Next Southampton manager: Former Wolves and Leicester City bosses ‘leading the way’

Southampton are looking for a new manager after relieving Ivan Juric of his duties following relegation from the Premier League.

A mutual agreement was reached for Juric to part ways with Saints and new sporting director Johannes Spors has now begun his search for a long-term replacement. First-team coach Simon Rusk will carry out duties until the end of the current season, aided by veteran midfielder Adam Lallana.

There’s very little but pride to play for in the last seven games of the campaign as Southampton have had a horrendous season. With just 10 points from 31 games, Saints are the earliest team in Premier League history to be relegated, while the worst-ever points total of 11 - set by Derby County in 2007/08 - could yet be beaten.

The main aim now is to make sure Derby’s record isn’t broken, while a few extra positive results before the end of the campaign could really boost morale ahead of the return to the Championship. A win or two more on the board could also make the Southampton job more attractive to managerial candidates.

Southampton identify traits for new manager

It’s pivotal that Saints get their next appointment spot on as it could be the difference between an immediate return to the Premier League or a dip down into Championship mid-table mediocrity.

Sky Sports reports Southampton are eager to appoint a coach with experience managing in England and a tendency to play a high-intensity style of football. Championship experience is desired, too, but not an absolute must. Former Norwich City and Huddersfield Town man David Wagner is said to be on a long shortlist.

Who are the favourites to become Southampton’s next manager?

Saints aren’t expected to make their final decision for several months yet but that doesn’t mean there aren’t already contenders to take to the St Mary’s dugout.

Bookies are already offering markets on who could replace Juric, with former Wolves, Everton, Aston Villa and Leicester bosses among those leading the way.

Steve Cooper, who was controversially sacked by Leicester in November after just five months in charge, heads the list. Gary O’Neil, sacked by Wolves in December after just two wins in the first 16 league games of the season, isn’t far behind.

Ex-Burnley and Everton gaffer Sean Dyche is still unemployed following his departure from Goodison Park in January nad and he is being tipped as a serious contender. Then there’s Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard - now available after an 18-month spell at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq - who is high up the list.

Here’s a full run-through of the latest favourites.

• Steve Cooper - 6/4 (40% probability)
• Sean Dyche - 7/4 (36.4% probability)
• Steven Gerrard - 5/2 (28.6% probability)
• Gary O’Neil - 3/1 (25% probability)
• Liam Manning - 4/1 (20% probability)
• Danny Rohl - 9/2 (18.2% probability)
• Rob Edwards - 5/1 (16.7% probability)
• Russell Martin - 8/1 (11.1% probability)
• Rafa Benitez - 10/1 (9.1% probability)
• Quique Sanchez Flores - 14/1 (6.7% probability)