Spors 'exudes a quiet confidence'
When Johannes Spors was finally appointed in February, the indications from the club were that there had been a long notice period to work through before announcing him. So I wonder whether Spors quite envisaged the freefall back to the Championship that he has now taken on.When I asked him about why he had taken the job with Saints owners Sport Republic, he talked about the Premier League being an attraction. Well, he has got some work to do now to enjoy that attraction beyond May!The 42-year-old German was engaging and his poise left me with a sense of trust - my first impressions are that he has faith in his own ability, built up from the successes he has enjoyed with Red Bull and 777 Sports. He also exuded a quiet confidence.If I were owner Dragan Solak, I would give him clear leadership on recruitment because Spors did confirm that he is happy to take full responsibility for recruitment at the club.There will be a sizeable number of Southampton fans though, who will be concerned that co-owner Rasmus Ankersen could still cut across Spors' brief and make transfer decisions. I do not think Spors needs any help on that front - and I hope Dragan gives him autonomy to make decisions alongside himself and Ivan Juric.Talking of managers, Spors' business is knowing who is who in football and keeping across players and coaches. He was well aware of Ivan Juric's successes in Italy and he stayed as neutral as you would expect about his future at the club. And although he could have totally ignored my question about possibly linking back up with Danny Rohl in the summer, Spors was quick to talk about how he has been tracking Rohl's progress since they went their separate ways after RB Leipzig.I like that he did not deny any interest in Rohl or just point-blank refuse to say anything.That poise and quiet confidence came out as he made sure we knew that he is in possession of all the information he needs to make the right decision.Listen to the full interview on BBC SoundsListen to live commentary of every Saints game on BBC Radio Solent, and download and subscribe to Goin' Home With Adam and Jo on BBC Sounds to get all the post-match thoughts that matter
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
7 minutes ago
- Reuters
Tottenham sack manager Postecoglou
LONDON, June 6 (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur have sacked manager Ange Postecoglou, the club said on Friday, despite the Australian guiding the club to their first major trophy in 17 years with victory in the Europa League final last month. Postecoglou will leave two years to the day after his appointment. Spurs beat Manchester United in Bilbao to win the Europa League and book their place in next season's Champions League, but a dismal domestic campaign ultimately cost Postecoglou his job. "The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place," Spurs said in a statement. "Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. "At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph." Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League last season, fuelling pressure on the 59-year-old in his second year at the helm.
BBC News
8 minutes ago
- BBC News
Charlton sign Blackpool midfielder Carey
Charlton Athletic have made their first signing since winning promotion to the Championship by bringing in Blackpool midfielder Sonny 24-year-old moves to The Valley on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with the Seasiders, having agreed a three-year joined Blackpool from non-league King's Lynn in 2021 and scored 11 goals in 37 appearances for Steve Bruce's side last season."He's athletic, he's a ball-carrier, he can create, he can score, so those things add to what we've already got here," said Charlton boss Nathan Jones."We always want our midfielders to chip in (with goals), our midfielders this year have and we want to add that competition and keep moving forward as a team and as a group."The Addicks beat Leyton Orient 1-0 at Wembley in the League One play-off final to return to the second tier for the first time in five years."I'm delighted, from the minute I had a call with the gaffer I knew straight away that this was the place for me, his aspirations for the club and the vision that he has are unmatched," said Carey. "I'm delighted that Charlton are back in the Championship, so I can't wait to get started."
BBC News
8 minutes ago
- BBC News
Postecoglou sacked - right or wrong decision?
Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur, less than a month after guiding Spurs to their first trophy for 17 Australian was at the helm for Tottenham's Europa League final win over Manchester United in Bilbao, which guaranteed Champions League qualification for next Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League and despite that European success he will not remain in charge for a third season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.A club statement said:, external "Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw."However, the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place."It added: "This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude."We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision."What do you think, Spurs fans? Right decision after a dismal league campaign? Or did he deserve to stay in charge after Europa League glory?Let us know your thoughts
