By Victor Kanayo
Another English Premier League side, Southampton, on Sunday announced that Manager, Nathan Jones, has been relieved of his duties three months after he took over.
Jones joined the club from Championship side Luton town in November 2022, and oversaw just 14 matches in charge of the St Mary’s club.
The club confirmed the latest development via a press statement.
Part of the statement reads, “Southampton Football Club can confirm it has parted company with Men’s First Team Manager Nathan Jones,” the club wrote in a brief.
“First Team Coaches, Chris Cohen and Alan Sheehan have also left the club.
“First Team Lead Coach, Rubén Sellés, will take charge of training and prepare the team ahead of next weekend’s game against Chelsea.”
Jones’ undoing
Despite leading the club to the semi-finals of the League cup, where they were beaten by Newcastle, and the fifth round of the FA Cup, Jones lost seven of his eight league matches, with the Saints.
Jones’ last match saw the south cost club beaten 2-1 at home by Wolverhampton Wanderers to leave them bottom of the league.
Jones was hired to replace Ralph Hasenhuttl who had been in charge for four years with the club struggling in the league.
However, the 49-year-old managed just a sole win against Everton in his eight matches in charge.
The Saints’ latest defeat came against Wolves, despite taking the lead through January signing, Carlos Alcaraz.
Wolves were reduced to ten men, after Mario Lemina was issued a second yellow card but a Jan Bednarek own goal levelled the scores.
Jones’ side were condemned to the latest defeat in the 87th minute after Joao Gomes found the target for the visitors.
Nigerian men notwithstanding
Two Nigeria’s Super Eagles men – Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu were on action for the team day.
While Onuachu started from kick off and made way in the 74th minute when replaced by Che Adams, Aribo, who has scored two goals this season from 19 league matches, came off the bench in place of Carlos Alcaraz.
From Belgium, Onuachu joined the Saints on January 31, 2023, being winter deadline transfer day.
Everton and Leeds had sacked their coaches this January.
