Southampton could land ‘own Graham Potter’ in 49 y/o Hasenhuttl replacement

Southampton are on the lookout for a new manager and could land their own Graham Potter after Luton Town chief Nathan Jones has emerged as ‘the early favourite’ to succeed Ralph Hasenhuttl at St Mary’s, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Hasenhuttl was sacked by the south coast club’s hierarchy on Monday morning, following a wretched run of form.

What’s the latest news involving Jones?

According to The Athletic, Southampton are considering a move for Jones as they look to appoint a new manager.

The report suggests Saints see the 49-year-old, who is currently in his second stint at the Luton helm after returning to Kenilworth Road in May 2020, as one of several options to replace Hasenhuttl.

Southampton are reportedly in advanced talks with Jones’ current employers and there is uncertainty over whether he will take charge of the Hatters for the final time at Stoke City on Tuesday.

The Welshman, who penned a fresh five-year contract with Luton in January, came close to leading the Championship club into the Premier League last season.

Having led the club into sixth place during the 2021/22 campaign, Jones’ charges were denied a trip to Wembley when they lost in the two-legged play-off semi-final to Huddersfield Town.

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What has Dean Jones said about the situation?

Jones believes the Luton chief is firmly in the race to be unveiled as Hasenhuttl’s successor at Southampton.

The journalist feels it would make sense for Saints to appoint Jones as they look to fill the void left by the Austrian because he could be seen as a ‘new version’ of Chelsea head coach Potter.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “It looks like he’s the early favourite. I think, when you consider what he’s about, it probably makes sense that this is the kind of path they’re going to go down.

“Nathan Jones is not somebody that’s looking for stars in his team. He’s looking for everyone to be on the same page who work together to achieve goals.

“What he did with Luton, particularly last season when they forced their way up the table against all odds, was really impressive.

“There’s a good vision for the future and, over the last 10 years, he has been working towards really getting a big chance in the game.

“I think if you look at managers like Graham Potter, who has been given an opportunity, maybe Southampton see somebody like Nathan Jones as a new version of that.”

What year did Southampton move into St Mary’s?

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Would Jones be a good appointment by Southampton?

Jones would certainly be an eye-catching appointment and, with Southampton currently in the Premier League’s relegation zone, he deserves a chance to prove himself in the top flight.

Since returning to Luton, he has led the club to 54 wins from 132 matches and boasts a points-per-game ratio of 1.5.

Admittedly, Jones’ spell at the Stoke helm did not go to plan and he could only secure seven victories in 38 attempts, but he has shown either side of his stint at the bet365 Stadium that he is an intelligent tactician.

He may be lacking in top flight experience, considering his only managerial opportunities have come in the Football League, but Jones could be the man Southampton need to lead them away from the danger zone.

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