Southampton are heading back to the Championship next season and could now have a new ace up their sleeve in the hunt for Ivan Juric’s successor.
Southampton prolong wait to evade unwanted Premier League record
Despite a slight improvement in performances over recent weeks, Southampton again fell to defeat yesterday against Fulham as their agonising wait to eclipse Derby County’s lowest-ever Premier League points total outright goes on.
Ryan Sessegnon completed a dramatic turnaround for the visitors at St Mary’s Stadium, leaving Simon Rusk and his interim team feeling a familiar sense of frustration following an encouraging point at West Ham United last Saturday.
Ultimately, the Saints’ plight is hardly a problem their temporary staff have created. It was always going to be a tall order for Southampton to stay up, something that Russell Martin and Juric found out the hard way when trying to turn their fortunes around.
Sport Republic now face the challenge of finding a new manager to steady the ship on the South Coast. Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is in the frame to take over, though he is likely to be one candidate on a lengthy shortlist.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has also been mentioned in dispatches at Southampton. Either way, Saints are likely to take their time before committing to a solution they hope will offer long-term stability.
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Southampton’s three managers this season – who has the best record? |
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Russell Martin |
19 matches – 4 wins, 3 draws, 13 losses |
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Ivan Juric |
16 matches – 2 wins, 1 draw, 13 losses |
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Simon Rusk |
4 matches – 0 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses |
Once the season peters out, finding the man who can take the club back to the English top-flight will be the priority for all involved, and they may now have taken one step closer after shortlisting a surprise candidate.
Southampton shortlist Eric Ramsay for managerial post
According to Sky Sports, Southampton have shortlisted Minnesota United boss Eric Ramsay for their managerial vacancy in their hunt for a new boss.
Having held various coaching roles at Manchester United and Chelsea, he has built up lasting relationships with peers such as Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna due to graduating from Loughborough University with a first-class degree in sports science.
He was previously dubbed Manchester United’s ‘secret weapon’ internally at Old Trafford due to his tactical understanding despite being only 33 years of age.
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“One of the best coaches ever” front-runner to replace Juric at Southampton
The Saints could appoint an impressive young manager as a replacement for Ivan Juric.
Technical director Johannes Spors is involved in the recruitment process, which will form part of a wider strategy to assess all avenues before making a conclusive decision.
Ramsay’s ability to speak French and Spanish fluently has attracted interest in the UK and further afield. In addition, Rohl remains in the frame despite competition for his services from elsewhere.
Finding someone who can instill a distinctive identity that can produce consistent results in the English second-tier is the priority now for Southampton. This campaign has been nothing short of miserable, but there could be some light at the end of the tunnel as they aim to build the foundations for a brighter future.
