Southampton FC
Southampton have unveiled Nigel Pearson as their new
manager on a rolling contract.
The former Newcastle assistant boss succeeds George Burley - who
left the Coca-Cola Championship side in January to take the
Scotland job - at St Mary's.
Jason Dodd and John Gorman were placed in charge of first-team
affairs following Burley's departure and the duo will stay on as
part of Pearson's new-look backroom staff.
Dodd and Gorman were powerless to prevent the Saints slipping to
four defeats from their last five games in all competitions, which
included Saturday's FA Cup humbling at the hands of League One side
Bristol Rovers.
Nevertheless, chairman Leon Crouch has praised the duo and
backed Pearson, 44, to stop the side's slump down the Championship
table.
'We are very grateful to John and Jason for all their hard work
and their passion after taking over in very difficult
circumstances,' Crouch said.
'They did everything they could and they must feel as hurt as
everyone else at the club by Saturday's result.
'Pearson is a top-quality coach with plenty of experience and
good contacts in the game.
'He is also a disciplinarian with a strong work ethic and I
believe he will inject new impetus into out campaign.'
Pearson made his first tentative steps into management with
Carlisle before short spells in temporary charge of West Brom,
Newcastle and the England Under-21s.
The former Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough defender left
Newcastle following Kevin Keegan's arrival on Tyneside last month
and should take charge of the Saints for the first time against
Plymouth in the Championship.