Southampton plot move for ex-Celtic manager to replace Will Still | OneFootball

Southampton made the decision to part ways with Will Still on Sunday night

Ex-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and Michael Carrick are among the names in the frame for the Southampton managerial vacancy.

According to Teamtalk, the Saints have shortlisted both names following their decision to part ways with Will Still on Sunday evening.

The Hampshire outfit have endured a difficult start to the new season, with a change in manager being sought after a 2-0 loss to Preston North End on Saturday.

Still oversaw just two wins from the team’s opening 13 league games, leaving them 21st in the Championship table.

The 33-year-old was only appointed in the summer, having previously worked in France with Lens and Reims, but has been relieved of his duties.

Southampton eye Michael Carrick and Brendan Rodgers

It’s understood that Southampton are interested in the re-appointment of Russell Martin as manager following Still’s exit.

Gary O’Neil is also reportedly on their shortlist, although they face competition from Wolves after their dismissal of Vitor Pereira.

Rodgers and Carrick are also believed to be under consideration, with all four men currently available and out of work.

The Northern Irishman resigned from his position as Celtic boss last month, while Carrick was dismissed from his position as Middlesbrough manager in the summer.

It’s understood that Martin is currently the top choice to replace Still, with the 39-year-old also open to the idea of returning, but nothing concrete has yet been agreed.

Southampton are back in action this midweek, and it’s unlikely any appointment will be made by the time they face QPR on Wednesday in a 7.45pm kick-off.

The next Saints boss will be tasked with guiding the team back up the Championship table, with the club’s sights set on promotion back to the Premier League.

They sit 21st in the table after 13 fixtures, 13 points adrift of automatic promotion and 10 behind sixth place Preston.

Southampton’s lack of clear plan is a concern

Southampton gave Still just 13 games as manager, and are now looking at four completely different styles of managers as his replacement.

Sport Republic have come under a lot of criticism from fans since taking over the Saints, and their total lack of clear plan has been a major issue.

All of these options have the potential to do well with this squad, which has the talent to climb this table quite quickly if things start to click, but that would just paper over the cracks of the larger issues behind the scenes.

But there are no guarantees that this squad will start to gel suddenly just with a change in manager, particularly as Still didn’t seem to lose the dressing room in his short time at St. Mary’s.