(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 01, 2018 Southampton Welsh manager Mark Hughes is seen before kick off of the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on December 1, 2018. - Mark Hughes has been sacked as manager of Southampton, the struggling Premier League club announced on December 3, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
The Welshman, 55, took over at St Mary’s in March and guided them to Premier League survival and an FA Cup semi-final but was unable to inspire a better campaign this season.
“We would like to express our thanks to Mark and his staff for all of their efforts during their time at St Mary’s,” the club said in a statement.
“The search for a new manager to take the club forward is already under way.
“First team assistant coach Kelvin Davis will lead the team for Wednesday’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.”
Assistant first team manager Mark Bowen and assistant first team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki have also left the club.
Southampton, who were 2-0 up against Jose Mourinho’s United at home on Saturday at one stage, are 18th in the Premier League, just one point ahead of bottom club Fulham.
They have won just one of their 14 Premier League matches this season under Hughes, suffering seven defeats.
The former Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea player signed for Southampton as a player towards the end of an illustrious career.
During his coaching career he has managed Wales as well as Blackburn, Manchester City and Stoke.
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