Southampton are tonight finalising Gordon Strachan's appointment as manager after sacking Stuart Gray following the Saints' disastrous start to the season.
Former Coventry chief Strachan is expected to be confirmed as Gray's successor tomorrow, when he will inherit a team second-bottom of the Barclaycard Premiership and desperately lacking confidence.
This campaign has already seen the sacking of Leicester's Peter Taylor and Derby's Jim Smith, as well as Strachan's departure after a five-year reign at Coventry, who were relegated from the top flight at the end of last season.
Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe's decision to promote Gray from his position as coach has back-fired badly, as has Mick Wadsworth's decision to swop his assistant manager's position at Newcastle to become Gray's number two.
Lowe admitted Gray had failed to produce the results he and the club's fans expect.
"This is about the future of Southampton football club and its fans," said Lowe in a statement released to PA Sport.
"We believe the club is in need of a fresh approach, to bring some self-belief and cohesion to the squad and produce the results a club of this size expects.
"In that respect, we are in discussion with Gordon Strachan and hope to have his appointment confirmed in time for him to take training on tomorrow morning.
"We wish Stuart and Mick every good fortune in their continued careers, where they have much to offer."
Strachan is expected to be unveiled as Southampton's new manager at a press conference at the club's new Stg£32million St Mary's Stadium at 4pm tomorrow. -PA