[FMH 13] The Saint -- Southampton Story

Pochettino resigns and replaced by French coach

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Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has announced his immediate resignation from his club. The move comes as a surprise as he guided Southampton a successful season with The Saints.

"I want to try something new, claimed Pochettino when asked about his job resignation.

"I'm sure that even without me, Southampton will do wonderfully here at the Premier League. I'd like to thank the staff, players, the chairman, and most of all the fans. They are the one who deserves the most thanks as they have stayed with us thick and thin."

Frenchman Laurent Blanc has been immediately announced as the new Saints manager.
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Laurent Blanc started his managing career on the 8th of June 2007, at French club Bordeaux. His first season at the club was a 2nd place finish and a Manager of the Year award. His second season was even more successful, racking up an impressive 11 win-streak over the last few games and clinching the league title.

On May 2010, after three seasons with the French outfit, Blanc was appointed the France national team, but resigned on June 2012. Now Blanc tries his hand at Premier Division managing, will he succeed?
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3 departures from the Saints

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Now-former Saints players Morgan Schneiderlin, James-Ward Prowse, and Paulo Gazzaniga.
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The following players have been sold to other clubs as defensive midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, central midfielder James-Ward Prowse, and goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga has been sold by the new Saints manager, Laurent Blanc to Juventus, Arsenal, and Leicester, respectively, gaining a profit of £ 10.9M.

"I sold them because offers were made that i had a hard choice making, claimed Laurent Blanc.

"If i rejected them, of course they will be upset because moving to a world-class club such as Juventus and Arsenal is an opportunity of a lifetime. As for Paulo (Gazzaniga), i felt we had decent keepers in Artur Boruc and Kelvin Davis, and i feel he won't have gametime."

It is said that Laurent is interested in defender Matthew Bates on a free transfer as he builds his squad for Premier League survival.

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Gardner brothers reunited and signs for Southampton

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Craig and Gary Gardner
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Southampton manager Laurent Blanc have signed the brothers Gary Gardner and Craig Gardner from Aston Villa and Sunderland, respectively.

It is reported that the transfers cost the Saints a combined fee of £ 10.85M. Craig Gardner has signed a 5-year £35.000 contract, while his brother Gary Gardner has signed a 5-year £ 12.000 contract.

The central midfielders are the first of Laurent Blanc's signings at the Saints, and noted that it's not his last.

"I am delighted to have completed the deals, claimed Blanc.

"We needed quality players for our survival at the Premier League and Craig and Gary are good players. It will be most beneficial. They do not have to worry because i will rotate very frequently.

"They are brothers and thus know each other very well. I'm sure they are very good signings for Southampton."
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