Southampton sack Nathan Jones after just three months

Southampton lost 1-2 to 10 man Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday. That was the final straw for the Saints board, who have decided that a change is needed.

The Saints announced on Sunday that they had sacked manager Nathan Jones. He had only taken up the role on 10th November. 

The club said in a statement that Spanish coach Ruben Selles will act as caretaker for Saturday's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. 

"Southampton Football Club can confirm it has parted company with Men's First Team Manager Nathan Jones," the statement began. 

"First Team coaches Chris Cohen and Alan Sheehan have also left the club" while "First Team lead coach Ruben Selles will take charge of training and prepare the team ahead of next weekend's game against Chelsea."

Jones, 49, was given the role after doing a very good job at Championship side Luton Town, but he has been dismissed after losing 1-2 to Wolves. 

Under Jones, Southampton lost nine of the 14 games he took charge over in all competitions and they are now looking for a replacement.  

Jones guided Saints to the League Cup semi-finals and the FA Cup fifth round, but managed just one victory in his eight league fixtures. Jones headed straight down the tunnel amid a chorus of boos from furious fans at the end of the Wolves game. Asked afterwards if it might be his last match in charge, he replied: "I have no idea."

Jones, who briefly managed Stoke either side of two successful spells with Luton, could be replaced at Southampton by former Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard, who is among the bookmakers' leading contenders. Jesse Marsch, sacked by Leeds this week, Al-Ittihad boss Nuno Espirito Santo and former Everton managers Rafael Benitez and Frank Lampard have also been linked with the job.

 

February 12, 2023