Ross Wilson hailed Ralph Hasenhuttl in his parting message following the confirmation of his move to Rangers.

The 36-year-old will leave his role as the director of football operations at St Mary’s to head up the recruitment strategy at Ibrox, working closely alongside first-team manager Steven Gerrard.

Wilson, who joined Southampton in 2015, returns to his homeland and will hope to help steer Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title this season. 

As quoted by Saints’ official website, Wilson reserved praise for those who he worked with during his four-year stay at Saints and spoke about how the ‘excellent’ Hasenhuttl will drive the team forward. He said:

It has been a privilege to work for Southampton FC. In good times and in more difficult times, I have enjoyed the challenge working alongside our outstanding staff with whom it has been so energising to work with behind the scenes. 

I will be forever indebted for their work, unwavering support and friendship. The club will continue to move forward with a strong board in place and an excellent manager in Ralph Hasenhuttl driving the team. 

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Our academy has a proud tradition and is heading in a positive direction and delivering players for the first team.

Finally, I moved to the South Coast with no connection to Saints but leave a Saints fan, having made friends for life at the club. This is a special football club and I am proud to have been part of it.

Read Southampton’s verdict

Wilson appeared to work in close co-operation with Hasenhuttl following the manager’s appointment in December last year. 

The Scotsman, judging by events such as fan forums and interviews, seemed to have a good relationship with the boss, and he is clearly a big admirer of the Austrian’s work. 

Hasenhuttl may not have shown his full capabilities at Southampton yet this season, but he remains a high-quality manager who has enough tactical nous to lead the club to a positive campaign. 

Supporting him with a clear, functioning infrastructure will be key, though, and chief executive Martin Semmens should waste no time in installing a new director. 

Is Wilson a big loss for Saints?

Yes

No