Burley to get Saints job

Southampton have revealed that George Burley is their new head coach, with Clive Woodward taking over as the Coca-Cola Championship club’s director of football.

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe said tonight: “I am delighted with the new arrangements that were approved unanimously at today’s board meeting, in line with my recommendation.

“I believe we now have a management team that will deliver stability, results and exciting football.”

Lowe continued on his club's official website, www.saintsfc.co.uk: "The number and quality of candidates that Clive and I have seen over the last two weeks have been outstanding, with George emerging as our first choice.

“In George and Clive we have got a management team of undoubted quality with strengths in complementary areas, who share the same vision for Southampton and give us the best possible chance of returning the club to the Premier League in the shortest possible time.”

Southampton have been without a manager since Harry Redknapp quit earlier this month, prior to returning to south coast rivals Portsmouth.

Burley has been out of work since October 22, when he left Hearts with the Edinburgh side top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Burley inherits a team who are 12th in the Championship, just four points off the play-off places, following 13 draws from their 23 games.

The Scot, who has also managed Colchester, Ipswich and Derby, added: “I am very pleased to come on board at St Mary’s and I am looking forward to taking my first game at Vicarage Road on St Stephen's Day.

“Southampton have an exciting young team and I believe that they should, and can, be much higher in the Championship table than they are.

“It’s my job to make sure that this happens. I am delighted to accept the head coach position.

“I’m at my best on the training ground and my role at Southampton will allow me to concentrate on that.

“Clive and I have had detailed discussions on how we will work together and I’m excited by the prospect.”