“It would be massive for us” - Southampton FC handed ideal timeline for new manager appointment | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has stated when he wants a new manager in place at St Mary's, and the boost it could have on the fanbase.

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’s ill-fated return to the Premier League is almost at its close, with Saints fans only having two more games in their current state.

The South Coast side are set to go down in history as one of the top-flight’s worst ever teams, an unwanted record that the club will want to try and move on from next term.

Currently without a permanent manager, Southampton have dispatched of both Russell Martin and Ivan Juric this season, and are now facing a crucial choice in who they target to fill the vacant position.

Outlining the correct profile is vital, but the Saints can’t afford to take too long and give their new man reduced time to work with the squad this summer.

“It would be massive for us” – Southampton given ideal timeline for new manager appointment

Football League World spoke with our Southampton fan pundit, Martin Sanders, about the ideal timeline for the club to bring in their new man, and the boost it could have on the fans.

“I think the appointment needs to be in place and announced by the full-time whistle on the Premier League season, because this summer is massive," stated Sanders.

“The rebuild is going to be huge, and whoever comes in as manager needs to understand the football club quickly, understand what we need as a club to be ready to hit the season running next year.

“Russell Martin, when the club brought him in, it was lengthy, and they had issues with Swansea.

“I don't think we want to be going down the same road again. After the terrible pre-season we had last year, and who we played against in terms of preparation, you can see the effect it’s had by what has happened this season.

“Going into next season, they need an appointment by the time the final whistle's gone on the Premier League campaign. It gives the fans a lift, it would be massive for us.”

Southampton must get their timing right if they are to succeed next season

Although the Saints are coming off the back of an unfathomably disastrous campaign, they will no doubt have expectations of fighting for promotion next term when back in the Championship - such is the modern gap between English football’s top two tiers.

Therefore, they must use the fact that their fate is already determined to their advantage and begin planning for the Championship immediately. However, only so much can be done in the way of sounding out potential transfers if the club doesn’t have a manager.

As a result, it's imperative that they select the right man, and quickly, to lead them forward. Multiple names have been linked with the job over the past few weeks, with the likes of David Wagner, Eric Ramsay and Will Still all in the running, according to talkSPORT.

talkSPORT have also suggested that Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has also been touted for the role, amid reports that his tumultuous spell at Hillsborough is coming to a close.

There is a lot of work to do at St. Mary’s this summer. The squad is in need of a full makeover, one that can bring the fanbase back on board and make them dream once again. A team to get behind and identify with.

But first, to assemble and govern that group, the right manager is needed. Time will tell who the Saints appoint, but the clock is slowly ticking.