Sabtu, 09 Februari 2013

Pochettino praise for Zabaleta

Pablo Zabaleta: Impressive season for City

The reigning Premier League champions have endured a frustrating season and sit nine points shy of Manchester United.

Zabaleta has been one of City's shining lights and his performances have caught the eye of many, including Pochettino.

The Argentinian pair played together at Spanish side Espanyol and the Saints boss is proud of his old friend.

"I know him because we shared the same dressing room," Pochettino said. "The problem won't be just playing against him, but the fact he has 10 colleagues with him.

"That said, he arrived in Spain when he was very young and has been maturing. He is at a high point now with Manchester City.

"He is the same now as he was then. He has not changed. He has a great mentality, a winning mentality, aggressive - the typical sort of player in the Premier League."

Zabaleta's contribution seems to be getting recognition at last - something Pochettino, himself a former defender, is pleased to see.

"Teams need players with different characteristics but what people notice most is the goals," he said. "That is what is prized most.

"But the trainers, the manager, attach a lot of value to players that provide the ball to be scored.

"I think he is amongst the top 10 players in his position in the world.

"That is demonstrated by the fact his place in one of the best teams around in Manchester City and the Argentinian national team."

Pochettino may be looking forward to seeing Zabaleta tonight but he is hoping to disappoint him at St Mary's, with Southampton looking for a first win since his arrival.

"I want to point out the great willingness they've all shown and also how willing they've been to accept the new management, the new philosophy," said Pochettino, who has so far overseen two draws and a win.

"I don't like to compare but we've seen the team which is in a very good line of play at the moment.

"We've deserved be tter reward from teams we've played up until now."

Saints star targets top four

Rickie Lambert: Striker is confident the club will stay in the top flight

The club have not won any of their three matches since the Argentinian replaced Nigel Adkins, who was sacked last month.

However, the former Bristol Rovers and Rochdale hitman is confident Saints will stay up and has backed chairman Nicola Cortese to provide the funds for the new man in the summer to help the club challenge the big boys.

The 30-year-old told The Sun: "The new manager has been great and you can see since he has come to the club he wants to make things happen.

"The chairman is very ambitious and Southampton is going to be a very exciting place to be over the next few years.

"It is not unrealistic to try and challenge for the top four over the next three years. That is what we have to aim for.

"Three years ago a lot of people would have laughed in our faces if we had said we'd be in the Premier League.

"We have got to keep that momentum going and keep moving forward. I am very confident we will stay up."

Lambert is also hopeful of joining club legends Mick Channon and Matt Le Tissier by scoring 100 goals for the club and he is aiming to do it against Manchester City.

The striker, who has bagged 11 goals this season making him the highest-scoring Englishman in the Premier League, said: "Scoring my 100th goal against a world-class team like City would be special but only if we get a good result.

"I try not to think about the record too much because the most important thing is the team get three points to move away from relegation danger."

Jumat, 08 Februari 2013

Premier League: Southampton v Man City preview

Luke Shaw: Injury concern for Southampton

Southampton left-back Luke Shaw is a doubt for Saturday's clash with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

The 17-year-old picked up a ligament issue ahead of his England Under-21s debut against Sweden in midweek, while fellow full-back Nathaniel Clyne, another to drop out of the Young Lions' squad, may also be unavailable.

Gaston Ramirez and Guly do Prado are also possibly out, while Jose Fonte is sidelined.

Adam Lallana could make his first start since suffering a knee injury on December 8 and January acquisition Vegard Forren could make his debut.

City could be boosted by the return of captain Vincent Kompany after recovering from a calf injury.

Kompany returned to training on Wednesday and Roberto Mancini will make a decision on his fitness after training on Friday.

City are also boosted by the return of Yaya and Kolo Toure after returning from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.

Mancini must decide who to start with up front after leaving Carlos Tevez on the bench against Liverpool with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko getting the nod in attack.

Lallana impatient to get back

Adam Lallana: Eyeing a first start since December

Saints have not won any of their three matches since the Argentinian replaced Nigel Adkins at the helm and face the unenviable task of looking for a first victory against Manchester City.

It is a match in which Lallana could make his first start since December 8, having suffered a knee injury in the 1-0 defeat of Reading at St Mary's.

That was Southampton's last home victory and Lallana is hoping to make up for lost time against the reigning champions.

"I have been itching to get back now the whole time," he said.

"I've been there or thereabouts the last three or four weeks and I've made a couple appearances off the bench.

"I am fully fit and eagerly hoping to get some time from the start, whether I do, we will find out on Saturday.

"I was injured when Alan Pardew left the club and Adkins came in so I've experienced similar to this.

"It was frustrating because you want to get out there and prove to him your worth, real ly.

"He has been great and the language barrier is not an issue. You communicate fine and his assistant Jesus Perez, Miguel D'Agostino and goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez can all speak English well.

"It is great and I am so far thoroughly enjoying my time under the gaffer."

Lallana believes Pochettino has already "put his footprint" on the team in the few weeks he has been in charge.

Despite having not yet secured a first win in English football, the former Espanyol manager's team have attracted plaudits from fans and pundits alike.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson even said Saints were the best team to have visited Old Trafford this season but Pochettino's side lost on the night - something Lallana knows cannot continue.

"We approach the Man City game how we have approached our previous three games under him," the left winger said.

"There have been some positive performances, we just want to turn them into points be cause that is the only way we're going to get up the table.

"If they've not got Pablo Zabaleta at right-back, they've got Micah Richards or name after name.

"They have top quality international players in their team but those kind of players that you relish.

"If I am up against Zabaleta, that's that. I will have to deal with and look forward to it."

There was an air of positivity around St Mary's yesterday, where Lallana was helping Southampton launch their new official timekeeper partnership with Eterna.

The winger was joined at the ground by frontman Rickie Lambert, who was overlooked by Roy Hodgson for the friendly against Brazil despite being this season's top English league scorer.

"I was surprised," Lallana, part of the squad that faced Ukraine in September, said of the omission.

"We were chatting in the changing rooms, especially after Jermain Defoe and Daniel Sturridge picked up knocks.

"He has got 11 Premier Le ague goals, the highest by an Englishman in the league, so the stats are there.

"He has been absolutely outstanding for us and as long as we have got him fit and healthy, ready for us, that is all I am worried about and probably the Saints fans too.

"He does deserve it and how far he has come as well in a short space of time is quite unbelievable."

Lallana and Lambert are both among Southampton's longest-serving players, along with Kelvin Davis and Jose Fonte.

All four have been highlighted as leaders by Pochettino and Lallana admits he is unclear as to whether he will remain captain under the new manager.

"I am not sure," he said. "I am just eagerly looking forward to coming back.

"I am only 24 and that is not a massive issue. If I am, then great. If not, I will still give 100 per cent for the team."

Prem clubs agree new controls

The 20 club chairmen voted by 13 to six - with one abstention - to implement two significant controls - to limit players' wage bills from next season, and longer-term measures that will restrict the amount of losses clubs can make to 105million over three years.

Clubs whose total wage bill is more than 52million will only be allowed to increase their wages by 4million per season for the next three years, though that cap does not cover extra money coming in from increases in commercial or matchday income.

The effect of the financial controls should prevent hugely wealthy owners achieving the almost-overnight success of Chelsea and Manchester City.

Any club breaching the rules will face tough sanctions - and Premier League chief executive Scudamore said they would be pushing for points deductions.

Scudamore told reporters: "As all things in our rulebook you will subject to a disciplinary commission.

"The clubs understand that if people b reak the 105m we will looking for the top-end ultimate sanction range - points deduction.

"Normally we stay silent on sanctions as the commission has a free range, but clearly if there is a material breach of that rule we will be asking the commission to consider top-end sanctions."

It emerged tonight, however, that the vote for the financial regulations could hardly have been closer - only 13 of the 20 clubs voted in favour, six against with Reading abstaining. It meant that the 'yes' vote only narrowly achieved the necessary two-thirds majority of the 19 votes cast.

Clubs sources say Fulham, West Brom, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Swansea and Southampton all voted against. Chelsea, who had initially been viewed as opponents of financial fair play regulations, voted in favour.

Of the 20 clubs in the top flight, only Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have reported losses of more than 105million over the last three years, according to the mos t up-to-date published accounts.

Scudamore said there would be an "absolute prohibition" on clubs reporting losses of more than 105million over the next three years with the first sanctions possible in 2016. He said that the measures would mean it will take longer for benefactor owners to achieve success - but that it would still be possible.

He said: "The balance we have tried to strike is that a new owner can still invest a decent amount of money to improve their club but they are not going to be throwing hundreds and hundreds of millions in a very short period of time.

"While it has worked for a couple of clubs in the last 10 years, and I am not critical of that, if that's going to be done in the future it's going to have to be over a slightly longer term without the huge losses being made.

"I think at 105million you can still build a very decent club with substantial owner funding but you have to do it over time, you can't do it in a season."< /p>

Chelsea won the Premier League two years after Roman Abramovich's takeover, and Manchester City's title success came three years after Sheikh Mansour's takeover.

Any club making any loss of over 5million a year will have to guarantee those losses against the owner's assets.

"In some ways that's the most significant part, this is a three-year rolling system of secure funding - it's one year at the moment," Scudamore added.

The ceiling when the wage increase restrictions kick in will be 52million next season, 56million the following year and 60million i 2015/16. Only seven of the current top-flight clubs would be under that ceiling at the moment.

The Premier League's legal advisers will now work on the detailed proposals and these will be brought back before the chairmen in April to be ratified.

In a statement, Chelsea said they are supportive of moves that promote financial stability.

The statement said: "Premier League clubs t oday reached an agreement to introduce financial stability rules and wage controls for the league. Chelsea Football Club is supportive of moves that promote financial stability in football. We are already subject to UEFA's financial fair play principles and will comply with those.

"The new rules will be subject to further detailed discussions before they are brought in and we will play our part in those to ensure implementation is fair for all clubs in the league."

West Ham's co-owner David Gold said the proposals would prevent Portsmouth's descent in administration happening again.

He said: "It's not a salary cap - it's a restraint on over-spending. If clubs increase their revenues then they can increase their spending.

"We have got restraint - that's the important thing. What's driving the whole thing is we've got to avoid another Portsmouth."

Kamis, 07 Februari 2013

Pochettino relieved by omissions

Mauricio Pochettino: Has lost Luke Shaw to injury

Lambert has shone on his first season as a Premier League player, netting 11 goals in 25 matches.

The 30-year-old's haul is the highest by an English player and led one bookmaker to offers odds of 3/1 on him receiving a first call-up for Wednesday night's match against Brazil.

In the end, England boss Roy Hodgson overlooked the striker, something Pochettino was relieved about after left-back Luke Shaw picked up a knock on England Under-21 duty.

"For me, they are all worthy of playing for their national teams," Pochettino said of his new charges.

"[But] it would be better for Southampton that they are not with their national teams after what happened to Luke Shaw.

"It's natural they should have enthusiasm to play for national team, but they have to be calm and everything comes bit by bit over time."

Shaw picked up a ligament issue ahead of his Young Lions debut against Sweden and is a doubt for Saturday's late kick-off against Manchester City.

Fellow full-back Nathaniel Clyne, another that dropped out of the Under-21 squad, may also be unavailable, with Gaston Ramirez and Guly do Prado also possibly out.

"We have several players recovering from situations that have happened to them over the last couple of games," said Pochettino, who will almost certainly be without centre-back Jose Fonte.

"I can't confirm at the present time whether they will be ready for Saturday or not.

"I hope they will be available for the game. Luke Shaw has come back with a problem after his time with the England Under-21s team.

"We don't know if Adam Lallana will be ready right from the start. He is recovering from injury so we don't know yet."

Should the winger make his first start since December 8, it would be a huge big boost to Pochettino, who has yet to secure his first win since replacing Nigel Adkins at the St Mary's helm.

The Argentinian knows it will be tough to se cure his first three points against City, highlighting David Silva, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero as the key threats.

"It's obvious that those two players plus Silva are great players," Pochettino said.

"We know that we have to stop the players getting balls to these three players.

"We know any of these three can decide the match at any time so we have to stop the ball getting to them."

Premier League clubs to compromise

The terms of the deal will allow owners to cover up to 105million losses over three years.

The Premier League system would be less hard-hitting than UEFA's, which comes into force next season and limits owners to covering 39million losses over a three-year period.

A cap on wage increases is also expected to get the go-ahead at the meeting of the 20 clubs.

Significantly, Chelsea are set to back both a compromise FFP system and a salary cap - the Roman Abramovich-owned club had been viewed in some quarters as opposed to any spending controls.

Insiders at Stamford Bridge insist they have never been opposed to a compromise agreement, and that position should now ensure that both spending control systems are agreed.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool have been pushing for an FFP system where wealthy owners are not be allowed to underwrite any losses, but that stance looks set to be defeated.

The wage increase cap may also be watered down however - initially Sunderland owner Ellis Short had suggested a maximum 10% increase allowed for player wages. It now looks likely that the cap will only affect those clubs whose total bill is higher than 52million so promoted sides are not prevented from improving their squads.

Furthermore, spending money earned from clubs' individual commercial deals on wages will not be restricted. That can be significant - in Manchester United's case commercial income totalled 117.6million last year and their wage bill 160million.

But some form of wage increase cap will satisfy club owners who are fearful of the bulk of the income from next season's bumper new television rights deals - expected to be worth 25million-30million per club - going straight into the pockets of the players and agents.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool - styled as the 'gang of four' after they sent a joint letter to the last shareholders meeting calli ng for owners not be allowed to cover any losses at all - argue that tough FFP measures will maintain the Premier League's competitiveness and its attraction to a global TV audience, rather than risk a situation developing such as in Spain where only two clubs dominate the football landscape.

Other clubs believe the four are acting out of self-interest and want to maintain a status quo where smaller clubs can never break into the top ranks, even with a benefactor owner.

Rabu, 06 Februari 2013

Saints cancel Le Tissier talks

Nicola Cortese: Cancelled clear-the-air talks with Matthew Le Tissier

Le Tissier, who was critical of Southampton executive chairman Cortese's decision to sack manager Nigel Adkins and replace him with former Espanyol boss Mauricio Pochettino, had called for a meeting with Cortese.

Le Tissier later revealed talks had been scheduled for four weeks' time, but Southampton have on Wednesday said that those discussions are now off.

"A meeting was organised between Nicola Cortese, the club's executive chairman, and Matthew Le Tissier in what the club believed was good faith," a club spokesman said.

"Both parties had agreed that it would be a private meeting with no publicity surrounding it, yet within 24 hours this matter was put in the public domain and further negative comments attributed to Mr Le Tissier have appeared this morning.

"As an ex-player, Mr Le Tissier's achievements are well known.

"However, his repeated criticisms over a prolonged period of time are not justified and have not merited any res ponse from the club. Nor has the motive for these personal attacks ever been made entirely clear.

"Mr Cortese wishes to reiterate that he will not make comment about somebody he does not know personally - and that includes Mr Le Tissier.

"These criticisms have not affected the club's success and progress on or off the pitch in recent years and will not divert the club from its course in the future.

"For Mr Le Tissier to agree to meet 'in good faith' and then make such comments can only be seen as a breach of good faith and certainly not in the best interests of the club.

"Mr Le Tissier also refers to his friend Francis Benali having the best interests of the club at heart, while neglecting to mention that the same person is currently suing Southampton Football Club in relation to a lease dispute and lost ambassadorial fees.

"It is a legal action the club will be defending rigorously in the best interests of the club and its reputation.

"In all the circumstances and in light of the comments attributed to Mr Le Tissier, the club believes that it is now not possible for the above mentioned meeting to take place in good faith.

"We would nevertheless encourage Mr Le Tissier to join with our fans and continue to enjoy the success the club has achieved over the last three and a half years.

"The club now considers this matter closed and will not be making any further comment about it."

Le Tissier said on Wednesday afternoon that the meeting's cancellation "doesn't surprise" him and wrote on Twitter: "Meeting with our wonderful exec chairman been cancelled surprisesurprise somethingtohidenicola."

Benali was unavailable for comment.

Cortese played an integral role in the now-deceased Markus Liebherr's takeover of the debt-ridden south coast club three years ago - a time in which Le Tissier was part of a rival bid by Pinnacle Group.

In October the Saints legend described C ortese as "not a very nice human being", with the Italian later claiming they had never met.

Selasa, 05 Februari 2013

Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc keen to justify Poland recall

Artur Boruc: Earned recall for Poland

The 33-year-old was kicked out of the national team by previous Poland head coach Franciszek Smuda for his behaviour on the plane back from a US tour.

And his career at Southampton began in controversy when the keeper was alleged to have thrown a water bottle into the crowd on his home debut against Tottenham at St Mary's.

But ahead of Poland's friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Wednesday, Boruc claims he has 'grown up' and has high hopes for the future as Saints No.1.

"I've matured over the last few months," he told Polish news organisation Sport. "I was determined to get back in Southampton's goal.

"I lost my place. The Tottenham game ruined my plans but that was only a one-off incident.

"I hope I've earned my call-up. I've been told I have a clean slate from the new coach.

"I've grow up and matured. I always wanted to play in the Premier League, though I hoped to make it here earlier.

"Goa lkeepers are usually better with age so there is still some time ahead of me."

Senin, 04 Februari 2013

Rickie Lambert upset at being overlooked for England squad again

Rickie Lambert: Not giving up on England hopes

Lambert has adjusted to Premier League football superbly after spending most of his career in the lower leagues and his 11 goals make him the joint-leading English scorer in the division with Arsenal's Theo Walcott.

The 30-year-old revealed he has not been contacted by any of the England staff despite his form, which continued with a goal at Wigan on Saturday, and he said: "I was disappointed (not to be in the squad).

"I'm not saying I was expecting it but I was hoping, and it wasn't to be. But hopefully I can show until the end of the season that I am good enough, not just that I deserve a chance but that I am good enough.

"If it comes, it comes and if it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm just going to try to help Southampton, try to score goals and push Southampton up the league table.

"I'm not going to focus on the England squad too much but I am hoping I can get a chance.

"I don't think my age is a hindrance. I've just got to try to prov e to them that I'm good enough. I've got quite a lot of games left to do that."

Minggu, 03 Februari 2013

Late equaliser frustrates Lambert

Shaun Maloney: Celebrates his late equaliser for Wigan

Captain Gary Caldwell had given the hosts a first-half lead at the DW Stadium but Lambert equalised in the 64th minute and it looked like being a deserved three points for Southampton when Morgan Schneiderlin put them ahead five minutes from time.

However, Wigan roused themselves for one final effort and secured a 2-2 draw when Maloney popped up in the 90th minute to prod the ball home from a corner.

The result left Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino still looking for his first win after three games despite his side being in the ascendancy for large parts of all of them.

Lambert said: "I'm frustrated about conceding in the last minute, it was a very bad goal to give away.

"Obviously when the dust settles and you have time to think about it then we're going to think of it being a good point, but right now it doesn't feel like that, it's a bitter pill to swallow. We should have had three points.

"I thought the performance was brillian t. Throughout the 90 minutes we pressed them, we harried them and we put them under a lot of pressure, and they're a really good football team.

"Last time we played them we got taught a lesson but I thought this time around we showed them how much we've improved and we deserved the three points.

"I thought we deserved a point at Old Trafford and three points here so it's not nice, but when we sit and think about it we'll take positives out of the performances.

"We've been good of late at not conceding many goals. The last two games we've conceded two and these were poor goals, both of them. We need to get back on the training pitch and do better next week."

Saints had a shaky start to life in the Premier League and lost 2-0 at home to Wigan in August. They won only one of their first 11 games and November's clash with QPR was billed as a key match in the relegation battle.

Saints won 3-1 that day and have lost only two matches since. Nigel Adkins was harshly sacked on the back of a draw with Chelsea but the momentum has continued under Pochettino.

Had the visitors picked up three points they would have been six clear of the relegation zone, but a point still leaves them three points ahead of Wigan and Aston Villa.

The Latics again find themselves scrapping to avoid relegation having won only one of their last 12 games and were far from their fluent best on Saturday.

Manager Roberto Martinez wants both players and fans to leave the anxiety at home for their remaining games, but believes they can be encouraged by the manner in which they fought back.

He said: "I think we allowed Southampton's pressure to be very effective. I don't think we were quick enough with our short passing and we couldn't get away from that first line of pressure that Southampton had. All of a sudden they were a real threat.

"In any sport, when you go into a game where there's huge expectation it becomes a lot harder. That was quite evident.

"I've never seen our crowd as frustrated and as worried as they were. We all need to learn that we've got six games left at home, every single game is an opportunity to get points and we need to enjoy the challenge and be as good as we can be.

"The character we showed to get back on level terms is exactly what we need in this final third of the season."

Sabtu, 02 Februari 2013

Jonathan Forte returns to first club Sheffield United in loan deal

Jonathan Forte: Returning to Sheffield

Sheffield-born Forte has been out of favour at Southampton this season and will return to his first club where he will join fellow new-boys Danny Higginbotham and Jamie Murphy, who signed earlier in the month.

Boss Danny Wilson told the club's website: "People will be familiar with Jonathan's talents and we are delighted that he has accepted our offer to come and play.

"His goalscoring record is very good and hopefully he can improve that back in Sheffield with us - he is undoubtedly a player with great potential."

The 26-year-old came through the Blades Academy and made his debut in an FA Cup tie in 2004. He played 39 times for the first team before moving to Scunthorpe where he really made his name.

He followed boss Nigel Adkins to Southampton in January 2011 and in a frustrating two-years he was farmed out on loan to Notts County, Preston North End and Crawley Town.

Sheffield United have also completed the signing of Scotland int ernational midfielder Barry Robson on a deal until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old was a free agent after his contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps was cancelled earlier this month by mutual consent.

Robson has played 17 times for Scotland and started his career with Inverness before moving on to Dundee United, Celtic and Middlesbrough.

Wilson said: "When someone of his experience and quality comes along you have to sit up and take notice and I'm delighted a deal can be completed, especially given the fact that he has been back in the country less than a week.

"He gives us options in offensive positions, he will score goals and be a supply line for others."

Reeves makes Roots Hall move

Ben Reeves: Could make debut against Oxford

The 21-year-old will remain at Roots Hall until the end of February and could make his debut in the weekend's clash with Oxford.

The midfielder has made six appearances for the Saints this season and scored in the Capital One Cup victory over Stevenage in August.

His last appearance came as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Norwich in November.

Shrimpers boss Paul Sturrock told the club's official website: "We're delighted to have signed Ben. He's someone we identified as a player we feel can help us push for promotion.

"He has played in the Premier League this season so it just shows how highly the young lad is rated. He will offer us something different.

"He's here initially for 28 days and we will see how things progress during that time."

Wigan drew 2-2 with Southampton at the DW Stadium

Shaun Maloney: Broke Saints' hearts late on

A Gary Caldwell header gave the home side a first half lead against the run of play, but the Saints deservedly equalised when Rickie Lambert headed home from close range.

Southampton dominated for the majority of the match, and they took a deserved lead five minutes from time after Morgan Schneiderlin swept home following a fine run from Jay Rodriguez. However, it was heartbreak for the Saints as Shaun Maloney finished after a Paul Scharner knockdown from a corner.

Wigan chose to hand a debut to Scharner upon his return from Hamburg, whilst Adam Lallana was not deemed fit enough to start after his return from injury in midweek off the bench. Luke Shaw returned to the side in place of Danny Fox.

This was Southampton's first ever trip to Wigan, and they started off the brighter of the two sides, immediately getting onto the front foot and looking to control possession in midfield. However, they could not find the final ball to create a clea r-cut chance, and Artur Boruc was the goalkeeper forced into the first save, diving down low to keep out a Franco Di Santo shot.

Three minutes later, Southampton striker Lambert's shot found Gaston Ramirez in acres of space and onside. The Uruguayan could have taken a touch but chose to volley, and the ball flew well over.

Wigan took the lead against the run of play on 25 minutes when Jean Beausejour's corner was met by captain Caldwell, who guided a fine header into the bottom left corner.

Southampton almost responded in bizarre fashion, a James McCarthy clearance rebounding off Schneiderlin and forcing Ali Al-Habsi into a sprawling stop to claw the ball behind, while Jos Hooiveld headed just wide from a corner.

Southampton began the second half as they did the first and, in a spell of ten minutes, Hooiveld was just unable to get a firm enough header and Jay Rodriguez missed his kick in front of goal.

On 64 minutes, Southampton got what they deserved. A cross from the right-hand side came to the back post, and Lambert was brave enough to put in a header despite the close presence from Al-Habsi.

If that goal should have woken up Wigan, it simply spurred on Southampton, and five minutes later substitute Lallana struck a post following a corner, and Lambert then volleyed just wide as Wigan desperately tried to weather the storm. The away side finally took a deserved lead with a wonderful team move as the impressive Shaw sent Rodriguez down the left and the forward pulled the ball back for Schneiderlin to sweep home.

But, with two minutes remaining, Saints' hearts were broken. Wigan won a late corner and Scharner knocked the ball down to Maloney, who finished from a tight angle.

Morgan Schneiderlin disappointed with Southampton draw against Wigan

Morgan Schneiderlin: Ended a flowing move to give Southampton lead

Southampton dominated for large periods and turned the game around to take the lead after 86 minutes, Schneiderlin himself finishing off a fluid counter attacking move.

However, just three minutes later Shaun Maloney equalised for Wigan to rescue an undeserved point for the home side.

"We should have had the three points. We came here with the intention to win the game and did everything we could to do so," Schneiderlin said.

"We are disappointed that we have conceded two goals from corners, because from open play you couldn't see how they could score.

"In the last minute to concede a goal like that is disappointing.

"Still, we keep them three points behind us and we are going to try to make that a bigger gap over the next few games."

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino disappointed with draw against Wigan

Mauricio Pochettino: Southampton manager sad for players

Saints fell behind during the first half but controlled the game for large periods as they turned the match on its head during the second half.

Pochettino admitted that, although he was happy with the performance, there was also disappointment that he could not gain his first win in charge.

"There are two different feelings," Pochettino told Saints Player.

"First because we played well, and secondly, because we could and should have won the game, so we are disappointed with the result.

"I am happy with the performance of the team, and although I am disappointed with the result, we played well today, so I am happy with that.

"You can never count on winning. You always have to wait until the end of the match and that is the same in football all of the time, you can't rest on your laurels, you have to play until the end.

"Today I am sad for the players who have played very well and made a great effort, but unfortunately we haven't come away with the result.

"I am also very pleased with the supporters who have given us great support here today."

HR: We're not only big spenders

Harry Redknapp: Lashes out at fellow strugglers

Given the plight of Leeds and Portsmouth in previous years, more attention than ever is being paid to the way clubs, particularly in the Premier League, are being run.

QPR have come under the microscope after a January spending spree that saw them twice break their transfer record, first by bringing in Marseille forward Loic Remy and then Anzhi's Christopher Samba.

With the club's Loftus Road home only holding 18,500 and relegation to the Championship a distinct possibility, there have been those questioning whether QPR could end up in financial trouble.

Redknapp, though, believes the club are being unfairly focused upon.

"Other clubs spend money down there," the QPR boss said. "Aston Villa have spent big money as well. People think 'They've only bought kids' - well go back to Darren Bent.

"You can go through a list of players there and they've spent good money, the Richard Dunnes and all these people.

"Southampton paid 12mil lion for a striker (Gaston Ramirez) and 6million for the lad at Burnley (Jay Rodriguez) - that's 18million for two players.

"It is suddenly like QPR are the only ones spending money. I think QPR only spent 12million in the summer, which in today's market is not astronomical.

"It seems we seem to be labelled as the only team that are spending big money. Samba was a big signing, but I don't know how much he earns."

Redknapp insisted the QPR board are "wealthy people" and "not exactly paupers" when questioned on the sustainability of comparatively large amounts of money being spent on wages and fees.

"That's up to the chairman and board members," he said. "I don't know if they can sustain it.

"That was their decision, the chairman and the shareholders, to spend that money on Samba. It isn't me saying 'Go and buy Chris Samba'.

"I don't think he has come here for anywhere near 100,000 a week but, whatever he is earning, that's their decis ion to spend that money.

"He came to me and said I had Chris Samba. What can you do?"

Jumat, 01 Februari 2013

Pochettino impresses Martinez

Mauricio Pochettino: Has impressed Martinez

The Saints' decision last month to sack Nigel Adkins, who guided them to back-to-back promotions over the past two seasons, and replace him with the former Espanyol coach at a time when the south coast outfit was lying 15th in the Barclays Premier League was widely met with bemusement.

But while Adkins' successor might have been little-known to much of the Southampton faithful, he is certainly familiar to Martinez.

The Spaniard rates Pochettino's work at Espanyol, where he achieved Primera Division finishes of 10th, 11th, eighth and 14th before leaving in November with them bottom of the table.

And Martinez believes the two performances the 40-year-old has overseen so far at his new club - a 0-0 home draw with Everton and 2-1 defeat at Manchester United - have been promising.

Speaking ahead of Wigan's home league clash with Southampton on Saturday, Martinez said: "You need to remember with the new manager that he is not involved in (the de cision of) changing managers - he is just coming in to do his job.

"He was very impressive at Espanyol. He is well-organised, he has very clear football concepts and he is used to dealing with high-pressure games and with bringing youngsters through.

"What he did at Espanyol was remarkable and with the way Southampton have been playing in the last two games you can see he has a relationship straight away with his team and that they reflect the way he wants to play."

Martinez was also keen to pay tribute to Adkins' efforts and thinks it has been a commendable season overall for 16th-placed Southampton, who go into Saturday's contest having lost only three times in their last 14 league games.

"I think Nigel Adkins did an incredible job and I'm sure everyone who is connected to Southampton will always appreciate that," he said.

"He achieved two promotions and steadied the group in the new league, so that was a phenomenal job from the outside.< /p>

"We can see with the two performances under the new manager what normally happens - it gives a new start for different players in the squad and the squad gets galvanised.

"But it is also fair to say that after their first few games this season, Southampton showed they were ready and used to the new league.

"They have been very, very impressive, so we expect a very difficult game."

Wigan are 18th in the table, level on points with both 17th-placed Reading and 19th-placed Aston Villa and three adrift of Southampton.

The Latics have seven matches left this term at the DW Stadium, where they have won only twice all season, and Martinez has once again stressed how important it is that his team make the most of those fixtures.

He said: "We have seven games left at the DW Stadium.

"Every single one of those 21 points that are there to fight for are going to be extremely vital."

Paul Scharner could make his Wigan comeback in to morrow's encounter after rejoining the club on transfer deadline day.

Scharner, who spent four-and-a-half years with the Latics before leaving in 2010, has been recruited by Martinez on loan from Hamburg until the end of the season as an additional option in central defence, where Ivan Ramis (knee) and Antolin Alcaraz (groin) are currently unavailable.

Saints draw strength from OT show

Mauricio Pochettino: Happy with display at Old Trafford

Although Southampton lost 2-1 at Old Trafford after seeing their early lead wiped out by Wayne Rooney's brace, Pochettino's side received major praise from Sir Alex Ferguson who claimed the Saints' second-half display was the best he had seen from a visiting team all season.

Southampton have looked to play expansive, attacking football in both of Pochettino's games since he replaced Nigel Adkins last month and the 40-year-old Argentinian is hoping they can build on that when they travel to the DW Stadium.

"That is the way we want to play but perhaps in the first half (at Old Trafford) we weren't able to do so," he said. "I am not happy with the way we played in the first half. That is not how we wanted to play. But I am very proud and happy with the way we played in the second.

"Our performance in the second half is going to give my players the confidence to play on like that in the future."

Saturday's match will be the first time Southamp ton have ever faced Wigan away from home and, if Pochettino can guide his side to a first win under his tenure, they will move six points clear of the Latics.

Wednesday's defeat at leaders United followed a 0-0 draw at home to fifth-placed Everton in Pochettino's first game in charge.

Wigan present a different challenge as they are currently languishing in the relegation zone but the former Espanyol coach, who took his players on a training camp in Barcelona last week, still expects a tough challenge.

"All games have their complexity and difficulty," he said. "But in any game, where you have a chance of getting the three points you must keep that mentality and go for the win."

Southampton skipper Adam Lallana, who could make his first start in almost two months against Wigan, echoed the comments of his manager and praised Latics' boss Roberto Martinez.

"They taught us a bit of a footballing lesson," Lallana said of the 2-0 defeat Wigan infl icted on Southampton in August.

"They've got a great squad and a great manager - he's kept them in the league for four or five years now and they've always been underdogs and written off. It's going to be a tough game."

Lallana was given the armband at St Mary's by Adkins but has only featured as a second-half substitute at Old Trafford since Pochettino was appointed due to a knee ligament injury.

The 24-year-old said he was in a similar position when Adkins first took charge but is pleased to be back so early after suffering what could have been a long-term problem.

"I remember when Adkins first came to the club I was on the sidelines as well," he told the Southern Daily Echo.

"It's almost like the first day at school again. I'm lucky I was only out six or seven weeks, not six or seven months. I was going to be patient, but I felt great and really good (against United)."

Another player who will be raring to play at the DW Stadium is new defensive signing Vegard Forren.

The Norway international signed from Molde on the same day Pochettino was named as manager but did not feature in midweek.

The club are believed to have fought off interest from the likes of Liverpool, Everton and Fulham to sign Forren but Pochettino has said the 24-year-old will have to remain patient before he is given a chance in the first team.

"He arrived with the team after being on holiday so he needs to go through an adaptation period to be able to play," Pochettino said. "Nonetheless, he will have to earn his place because other players are doing very well."

Kamis, 31 Januari 2013

Oldham have signed Lee Barnard on loan from Southampton

Lee Barnard: Joined Oldham for the battle against relegation

Barnard was previously on loan at League One side Bournemouth, where he scored four times in 15 games earlier this season.

The 28-year-old is Oldham's third capture of transfer deadline day, following Reading's teenage midfield player Jordan Obita and veteran striker Chris Iwelumo into the club.

The signings come as Paul Dickov bids to guide the 19th placed Latics away from the danger, sitting just one point above the relegation zone.

Southampton winger joins Bolton on one-month loan deal

Steve De Ridder: Only seven appearances for Southampton this season

The 25-year-old was one of the mainstays of Southampton's promotion campaign last season, but he has found first-team opportunites limited since the Saints entered the top flight.

The Belgian has been restricted to just seven appearances in all competitions this season, although he has featured in four games since the turn of the year.

De Ridder, who spent three years with Dutch side De Graafschap before moving to Southampton in the summer of 2011, becomes Dougie Freedman's fifth signing of the transfer window.

Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United beat Southampton 2-1

Wayne Rooney: Notched first-half brace as United beat Southampton

Jay Rodriguez gave the Saints a shock third-minute lead when he latched onto a poor back pass from Michael Carrick to tuck home around the advancing David De Gea.

But Rooney levelled just five minutes later, slotting into the bottom corner following an excellent through ball from Shinji Kagawa.

Kagawa then hit a post on United's next attack and it took some excellent goalkeeping from Artur Boruc to keep the hosts at bay as returning Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck both threatened danger.

United finally doubled their advantage on 27 minutes when Patrice Evra climbed highest at the far post to meet Van Persie's free-kick, the France defender leaving Rooney with the easiest of tap-ins from barely a yard.

But the hosts were then forced to survive a second-half Southampton bombardment, with the visitors spending almost the entire second period camped in the United half.

Mauricio Pochettino's team pushed forward in search of a leveller, with substitute Adam Lallana having a significant influence as Rickie Lambert twice went close.

Briefly, United relieved the pressure, with Van Persie's goalbound header brilliantly saved by Boruc before the Dutchman had an effort ruled out from a Rooney cross for offside.

Southampton were soon back on the offensive, though, with De Gea producing an excellent flying save to turn away Lambert's free-kick.

Nemanja Vidic flung himself in the way of another Lambert piledriver before Rooney, who finished playing on the left as defensive cover for an overrun Evra, ensured the Saints' final assault got nowhere and his side kept the valuable three points.

Rabu, 30 Januari 2013

Mauricio Pochettino was left frustrated after Southampton's loss to Man United

Mauricio Pochettino: Saw his side go down 2-1 at Old Trafford

The visitors took a shock third minute lead via Jay Rodriguez after a poor back pass from Michael Carrick.

Wayne Rooney put United well in control with a quick-fire brace before the Saints dominated the second half but could not find the equaliser their play deserved.

The defeat leaves the Saints hovering three points above the drop zone and Pochettino told Sky Sports: "I'm very frustrated and angry because I always like to win.

"Having said that we knew that Manchester United are an amazing team with quality players.

"Judging how we played in the second half I think we deserved a bit more than leaving here with nothing."

Opposing boss Alex Ferguson said the Saints were the best team to come to Old Trafford this season but Pochettino would have preferred points on the board.

"His words don't really serve as a consolation to me," added Pochettino.

"But I want to say thank you for those words and it also reinforces the w ay that we want the team to go forward."

Pochettino aiming for victory

Mauricio Pochettino: Thinking big

His side travel to face current Premier League leaders Manchester United on Wednesday night, and the Argentinean is targeting all three points.

The former Espanyol coach took charge at Southampton following the sacking of his popular predecessor Nigel Adkins but won over a lot of fans with a 0-0 draw against Everton last Monday night.

Next up is a trip to Old Trafford to face United but Pochettino is not planning to take his squad there to merely make up the numbers and wants make the long trip back down to the south coast after causing a memorable upset.

"Every game is important, every single match we play is important to us," he said.

"No doubt they are going to be tough and complex games against Manchester City and Manchester United but all games are like that.

"All games are key and the glamour factor does not dictate how we play, the main thing is that we go out with a winning mentality and we want to win every single game, we always respect our rivals but our aim has to always be to get the three points."

Club captain Adam Lallana could be fit enough to make the bench for the game against United and Pochettino says he will not rest key players with one eye on a crucial relegation clash with Wigan on Saturday.

"Lallana may play, he has been training well and looking okay so he may get some minutes against Manchester United so we will see how that develops," he said.

"We're going to Manchester to win and that has to be our mentality and I'm going to chose the players that will do that for us and for the team.

"Every single game represents three points whether you are playing against Manchester United, Wigan, Man City or Newcastle."

The draw against Everton came after Pochettino had had just four training sessions with his Southampton players and they were an impressive attacking unit for most much of the game.

Since then the club have had a trip to Spain, w here they made use of Barcelona's training facilities, and Pochettino believes the Spanish trip, coupled with the gap of nine days between their fixtures, has done wonders for team bonding.

"We are definitely happy with the break (between the Everton and Man United games) and the more time that passes the more we will be able to get the team playing how we want to play," he said.

"Even against Everton with just four sessions under our belts we saw positive aspects and we just want to keeping adding more.

"We achieved everything we wanted out of the trip to Barcelona, the togetherness of the team was very important to us and the players got to know us (Pochettino and new coaching staff) and we got to know the players well.

"It is important that the players feel there is an entire solid team of people working with them at the football club and being together 24 hours of the day was important, not just three or four hours a day in a training session. "

Last week's draw at Everton leaves the Saints four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with 15 games of the season remaining for Pochettino to secure top-flight status for at least another campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson praised ex-Southampton boss Nigel Adkins

Nigel Adkins: Praised by Sir Alex Ferguson

Adkins was sacked by Southampton earlier this month, despite an upturn in form which saw his team come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Chelsea in his final game.

Former Espanyol coach Pochettino was installed as Adkins' successor and the Argentine takes Southampton to Manchester United on Wednesday for his first away game.

"I don't know a lot about him to be honest but I will have a chat with my brother [Martin] as he's been scouting in Spain," said Ferguson.

Regarding Adkins, the United boss added: "I spoke to him the day before he was sacked. He phoned me about his situation there. I mean I can't understand these things. I think their form had picked up. Was it two defeats in 12 games? That's not bad for a team at the bottom of the league.

"Southampton's fans have got a way of demonstrating and there were a few banners up at the Everton game. It's nice in terms of recognising the contribution Adkins made. He brought them up into the division and it's not an easy job."

United won 3-2 at Southampton earlier in the season in a thrilling game and Ferguson is expecting another tough test at home on Wednesday night.

"We're not taking anything for granted," he continued. "We've got Southampton on Wednesday, then we go to Fulham and then it's Everton at home. These are big games, massive games.

"Teams will drop points [in the title race]. Not just us but Manchester City will drop points, absolutely, it's a certainty Chelsea and Arsenal will drop points.

"We'll probably drop two or three ourselves but the important thing is accepting the challenge that every game is just as difficult as the rest."

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Pochettino hails United duo

Mauricio Pochettino: Praise for United's veterans

Pochettino was part of the Argentina side beaten 1-0 by England in Japan in 2002, where his foul on Michael Owen conceded the penalty from which David Beckham secured a famous victory.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, with 34-year-old Ferdinand no longer part of the international side under Roy Hodgson and Scholes, 38, already having come out of retirement once.

However, speaking ahead of tonight's Barclays Premier League clash at Old Trafford, Pochettino feels both men deserve the utmost respect for continuing to play at the highest level with United.

"I am not surprised by their professionalism and how they have maintained themselves over the years," said the 40-year-old, who will be looking to secure his first win since replacing Nigel Adkins.

"I know they are amazing athletes, they take care of their bodies and their fitness.

"As a manager, I am very happy to see them still playing, it makes me proud to see players can last that long, which is all down to their professionalism."

Former Espanyol coach Pochettino used the break in domestic action to take his players away on a short training camp in Spain, which he believes helped the players and new staff bond.

While Pochettino is determined to stamp his own mark on the team, the Argentinian remains conscious of what the squad had achieved before his arrival.

"We have our own work ethic and our own philosophy as to where we want to take the club," he said.

"We have goals and ambition, we want to work for the team to achieve those goals. However, that does not mean we want to be anything contrary to what was being done before, it is not about that.

"It is more about our philosophy, how we want to take the team forward and how we want to achieve those goals."

With defender Jose Fonte still missing through injury, new signing Vegard Forren could be set for his debut at Old Trafford after jo ining from Norwegian side Molde.

Pochettino hopes the 24-year-old, who has not played a competitive match since December, will settle quickly into the tempo of the Premier League.

"We are very pleased Forren has decided to come here. He is a player who is going to cover certain necessities of the squad," Pochettino said.

"The most important aspect now is he adapts well to the team, is up to speed and will be able to compete with us."

Southampton are currently four points clear of the relegation zone and travel to struggling Wigan on Saturday before hosting champions Manchester City on February 9.

Pochettino remains confident his current group of players have what it takes to avoid being dragged into a dogfight for survival.

"I am happy with the quality of the squad and am confident we can do well in the league," he said.

Selasa, 29 Januari 2013

Pochettino to build on Adkins legacy

Mauricio Pochettino: Wants to build on Adkins' hard work

Despite guiding the Saints to back-to-back promotions and keeping them clear of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone following a battling 2-2 draw at Chelsea, Adkins was unceremoniously axed and replaced by Argentinian Pochettino as the south-coast club sought a change of direction.

Southampton's executive chairman Nicola Cortese has defended the controversial sacking of Adkins, describing the timing as "perfect".

Nevertheless, the club came in for criticism after Adkins' name and photo were not included in the matchday programme for last Monday night's goalless draw with Everton at St Mary's.

Former Espanyol coach Pochettino used the break in domestic action to take the group away to a short training camp in Spain which he believes has helped the players and new staff to bond.

While Pochettino is determined to stamp his own mark on the team, which heads to Manchester United on Wednesday night, the Argentinian remains conscious of w hat the squad had achieved before his arrival.

"We have our own work ethic and our own philosophy as to where we want to take the club," he said. "We have goals and ambition, we want to work for the team to achieve those goals."

"However, that does not mean we want to be anything contrary to what was being done before, it is not about that.

"It is more about our philosophy, how we want to take the team forward and how we want to achieve those goals."

With defender Jose Fonte still missing through injury, new signing Vegard Forren could make his debut at Old Trafford after joining from Norwegian side Molde.

Pochettino hopes the 24-year-old, who has not played a competitive match since December, will settle quickly into the hustle-and-bustle of the English Premier League.

"We are very pleased Forren has decided to come here. He is a player who is going to cover certain necessities of the squad," the Southampton manager said.

"Th e most important aspect now is he adapts well to the team, is up to speed and will be able to compete with us."

One target who eluded the Saints, however, was Philippe Coutinho as the Inter Milan midfielder headed to Liverpool instead.

Pochettino worked with the 20-year-old on loan at Espanyol last season.

"I am not frustrated about not being able to sign him. I knew there was a small chance he would come here, but overall I have not had much time to consider new signings," he said.

"I am very happy with the squad which is available to me.

"We all know who Coutinho is, and that he is a quality player. However, there are other factors when we want to sign a player."

The Saints head to Old Trafford four points clear of the relegation zone, and travel to struggling Wigan on Saturday before hosting Premier League champions Manchester City on February 9.

Pochettino remains confident his current group of players have what it takes t o stay clear of being dragged into a dogfight for survival.

"I am happy with the quality of the squad and am confident we can do well in the league," he said.

Manchester United v Southampton: Robin van Persie set for recall

Robin van Persie: Set to return to Manchester United's starting line-up

Skipper Nemanja Vidic and central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand are also set to be included for the Old Trafford encounter.

However, winger Ashley Young (knee) and defender Jonny Evans (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Southampton could welcome club captain Adam Lallana back into their side.

Saints' boss Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed Lallana trained with the squad during a trip to Barcelona and is in contention to be involved at Old Trafford after missing almost two months with knee ligament damage.

Jose Fonte and Guly Do Prado (both knee) are absent, but new signing Vegard Forren is in line to make his debut.

Reported Southampton target Moussa Konate eyes English move

Moussa Konate: Keen on moving to the Premier League

Konate spoke of his desire to join a Premier League club in the summer after impressing with Senegal at the London Olympics but eventually opted for a Russian switch, joining FC Krasnodar.

However, the 19-year-old has struggled to settle in Russia since arriving from Maccabi Tel Aviv in August and is already targeting a European move.

Southampton are believed to be monitoring the striker, while Ligue 1 trio Bordeaux, Sochaux and Rennes have all been linked.

Ahead of his move to Krasnodar, it was thought that Konate had also turned the heads of Norwich, West Brom, Swansea, Fulham and Stoke.

Reports have surfaced suggesting his agent is in England working on a move to bring him to the Premier League and Konate would relish the switch.

He told Le Sport: "I have not settled in Russia and would welcome an opportunity to play in England or France."

To find out more about live football on Sky sports, Click here< /p>

Forren thanks Solskjaer for move

Vegard Forren: Living a dream by playing in Premier League

And Forren says he may contact the ex-Manchester United striker for advice ahead of his expected debut at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Forren moved to Southampton from reigning Norwegian champions Molde after initially being linked with a move to Liverpool.

But now he has moved to the south coast Forren wants to push on with the Saints after being sold on the Barclays Premier League by Molde boss Solskjaer.

"It has always been a dream to play in the Premier League," he said. "After a chat with Nicola (Cortese, Southampton chairman) there was no doubt for me with the plans he has for this club in the future.

"To be a part of that was hard to say no to, it is a team that is on its way up and a team who wants to play football - I was sure this was the right club for me. The club really wanted me and this feels the right club to play football in.

"For me he (Solskjaer) has meant everything to me, he is a great coach and I have taken big s teps because of him.

"I spoke a lot to him about the move and he really wanted to give me this opportunity so I have to thank him for that."

Forren could make his debut for Southampton when they travel to league leaders United on Wednesday night and former Old Trafford favourite Solskjaer should anticipate a call from his former centre-back.

"I haven't spoken to him in the last week but maybe I will give him a call tomorrow night," he said.

"He thinks it is a good step for me and a club on the way up."

The deal to take Forren from Molde to Southampton came during a managerial change at St Mary's but the player revealed he never had discussions with former boss Nigel Adkins about playing for the club with new manager Mauricio Pochettino now in charge of the Saints.

"I never spoke to Nigel," he said.

"I knew that there was a change and that the new manager wanted me here. For me it was never a problem, I was happy to be here and have an opportunity to play for Southampton."

The Premier League is very popular in Norway but Forren is not worried about upsetting people back home if Southampton pull off an upset at Old Trafford.

"All of my friends and family in Norway are happy for me to be in the Premier League, everyone loves the Premier League in Norway," he said.

"Of course I have some friends who are United fans but if I do well and we get the three points I think they will be okay."

With Jose Fonte still missing through injury and Forren settled into the Saints squad following a training trip to Barcelona the 24-year-old looks set to make his debut against United.

Minggu, 27 Januari 2013

Cortese: Adkins timing 'perfect'

Adkins was relieved of his managerial duties nine days ago after taking the club to back-to-back promotions and 15th place in the Premier League, with his dismissal arriving two days after a 2-2 draw at Chelsea.

He was immediately replaced by Argentinean Mauricio Pochettino, with the general consensus being that Adkins had been harshly treated.

The Southampton fans certainly felt so and sang their former manager's name during the 0-0 draw with Everton last Monday, but Cortese stands by the move he made.

In an interview with Sky Sports News, he said: "Nigel and I, we always had a very good relationship, to the last second. It was very tough, not just for him but for me.

"To me, there's one time, which is right, especially if you are 100% convinced it is the right thing. Ultimately for the team it was the right thing, it was perfect timing

"It sounds harsh but it was for the benefit of the progress we want to achieve over the next couple of months and years. It's not only for today but for tomorrow."

Cortese has attracted criticism in the wake of the sacking, with Saints icon Matt Le Tissier accusing him of having an ego problem.

According to Cortese, though, everything he does is for the benefit of Southampton.

He added: "Maybe I need to sacrifice my popularity to get the right decision. If that's the case, I'm happy.

"I am a perfectionist. Some people say that's not good, but it helps the football club to keep attention to detail and not stand still."

On Le Tissier, a one-club man afforded hero status by the Saints fans, he said: "I don't even know him, he's never met me. Anyone in the past who is associated with the club is stirring negativity towards me should probably ask if it's beneficial for the club. I would not allow myself to judge someone I have never met."

On the future of the club, but as a whole and with Le Tissier, Cortese asked everyone to get behin d his vision.

He said: "I'd like in the future, for the supporters to buy more into what we do as a club. Not players, managers or chairmen, the club.

"I am not excluding anyone. Anyone who has Southampton at heart has a place."

Cortese: Adkins timing was 'perfect'

Adkins was relieved of his managerial duties nine days ago after taking the club to back-to-back promotions and 15th place in the Premier League, with his dismissal arriving two days after a 2-2 draw at Chelsea.

He was immediately replaced by Argentinean Mauricio Pochettino, with the general consensus being that Adkins had been harshly treated.

The Southampton fans certainly felt so and sang their former manager's name during the 0-0 draw with Everton last Monday, but Cortese stands by the move he made.

In an interview with Sky Sports News, he said: "Nigel and I, we always had a very good relationship, to the last second. It was very tough, not just for him but for me.

"To me, there's one time, which is right, especially if you are 100% convinced it is the right thing. Ultimately for the team it was the right thing, it was perfect timing

"It sounds harsh but it was for the benefit of the progress we want to achieve over the next couple of months and years. It's not only for today but for tomorrow."

Cortese has attracted criticism in the wake of the sacking, with Saints icon Matt Le Tissier accusing him of having an ego problem.

According to Cortese, though, everything he does is for the benefit of Southampton.

He added: "Maybe I need to sacrifice my popularity to get the right decision. If that's the case, I'm happy.

"I am a perfectionist. Some people say that's not good, but it helps the football club to keep attention to detail and not stand still."

On Le Tissier, a one-club man afforded hero status by the Saints fans, he said: "I don't even know him, he's never met me. Anyone in the past who is associated with the club is stirring negativity towards me should probably ask if it's beneficial for the club. I would not allow myself to judge someone I have never met."

On the future of the club, but as a whole and with Le Tissier, Cortese asked everyone to get behin d his vision.

He said: "I'd like in the future, for the supporters to buy more into what we do as a club. Not players, managers or chairmen, the club.

"I am not excluding anyone. Anyone who has Southampton at heart has a place."

Kamis, 24 Januari 2013

Lallana relishing Pochettino era

Adam Lallana: Looking forward to playing under Mauricio Pochettino

Lallana is closing in on a return to action following a six-week knee injury layoff.

Much has changed since the Saints skipper suffered the injury against Reading last month.

The club have moved out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone and they also have a new manager in Pochettino, who was installed following the shock dismissal of Nigel Adkins last week.

Lallana, speaking in Barcelona where Southampton are enjoying a warm-weather training camp, watched his team-mates batter Everton before emerging with a point on Monday in Pochettino's first game in charge and he is sure the future is bright for the club under the former Espanyol boss.

"You saw what style of football he wants us to play on Monday night - the lads came flying out of the traps and were pressing hard," the 24-year-old told Southampton's website.

"It's going to be different, but it's going to be good.

"The lads have done absolutely brilliantly over th e Christmas period, and the game on Monday was outstanding - the first half was probably the best I've seen all season from the stands.

"I'm so eager to get back playing, especially under the new boss. There's a team of four who have come in, and the gaffer is starting to get his messages across.

"We've come here for four days so he'll start to tactically put his imprint on how he wants us to play."

Having adapted easily to the rigours of top-flight football in the first half of the season, Lallana was disappointed to be sidelined for so long.

He is now desperate go get back in the fold and make an impression on his new manager, who reportedly wants to strengthen his midfield ranks by signing Inter Milan's Coutinho.

"With this being my first session back, it was nice to be with the lads again and trying to impress the new manager," Lallana said.

"Getting injured was obviously frustrating. I feared the worst when I it first happened, so I was lucky that I've only been out for weeks rather than months.

"I've just been professional about it - got stronger and worked harder so I hopefully come back a fitter and better player.

"I felt a little bit rusty but it's my first day back after being out for six or seven weeks.

"It'll take me a few training sessions but hopefully I haven't lost too much fitness because I've been doing quite a lot of running."

Southampton, who do not have a game this weekend as they are out of the FA Cup, are now four points clear of the relegation zone following a run of one defeat in eight matches.

While most Saints fans are just concentrating on their team's prospects of staying in the division, after their visit to the Nou Camp yesterday, Lallana is already dreaming of reaching bigger heights with the south-coast club.

"One day I want to be playing there," Lallana said after the visit to Barcelona's famous stadium.

"You've got to se t your sights high because you never know where the club could be in five years.

"We've come so far in a short space of time, and if we continue at the speed we've been going then you never know.

"It's been a nice first day. Visiting the Nou Camp was quite surreal, and the facilities at the training ground were great."

Rabu, 23 Januari 2013

Sky Sports wins new three-year deal to show comprehensive Premier League highlights

Manchester City: Aiming to defend their Premier League crown this season

The three-year agreement means that each season, Sky Sports viewers can enjoy extended highlights of all 226 Premier League matches not shown live on television, plus goals and key moments for other programming such as Sky Sports News HDand magazine shows including Goals on Sunday and Soccer Saturday.

From August, Sky Sports will offer:

GAME OF THE DAY: Full 90-minute replay of the best Saturday 3pm match from 8pm that evening

MATCH CHOICE: A choice of 45-minute highlights from all Saturday 3pm fixtures, available via Sky's interactive red button service at 10pm

KEY MOMENTS: All the goals and talking points from all Premier League matches shown throughout the week across Sky Sports and on Sky Sports News HD

Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: "This is fantastic news for Sky Sports viewers who will continue to enjoy unrivalled coverage of the Barclays Premier Leagu e on TV and wherever they are with Sky Go.

"We'll give fans the first chance to see extended highlights of all the matches every Saturday, as well as the key moments throughout the week.

"Add these rights to our 116 live matches from next season, which include MNF and Super Sunday double-headers, and Sky Sports truly remains the home of the Barclays Premier League."

He continued: "This is the latest in a series of rights agreements that has seen us secure an unrivalled offering of sports across the UK and Ireland. In 2013 alone, our viewers can enjoy live Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League football, Ashes cricket home and away, British & Irish Lions tour, three of golf's Majors, F1 and the Solheim Cup."

Sky Sports viewers can enjoy over 500 live football matches a season from international, European and domestic competitions. This line-up includes UEFA Champions League, Barclays Premier League, npower Football League, Capital One Cu p, Scottish Premier League and La Liga.

The coverage is available across TV, mobile, online and tablet devices through Sky Go, while the Sky Sports app for ipad was recently upgraded, providing users with access to technology used by Gary Neville for analysis during MNF.

Sky Sports News HD is Europe's leading 24 hour sports news channel and skysports.com is the UK's leading commercial sports website.

Schneiderlin eyes improvements

Morgan Schneiderlin: Hoping to improve under new boss

The Argentinean's appointment at St Mary's came under a cloud as fans' favourite Nigel Adkins was sacked by chairman Nicola Cortese despite guiding Southampton from League One to 15th in the Barclays Premier League.

Pochettino's first game in charge ended in a goalless draw against Everton last night in a match that Southampton dominated for large periods.

Schneiderlin, 23, admits former Espanyol boss Pochettino has not yet had time to put his stamp on the squad but is hopeful his South American flair will improve his own game.

"When a new manager comes in he has some new ideas but we have just spent two days with him," said Schneiderlin.

"He said that he did not want to change too much in two days. He said that he did not want to change the way we play straight away."

When asked if Pochettino could make him a better player Schneiderlin replied: "Of course. He has a lot of new ideas. He worked in Spain and we know that league s more technical and tactical.

"We can see already that he wants us to play a high tempo game with a lot of pressure and that is good because we are all very fit and we can do what he wants."

Despite a good performance against Everton, the Saints will be looking to convert more of their chances as they face tough fixtures against the Premier League's top two, Manchester United and reigning champions Manchester City, over the course of the next two weeks.

Schneiderlin knows would have suited Southampton but the former France Under-21 international is confident the team can pick up points against both of the Manchester clubs.

"We are confident we can do something against Manchester United and Manchester City, and three points would have been nice, but it is like that," he said.

"It is done now, but I am sure we can upset any team in this league."

Selasa, 22 Januari 2013

Fans to make Adkins axe protest

Nigel Adkins: Harshly shown the door by Cortese

Nick Grant, the owner of SaintsWeb, Southampton's biggest internet forum, says new manager Mauricio Pochettino will have a hard task to win over some fans angry at Adkins' departure.

Fans plan to wave white handkerchiefs to indicate their displeasure during the St Mary's clash, in which Saints will bid to move further clear of the relegation zone by extending a run of just two defeats in their last 12 games.

Grant said: "As far as I am concerned he (Pochettino) will have my support, but there will be a lot of fans who will take the view that he has got to earn their support. It is going to be difficult given the run of games we have coming up.

"Nicola Cortese (Southampton's executive chairman) has obviously earned himself quite a reputation for having a bit of a trigger finger.

"But for it to come at this point after a good run of form is bad timing. For him (Adkins) to be treated in this way is pretty disgraceful really."

Saints he ro Matt Le Tissier went further, accusing chairman Cortese of having "a bit of an ego problem" and for acting in a cowardly manner by failing to explain his decision at the press conference to announce Pochettino's arrival.

Le Tissier said: "I don't know if Nigel was becoming too popular and the chairman didn't like it - he does appear to have a bit of an ego problem.

"The strangest thing about it all for me was he brings the new manager in about a minute after he sacked Nigel and then he hangs the new manager out to dry at a press conference on his own, which I thought was an incredibly cowardly thing to do.

"If he's going to make those decisions surely he owes it to the fans to sit there and explain his decision, but he wasn't brave enough to do that."

Pochettino asks for football focus

Pochettino: Respect for Adkins

The Argentinian's appointment came as fans' favourite Nigel Adkins was sacked and rumours were rife of a supporters' backlash towards both Pochettino and Southampton chairman Nicola Cortese.

But a scintillating start by the home side ensured the crowd stayed with the former Espanyol boss and his players as they came close to causing an upset by beating fifth-placed Everton, with Pochettino insisting he wanted focus to be on Premier League survival.

"I've been offered a job, an opportunity, and I've taken it," he said. "I'm happy how the fans have greeted me, and how the players have greeted me, and I just want to focus on my work. That's what I'm here to do.

"I have the maximum respect for the previous manager. It's never nice to take over from another manager who's been let go, but that's just how it's been."

Asked about fans' support for Adkins, he said: "That's freedom of speech. It's normal that they think that after a couple of season s of him being in charge.

"I credit the previous manager for the work he did here. But now I really want to focus on my tenure here and the future of the club here under me, and the goals we've set out to achieve."

New boss happy with efforts

Mauricio Pochettino: Felt luck deserted his side

Pochettino, who was given a warm welcome by the home fans despite rumours of protests against the sacking of Nigel Adkins, oversaw a 0-0 draw at home to Everton in his first game in charge.

The Saints flew out of the traps and skipper Rickie Lambert hit the post and had a header cleared off the line before half-time and former Espanyol coach Pochettino was left ruing his side's inability to convert their chances.

When asked if his side deserved to win he said: "Yes maybe on another night but that's football.

"It happens and you have to factor in luck, but I really want to point out the good spirit of the squad and the team with the solidarity of the players."

The 40-year-old stressed that his game plan was to attack Everton from the off as he went in search of a debut win.

He said: "I really wanted my players to focus on being offensive against Everton as we really wanted to be attacking minded, so we're working the long balls and a high defensive line.

"We worked a lot on pressuring them a lot and their attack with how their midfield players link up to attack so we were just concentrating on vertical, high speed football."

Saints midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin reckons the whole squad are supportive of the new managerial regime and also felt the game was Southampton's to win.

"Everyone is behind the new coaching staff and the new gaffer, and tonight we showed that," he said.

"We put in a good shift and I think we could have won the game, so I'm sure we will win some more games if we keep playing like that.

"The gaffer told us that we had seven clear chances in the first half, so we could have scored.

"That's football - when you don't score, you are exposed to conceding but today we stuck in there."

Senin, 21 Januari 2013

Mauricio Pochettino makes debut point as Southampton and Everton draw blank

Rickie Lambert: Header cleared off the line by Leighton Baines

Talk of white-hankie protests over Nigel Adkins' sacking on Friday had dominated the build-up but an icy reception never materialised and the new man was instead warmed by a performance that could have brought the full reward.

Rickie Lambert hit the frame of the goal and was later denied by a scrambling Tim Howard but Everton lacked the quality to make the hosts pay in the second half and so a recent revival stretched to six games unbeaten.

There was no mention of Adkins in the match programme but a lusty tribute rung from the stands, before muted applause was afforded his successor as he walked into a flurry of flashbulbs.

Out on the turf, a high-tempo start soon grabbed the home attention and Phil Jagielka's interception from a pacy Jack Cork cross four minutes in might have gone the wrong side of the post had he not connected as firmly.

Jagielka deflected a Jason Puncheon shot wide of the same upright moments later as Southampto n pressed high and broke quickly, urged on by a boss who, despite limited English, had clearly conveyed that tonight was no time to sulk.

Everton had fourth-placed Tottenham in their sights but were unrecognisable in the first half; weak headers from Sylvain Distin and Nikica Jelavic - too often isolated - hardly worth the mention.

Up the other end, Lambert, back in the starting line-up, carried menace with boot and forehead; a 30-yard free-kick rebuffed by the corner of the frame of the goal, a downwards header kept out by Howard and then Leighton Baines.

Jos Hooiveld had an immediate chance on the half-volley, before Lambert rose high but headed wide to preserve stalemate, somehow, by the interval.

David Moyes must have vented at the break and his side took heed, Marouane Fellaini twice working Artur Boruc, before Leon Osman lashed at the Pole from range.

On came Victor Anichebe for the injured Seamus Coleman and swiftly u nsettled the home defence, sending over a ball over which Jelavic haplessly tripped, before stinging Boruc's palms with a left-footed strike.

Puncheon, underutilised as Everton belatedly found rhythm, nipped off the field to answer nature's call, to widespread amusement.

But though his side finished the stronger, the breakthrough remained elusive, another Lambert header landing off-target before late substitute Kevin Mirallas - back from injury - shot low as time ticked away.

< /p>

SouthamptonTeam StatisticsEverton
0Goals0
01st Half Goals0
4Shots on Target 5
4Shots off Target2
8Blocked Shots2
10Corners6
14Fouls11
1Offsides3
2Yellow Cards1
0Red Cards0
75.8Passing Success69.5
21Tackles20
76.2Tackles Success75
53.4Possession46.6
52.2Territorial Advantage47.8
450Total Passes387
27Total Crosses25
191Lost Balls193
63Recoveries60
53.11st Half Poss.46.9
54.42nd Half Poss.45.6

Rickie Lambert wanted Southampton win in Mauricio Pochettino's first game

Lambert himself was to blame for missing two good chances in a forgettable 0-0 draw with Everton at St Mary's on Monday night.

And the striker was annoyed after a recent run of good form under former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins, who was sacked last Friday and succeeded by Pochettino.

"It was a good point but it's disappointing not to get all three," Lambert told Sky Sports.

"Especially in the first half, we played some really good football and I should have put at least one, maybe two away.

"I'm disappointed not to put one in the back of the net but we played well defensively and that's positive.

"Everything I've seemed to touch has gone in lately but today it wasn't to be. I was still hoping to get a chance in the second half but it didn't come."

Meanwhile, midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin admitted Southampton still did not know much about Pochettino.

But they will now go to Barcelona on a training camp where that can ch ange.

"I think he's been great," he said. "In the next couple of weeks we will get to know him better. Now we go away for a couple of days to get to know him and what he really wants from us."

Pochettino pleased by display

The Argentinian felt his first game in charge could easily have resulted in three points rather than just the one.

Speaking through an interpreter, Pochettino said: "Tonight we have done very well and created at least seven good chances to score.

"The only shame was that we didn't score the goals but we created a lot of chances facing a very good side in Everton who are fifth in the league.

"We deserve a lot of credit although we did suffer a bit more in the second half.

"But we were creating chances and just needed that bit more luck."

Pochettino also took time to thank the Southampton fans who backed their team throughout - although they still chanted the name of sacked boss Nigel Adkins.

"I want to thank the supporters for the very kind reception they have given me, it was amazing," he added.

Southampton add three to coaching staff as Mauricio Pochettino makes his mark

Mauricio Pochettino: Putting together his backroom staff

Jesus Perez, Miguel D'Agostino and Toni Jimenez, who previously worked with Pochettino at Espanyol, will join him at St Mary's.

The move sees Andy Crosby, Dean Wilkins and Jim Stannard leave the club, with the new trio supporting Fran Alonso, after he was named first team technical support coach last year.

Perez becomes Assistant Manager having previously worked as a technical coach under Pochettino in Spain.

D'Agostino has been confirmed as first team coach, while Jimenez becomes the goalkeeping coach.

"Southampton Football Club can confirm the appointment of Jesus Perez, Miguel D'Agostino and Toni Jimenez to the club's first team management staff," read a statement on the club's official website.

"Andy Crosby, Dean Wilkins and Jim Stannard have been relieved of their coaching duties, and we thank them for their service during their respective periods with the club."

Moyes a fan of lower league stars

David Moyes: Pleased to see Lambert doing well in Premier League

Lambert has spent most of his career in the lower leagues with the likes of Macclesfield, Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers, but has had no trouble adjusting to the top level.

The 30-year-old's 10 goals make him the joint leading English goalscorer in the Premier League along with Tottenham's Jermain Defoe, leading to talk of a possible England call-up.

Moyes said: "Like a lot of the Southampton players who have moved up through the leagues, he's done very well.

"Some of them have gone the distance with them, some of them have joined in as they've gone along but I think they've tended to keep the soul of the club.

"Rickie Lambert's been a great goalscorer through his career and he continues to do so."

Players working their way up to the top flight through the leagues have become increasingly rare, but Lambert is not the only one.

Norwich's Grant Holt and Adam Le Fondre of Reading have both made their mark at Premier Leag ue level, and Moyes hopes there will be others following in their footsteps.

He said: "I think it's something we have to try to embrace because if not we're going to be going abroad trying to buy all the players, or maybe clubs such as Everton and Southampton have got them all in their academy systems now.

"I'm now quite sure that's true and I do think it would be great if we were still able to bring in players from the lower leagues.

"We went and got Tim Cahill, Andy Johnson and Joleon Lescott and I think people got the message that we're trying to pick up players from lower down if we can."

Minggu, 20 Januari 2013

Le Tiss: Cortese has ego problem

Nicola Cortese: Sacked Nigel Adkins this week

Le Tissier said he was stunned by news of Adkins' exit and replacement by Mauricio Pochettino - and slammed Cortese for his failure to account for his decision at a subsequent press conference.

Le Tissier told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek: "I don't know if Nigel was becoming too popular and the chairman didn't like it - he does appear to have a bit of an ego problem.

"It is a little bit bizarre, but some of the decisions that have been made have been a little bit bizarre since the current chairman took over. In a way it wasn't a surprise because I think he's been looking to get rid of him for a while now.

"The strangest thing about it all for me was he brings the new manager in about a minute after he sacked Nigel and then he hangs the new manager out to dry at a press conference on his own, which I thought was an incredibly cowardly thing to do.

"If he's going to make those decisions surely he owes it to the fans to sit there and expl ain his decision, but he wasn't brave enough to do that."

Saints axe Adkins, hire Pochettino

Nigel Adkins: Sacked by Southampton

The Saints are 15th in the Barclays Premier League after coming back from 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw with European champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

But that was not enough to save Adkins from the axe, with 40-year-old Argentinian Pochettino taking charge of training on Saturday ahead of Monday's home game with Everton.

Pochettino, the former Argentina international, will take charge of Southampton for Monday's game against Everton.

Saints executive chairman Nicola Cortese said: ""This decision has been made with the long-term ambitions of Southampton Football Club in mind.

"Whilst we acknowledge the contribution Nigel has made during the past two years, for the club to progress and achieve our long-term targets a change was needed.

"Mauricio is a well-respected coach of substantial quality who has gained a reputation as an astute tactician and excellent man-manager. I have every confidence that he will inspire ou r talented squad of players to perform at the highest possible level.

"He also shares my belief that the most successful clubs are built by nurturing young players through a development system that provides a clear path to the first team, thereby creating a culture that keeps them at the club for the long term.

"This is an approach he has employed with great success in the past and I look forward to him bringing that experience and expertise to Southampton."

Pochettino said: "This is the kind of opportunity that any coach would relish.

"Southampton is a club with great heritage, and an even more exciting future. There is a clear vision to take the club to a new era of sustained success in the Premier League, and beyond, which I'm delighted to be part of."

Adkins joined Southampton from Scunthorpe in 2010 and he guided the Saints into the Premier League with back-to-back promotions.

Southampton started slowly on their return to the to p flight but Adkins departs with the club three points outside the relegation zone after a run of just two defeats from their last 12 league games.

Sabtu, 19 Januari 2013

New Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino promises to win over the fans

Mauricio Pochettino: Hoping to win over Southampton supporters

The former Espanyol boss has replaced Nigel Adkins, prompting widespread disbelief and anger amongst fans and ex-players, who feel Adkins - the man who won back-to-back promotions - has been harshly treated.

Pochettino said: "I am very happy to be here in this amazing weather. It happened quickly, small details are not important, it's important I'm here at this project and club.

"They have done really well in the Premiership. In Spain we follow it closely. I am a great admirer of English football and am happy to be here.

"The challenge is to be part of this project, the kindness of the supporters is the biggest challenge I have," he said at a news conference.

"They are the biggest part of this club and I hope I can convince them with honest and hard work.

"I am very passionate about the Premier League. I have seen many games, the Premier League is an attractive league and I have spoken to people at length about it, people su ch as Jose Mourinho, who is a good friend of mine.

"He told me the best football in the world is being played here."

In making the decision, executive chairman Nicola Cortese said he was looking at the long-term future of the club.

The Saints drew 2-2 at European champions Chelsea on Wednesday night - a considerable feat seeing as they were in the League One relegation zone when Adkins took the job in September 2010.

Ambitions

"This decision has been made with the long-term ambitions of Southampton Football Club in mind," said Cortese in a statement.

"Whilst we acknowledge the contribution Nigel has made during the past two years, for the club to progress and achieve our long-term targets a change was needed.

"Mauricio is a well-respected coach of substantial quality who has gained a reputation as an astute tactician and excellent man-manager. I have every confidence that he will inspire our talented squad of players to perform at the highest possible level.

"He also shares my belief that the most successful clubs are built by nurturing young players through a development system that provides a clear path to the first team, thereby creating a culture that keeps them at the club for the long term.

"This is an approach he has employed with great success in the past and I look forward to him bringing that experience and expertise to Southampton."

Pochettino's first game in charge will be Monday night's clash with Everton.

The fans are likely to at least show support for Adkins but, according to former Southampton star Matt Le Tissier, they should not be surprised at what has happened.

"It doesn't surprise me," he told Sky Sports News. "It's a strange time of the season, they've lost two of the last 12 games and came from 2-0 down to draw at Chelsea.

"(But) it seems to be the way the club's being run under the chairman. Nothing's surprising a nd it's a bit of a laughing stock."

The ex-England international did concede the timing shocked him - Saints have been in good form and are clear of relegation trouble at present - but added he felt this could have been on the cards for some time.

"I'm shocked at the timing, it's very strange and it's an odd thing to come to terms with today," he said.

"I think he had a bit of pressure early on this season, people thought it might happen then; maybe they couldn't get the man they wanted then. It's all very strange."