was too early in his career and he wanted to keep learning and building experience before taking on such a job.

The board has demonstrated its desire to sort this mess out and quickly so they deserve great credit. Not only for acting swiftly but for getting their, and probably our, number one target for the head coach role. We've spoken of Hassenhutl on here since the MP2 days! Unlike the last three appointments, RH has a strong reputation and is seen as a progressive coach who likes attacking pressing, high-energy football and developing youth.

I presume it was down to Ross Wilson to identify the best candidate and get the board's approval and if so, it's a positive reminder of his abilities. There is now talk that the club will not be looking to appoint someone with the same broad scope of powers that Les Reed enjoyed. If Hassenhutl can pull the squad back together and Ross Wilson works closely with him to identify playing and coaching targets to bring on board, we can have faith in the club getting back on track without a DOF.

Exciting times are back at St Mary's. Its been a while.


1.) 05 Dec 2018
05 Dec 2018 14:17:42
Hopefully figo he's not going to have all that positivity drained from him by the hierarchy who have grown this drab football brand for the last couple of years. i'm very excited to hopefully see the high press high intensity game back. and hopefully the fitness and confidence levels will quickly step up.


2.) 05 Dec 2018
05 Dec 2018 14:22:29
Agree with you there Figo. There remains an unknown (to a degree) as to how the new coach will adapt to a new league, but all the indications are that he has the required depth of tactical insight and emotional intelligence required to succeed in the premiership. Sadly MH was of a dying breed of English managers (a la Keegan) who have passion and effort but who lack breadth of tools required to succeed. I am impressed with the decisiveness of the board following the protracted prevarication around MP2 and share the view that a rush to appoint a DoF would be ill advised. A positive couple of weeks after 2 years of drift. St David.