Strachan returns with Southampton

13 April 2012

Southampton today confirmed Gordon Strachan has been appointed as manager in succession to the sacked Stuart Gray.

Garry Pendrey, who worked with Strachan at Coventry City, joins Southampton as first-team coach following the termination of the contracts of Gray and Mick Wadsworth.

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe told the Southampton website: "This appointment is about the long-term future of Southampton Football Club and our fans.

"In Gordon we have appointed a true leader who has managed and played at the highest level.

"Gordon brings knowledge, experience, passion and motivation to the club.

"The club has a great future in our wonderful new stadium, and all our attentions are now directed to Wednesday's home game with Ipswich."

Lowe continued: "We're delighted they Strachan and Pendrey have decided to join the club, and I look forward to working with Gordon to take the club forward.

"I also hope we can lay to rest the belief that St Mary's is a ground the Saints can't win at - starting on Wednesday."

Responding to a suggestion that Gray was not given enough time to revive the club, Lowe said: "Stuart wasn't in charge for eight games. He was in charge for 17 games, nine last year and eight last year."

Strachan said: "I'm confident of turning things around - but I can't give you any date on it.

"Alex Ferguson couldn't answer that question. He couldn't say how long. Time will tell.

"But I hope we'll buy ourselves some time by winning a few games."

The Scot revealed he hopes to bring in new players. He continued: "I hope the players will respond to the new players, who I believe will add quality and determination to the side.

"I've come to Southampton because they wanted me - simple as that. I thought I might be out of the game a bit longer.

"I hoped to cure my slice at golf - but I hope we can have a good year and then I can concentrate on it in the summer."

"Football is a big business, but I like to deal with reality. The only people I need to keep happy are the chairman and the supporters of Southampton.

"Relegation happens to everyone, but Garry and I took over in a similar situation five years ago at Coventry.

"We stayed up and had three good years. In the fourth year we made one or two mistakes.

"I love the game but I'm not obsessed about it. Because I love it, I'm back.

"The opportunity to join Southampton was too good to turn down. If I bypassed this opportunity something as good as this may not come again."

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