Southampton have parted ways with manager Will Still after just five months in charge. Still's tenure has yielded just two wins in twelve Championship matches.
In a club statement, the club said that Ruben Martinez, Clement Lemaitre, and Carl Martin have all been released from their roles on the coaching staff along with the manager.
Defeat at home to Preston on Saturday was the final straw for the Southampton board. With the crowd turning as much on Sport Republic as they have on Still, Technical Director Johannes Spors may have felt short of options.
Men's under-21 head coach Tonda Eckert will take temporary charge.
Johannes Spors acts decisively to remove Still
Spors praised the outgoing manager and explained the board's decision further on in his short written statement.
"Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results," technical director Johannes Spors told the club website, external.
"Ultimately that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked. By making a change now we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table.
"I would like to thank Will, Ruben, Clement and Carl for their efforts and wish them well for the future."
Still's interview with Radio Solent will have done little to give the board confidence that he could turn things around. He spoke about how players were not working hard enough in matches and that he didn't have a “fix“ for the team's appalling form.
More to follow...