Saints keep faith with Gorman and Dodd

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Southampton have confirmed that they have asked John Gorman and Jason Dodd to remain in charge of the team for the 'foreseeable future'.

The club announced that contrary to media speculation they would not be naming a successor to former Saints manager George Burley next week.

But reports today said that both Micky Adams and Steve Cotterill were interviewed before Saints decided to keep the status quo.

Stoke’s Tony Pulis and MK Dons chief Paul Ince are also reportedly high on their list of targets. Lawrie McMenemy said Thursday: “Mid-season is not the best time to look for a manager.

“John and Jason have done a great job since George’s departure and this gives us continuity to see us through to the close season."

A statement claimed that the pair won the continued role on merit and the situation enabled the club to take time over the hunt for a replacement for George Burley.

Chairman Leon Crouch said: "We are delighted John and Jason have agreed to stay in charge of the team. They have done a terrific job so far and I know this will be a popular move with the whole squad.

"I really believe that the spirit of Southampton can carry us forward now because we have a united club with good people who want to be here and to do well and to take us back to the Premiership."

The acting chief executive Lee Hoos added: "Hopefully this will now end the speculation and uncertainly and enable is to focus fully in reaching at least the last eight of the FA Cup and mounting a strong challenge for the play-offs."