Relegation-threatened Saints lose faith in Jones

Nathan Jones has been sacked as Southampton manager after only 14 matches at the helm.

Jones, 49, took charge at St Mary's last November, replacing former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl. 

The Welsh coach leaves Saints bottom of the table, four points from safety, having lost nine of their last 10 league outings thanks to yesterday's 2-1 defeat to 10-man Wolves.

A club statement said: "Southampton football club can confirm it has parted company with men’s first team manager Nathan Jones.

"First-team coaches Chris Cohen and Alan Sheehan have also left the club. First team lead coach Ruben Selles will take charge of training and prepare the team ahead of next weekend’s game against Chelsea."

Jones looked to be on his way to earning a stay of execution with his side enjoying a 1-0 lead over fellow strugglers Wolves via Carlos Alcaraz's strike and Mario Lemina's early red card.

But a 72nd-minute own goal from Jan Bednarek turned the contest on its head before Joao Gomes' late winner sent the visitors clear of the drop zone and spelled the end of the Welshman's tenure.

Southampton visit Chelsea on Saturday and relegation rivals Leeds the following weekend in a crucial contest.

The Saints will also have a good shot at a deep FA Cup run under their new boss with League Two Grimsby awaiting them in the fifth round.

Steven Gerrard, Marcelo Gallardo, Jesse Marsch and Mauricio Pochettino are believed to be among the early candidates to take over on a permanent basis.