Swansea City 0-1 Southampton: Three match takeaways

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SWANSEA, WALES – MAY 08: Sam McQueen of Southampton celebrates with Mark Hughes, Manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Southampton at Liberty Stadium on May 8, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Hughes may just get the job full-time

Reports have emerged today which suggest that the Saints have opened talks with the Welshman about staying on as the club’s long-term boss, and it seems like that may be the way the club are going.

Hughes is set for a hefty bonus if the Saints stay up and with just one game to go, it seems like the seasoned manager has done what he was appointed to do.

Whether the fans think he’s the man for the job or not, he clearly has the support of the players, who since day one have sung his praises. There’s no denial that the club are playing better, with more determination and passion that we’ve seen in the past two years.

Hughes’ success at Stoke City – a side now relegated from the Premier League – has divided the footballing crowd, as whilst they were transformed from a Tony Pulis side into a more creative one they also dealt with a lot of big-name players and egos who often didn’t live up to expectations.

Southampton have never been a club to break their bank to sign those from a top team, with both Bertrand and Oriol Romeu coming on the cheap. Assuming Hughes’ appointment doesn’t greatly change the side’s transfer policy, it could be a good move all-round.