Southampton turn to Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON hope to appoint Mark Hughes as their new manager today.

The former Stoke City boss has been offered a contract until the end of the season when a decision will be made about appointing a long-term replacement for Mauricio Pellegrino.

Hughes, 54, will bring Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki with him to St Mary’s, the three having worked together extensively at the Hughes’ five previous jobs in the Premier League.

Hughes played for Saints between 1998 and 2000 and they believe that he has the experience to steer the club away from the relegation zone.

After Sunday’s FA Cup quarterfinal against Wigan Athletic, Southampton have a difficult run of league games when the programme resumes after the international break.

The first of those eight league games, away at West Ham in what could be a behind-closed-doors game at the London Stadium, will be critical.

Following the West Ham game on March 31, Southampton face a series of tough games against Arsenal (away), Chelsea (home) and Leicester (away) before a home match against Bournemouth. After that they are away to Everton and finish at home to Manchester City.