Southampton appoint Pellegrino

Southampton have appointed former Alaves manager Mauricio Pellegrino as their new manager after dismissing Claude Puel from the position after just one season in charge at St Mary's. 

Pellegrino stepped down from his position with the La Liga club last month following their Spanish Cup final defeat to Barcelona. 

The Argentinian has signed a three-year contract with the South Coast club, but joins The Saints knowing that they have seen three managers during the last three seasons. Despite that statistic, two of those managers have moved on from the club due to the success that they had there. 

Southampton finished eighth in the Premier League last season and reached the final of the EFL Cup. However, fans disappointment at Claude Puel's style of play, combined with just one win in the last eight games saw the Frenchman dismissed. 

Upon being confirmed as the new Southampton manager, Pellegrino said: "My philosophy and the culture of the club will work well."

Les Reed, Southampton vice-chairman, praised Pellegrino, saying "While he had other options, we are delighted he feels that St Mary's is the right place for him. He impressed us with his depth of knowledge, motivation and ability."