5 Managers who could take over at Southampton

#1 Rafa Benitez

Speculation surrounds the position of Benitez at St James Park

Somewhat of a controversial name to take over from Mark Hughes should he leave St Marys, however, Benitez would almost seem the perfect man to take the job. The Spaniard does not currently seem to happy at Newcastle with the issues surrounding money and the lack of transfer activity, surely this would be a fantastic opportunity for Southampton to try and lure a manager of such experience and success to the club.

His style of play might not bring the supporters to the edge of there seats, but it is extremely effective and his knowledge of English football would certainly benefit the players currently at the club. It would take a lot of money to prize Benitez away from St James Park where he adored, but by then the popular Spaniard may have even left the club.

Certainly, Benitez could manage at a higher level than Southampton, but the same can be said of him managing at Newcastle currently. Taking on a project like this would be one that could bring the best out of both club and manager, as the Southampton board does back their managers in the transfer market and will show faith with what he is looking to achieve with the club.

How long Hughes lasts for will determined over the next few weeks, other names no doubt will be linked with the job at the St Marys stadium, Chris Wilder at Sheffield United could be a name that would be considered, Dean Smith at Brentford might be another Championship manager who could draw interest.

Could Southampton try and get Arsene Wenger? Former RP Leipzig manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is still without a club could they move for the Austrian? Then, of course, the usual names of David Moyes and Sam Allardyce could get a mention but they will be names the Southampton fans hope the board stay away from.

---

Send us news tips at [email protected]