Did he not get Crusaders into the play-offs too, or am I remembering that wrong?

I think it's actually a pretty smart appointment, players seem to like him, he's had a hand in building the squad for next season so knows exactly what he's inherited and how he wants them to play. My first choice was Lingard but I'm happy with his appointment, especially compared to the other options put forward at this point.

Bit weird why it's taken so long to make an announcement that everyone pretty expected.

Sport is a brutal business. I think if Wellens can't improve Saints in 2025 from their 2024 season, EoC will be an interviewee for the Head coach position. Might not get it, but he'll have a chance.

Lee Briers is also there isn't he?

Agreed Briers will be next in line at saints.

I'm not sure Briers is a head coach or even wants to be. I think he has skills to develop individual players attacking abilities but whether he emotional intelligence to translate that to managing a big squad of highly talented individuals, I don't know. When you look at consistently successful coaches - Peet is the stand out example over here - there is more to them than being just a temperamental talented player. I've always liked him & maybe his ego or intrigue will one day want to give it a go. And a club tends to appoint a big name player over less glamorous one.