Lowe hails 'great day' for Saints

New Southampton head coach George Burley insists he does not envisage any problems working alongside director of football Clive Woodward.

And former World Cup-winning coach Woodward has vowed his managerial aspirations will not affect Burley’s role at St Mary’s.

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.

He was appointed Harry Redknapp’s successor on Thursday evening while Woodward’s role changes from performance director to director of football.

At a press conference to unveil Burley, chairman Rupert Lowe said: “George, myself and Clive spent a lot of time discussing the structure and we are very excited about it.

“I think after what happened two and a half weeks ago we couldn’t have had a better outcome.

“Today is a great day for the club.”

Former Ipswich boss Burley believes there will be no complications in working alongside Woodward and revealed the wealth of talent at St Mary’s helped sway his decision.

“To come to work with so many promising young players was very much key to my decision,” Burley told the press conference, televised by Sky Sports News.

“It’s a smashing club and the response I’ve got from people has been very positive.

“Clive is a world class coach in a different sport. He’s looked at different sports but any football club is a team working together, not an individual.

“Being able to work with Clive can only help me and Southampton.”