Richard: the key is that you are leaping to a conclusion that you have no evidence to support. Your first line says this: "Ipswich lose their next 6 games straight. Are they still to be praised for acting so quickly or do we question why they didn’t take longer to explore more options?"

But the point is, how do you know they acted quickly? Answer: you don't. Yes, we know they hired Jewell quickly but that is far from the same thing as acting quickly. For all we know, and knowing Marcus Evans (with whom I've had some business dealings,) I would assume that they've acted very slowly, intelligently, and deliberately indeed. Just because every move they've made isn't reported in the press doesn't mean they haven't been quietly interviewing and sounding out prospective replacements for Keane for weeks, so that when they finally made a decision to replace him they would be in position to minimise disruption, maximise the transfer window, and get their chosen man in without delay. That, I'm sorry to say, is the way competent business owners run their companies.

You are more or less completely mis-quoting me. I have never praised Ipswich for anything other than clearly having done their homework and having had a plan. There is nothing in the evidence, as I have explained above, to suggest they have acted quickly. And in turn I am criticising Palace because in the middle of a transfer window in a business where time is money you're damn right; to be unprepared and act slowly as a result is to take an enormous risk.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

I think Charlton are the real winners from this saga. Palace were interested in Howe long before Parkinson was fired at Charlton, and their interest only complicated matters for Howe and probably made him question choosing two great rivalries.

Charlton never cease to amaze me with their spite and petulance. I hope they never leave League 1.

Agreed........

If indeed, you had any intention of going to Palace, Charlton or whoever, and weren't just playing them to get a bigger contract at Bournemouth.

'Better stop dreaming of the quiet life 'cos it's the one we'll never know'

Hmmm

"I never did give anyone hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell."

He played us all, he double bluffed the bournemouth chairman, and his gamble paid off!! stays at his beloved club, on more money, and maybe something for a few players! The bournemouth fans will love him now, even more!

Edited by MPE (11 Jan 2011 6.30pm)

Just when I thought that I was out...........they pull me back in

Could I just point out that, while he has been given a new contract, I doubt if it's for very much more money as we don't have it. We're paying £1000 a day for our ground alone as it got sold a few years back (supposedly to keep us out of admin - but there's another story ). What I think he will have got out of it is assurances over player sales so that he can keep his team together.

Oh, and to the person who had a go about him playing squash while keeping you (and us, and Charlton - but who cares about them!), that was our Chairman's idea of a joke . Did none of you see him on SSN?

Sky presenter asked how close EH was to leaving? EM said "Well he was on the train but I dragged him off"

Sky presenter said "Really?!!!"

He has a slightly warped sense of humour )

As an outsider, for what it's worth, I think you could do worse than take your Dougie on. It's very similar to the situation we had with Eddie 2 years ago and it's worked out pretty well for us. He may not have managerial experience, nor did Eddie, but he knows your club inside out and that gives him a huge advantage.

Do the players all like Dougie as much as the fans seem to? That could be key....