Managerial turnover in the Premier League continues to increase, but much of it consists of a merry go round of the same group of somewhat shell shocked middle aged men moving from one club to another.
Southampton hope to recruit Mark Hughes which makes more sense than some of the appointments as he has never been relegated with any of the clubs he has managed. Alan Pardew, despite his high reputation, is something of a relegation specialist.
Hughes does not want a contract just until the end of the season, but a longer deal. Southampton pride themselves on youth development and playing attractive football, neither of which really could be said to be a strength of Hughes, but he is a safe pair of hands.
The recruitment process is being led by vice-chairman and former Charlton manager Les Reed and director of football operations Ross Wilson.
A Saints fan texted me this morning: 'Think new owner needs to look at all of Les Reed's recent managerial decisions. Lot of Southampton fans blaming him for the situation.'
New majority owner Gao Jisheng has taken a hands off approach since acquiring a 80 per cent stake in the club in August, although he might become involved if he sees his £210m investment threatened by relegation.
My son-in-law is a Southampton season ticket holder, as is another friend, so I wish them well.
Hughes has only never been relegated because he had been sacked during the season before the event has actually occurred. I hardly see that as validation of him being a "safe pair of hands"
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