Southampton have appointed Steve Wigley as their new manager following yesterday’s sacking of Paul Sturrock.

A club statement read: “Steve Wigley is to take full-time charge of the Saints following the shock departure of Paul Sturrock.

“Wigley stood in for two games as caretaker boss last season after Gordon Strachan had left the club.

“The exact details of the new structure have still to be finalised but Wigley’s title will be Head Coach. Coach Kevin Summerfield has also left the club but Dennis Rofe seems to be staying.

“The club hope that this appointment will kill the uncertainty and allow players and supporters to focus on the football.”

Earlier, Southampoton chairman Rupert Lowe blamed negative media coverage for Sturrock’s departure.

“Management in the Premier League is highly pressured and when this pressure is compounded by a constant stream of negative and unfair media coverage, which has taken on a life of its own recently, the position becomes untenable.

“Those people responsible for perpetrating this unsatisfactory situation, often in return for financial reward, should take a long hard look at themselves.

“There will be no further statement from the club ahead of important Premier League games against Bolton and Chelsea.”