Lowe steps up manager search

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe is continuing to interview candidates to replace Harry Redknapp, with little-known Dutchman Mark Wotte leaping to the top of his reported wish-list.

Wotte, the former Utrecht and Willem II coach, last night resigned as Feyenoord’s technical director as he wants to return to a more hands-on coaching role and was immediately linked with a move to the Coca-Cola Championship side.

And the news today that Saints performance director Sir Clive Woodward recently attended a Feyenoord match has increased speculation Wotte, 45, is set to become part of Lowe’s vision for the future at St Mary’s.

Feyenoord marketing director Chris Woerts told BBC Radio Solent that it is “a fair guess” that Wotte will be joining the Saints.

“We don’t know who he is talking to but I think he was in England last Monday,” said Woerts.

“Clive Woodward was at our recent game with PSV Eindhoven. It’s a fair guess to say he could go to Southampton.”

Dave Bassett and Dennis Wise are currently in charge of the Saints, who are languishing off the promotion pace in 12th spot, and officials at the club insist the duo remain among the candidates for the permanent role.

But Lowe, who was understandably unhappy with Redknapp’s departure to return to south-coast rivals Portsmouth, wants Woodward to play a bigger part in a more innovative coaching set-up which suggests Bassett and Wise’s reign is unlikely to last much beyond the Boxing Day clash with Watford.

Meanwhile, Bassett has recalled teenage striker Dexter Blackstock from his loan spell at Championship rivals Derby to boost his attacking options ahead of the Watford clash.