Sturrock to be unveiled by Saints this afternoon

Southampton today confirmed Paul Sturrock will be unveiled as their new manager later today.

Saints, who confirmed his appointment on their official club website this morning, have a called a press conference for this afternoon when the 47-year-old Scot will be presented as the successor to Gordon Strachan in the St Mary’s Stadium hotseat.

It would seem the Premiership club have agreed compensation with Plymouth for the man who has masterminded the Pilgrims’ progress up the Football League.

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe swiftly switched his attention to Sturrock after Glenn Hoddle – the man he wanted to bring back to the south coast club – pulled out of the running yesterday.

The former Saints and England boss tore up his application as Lowe, despite a four-hour board meeting last week, had failed to persuade the club’s six other directors to unanimously back Hoddle’s re-appointment.

Hoddle’s shock decision opened the door for Sturrock to claim his first opportunity in the top flight in England.

He enjoyed success with St Johnstone and Dundee United north of the border before moving to Plymouth and carving out a reputation as one of the Football League’s brightest managerial talents.

Sturrock, a former Scotland team-mate of Strachan’s, assumed control at Home Park in October 2000 after Kevin Hodges’ exit.

Taking over a team anchored in the lower reaches of Division Three and threatened with relegation, Sturrock led his team to a runaway championship success within 18 months.

Success in the Second Division has followed, with Tuesday’s 2-0 home victory against Sheffield Wednesday meaning Sturrock is set to leave Argyle four points clear of Bristol City at the top.

Caretaker manager Steve Wigley will revert to his role as director of youth at Southampton.