A few random thoughts: 1. If it was a done deal that LJ was going it would've surely been announced yesterday wouldn't it? Given it wasn't I'm speculating that either he has asked for time to make a decision or we're haggling over compensation. If we're haggling then good for Patrick - we're not rolling over as has often been suggested in the past. If LJ wanted more time to think about it then that's good too in my view. It shows that it's not an easy decision for him to make and there's something here worth staying for. 2. If ultimately he goes then whilst on the one hand I'd understand the attraction of going to manage a club you played for etc, I'd be very disappointed in him. We stuck by him and he said on several occasions at the time that he wanted to be here for the long run and to get it right and build something. Integrity is important and is in short supply in football (and seemingly in business generally) these days. It was the fact that he made the long run comments that will rankle with me if he goes. I also remember DW doing a similar thing some years ago and that didn't turn out well. It's also the reason why some have never forgiven him. Including me to be honest. 3. But what if he was to surprise us all and stay? I'm not in the "sod off we don't want you" camp. I'd take it as confirmation that he wants to be here and welcome him back - although I suspect Patrick would be having a frank conversation with him about how easily his head was turned. I think LJ is building something here and to have another fresh start with a new manager wouldn't be ideal. It's not insurmountable but I'd rather have continuity. 4. I can't believe in a couple of threads that Patrick has been criticised for allowing Bristol to approach him. We have no idea how the conversation with LJ went when he was told about the interest from Bristol. He may have just asked for an opportunity to talk to them and if we'd refused that my view is that the psychological contract between Patrick and him is then broken. If I was in his shoes I'd want to have the opportunity to decide myself not have someone else make the decision for me. On the other hand he may have said "If you don't let me speak to them I'll resign and go anyway". In which case it wouldn't have made any sense for Patrick to refuse. My point here is that criticising Patrick is out of order - we just don't know what transpired in their conversation. But, having said all this, if LJ goes he can f*ck right off obviously!
