Southampton sack manager Alan Pardew
League One side Southampton have sacked manager Alan Pardew and his coaching staff just two days after the Saints recorded a 4-0 win over Bristol Rovers.
The club have confirmed in a statement on their website that Dean Wilkins will take over on a caretaker basis, and he will be assisted by Under-21 coach, Martin Hunter.
“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,” the statement added.
“These targets for sustained and significant progress embrace both the first team and the Football Development & Support Centre as integrated, co-operative units.”
Pardew, 49, took over as Southampton manager last summer after two years with Charlton Athletic. Before that, he was manager of West Ham United for three years between 2003 and 2006.
He led the Saints to a seventh-place finish in League One last season, although they were deducted 10 points for entering administration.
The club’s owner, Markus Liebherr, passed away earlier this month, and his successors have decided that changes needed to be made for progression to take place.
“We recognise that frequent changes to the football management are unlikely to assist in the winning of trophies and promotions,” continued the club statement.
“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.”
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