Pearson announced as new Saints boss

• a-Lost-9uY

  19 Feb 08, 23:18

  

  Southampton FC

  Southampton have unveiled Nigel Pearson as their new manager on a rolling contract.

   

  The former Newcastle assistant boss succeeds George Burley - who left the Coca-Cola Championship side in January to take the Scotland job - at St Mary's.

   

  Jason Dodd and John Gorman were placed in charge of first-team affairs following Burley's departure and the duo will stay on as part of Pearson's new-look backroom staff.

   

  Dodd and Gorman were powerless to prevent the Saints slipping to four defeats from their last five games in all competitions, which included Saturday's FA Cup humbling at the hands of League One side Bristol Rovers.

   

  Nevertheless, chairman Leon Crouch has praised the duo and backed Pearson, 44, to stop the side's slump down the Championship table.

   

  'We are very grateful to John and Jason for all their hard work and their passion after taking over in very difficult circumstances,' Crouch said.

   

  'They did everything they could and they must feel as hurt as everyone else at the club by Saturday's result.

   

  'Pearson is a top-quality coach with plenty of experience and good contacts in the game.

   

  'He is also a disciplinarian with a strong work ethic and I believe he will inject new impetus into out campaign.'

   

  Pearson made his first tentative steps into management with Carlisle before short spells in temporary charge of West Brom, Newcastle and the England Under-21s.

   

  The former Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough defender left Newcastle following Kevin Keegan's arrival on Tyneside last month and should take charge of the Saints for the first time against Plymouth in the Championship.