Exclusive: Southampton FC warned against appointing 33-year-old - It's a "big risk" | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie was left on the fence regarding Eric Ramsay's potential move to Southampton.

Lee Hendrie remains on the fence regarding Southampton's interest in appointing former Manchester United and Chelsea coach Eric Ramsay as their new head coach.

The Saints have been without a manager since mid-March when Ivan Juric was moved on after just over three months in charge at St Mary's. The Croatian replaced promotion-winning manager Russell Martin, but was unable to turn the club's fortunes around.

After months of speculation regarding the Hampshire side looking to appoint Danny Rohl as their new head coach, that ship seems to have sailed despite his cheaper release clause following Southampton's relegation.

The latest name to be linked with the vacancy at the Premier League's bottom club is Ramsay.

The 33-year-old is currently coaching Minnesota United in the MLS. In his first season across the pond, the Shrewsbury-born boss guided the Loons to a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference, which ended in defeat in the semi-finals.

Now, the former Man Utd and Wales coach has been touted for the Southampton job, as they gear up for the Championship. However, is this risky appointment one that's worth taking?

Lee Hendrie unsure on Eric Ramsay's Southampton links

With the links between the Saints and Ramsey, Football League World exclusively quizzed former Aston Villa midfielder turned Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie on whether he thought that appointing the Minnesota boss was a good move.

The 47-year-old said: “Yeah again, I’ve just touched on the Norwich situation by taking [Jack] Wilshere in there.

“We’ve seen so many good coaches and people who’ve been at big football clubs working below the first-team or with the first-team taking that step up.

"I think it would be a big risk because Southampton will be one of the teams that are expected to bounce back into the Premier League. So yes, [it is] a massive gamble with the lack of EFL experience, but if there’s an investment plan there.

“I’m not saying we haven’t seen anyone do so, we’ve seen Leicester do it, [Enzo] Maresca did a great job there.

“So yes for me, not having experience, but when you have investment, I think you’ve got every chance. There’s a bit of both there for me.”

Southampton should go for a less risky appointment than Ramsay

Appointing young and exciting coaches has become a theme in football across the world in recent years. You look at what Fabian Hurzeler has done at Brighton and Hove Albion, and it's understandable why appointing a younger coach is more favourable for clubs.

However, appointing Ramsay is a massive risk for the Saints in a season where they'll be expecting to get back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The 33-year-old's coaching credentials at Man United, Chelsea, and Wales are impressive, not to mention his solid spell with Minnesota. But, the top of the Championship is a completely different kettle of fish to the American top flight, so there's always a risk of Ramsay struggling to adapt.

All in all, you get the feeling that Southampton would be better off chasing a younger manager who has Championship experience, like Rohl for example. Of course, the gamble could pay off, but it's a huge risk that might not be worth taking.