What's next for the Saints?

Whilst managerial troubles seem to be but a manifestation of broader issues on the club's board, Pellegrino's sacking yesterday was music to the ears of many Southampton fans. The side's recent form has been dismal and now a new era is set to start at St. Mary's. Currrently one point off the drop, it may, however, be too late for the Saints...

Why did Pellegrino have to go?

This season, fans on the South Coast have been vocal, and scathingly so, about the Argentine's tactics and team choices. Earlier in the campaign Pellegrino disclosed that his side would lump cross after cross into the box in an attempt to score headed goals. When you look at the stats, Saints average an unparalleled 22 crosses per game of which only 4.4 find a red and white shirt. A hopeful tactic that has had minimal rewards.

Pellegrino's rating took a particularly huge hit in January. He lost popularity when he sold wantaway Virgil Van Dijk - arguably the best player supporters have seen at St. Mary's in recent years - to Liverpool, a club the fans have bad blood with given their infamous reputation of poaching Saints' stars. 

With the talent of Manolo Gabbiadini, Sofiane Boufal, and Nathan Redmond often left to rot in the dugout, teamsheets have caused a stir with the Saints faithful. Pellegrino's persistance with his record-signing Guido Carrillo has proven disastrous as the No. 9 has failed to score in eight appearances. Unsupported and underperforming, opposition defences have made light work of the lone striker. 

Who's going to take over?

In reference to potential managerial options, Gary Neville told 'Sky Sports' that Saints "need a hit man to go in there, someone with the experience of being down there in the league, somebody who can get immediate results."

Robbie Savage gave his two cents on '5 live sport' on who Pellegrino's successor should be: "With eight games to go and looking at men who are out of work - it's Mark Hughes. He has never been relegated as a Premier League manager."

The ex-Saint is currently the bookies' favourite to take the rather rusty reigns at St. Mary's. Southampton fans, however, are gunning for Marco Silva, the former Watford manager who injected fresh impetus into a dejected Hull side last season. 

Other options on the Saints table include Graham Potter (Ostersunds) and club legend Kelvin Davis, who could take charge on an interim basis.

One thing is certain, it's going to be up to the new gaffer to yank Southampton out of the gloomy relegation scrap. 

Just how likely is relegation?

With many pundits convinced the Southampton squad is 'simply too good to go down,' complacency is the exact attitude that will cause them to sink deeper into this rut. A considerable portion of fans have now warmed to the idea of a Championship spell as it could give their beloved team the chance to rebuild, re-vamp, and recover some of their identity. Plus, it'll certainly mean they'll witness more wins.

With five of their eight remaining games coming away from home, it's going to be a tough run-in for whoever replaces Pellegrino. However, with a fresh-manager-buzz likely to fuel their disillusioned players with desire and belief, Saints can still salvage their season.