Southampton manager Gordon Strachan quit three months early on Friday, club chairman Rupert Lowe saying that speculation over his successor was damaging the club.
Strachan, who turned 47 on Monday, said on Jan. 9 he would quit the club at the end of the season to take a break from soccer and have a hip operation.
Now his departure has come three months early and it may fuel speculation that he will apply for the vacancy at Leeds United, one of the clubs he played for. Meanwhile, his decision to leave St. Mary's has opened the door for Saints to move for former manager Glenn Hoddle, who left the club three years ago to go to Spurs.
With coach Steve Wigley taking over on until the end of the season, Strachan said farewell to the players and coaching staff at the club's training ground on Friday.
"It's been an honor and a privilege to be the manager of Southampton," the Scot said as he stopped his car at the gates to talk to reporters.
"It's been absolutely fantastic. I couldn't have asked for any more. It's very, very sad but I thank every Southampton supporter."
The fiery, outspoken Scot has been in charge since October 2001 and led to the club to last season's FA Cup final where the Saints lost 1-0 to Arsenal. He was described by the club as a "a hugely popular figure on the south coast and will be dearly missed by the players, everyone at the club and fans alike."
Lowe said Thursday he had spoken to former England manager Hoddle about returning to Southampton. Hoddle managed the club from January 2000 to March 2001.
The Saints chairman said speculation over Strachan's successor forced the decision for the Scot to leave earlier than expected.
"Gordon and I met yesterday and have both concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for him to step down as manager with effect from today," Lowe said.
"I can assure all our supporters that we are taking the appointment of Gordon's successor very seriously and will take the necessary time to explore our numerous options. An appointment will be made when we are ready, but in the meantime, it is the football which must come first."
Strachan, who played 50 times for Scotland and had a successful playing career with Aberdeen, Manchester United and Leeds, said he had confidence in Wigley to do a ``first class job."
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