Manuel Pellegrini in so many ways seems the ideal candidate for the managerial vacancy at Saints.

It’s odd then that the one thing being put forward as a drawback for his appointment is actually something that very much works in Saints’ favour. Namely, his age.

At 62 the Chilean is no spring chicken, he’s not an up and coming manager.

However, the counter argument is that he still has plenty of good years left in him yet, and that because of his age and where he’s been in the last seven years he is unlikely to be using Saints as a quick stepping stone.

Instead, the advantage with appointing an older manager is that he is very likely to view Saints as a longer term project, rather than drop them after a year or two for what he views as bigger and better things.

Take for example Claudio Ranieri, two years older than Pellegrini and having pulled off one of the greatest achievements in football management history and not linked with any other job.

Given Pellegrini’s background, with all due respect he might have had his sights set above Saints had he been younger.

When you consider all these facts, it does seem like it could be a case of the right man at the right place at the right time if, as is reported, he really is committed to staying in England after his spell at Manchester City.

Where else can he go that’s better than Southampton? What better job could there be for him?

There are only a handful of so-called better jobs in the Premier League anyway, well bigger clubs at least, and none of them are available or are likely to be soon.

Again, it seems perfect timing.

Pellegrini is manager of immense stature. This is a guy who has signed Cristiano Ronald and Kaka. He has pulling power, and his standing in the game will be important for keeping players at the club as well as attracting them in.

We know he plays attacking football, and that he has a track record of success and huge experience of European football.

He has also worked at clubs with far smaller budgets than the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City, and done well.

Pellegrini would be a popular appointment with the fans, as it is a signal of intent and ambition.

The stability he could bring, along with everything that a name and reputation such as his can boast, must be an attractive prospect for Les Reed and the board.

Though they tend to prefer a younger, more go ahead tracksuit type coach, they surely will be tempted.

It’s not often a manager of Pellegrini’s calibre is available and wants the job at the time you are looking for someone.