Strachan to quit Saints

Southampton manager Gordon Strachan has decided not to extend his contract when it expires at the end of the season.

Southampton manager Gordon Strachan has decided not to extend his contract with the club beyond the end of this season for “medical and other personal reasons”.

Southampton released a statement on the club’s website www.saintsfc.co.uk confirming that Strachan would step down as manager at the end of the campaign when his current deal expires because he needed “a break from the demands and pressures associated with being a Premier League football manager.”

Strachan guided Saints to the FA Cup final last season, where they lost to Arsenal, and that secured a place in this season’s UEFA Cup.

The statement read: “In keeping with our philosophy of open and transparent management of our club, it is with some sadness that Southampton Football Club announces that Gordon Strachan has decided not to extend his contract with us beyond the end of this season.

“A new contract has been under discussion for some time now but Gordon has decided that, for medical and other personal reasons, he needs a break from the demands and pressures that are associated with being a Premier League football manager.

“The decision was Gordon’s and press speculation over the relationship between him and chairman Rupert Lowe, contract length, remuneration and transfer funding are completely unfounded and have no bearing on a decision made for purely personal reasons. Gordon has indicated that he will continue to live in the Southampton area.”

Lowe said: “Gordon and I have fully discussed the situation and are comfortable with his decision. Despite the fact that we may appear an unlikely partnership, I have very much enjoyed working with Gordon over the past two and a half years.

“His enthusiasm and commitment have inspired everybody and the club has moved forward during a crucial period after leaving The Dell and moving to the Friends Provident St Mary’s Stadium.

“Gordon has assured me that he will give 110% for the balance of this season in order to capitalise on our current position in the league. Our fans will be sad to see a man, whose passion matched theirs, taking time out of the game.

“I sincerely hope that everyone associated with the club will give Gordon and the team their full support for the balance of the season.”