x

Hughes Stresses Importance Of Quick Managerial Appointment For Saints

Mark Hughes has spoken of the importance of whoever Saints appoint for next season of doing it quickly.

It is true to say that most Saints fans at this stage would not be against Mark Hughes being appointed on a permanent deal, this season has been a reality check for the Saints board after two appointments of European style coaches having varying results, Hughes was a departure from that model and the club whilst clearly impressed with the work Hughes has done know that it will need a slight tinkering of their recent blueprint to do that.

Hughes himself has spoken of the need for whatever decision is taken for it to be done quickly.

Hughes arrived on a deal only to the end of the season and he insisted it would be wrong to discuss new terms with Saints until after Sunday’s final game with Manchester City.

Asked if he would welcome Southampton moving quickly to secure a new long-term boss, Hughes replied:

"I think it’s important for the club that they do that."

"Clearly there’s work to be done immediately after the season, decisions have to be made in terms of recruitment and retention of the players."

"So it would make sense to make a quick appointment, but I can’t shape that or dictate that, that’s a decision for the club."

"It would be wrong to raise the question (of a new deal) before the end of the season."

"And the club has approached that situation in exactly the right manner. You may have an inkling the club would like to do something but those discussions have had to be put on hold.”

Asked if he would like to stay on beyond the end of the campaign, Hughes replied:

"It’s a very good club, especially with what’s in place here to allow players to move forward and have success.

"So yes, It’s a well-run club, good club, and a good opportunity for whoever gets it.”

What to read next:

Southampton 0 - 1 Stoke City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures 2
In the second part of our pictorial look back at some of our games against Stoke City from the past, here we look back at more recent games, so most of you would have been at them.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures
We have looked through our photo archives for a look back as some games against Stoke City over the years, what are your memories of these games ?
Southampton V Stoke City The Preview
Saints go into the last two games of the season with their hopes of automatic promotion ended, even the hope of finishing 3rd is only a point away from being ended, but they do have something to play for and that is getting back the togetherness, character & fight Russell Martin has recently be moaned.
No Togetherness No Character No Fight
Not my words, but those of Southampton manager Russell Martin, who should ask himself the question why two months ago we had all those attributes and now we don't !
Southampton At Leicester The Debacle
The big question is how can a side that was so tight at the back, so clinical up front and who could pass the ball around almost with their eyes closed, become the disorganised rabble that they were at the Leicester City this evening.
Southampton Side Announced For Leicester Game
Russell Martin has revealed his side for the game against Leicester City, find out what surprises he has for Saints supporters this time out.
Southampton At Leicester City The Preview
Saints travel up to Leicester knowing that it is almost certain that they will just be in the play offs come the end of the season, however there is still the feint hope of 3rd place to play for, however the Foxes are playing for a bigger prize.
A Rough Guide To Leicester City FC
Saints head up to Leicester City this evening with their automatic promotion hopes just about over, so for the 3,000 fans who bought their tickets when there was hope here are the details.
Southampton At Cardiff City The Verdict
There can be no excuses for this defeat, a loss that effectively means that it will be a play off spot and not an automatic promotion place for Southampton, so where did it all go wrong.