ONE of the subplots to Claude Puel's arrival as new Saints manager is that coach Sammy Lee has departed St Mary's after two seasons at the club. 

Lee,who also played for Saints briefly in 1989/90, joined with goalkeeper coach Dave Watson in 2014, when Ronald Koeman arrived as manager. 

The Liverpool legend rejected the assistant manager's role at Brighton & Hove Albion to take the coaching role at Saints. 

While Watson, who is also England's goalkeeping coach, has stayed on at Saints, Lee has departed.

Part of the club's statement on Frenchman Puel's arrival was to wish Lee all the best. 

It said: "The club would like to thank Sammy for his efforts during his time at St Mary’s."

Lee had a short spell as an England coach under Sven-Goran Eriksson before joining Bolton in 2005, briefly managing the Trotters in 2007 before rejoining Liverpool.

Lee returned to Bolton in 2011, where he was head of academy coaching and development.