"An absolute no" - Southampton told to steer clear of appointing Liverpool legend as new manager | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has given his verdict on the club potentially appointing Steven Gerrard as manager

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Southampton are searching for their next permanent manager after Ivan Juric’s dismissal last month, and the process appears to be being taken slowly.

The Saints have officially been relegated from the Premier League after just one season back in the division, and will come bottom of the table regardless of their remaining results.

That highlights how important the decision on the next manager will be at the club, as they will have to rebuild the morale around the side and the supporters this summer for life back in the Championship.

One potential option could be Steven Gerrard, who is available after leaving his role as a manager in Saudi Arabia, and has previously worked with Rangers and Aston Villa.

Southampton urged to avoid Steven Gerrard appointment as search for Juric successor rumbles on

When asked about the prospect of hiring Gerrard, FLW’s Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders urged the club to avoid his appointment.

He cited a lack of Championship experience as a major factor, and believes that Frank Lampard would be a much greater preference, of the two former England midfielders.

“Absolutely not,” Sanders told Football League World.

“I want somebody that’s proven at Championship level, that knows the league inside out.

“I think he’s the sort of person that would bring that aura around him because of who he is and what he’s done.

“Managerial-wise, he’s never managed in the division, which would be my biggest concern.

“There’s a lot of games.

“You need to understand how you’re going to manage that league, how you’re going to get the best out of your squad.

“I’m not sure Steven Gerrard fits us.

“A lot of people talk about Frank Lampard, I think if it was out of the two England midfielders, a lot of people would pull towards Frank Lampard, but he could quite comfortably be a Premier League manager next season, Lampard.

“For me, Steven Gerrard, an absolute no.”

Steven Gerrard appointment would be underwhelming for Southampton - they must aim higher

There’s no doubt that Gerrard is a big name in English football, and his arrival would attract a lot of attention.

However, since departing Rangers, he’s really struggled to put together a compelling managerial CV, with the success of Unai Emery at Villa immediately after his departure only further hurting Gerrard’s reputation.

The 44-year-old likely will have to go to the EFL for his next managerial role if he wants to work in England again, but Southampton should not be the ones taking him on.