Wigley aware of pitfalls

Steve Wigley knows what to expect after taking on the role of Southampton head coach in the wake of Paul Sturrock’s departure from St Mary’s.

Sturrock was only appointed Saints boss in March but found himself under pressure following a 2-0 opening-day defeat at Aston Villa. The 3-2 home win against Blackburn last weekend apparently did nothing to alleviate that pressure.

His departure was confirmed yesterday and Wigley, the club’s former youth team coach and director of youth, knows he will come under the same intense scrutiny as Sturrock.

“It is not a decision that I have taken lightly because I have seen more than anybody the media spotlight that follows you, particularly in the last month, and I certainly don’t want to be on the wrong end of that,” said Wigley.

“There is a sadness for Paul and his family because what they have had to go through lately was not right and I think that was something that I have had to think about as well,” Wigley told the club website, www.saintsfc.co.uk.

“There are no two ways about it, putting myself in this situation will have a knock-on effect for my family and people that are very dear and close to me.”

Wigley was offered the chance to take over from Sturrock by chairman Rupert Lowe.

“When that offer was made I did not need to think for too long about it. I was as quick to say ‘yes’ this time as I was to say it was not right for me last time when I filled in as caretaker when Gordon Strachan left.

“I am looking forward to the job in hand. I have been given the responsibility of taking the club forward and although I accept that it will be an appointment that some people may question I have got to get on with it and earn the respect of our supporters.

“The way to do that will be by winning football matches and we must move forward.”

Wigley welcomed the chance to lead Southampton into his first match in charge against Bolton tomorrow.

“I would like it to come round as soon as possible now because to be honest then we are talking about the football side of this football club again,” added Wigley.

“We have got to be competitive on Wednesday night and get this club moving forward.”