Axing Hughes cost 'Saints' six million
In spite of his side showing a much improved display against Manchester United last weekend, Hughes was relieved of his duties by the Southampton board this week.
Sacking Mark Hughes has reportedly cost Southampton FC an eye-watering £6 million, after the club parted company with the Welshman just six months into a three year contract.
The 'Saints' axed Hughes in spite of his side matching if not outplaying Manchester United in a 2-2 draw at St Mary's last weekend.
Having made the decision that they could wait no longer for Hughes to revive the fortunes of the team, who had not won in 11 consecutive matches, they moved to sack him. Yet it came at a very high price indeed.
Southampton are having to pay Hughes a huge sum of £6m in compensation, just three months after he signed a three year deal in May.
Hughes became the first manager in history to be sacked by two different clubs in the same calendar year; having also been axed by Stoke City back in January.
It is thought that the Welshman has now received up to £18 million in compensation across the various clubs that have sacked him during his managerial career; including Manchester City, QPR, Stoke City and now Southampton.
Southampton confirmed that first team coach Kelvin Davis will take charge in the interim while they searched for a long term replacement for Hughes. Although Ralph Hassenhuttl has already emerged as the favourite for the vacancy.
Former Watford boss Quique Sancheez Flores and Paulo Sousa are also being sounded out for the role, but Hassenhuttl is set to be given the nod, and will be in the dugout for the clash away to Cardiff City this weekend.