Strachan ends Saints stay

GORDON STRACHAN walked away from Southampton three months ahead of schedule yesterday in a move which is bound to increase speculation that Glenn Hoddle will return to the south coast club.

Former Manchester United and Leeds midfielder Strachan, 47 earlier this week, was due to leave St Mary's at the end of the season to spend more time with his family.

However, a mutual decision made with chairman Rupert Lowe led to the Scot's early departure and he said his farewells to the players and coaching staff this morning, making way for Steve Wigley, who has been named as first-team coach until the end of the season.