Strachan makes early exit
Friday, February 13, 2004
Article summary
Manager Gordon Strachan has left Southampton FC, with Steve Wigley taking temporary charge.
Article body
Two and a half years in charge
The 47-year-old Scot had been in charge of the south-coast club for two and a half years, leading them to the 2003 FA Cup final and into the UEFA Cup. He previously announced he would be leaving at the end of the season when his current contract was due to expire.
'Best interests'
"A decision was reached yesterday that it would be in the best interests of all parties for Gordon to step down with immediate effect," read a statement by chairman Rupert Lowe on the club's website. "Gordon has done a great job for us."
Wigley takes charge
Reserve coach Steve Wigley will take charge of Southampton until the end of the season. "Steve Wigley will do a first-class job between now and the end of the season and I fully support his interim appointment," Strachan said. "The chairman and I feel this to be the best course of action." Former Southampton manager and England coach Glenn Hoddle has been linked with the post.
