Prutton: Woodward has qualities to manage Saints

Southampton midfielder David Prutton has backed Clive Woodward for a prominent role in the St Mary’s management team following Harry Redknapp’s departure.

The League Manager’s Association have confirmed that Woodward does not need to obtain his UEFA coaching badges to manage at Championship level, although England’s rugby World Cup-winning coach has already distanced himself from taking over Redknapp’s position.

Prutton admitted he was sorry to see Redknapp leave despite him wanting to rejoin bitter rivals Portsmouth and saying he made a “monumental mistake” in coming to St Mary’s in the first place.

“It’s amazing to think he could end up back at Portsmouth but nothing surprises me in football,” Prutton told www.saintsfc.co.uk.

“I can only speak as I find and he was fantastic to me. I cannot thank him enough for his support. He was a nice fellow and I will miss him.

“I know there has been some talk of Clive taking over and if he does then good luck to him. I have worked with him a bit and he has a lot of good ideas and once he gets things up and running, I am sure it will be very good for this club.

“Whoever takes charge needs to be strong, show courage, be happy and charismatic and pull the team back together. I would say Clive Woodward has those qualities.”

Redknapp’s assistant Dave Bassett and veteran midfielder Dennis Wise took the reins for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Burnley, and Prutton was impressed with how the pair handled their hasty promotions.

Bassett has already thrown his hat into the ring for the permanent role, and Prutton added: “They did not have a lot of time to sort things out but they handled it well. They did a good job with us.”

Prutton’s team-mate Danny Higginbotham would like to see Bassett and Wise given the chance to lift Saints’ flagging promotion bid.

Higginbotham, who opened the scoring from the penalty spot on Saturday, said “I am not 100% sure what is going on, but I would think Dave Bassett and Dennis Wise would do a good job.

“They have been in the game a long time and my honest opinion is that you need look no further than them.”

The Southampton board will meet today to discuss their next move, with Redknapp technically still Saints manager and chairman Rupert Lowe looking for compensation from Pompey should the former West Ham boss complete a move back to Fratton Park.