Saints to stand by Wigley

Wigley remains defiant

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe confirmed there are no immediate plans to sack head coach Steve Wigley.

Wigley has collected only one point in his five-match reign but Lowe is determined to give him every chance.

Lowe told the club website: "Steve is our head coach, he is doing a good job and that's all there is to say.

"We have said we will be strengthening the coaching side but whoever comes in will not be above Steve and it will be his choice."

Lowe is concerned that any pronouncement of public support for Wigley is construed as a cynical vote of confidence.

I did not come into it with my head in the clouds, I knew very much that I would have to get results Saints head coach Steve Wigley

The Saints chairman added: "We will not allow ourselves to be destabilised by what other people are saying.

"I was happy with the performance on Saturday. We had more possession and better chances and but for better finishing would have won the game."

Have Your Say Should Wigley stay in charge?

Lowe is keen to instil stability in a club that has had nine managers in as many years and has been working feverishly behind the scenes to try and circumvent rules, which could force him to ditch Wigley after three months.

Wigley was promoted from within the ranks and does not possess the Uefa Pro-Coaching Licence required by Premiership rules.

MANAGERIAL MERRY-GO-ROUND Dave Merrington: July95-June 96 Graeme Souness: July 96-June 97 Dave Jones: June 97-Jan 2000 Glenn Hoddle: Jan 2000-March 2001 Stuart Gray: Mar 2001-Oct 2001 Gordon Strachan: Oct 2001-Feb 2004 Steve Wigley: Feb 2004-Mar 2004 Paul Sturrock: Mar 2004-Aug 2004 Steve Wigley: Aug 2004-?

He has been given a three-month dispensation but unless he acquires the licence or there is a rule change he will not be allowed to operate beyond December.

Wigley is under no illusions that his future also depends on results and said after Southampton's defeat at Fulham: "I did not come into it with my head in the clouds.

"I knew very much that I would have to get results but I don't think it is at that stage at all - and I certainly won't be thinking down that route.

"It will be me that will be judged at the end of the day and when I took the position I knew that would be the case."