Southampton: Huge boost for Saints, key man ready to sign new contract

Southampton could receive a huge boost as they plan for the future with manager Ralph Hasenhuttl ready to sign a new contract.

According to a report from the Telegraph’s Sam Wallace, Saints are close to agreeing a new deal with the Austrian before the end of the season with the club’s position in the Premier League looking much more secure.

The article also states that Saints had put contract talks with Hasenhuttl and players on hold to allow full focus on getting the campaign back on track.

Full talks may not begin until the famous 40 point mark is reached, but it must be a positive that this information is being handed to journalists that the club trust the most.

For Saints to continue to perform at their best in the Premier League, Hasenhuttl’s role cannot be understated.

Sam Wallace’s report details just how much of a role the Austrian has at St Mary’s, with his influence felt on all areas of the club.

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It is therefore vital that Saints get talks right from their end and give Hasenhuttl exactly what he needs to push on even further.

Fans will remember the situation involving Ronald Koeman at the end of the 2015/16 season and hope that the same thing doesn’t play out again.

Saints had just recorded their best Premier League finish and had qualified for the Europa League group stages, but delays on talks with Koeman saw new financial power from Everton prove too good to turn down for the Dutchman.

Thankfully, Hasenhuttl seems to be a different personality.

Koeman had forged a playing career with the likes of Barcelona and Ajax – both dominant teams in their leagues, meaning that he perhaps wasn’t looking to stick around to prove himself fully as a manager.

Hasenhuttl sees the situation at Saints as an ideal opportunity to work with young players, build them up to success and develop his own managerial career.

For his time at the club to reach its full potential, he realises that it is not a short-term job but one that will take place over a number of years – and the Saints fans are now starting to see the benefits of his positive football.