Charlie Austin hails Mark Hughes’ influence
Charlie Austin has spoken about the impact that Mark Hughes has had at Southampton and about how he is feeling optimistic about the rest of the season under the Welshman, as per the club’s official website.
Hughes was appointed as manager of the Saints last Wednesday and striker Austin has already praised the impact he has had.
Hughes has already got one game under his belt and one win, against League One side Wigan Athletic, which has seen Southampton get to their first FA Cup semi-final since 2003.
In his playing day, Hughess was one of the most naturally gifted centre forwards around, playing for Barcelona, Manchester United and later in his career, Southampton and so, Austin is relishing life under this new coach.
Austin has been discussing Hughes’ influence at St Mary’s so far.
When the gaffer came in he said ‘look, we’re here for eight weeks. There’s no getting away from it, we’ve all got to put all our energies and efforts into these eight weeks to get ourselves into a cup final and stay in the Premier League. Everyone knows that is the ultimate goal for us now. There has been a change in everyone around the training ground – a change in attitude. Commitment maybe. I don’t know. It’s not just him. Mark (Bowen) is here and Eddie (Niedzwiecki), which is great, because they’re all having their say and having their input, which is important because you’re not just hearing the same voice.
Southampton have eight weeks left to save themselves domestically and see if they can get past Chelsea to reach the FA Cup final. Austin has faith in the new man and as do many of the Southampton faithful.