LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Jason Wilcox, Technical Director of Manchester United during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Coventry City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Rumours coming out of Southampton suggest a worrying trend could be about to repeat itself.
When Southampton were relegated from the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, owners Sport Republic sought to rebuild the club both behind the scenes and on the pitch.
Jason Wilcox was appointed as Director of Football, with Rasmus Ankersen taking a less involved role with his focus turning more to sister club Goztepe.
Wilcox had identified that the secret to long-term, sustainable success was through playing a possession-focused brand of football. Therefore, it was he who made the decision to appoint Russell Martin as manager in the summer.
Wilcox has since left, taking the job as Manchester United technical director in their new look regime.
Now, it looks as though another key member of backroom staff could join him in heading for the exit in what is becoming a worrying trend.
Southampton head of academy recruitment set to leave this summer
The timing of Wilcox’s departure was far from ideal, as it was initially reported during Southampton’s loss to promotion rivals Ipswich Town on Easter Monday.
