‘Decision on boss needs to be made’

MARK Hughes (above) has called on Southampton to make a quick decision on appointing a new permanent manager after Sunday’s Premier League finale.

Former Stoke boss Hughes has guided the Saints to the brink of top-flight safety after taking shortterm charge in March, courtesy primarily of Tuesday’s crucial 1-0 win over relegation rivals Swansea.

Hughes’ current deal expires at the end of the campaign, and he insisted it would be wrong to discuss new terms with Southampton until after Sunday’s seasonclosing clash with Manchester City.

Asked if he would welcome Southampton moving quickly to secure a new long-term boss, Hughes replied: “I think it’s important for the club that they do that.

“Clearly there’s work to be done immediately after the season, decisions have to be made in terms of recruitment and retention of the players.

“So, it would make sense to make a quick appointment, but I can’t shape that or dictate that, that’s a decision for the club.

“It would be wrong to raise the question (of a new deal) before the end of the season.

“And the club has approached that situation in exactly the right manner. You may have an inkling the club would like to do something but those discussions have had to be put on hold.”

Asked if he would like to stay on beyond the end of the campaign, Hughes replied: “It’s a very good club, especially with what’s in place here to allow players to move forward and have success.

“So, yes, It’s a well-run club, good club, and a good opportunity for whoever gets it.

Meanwhile, top scorer Sergio Aguero is Saints opponent’s City’s only major absentee for Sunday’s final Premier League game of the season at St Mary’s.

The Argentina striker, who has scored 30 goals this term, has missed the last month of the campaign with a knee injury.

Manager Pep Guardiola may make some changes having handed rare starts to Claudio Bravo, Yaya Toure and Danilo in Wednesday’s clash against Brighton.