Southampton have sacked manager Nigel Adkins and replaced him with former Espanyol boss Mauricio Pochettino.
The Saints are 15th in the Barclays Premier League after coming back from 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw with European champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
But that was not enough to save Adkins from the axe, with 40-year-old Argentinian Pochettino taking charge of training on Saturday ahead of Monday's home game with Everton.
Pochettino, the former Argentina international, will take charge of Southampton for Monday's game against Everton.
Saints executive chairman Nicola Cortese said: ""This decision has been made with the long-term ambitions of Southampton Football Club in mind.
"Whilst we acknowledge the contribution Nigel has made during the past two years, for the club to progress and achieve our long-term targets a change was needed.
"Mauricio is a well-respected coach of substantial quality who has gained a reputation as an astute tactician and excellent man-manager. I have every confidence that he will inspire our talented squad of players to perform at the highest possible level.
"He also shares my belief that the most successful clubs are built by nurturing young players through a development system that provides a clear path to the first team, thereby creating a culture that keeps them at the club for the long term.
"This is an approach he has employed with great success in the past and I look forward to him bringing that experience and expertise to Southampton."
Pochettino said: "This is the kind of opportunity that any coach would relish.
"Southampton is a club with great heritage, and an even more exciting future. There is a clear vision to take the club to a new era of sustained success in the Premier League, and beyond, which I'm delighted to be part of."
Adkins joined Southampton from Scunthorpe in 2010 and he guided the Saints into the Premier League with back-to-back promotions.
Southampton started slowly on their return to the top flight but Adkins departs with the club three points outside the relegation zone after a run of just two defeats from their last 12 league games.
what do you think?
Ben Ralph
"..well respected coach of substantial quality..." left Espanyol "by mutual consent" after leading them to the bottom of La Liga with 9 points in 13 games.
Rob Shaw
That's rather harsh. The managers below southampton must be looking over their shoulders now
dave1664
Sometimes its not the managers fault for poor results, I just hope the players take a long hard look at themselves and ask could we have given more. I don't think Nigel Adkins will be out of work for long.
Matt Varnam
I don't think they've had poor results! First season back in Prem, they have plenty of goals in them, and only 2 losses in 12 games! He was still leading them in the right direction! He will have no trouble finding another managers job!
Ciaran Mulholland
Unbelieveable. If Adkins hadnt got them promoted he would have kept his job. Very Very Harsh. Shame on Southampton, i hope they are relegated now.
mark smith
What an utter disgrace, the man has been outstanding, sorry to the SFC fans but pray they now get relegated!
mark smith
What an utter disgrace, the man has been outstanding, sorry to the SFC fans but pray they now get relegated!
richard
an absolute disgrace!!! Cortese is well known as a demanding & difficult man. Rumour has it that this has nearly happened at least twice before. Cortese know little about Football & the Family Trust that owns the Club should look at replacing HIM asap! Just let's hope that the new man can at least maintain the performance achieved by Nigel Adkins. There is no loyalty in football anymore - the record of incoming foreign Managers is not exactly perfect!! My first match was Easter Monday 1953 - 60 years in April - but I am ashamed to support this Board with this ludicrous decision!! SHAME ON YOU LOT! Woe betide if you have got this one wrong!
Matt Varnam
Read this back and you could be talking about Chelski and Abramovich! Sad, sad times for true supporters!
MarcPayne1
Managers who help get clubs promoted should be given a minimum of one season in the new league/division. This should be made compulsory or the club gets penalized. Chairmen who know nothing....about anything, let alone Football, should not be allowed by their clubs to make decisions like this, that are clearly not in the best interests of the club.
hugh japenos
terrible decision. "long-term ambitions" should be built on stability, not the continual changes which led to relegation previously. Nigel Adkins and the team won promotion as unit, they all had to find their feet in the prem which took a few games but it was just coming together nicely. best of luck Nigel, wherever you go.
Roy_Everitt
Back to back promotions isn't 'progress'? I hope Atkins has a big payoff but I doubt he'll be out of work for long. Sad for the Southampton team, who seemed to be establishing themselves as worthy of the Premier League. If they go down now the fans will know who to blame.
josham1
Totally Wrong You wait and see Southampton drop like a stone and relagated back to Championship with extra wage bill of the new manager.(bet he did not come cheap) The Board will reap what they sow
josham1
Shame they didnt get rid of him Last Week Bristol City would take him
executecodered
Whut.
Roy Flynn
what a disgrace never got a fair crack shame on you think you will live to regret this no honour in football
philpdavid
ok,Nigel needs a few winner's to cheer him up.. Earl Of Catterick, 2.30, took 15/8. Last Fighter, 3.05, took 4/1 ew. Sand Samp 3.40, took 5/1 ew. Athoug took 7/2, Inthar 4.50 took 6/1 ew. Flag Officer 5.25 took 4/1 ew. All at Meydan. Fluctuate took 3/1 2.55 Kempton. Matsukaze 3.20 Naas.
philpdavid
Matsukaze took 3/1.
ruta rybakiene
If the owner is an Argy, he'll want the same type of manager. End of....
Paul Gilbert
12:30pm on 18/1/2013
Unbelievable