New Southampton manager: Two big names top list with progressive EFL duo also considered – sources
Jason Wilcox is already working hard on Southampton’s next boss and has drawn up a four-man shortlist dependent on which division Southampton find themselves in, TEAMtalk understands.
Saints are currently rock bottom of the Premier League with just six wins from 32 matches all season. However, a win at home against Bournemouth on Thursday night can kickstart a late push for survival and move them within striking distance of the safety zone.
Currently under the interim boss Ruben Selles, the Spaniard has been put in charge until the end of the season after the dismissal of Nathan Jones in February.
However, Selles’ stint will not be extended beyond the season’s end and work is very much underway for a permanent successor to the Welshman.
And the Southampton director of football is believed to be looking for a ‘young, up and coming’ coach, who understands the Southampton mantra.
Wilcox and Southampton remain hopeful they can stay in the Premier League and have two top-flight related targets to reflect that. However – given their predicament at the base of the Premier League table – they are targeting two options should they find themselves back in the Championship.
Their two Premier League candidates are Jesse Marsch and Graham Potter, both of whom have lost Premier League posts this year.
Former Leeds boss Marsch, who failed to come to agreement with them earlier this season following talks, remains in the frame. And they could return for the American should they secure survival.
Former Chelsea boss Potter is another ambitious target, though again their chances rest entirely on Premier League survival.
Southampton consider impressive EFL managers
In terms of a Championship list, TEAMtalk understands that they are already have a couple of manager they like.
One is Hull City’s Liam Rosenior, who has impressed hugely during his first season as a full-time boss.
He has steered the Tigers to safety with 14 wins and 14 draws this season. Indeed, despite currently lying 15th, they are only nine points adrift of the play-off places, though with just two games they have no chance of gaining ground.
The other is Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher, who is on course to guide the Pilgrims to promotion from League One this season.
They have acrued 95 points already and just need one win from their final two games to guarantee their place in the Championship next season.
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