Stories similar to these have been making their way around the net for a few weeks, but it is one thing posting rumours on unofficial websites, it is quite another saying these rumours on national television. Just ask Matthew Wright.
Anyway, is there any truth in either of these rumours? Conspiracy theories involving Saints are something I enjoy investigating, so lets take a look.
Firstly, MacPherson being appointed without Coughlin's consultation. Since around January MacPherson had supposedly been attended some Saints games, both reserve and first team games. This has been passed off as the fact that Love Street is the closest ground to his house when he wanted to see a game and Dunfermline playing, but this could well be a cover up. The fact is, Coughlin only found out he was being made the permament manager at the press conference to announce MacPherson as his assistant. A very strange setup, as why would a manager appoint an assistant on a two year contract when hs own future is uncertain? What the true story is is unknown
As for players being signed by both MacPherson and the board, this is something that apparently stretches a long way back. Jose Quitongo and Chris Wreh were apparently signed by the board when Tom Hendrie was manager, and without his consultation. Likewise, MacPherson is apparently behind a few of the summer signings, such as Paul McKnight. Again, the truth is unknown.
It could be a case of a few rumours which Andy Walker has heard and then repeated, and that Coguhlin did ask for MacPherson and did sign the players. Or it could be something far more sinister. If it's the former, then I apologise to anyone I may have caused offence to, but if it's the latter then I guess we won't know the truth for a long, long time.