Plenty of names in the frame for Saints job

Head coach Mark Wotte held talks with Pinnacle on Wednesday morning, but both parties have refused to reveal any outcome of the meeting.

That has led to speculation that the Dutchman could be on his way, or asked to revert to another role, possibly his old post of academy director.

It is understood Pinnacle have their own ideas about who they would like to see in charge. That is almost always the case when new owners come into a club.

But Wotte has had an opportunity to discuss his vision for the team with the potential new owners. Whether that is enough to persuade Pinnacle to allow him to continue in the top job should they take over is unclear.

That decision is likely to come down to the likes of potential board members Matt Le Tissier and Tony Lynam.

Fans have been speculating from the start of Pinnacle’s period of exclusivity about who will be manager if they take over.

Here, The Pink looks at who some of potential candidates.

Mark Wotte

Took over the head coach job after the departure of fellow Dutchman Jan Poortvliet in January.

Oversaw an improvement in the Saints side, but it was ultimately not enough to save them from relegation to League One.

Wotte was not helped by off-field issues beyond his control, such as administration and the imposition of a ten-point deduction that sealed Saints’ fate, all of which undoubtedly had an impact on the team.

Wotte has worked diligently since the season ended to keep players informed of what is going on and encourage some of the more experienced, out-of-contract, members of the squad to consider extending their stays.

Has a good reputation of working with youngsters and already knows the players well.

Steve Coppell

Left Reading last month after the Royals were knocked out of the Championship play-offs by Burnley.

Took Reading into the top flight for the first time in their history in 2005/06.

Guided the Royals to an eighth place finish in the Premier League, but they were relegated the following season.

Is likely to attract interest from a lot of Football League clubs looking for managers.

It is unclear, though, whether Coppell wants an immediate return to football management.

Steve Cotterill

Made his name at Cheltenham Town, taking them from the non-league into League One.

Went on to join Stoke and, after a spell as assistant to Howard Wilkinson at Sunderland, became Burnley manager in 2004, leaving Turf Moor three-and-a-half years later and is still out of work.

Linked with vacancies at Saints in the past, he is well proven at League One and Championship level.

Iain Dowie

Played with Le Tissier during four-year Dell spell (1991-1995).

Went on to carve a career in management.

Had spells at Oldham, Crystal Palace, Charlton, Coventry and QPR. Also joined Alan Shearer at Newcastle as assistant manager towards the end of last season.

Has links to Saints, but has had mixed results in his managerial career.

Gordon Strachan

Loved by Saints fans for his success while in charge at St Mary’s for a three-year spell from 2001 to 2004.

Guided the club to the 2003 FA Cup Final and their highest ever finish in the Premier League.

Won the SPL title in his first three years at Celtic but left at the end of this season, after Rangers pipped him to the title.

Still spends time in this part of the world, although probably a long shot given Saints’ position.

Aidy Boothroyd

Currently out of a job after leaving Watford by mutual consent in November last year.

At just 38 he is a young manager, but has had plenty of success in his short coaching career.

He won promotion to the Premier League in his first full season as manager.

The next season, Watford reached the FA Cup semi-final.

Paul Tisdale

IS attracting plenty of interest after taking Exeter City from Conference to League One in the space of just two years.

Tisdale spent six years as a player at Saints in the 1990s, after coming through the youth system at the Dell.

He retired early, due to injury, and took up a coaching role at Team Bath for five years, helping the university side to the first round proper of the FA Cup in 2002/03.

At just 36, he is one of the youngest managers in the game.

His links to Saints, combined with his promise, would make him an appealing prospect for some supporters.

Paul Ince

Built up an impressive reputation at Macclesfield and MK Dons. Saved Macclesfield from relegation out of the Football League.

Then guided MK Dons to the League Two title, before being appointed boss at Blackburn.

However, Ince was sacked after just six months in charge at Ewood Park and has been out of management since.

Glenn Hoddle

Very much an outside bet, considering he and Matt Le Tissier have not always seen eye to eye.

Hoddle is also enjoying running his football academy in Spain, which aims to give young players who have fallen out of the professional game a route back into it.

Spent a successful 12 months in charge of Saints from 2000 to 2001, but left under acrimonious circumstances.