(Football news) Southampton have sacked manager Nathan Jones after the Welshman won only one Premier League game in his three-month tenure at the club. Jones is the second Saints manager to lose his job after the former Luton Town boss was appointed in November as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s replacement. Southampton did reach the fifth round of the FA Cup and the semifinals of the Carabao Cup, but they remain rooted at the bottom of the table.
In the last eight league games, Southampton’s only victory came against Everton last month. Jones’s last game was Saturday’s defeat by 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers who came back from a goal down to win 2-1 to leave the Saints in a very precarious position on 15 points in 22 games which is subsequently four points away from safety. Jones’ sacking was the culmination of poor form and bizarre excuses he was already on borrowed time after failing to win over the supporters at St Mary’s Stadium.
After a 3-0 defeat at Brentford the 49-year-old was heavily criticised for saying he had to compromise on his style of management due to fan pressure.He eventually accepted responsibility for their terrible performances but the damage was done as the atmosphere at St Mary’s ground became toxic with fans chanting: “You don’t know what you’re doing” and “Get out of our club.” Southampton are now going to be led by coach Ruben Selles who will take charge of training and prepare the squad for next Saturday’s game against Chelsea.
Jesse Marsch is the favourite to become Southampton’s new manager less than a week after losing his Leeds United job. The 49-year-old American was sacked by Leeds after spending a year at Elland Road. Despite his struggles at Leeds, Marsch is admired by the Southampton management team which could open the door for an immediate return to the Premier League. Marsch’s experience working in the Red Bull Group, like former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, appeals to the Southampton hierarchy as there are certain similarities in regards to pressing style and system. If he gets appointed it will be a monumental job for the American manager to keep the club in the Premier League.
“Southampton Football Club can confirm it has parted company with men’s first team manager Nathan Jones. First team coaches Chris Cohen and Alan Sheehan have also left the club,” the club said in a statement.
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