Dutch duo fly in as Pearson leaves (From This is Hampshire)

Dutch duo fly in as Pearson leaves

12:36pm Friday 30th May 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

Saints have sensationally ditched the manager who saved them from relegation and replaced him with a Dutch coach.

Nigel Pearson was last night told his contract will not be renewed when it runs out this summer.

Pearson, who only joined the club in mid-February, therefore leaves after just 14 games in charge.

He was hailed a hero after Saints dramatically avoided relegation from the Championship earlier this month by beating Sheffield United 3-2 at St Mary's on the last day of the season.

In Pearson's place, directors Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde have brought in Jan Poortvliet, who played for Holland in the 1978 World Cup final.

Poortvliet, who has never worked in England, will head up a four-man coaching team that also includes another Dutch-man, Mark Wotte, as well as current Saints academy coach David Hockaday and St Mary's reserve team boss Stewart Henderson.

Poortvliet and Wotte have agreed to join on modest contracts but with big incentives for success.

Football board chairman Wilde said: "We held a meeting with Nigel which was extremely constructive and helpful. We're sure he will be a well respected manager in the future at whatever club he ultimately goes to."

READ MORE HERE:

• Our Saints Vision: Wilde explains all
• Introducing new Saints head coach
• Fourth Dutch boss in England
• Poortliet played in the World Cup
• Fourteen managers in fourteen years
• Nigel Pearson Timeline

FOR ALL THE STORIES SEE TODAY'S DAILY ECHO

• Print
• Email
• Share