HARRY REDKNAPP'S appointment is almost certainly a sign that things are changing back to the way clubs used to be run, with an established manager being allowed to do things his own way.

Even though directors undoubtedly play a greater part in the day-to-day running of affairs, the chairman this week, by his statements at the press conference, showed that he has possibly started to come to terms more with how the football side should be allowed to run.

Some of Mr Lowe's statements - for instance 'Bad results teach you to be humble and stop one being too arrogant' - are honest enough.

He also hopes now for a change of media coverage. There certainly will be that.

Harry, because of his experience in the game, has many contacts which will enable him to sort and attract the right sort of players and also work the media.

Harry has just completed 900 games and I hope I welcome him to the 1,000 club while he is still in charge of the Saints.

That experience means he has many friends at the highest level in the media.

The simple fact is lots of them started 900 games ago as well on the bottom rung of their own ladders and, believe me, these contacts can often be invaluable to both sides.

The problem when young managers are starting out, particularly as we have seen here in the last few years, is that a natural fear of the media leaves little for the lads to write about.

So they often have to turn to other areas and, with full-time directors being available for quotes and trying to establish their own contacts, the supporters sometimes get frustrated by reading comments about football matters from non-footballing sides of the club.

This, of course, will change with Harry's arrival.

Senior managers have no need to try and impress players or press, only the public, which Harry will set about doing from day one with the best way any manager knows how - telling the players only maximum effort at all times will be good enough.

He will not stand for any nonsense.

He's heard all the flannel over the years and the best possible way to win everyone's heart is to win those games, particularly at home, which he achieved so well in his last position.

Our supporters can be as vociferous and supportive as any in the land and I am asking them to cast aside any nonsensical thoughts of where Harry may have managed and realise we have a fella who wants to succeed as much for them as himself.

Harry has displayed strong principles by walking away recently from a good position and I'm sure as you read this he will have got a real Saints welcome.

I for one will be hoping he succeeds and gives us the best Christmas present of all - a position out of the bottom three.