OMEN
08-30-2010, 04:25 PM
Manager and coaches dismissed as Saints hunt for new boss
Southampton have sacked manager Alan Pardew and his coaching staff following a mixed start to the season.
Saints have won just one of their opening League One games - although that was an emphatic 4-0 victory at Bristol Rovers.
A statement on Saints' official website said: "Following a review of the current status in and around the first team, the club has decided that, to achieve its well known targets, it is essential to make changes to the first team management and coaching.
"Consequently, the first team manager, Alan Pardew; first team coach, Wally Downes; and goalkeeping coach, Stuart Murdoch, have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. The club wishes them well for the future."
The 49-year-old led Saints to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in March with a 4-1 win over Carlisle at Wembley and they started the season as firm favourites to achieve promotion to the npower Championship, although one win in their first three matches leaves them 14th in the table.
Saints are now on the lookout for someone to guide them out of the third tier of English football.
The statement from the club continued: "While we have commenced our careful evaluation of our candidates and longer term requirements, Dean Wilkins has taken on the caretaker role for the first team and he will be assisted by Martin Hunter, the under-21 coach.
"We recognise that frequent changes to the football management are unlikely to assist in the winning of trophies and promotions.
"However, we are taking these steps to achieve our aims, which we share with all supporters, to get promoted this season, and secure long term stability and progress for our football operations."
Sky
Southampton have sacked manager Alan Pardew and his coaching staff following a mixed start to the season.
Saints have won just one of their opening League One games - although that was an emphatic 4-0 victory at Bristol Rovers.
A statement on Saints' official website said: "Following a review of the current status in and around the first team, the club has decided that, to achieve its well known targets, it is essential to make changes to the first team management and coaching.
"Consequently, the first team manager, Alan Pardew; first team coach, Wally Downes; and goalkeeping coach, Stuart Murdoch, have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. The club wishes them well for the future."
The 49-year-old led Saints to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in March with a 4-1 win over Carlisle at Wembley and they started the season as firm favourites to achieve promotion to the npower Championship, although one win in their first three matches leaves them 14th in the table.
Saints are now on the lookout for someone to guide them out of the third tier of English football.
The statement from the club continued: "While we have commenced our careful evaluation of our candidates and longer term requirements, Dean Wilkins has taken on the caretaker role for the first team and he will be assisted by Martin Hunter, the under-21 coach.
"We recognise that frequent changes to the football management are unlikely to assist in the winning of trophies and promotions.
"However, we are taking these steps to achieve our aims, which we share with all supporters, to get promoted this season, and secure long term stability and progress for our football operations."
Sky