Three candidates to fill possible managerial vacancy at Southampton
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Netherlands’ failure to qualify for Euro 2016 will have sent shockwaves through the country, but those tremors could be as far reaching as the Premier League.
With Danny Blind under pressure but still currently employed, Ronald Koeman is rumoured to be the man the Dutch FA want to see rebuild the originators of Total Football, and he is now 8/1 to be the next top flight boss to leave.
Les Reed, the head of football development at the club, has previously said the club scout managers before their current one leaves, here are three names that could already be on his shortlist:
Eduardo Berizzo
Southampton’s last two managerial appointments came from abroad and brought about success, so they will probably look to do so again.
Eduardo Berizzo guided Celta Vigo to an eigth placed finish last season, and, after thrashing Barcelona 4-1 last month, sit third this term.
The gulf between the haves and the have nots in Spain makes it difficult for teams like Celta to compete for too long, and the 45-year-old manager may be tempted to try his hand in the Premier League.
Eddie Howe
If the Saints are to break trend and look to bring in a domestic manager, then they shouldn’t have to look far.
Eddie Howe, at south coast neighbours Bournemouth, was voted Football League Manager of the Decade and wouldn’t find it hard to transfer what he’s done over to the Saints.
However, his less than stellar run at Burnley, that resulted in him heading straight back to Dean Court, might still be fresh in his mind and prevent him from making the switch.
Michael Laudrup
Known for his continental style and attacking ethos at Swansea City, Michael Laudrup would be well suited to St Marys’.
Furthermore, his Premier League experience means he would be a good blend of both previous options, and he is unemployed so there would be no compensation to worry about.
His time in Wales ended on a sour note with the club near relegation, and that may put Reed and co off, but he did win a top domestic cup, something Southampton hasn’t done since 1976.
