SELL, SELL, SELL! THE SAINTS WAY

AS EXPECTED, Mauricio Pellegrino is the new manager of Southampton. ‘He has an excellent understanding of the “Southampton Way”,’ said vice-chairman Les Reed. ‘His style of play and aspiration matches the philosophy, culture and ambition of the club. He knows our players and believes we have a great squad that with some fine-tuning will be able to deliver continued success.’ Continued what? Southampton’s success is largely financial. They haven’t won anything since 1976. They have made it into Europe three times since 1985. They haven’t progressed beyond the group stage or first round of a European competition since 1982. Last season’s EFL Cup run was their first domestic final since 2003. They have had a decent team for a number of years, but are not successful by recognisable sporting standards because they sell their best players. So, they can’t have it all ways. They can’t duck the responsibility of genuinely aiming for a major trophy, then pretend that eighth place is success. Leicester won the League with half the squad that Southampton could have had with a little more ambition. If there is a ‘Southampton Way’ it involves a fine academy that generates revenue and helps maintain an upper mid-table position. It is, indisputably, a very well-run club. But that’s all it is. In the modern game, there are plenty of clubs that survive in the Premier League. Stoke, Swansea and West Brom have all been in the top division longer than Southampton. Are they considered successful, too? Let’s see. Swansea won the League Cup in 2013 and have gone further than Southampton in Europe, while Stoke have reached as many domestic finals this decade and got to the Europa League’s last 32. One could argue they’re more successful. Claude Puel having been dumped because his football was deemed dull, Pellegrino already has a difficult job emulating last season’s League position, while upping entertainment levels. He may also find out more about the ‘Southampton Way’ if a better offer comes in for Virgil van Dijk.