Where next for Saints?

floody · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:11 pm

Now George Burley has been announced as Scotland Manager, who do you think the Southampton board will turn to now? They've been very inconsistent in recent months and need some stability.

Hoddle? Coleman?

Who do you think could do the job on the South Coast?

Tez Arne · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:34 pm

There's talk of Paul Ince getting the job. I don't think the fans want Hoddle again, not after leaving them a few years back... He might do well though. I think Coleman would be the best choice.

floody · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 7:56 pm

Quote:

Nigel Pearson has been named as the new manager of Southampton in the wake of the 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The former Newcastle assistant manager has signed a rolling contract, and takes over from caretaker duo John Gorman and Jason Dodd.

Gorman and Dodd were put in charge after George Burley left to become the new Scotland boss in January.

The club have confirmed the pair will remain as part of the backroom staff.

Pearson is a winner and will instil that mentality in the players

The Saints had previously declared Gorman and Dodd would remain in charge for the "foreseeable future," but Saturday's FA Cup defeat caused chairman Leon Crouch to act sooner than expected.

"It was clear that the uncertainty of the management situation was having a detrimental effect on the players and so we have decided to bring in a new man," Crouch told the club website.

"I believe [Pearson] is the right man to steady the ship and get us moving up the table once more.

"He is a winner and will instil that mentality in the players."

However, former Southampton boss Dave Merrington admitted the appointment came as a shock.

"It's come as a surprise to me and it'll certainly come as a surprise to the fans, especially in Southampton's precarious position," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"Obviously it's because of the limited finance, and really, he's inexperienced."

Saints Trust Spokesman Nick Illingsworth also held reservations about Pearson's appointment, believing the fans will need to be convinced about the move.

"The appointment most people were looking for was a 'name' manager, the likes of Iain Dowie, Chris Coleman or even Kevin Blackwell," said Illingsworth.

It's come as a surprise to me and it'll certainly come as a surprise to the fans

Ex-Saints boss Dave Merrington

"We had hoped for someone of that nature. This is a new way forward and it's either going to work spectacularly well or see great failure."

Pearson was brought to Newcastle in 2006 by then-manager Glenn Roeder, and remained there throughout Sam Allardyce's brief reign.

The 44-year-old's previous roles included being assistant manager at West Bromwich Albion, and taking charge of the England under-21s for their 3-3 draw with Italy last year.

Southampton lie 18th in the Championship and host Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday.

Unexpected appointment this, will be interesting to see how his time there pans out. Was always regarded as a good coach at the Toon.

paul · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 12:13 am

im a big fan of Nigel Pearson.great knowledge of the game.took charge of a few teams for a couple of games.he won like 4 out of 4 when caretaker at wba.saints fans should be happy

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Where next for Saints?