Southampton manager: Saints name former Lyon boss Claude Puel as their new manager

SOUTHAMPTON have appointed former Nice boss Claude Puel as Ronald Koeman’s successor.

The 54-year-old Frenchman, who left the Ligue 1 club in May after guiding them to finishing fourth, has signed a three-year contract with the south coast club.

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He replaces Koeman, who left for Everton earlier this month.

Eric Black, Aston Villa's caretaker manager last season following Remi Garde's sacking, will be Puel’s assistant while former Boulogne coach Pascal Plancque also joins as assistant first-team coach.

Saints also considered former Roma boss Rudi Garcia and ex- Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini for the role.

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Puel, who spent his entire playing career with Monaco, making over 500 appearances in all competitions, moved into management with the club he had been with for 17 seasons as a player in 1999.

After guiding Monaco to the Ligue 1 title in 2000, he spent six seasons with Lille before joining Olympique Lyonnais in 2008.

He helped Lyon to their first ever Champions League semi-final in 2010 before spending four seasons with Nice.

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