Southampton have this morning released a statement detailing the decision behind removing manager Alan Pardew and his coaching team from their roles at the club.
The statement reads:
"Following a review of the current status in and around the First Team, the Club has decided that, to achieve its well known targets, it is essential to make changes to the First Team management and coaching.
"These targets for sustained and significant progress embrace both the First Team and the Football Development & Support Centre as integrated, co-operative units."
The news will come as a shock to many fans, especially after the Saints thumped Bristol Rovers 4-0 at the weekend. As well as manager Pardew first team coach Wally Downes and goalkeeping coach Stuart Murdoch will also be leaving the club.
Pardew had spent the previous season with Southampton not only taking the team from a 10 point deduction to within one place of the play offs but also winning the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, the clubs first major honour since winning the 1976 FA Cup
Prior to the win over Bristol Rovers the Saints had started the season with a 1-0 defeat against Plymouth and a 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient, despite having most of the play on both occasions. They also made it to the second round of the Carling Cup, losing out 1-0 to Premier League Bolton. The club also had one match postponed following the death of owner Markus Liebherr.
While the club look for a new manager Dean Wilkins has been placed in temporary charge of the first team, being assisted by Martin Hunter, for the home game against Swindon Town in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday.
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