Just over an hour ago Southampton finally announced that Mark Hughes has agreed to a deal which will keep him on as manager until 2021.
Hughes agreed to a short-term deal back in March following Mauricio Pellegrino’s sacking, tasked with keeping the Saints in the top flight.
The Welshman did exactly that, all-but securing Southampton’s Premier League survival with a game in hand – as a result he’s been almost unanimously backed by the supporters to be the side’s manager going forward. After much deliberation – which may of been a result of the ex-Stoke boss being away on holiday – Hughes has today agreed to a new, three-year deal on the south coast.
The club have also confirmed that two of Hughes’ backroom staff in assistant manager Mark Bowen and first team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki have also agreed to stay on at the club, having followed the 54-year-old to the club two months ago.
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After his reputation was left pretty low following his sacking by the Potters, Hughes has earned himself plenty of praise for his work with the Saints, having drummed passion and desire back into a squad void of it at the time of Pellegrino’s dismissal.
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The Welshman guided the Saints to the FA Cup semi-final and also won eight points during his short time in charge, including a must-win six-pointer against Swansea in the penultimate fixture of the campaign.
Whilst Hughes won the majority of the fanbase over with his injection of optimism, some supporters may still be concerned that the club didn’t appear to explore any other options rather than appointing the Welshman on a long-term basis.
However you can’t blame the club for going for a safer option this time around – both of their previous two managerial appointments have been lesser-known coaches and neither of them have worked out.
With the transfer window officially open and a manager all tied down, fans will now be desperate for the club to press on with signings ahead of the new season.
This year’s transfer window shuts before the campaign begins meaning time is even more precious than ever – making the bulk of their signings before the end of June would be wise from the board.