Dodd and Gorman released by Saints (From Daily Echo)

Dodd and Gorman released by Saints

8:00am Monday 23rd June 2008 in News By Simon Carter, Sports Editor

THE caretaker management team that preceded Nigel Pearson's arrival at Saints have now been told they don't have a future at St Mary's either.

Both coach Jason Dodd and chief scout John Gorman are surplus to requirements in the new Saints coaching structure which was welcoming the players back to pre-season training this morning.

For Dodd, it is the second time in four years he has been released by Saints - he wasn't offered a new playing contract following the club's relegation from the Premiership in 2005.

Gorman, who like Dodd was brought into Saints by George Burley in 2007, has also left the club for the second time.

He was assistant manager to Glenn Hoddle at the Dell and quit for Tottenham at the same time as the former England boss in March 2001.

Dodd and Gorman were placed in charge of first team affairs when Burley quit to join Scotland in late January.

They were in charge for four Championship games, which only brought a solitary point, and also oversaw the horrendous 1-0 FA Cup fifth round loss at League One club Bristol Rovers.

Football club board chairman Michael Wilde said: "Jason and John came into the coaching set up at a difficult time and did everything they could to assist the club, particularly during the period following George Burley's appointment as Scotland manager in January of this year.

"However, the club has now adopted a new coaching direction, which together with the financial constraints currently affecting the club meant that there was no longer a viable role for them.

"Jason, in particular, has been a loyal servant of the club for many years and we thank both him and John for their efforts on our behalf.

"We wish them both all the best for the future."

Lowe added: "It is obviously very sad when people go but there was no alternative, given our financial situation and the need to try and put things right.

"Those who have gone have been very loyal servants and good friends. We thank them very much for their service and wish them well."