Southampton appoints Mark Hughes as new boss until end of season

Mauricio Pellegrino was sacked by Saints boss on Monday [Photo: Courtesy]

Southampton sacked Mauricio Pellegrino on Monday after his dismal performances leaving the side languishing in the 17th position in the Premier League.

His last match in charge was in the Saturday’s embarrassing 3-0 loss at fellow relegation threatened Newcastle compelling the board to take action to appoint a former favorite Mark Hughes as new boss until the end of the season.

Mark Hughes appointed as new boss until end of season [Photo: Courtesy]

The Welshman will be given a huge bonus and a longer deal if he will be able to keep the Saints up. His first match is on Sunday against Wigan in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Hughes was delighted with the deal and will be looking forward to bring his experience of the Premier League to the team as he understands what it takes in the league to win games.

“It's a challenge I'm excited by. It's a great opportunity to come back to a club I know well, and a club I've got real affinity with. I couldn't turn that down.” He said as reported by the Mirror.

"I bring experience of the Premier League. I understand what it takes in this league to win games.

"But first and foremost I think it's about coming in and maybe being that different voice, that different message from myself and the staff, that will enable the players to recognize and focus on what needs to be done in this key period of the season.

Mark Hughes signs the deal to take charge of Southampton until end of season [Photo: Courtesy]

"The objective clearly is to remain in the league and make sure we're a Premier League club next year.

"That's where this club needs to be, that's where it should be, and that's our intention to make sure it remains there." He added.

The 54-year-old will be joined by Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki as assistant boss and first team coach respectively.

Mark Hughes (R) and his assistant Mark Bowen (L) in the touchline in a past match [Photo: Courtesy]

Assistant coach Kelvin Davis, head of goalkeeping Dave Watson and head of sports science Alek Gross will stay to work with the new coaching team.

Mark Hughes made 60 appearances for Southampton as a player scoring just two goals for the club. He suffered with disciplinary problems throughout his career receiving 14 yellow cards in his first season at The Dell, a total that has never been exceeded in the Premier League.

Athletics
Kenya hoping to defend World Cross Country title in Belgrade
Football
Fifa threatens Kenya with ban again
Unique Sports
SCHOOLS: Lenana School, Kisumu Girls and Agoro Sare turn focus on national games finals
Motorsport
Safari Rally: 29 drivers set for epic showdown as Safari Rally zooms off