Southampton move to finalise Gary O’Neil appointment as managerial search intensifies
Southampton are stepping up their pursuit of a new manager following last week’s dismissal of Will Still. After a disappointing start to the season, the Saints currently sit 19th in the Championship table — just six points above the relegation zone — having managed only three wins in their opening 14 league fixtures.
The club’s turbulent campaign took another sharp turn when Still’s short stint at St Mary’s came to an abrupt end. The 33-year-old, who lasted just five months in charge, was dismissed in the aftermath of a 2-0 home defeat to Preston North End — Southampton’s third loss in a row and their fifth consecutive match without victory.
During his time in charge, Still averaged a poor return of only 0.92 points per game, prompting the club’s hierarchy to act decisively. His exit marks yet another managerial casualty under Sport Republic’s ownership, which has seen several coaches come and go in quick succession.
Still arrived at Southampton with a growing reputation after a promising spell in French football, where he was once linked to Premier League roles. However, he struggled to replicate that success in England and leaves the Saints flirting dangerously with the threat of back-to-back relegations — a scenario that would be disastrous for the club.
The search for his replacement is now well underway. Interim boss Tonda Eckert, promoted from the Under-21 setup, has temporarily steadied the ship by leading Southampton to a 2-1 victory over QPR. But the club’s board is actively working to secure a long-term appointment.
According to reports, Coventry City boss Frank Lampard is being considered for an ambitious move, while a potential reunion with Russell Martin — recently dismissed by Rangers — also remains on the table. Other names linked include Stoke City’s Mark Robins, England U21 coach Lee Carsley, and Gary O’Neil.
Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath recently reported that O’Neil has emerged as one of the leading candidates, and fresh information suggests Southampton are now attempting to seal the deal.
TEAMtalk claims that the Saints have already made formal contact with O’Neil and are “looking to finalise an agreement” in the coming days. The 42-year-old is now seen as the frontrunner for the job, with club officials said to admire his work in the Premier League.
Sources indicate Southampton have narrowed their shortlist to three main contenders — O’Neil, Carrick, and Martin — though O’Neil is viewed as the preferred option. Carrick, who previously managed Middlesbrough, is still being considered thanks to his reputation for developing young players, while Martin is reportedly open to talks about returning to the south coast.
O’Neil is widely respected across English football for his management at Bournemouth and Wolves, where he earned praise for stabilising both sides under difficult circumstances. Despite the mixed endings to those tenures, his ability to motivate struggling squads has not gone unnoticed.
The Englishman guided Bournemouth to Premier League safety with minimal resources before taking over Wolves after Julen Lopetegui’s unexpected departure — managing to steady the team early in the season.
Given his track record and free-agent status, Southampton view O’Neil as a cost-effective and potentially shrewd appointment. If negotiations continue to progress smoothly, the Saints could soon have their new manager in place as they look to rescue their faltering campaign.
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