Les Reeds pays the price for Mark Hughes’ woes at Southampton

Alex McCarthy: Goalkeeper with Les Reed

Les Reed, Southampton’s most senior football figure, has been sacked after eight years at the club.

Vice Chairman Reed, who had a seat on the club’s board, has paid the price for a poor couple of seasons. Southampton are 16th in the Premier League and narrowly avoided relegation last season.

“I would like to go on record to thank Les for the eight years of hard work and dedication he has given Southampton Football Club,” Chairman Ralph Krueger said.

“His time at the club will be remembered for the fine work he did in overseeing our progress through the divisions and establishing the club in the Premier League.

“The process of recruiting the right individual to head up our football operations is under way, and is a decision that needs to be given the necessary time and attention that reflects what an important position it is within our club.

“Now, more than ever, we are grateful for the continued support of our staff and fans as we work towards our joint aim of moving up the table.”

When Reed, 65, joined, in April 2010, Southampton were languishing in League One – the first time they had played in the third tier for 50 years. Under the ownership of the Liebherr family, Reed oversaw the club’s climb up the divisions, as well as the development of their Academy, sports science and medical departments.

On his watch, the club produced England internationals Callum Chambers, Luke Shaw, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Adam Lallana.

Under-pressure boss Mark Hughes has won five of his 23 games since being appointed in March after being sacked by relegated Stoke.