Gary O'Neil is a "strong contender" for the current managerial vacancy at Southampton with a recent update sharing the latest timeline on getting a new boss through the door.
After becoming the first team in Premier League history to be relegated with as many as seven games remaining last season, Southampton hoped for a swift return to the top flight. In the summer, Will Still, who carved out a reputation for himself with Reims and Lens in Ligue 1, moved to St Mary's.
Despite an influx of summer signings, Still struggled to make things click with the Saints, winning just two out of 13 Championship games. Following three successive defeats, Still was dismissed from his position, with under-21s coach Tonda Eckert taking interim charge of the club.
Eckert, who guided Southampton to a 2-1 win away at Queens Park Rangers, will remain in charge of the team until Southampton make a permanent appointment. Now, it would appear that the Saints could be closing in on Still's replacement.
O'Neil to take over at Southampton?
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O'Neil reacts
According to Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, O'Neil is very much in contention for the Southampton job, with "admirers at St Mary's after his work at Bournemouth and Wolves".
O'Neil received his first experience of senior management with Bournemouth, succeeding Scott Parker and keeping the Cherries in the top flight before being replaced by Andoni Iraola.
O'Neil's next job was with Wolves, after the 42-year-old replaced Julen Lopetegui as the 2023/24 season began. Though he guided the club to a comfortable mid-table finish, the Englishman struggled for form in the opening chunk of the following campaign, which led to his sacking.
Wolves, who themselves are seeking a new manager following Vitor Pereira's dismissal, were linked with bringing O'Neil back to the club, only for the manager to pull himself out of the running.
O'Neil, who shares the same agent as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, tends to favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, which he found success with during his early days at Wolves. Such a set-up, in theory, would work well with Southampton and their current crop of players.
McGrath also reported that it is "still early in the process for Southampton" and their search for a new manager. Given his status as a free agent, O'Neil would be available immediately, which may further bolster his chances of getting the job.
Whoever takes over at Southampton will be expected to take the club towards the play-offs. Whether that person ends up being O'Neil, ultimately, remains to be seen.
Southampton keen on veteran manager to replace Still