Laudrup might still change his mind. Didn't Brenda initially say no then do a u-turn?
The problem with appointing a continental manager (Laudrup or Pereira etc) is that we would be unlikely to establsh a dynasty as we would wish. They don't hang around long enough. See Mourinho, Benitez, AVB.
Look at (deep breathe...) Liverpool in the 80s.....the manager was always waiting in the wings...Paisley, Moran, Dalglish....knew the club inside out and would build on the existing foundation seamlessly. It's on that basis that Utd have appointed Dave....he will continue in SAF's way.
If we appoint a European we won't get that continuity. And we've made a virtue of giving stability to the club through sticking with DM. Despite the lack of trophies, I've been warmed by that thought. Whilst Liverpool, City, Villa, Newcastle and especially Chelsea have gone through manager after manager, we've had (more correctly Bill has had) the foresight to build for the long term by sticking with a manager through some thin times (17th in DMs second year).
So although I'd be excited to get an adventurous Portuguese or Spaniard, I'd always know at the back of my mind that he'll be off in a few seasons and will not leave a successor in place.
Unless BK can find a continental willing to stick with us for a long while, I hope he goes into the lower divisions, chooses a well qualified and ambitious young coach. Just like he did with Moyes. The word was that BK knew whom he wanted to replace Walter from day one and focussed all his persuasive powers on winning Davey over. It worked and I'm grateful to Bill for that inspired moment.
Go and do it again Bill please.
