Southampton appoint Ronald Koeman as manager

Southampton have appointed Ronald Koeman as manager on a three-year contract.

Koeman is joined at St Mary’s by his older brother Erwin, who has been named assistant first team manager, and Jan Kluitenberg, who will be an assistant and a fitness coach.

The former Dutch international replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who left for Tottenham last month.

Southampton executive director Les Reed said in a statement: “From the moment we met with Ronald, it was clear he had the vision and ambition to take our club forward, that he shared our football philosophy and could see the opportunity to move our club to the next level.

“The club, the players and the fans will all be excited to have a man of Ronald’s experience at the very highest level joining our club.

“Ronald’s passion for the opportunity here at St Mary’s was very clear, and we look forward to continuing our growth with him as part of our team.”

Koeman arrives following a three-year spell at Feyenoord, who he led to consecutive top-three finished in the Eredivisie.