The Athletic has produced an intriguing piece documenting Southampton’s demise, and the nature of Les Reed’s dismissal from the club has been revealed.
Saints opted to sack the 66-year-old in November last year as they attempted to move in a different direction following a catalogue of expensive, under-performing signings.
Reed, who now works as the FA’s technical director, served the club over a number of years, but The Athletic reveals that his departure was delivered to him in little more than a ‘five-minute conversation’ with then-chairman Ralph Krueger.
Ross Wilson stepped up to fill the void left by Reed, but he has since joined Rangers. Krueger, too, has left the club and works in the NHL as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres.
Saints are now on the lookout for a new director of football to head up the recruitment strategy and support first-team boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Read Southampton’s verdict
Reed’s dismissal was justified, but it’s hardly made a notable positive impact on proceedings.
It seems the damage has already been done, with the club now paying for the mistakes of the previous regime. However, the leadership from figures such as Gao Jisheng and Martin Semmens has hardly inspired confidence, either.
The exits of Reed and Wilson, while not necessarily damaging blows, have left Southampton without expertise at boardroom level, and it is difficult to see who is backing Hasenhuttl regarding the recently alarming on-field performances.
Thus, it is no surprise that the club are pushing quickly to appoint a new director of football, with Saints currently heading in a concerning direction.
