SPORT Republic CEO Rasmus Ankersen has moved to quash suggestions of a ‘rats fleeing a sinking ship’ narrative and explained structural change at Saints.
Former Brentford man Ankersen is a key driver behind the implementation of the new owner’s ideas in the day-to-day running of the club.
The Dane currently temporarily leads the recruitment process for the January transfer window, following the shock departure of new hire Joe Shields last year.
But Saints have also since announced that director of football, Matt Crocker, will leave at the end of the season, as will chief commercial officer David Thomas.
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It leaves three important roles unfilled, although Manchester City academy director Jason Wilcox is expected to take over in Crocker’s role and help appoint a recruiter.
Speaking in a lengthy interview with BBC Radio Solent, Ankersen sought to reassure fans that it is not staff jumping off of a club on a downward trajectory.
“When you’re trying to improve an organisation, it requires change,” Ankersen said.
“And when there is change, that means you lose people. Some people say this is not for me and others ask to leave.
“It’s completely normal but I can understand from a communication point of view, and I think this is primarily caused by the league table position, it has looked like this sinking ship narrative.”
He added: “I can assure everyone that there is a really detailed analysis and thought process going on with every step we take.
“We have been working non-stop to improve the organisation and people will see that we have some really exciting announcements to make on the football side and on the commercial side, in terms of people we are bringing in to take the club forward.”
Saints remain bottom of the Premier League after just over a year since Sport Republic acquired the club from former majority shareholder Gao Jisheng.
But Nathan Jones’s men have since won three in a row in all competitions and only two points separate seven teams at the foot of the top-flight’s table.
“It was always going to be a big challenge and in football there are going to be ups and downs, if you can’t live with that you should not work in the industry,” Ankersen reflected.
“The year of 2022 had been a tough ride but I think we understand the club more now and have a clear idea of how to improve it.
“Dragan (Solak, lead investor of Sport Republic), like all of us, really hates to lose,” he added. “So it has not been a great time for him like it has not been for us.
“What I can assure people is that Sport Republic is committed to this journey and we knew we had a big challenge on our hands, but we have the best intentions for the club.
“I hope fans can see that we are making a significant investment into the club and our commitment remains unchanged, we want to make Southampton successful.”
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