Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe believes it is "too early" for Sir Clive Woodward to take up an advanced coaching role at St Mary's following the expected of departure Harry Redknapp.
Redknapp is set to leave his managerial role after Lowe refused him permission tospeak to his former club - and Saints' rivals - Portsmouth. Woodward, the rugby union World Cup-winning coach with England, is still on the staff at the club and has been tipped as a future boss in football, although Lowe does not believe this will be imminent with Southampton.
When asked about the possibility of an advanced role for Woodward, Lowe replied: "I think in the short term it is too early.
"He's part of the structure that we want to put in place. It doesn't necessarily affect the first team. What we are trying to do is make sure our structure is right to take us further long term."
Lowe will speak to his board next week about a successor, despite Redknapp's position at the club being "in limbo", according to the chairman. When asked if Redknapp will return, Lowe said: "It's unlikely, he's made it clear it is not something he considers appropriate."
Lowe will now ask the Premier League to investigate the comments by Milan Mandaric after the Pompey chairman revealed Redknapp was a target.
"It's incorrect to discuss other people's employees in interviews with Sky Sports," Lowe added. "I've spoken to Richard Scudamore at the Premier League and asked him to look at the coverage and whether it is appropriate."
Lowe was jeered by fans during the 1-1 draw with Burnley, although he believes the board takes collective responsibility for the appointment of Redknapp a year ago.
"All appointments are made by the board rather than me individually," he added. "I don't own the club, it is a board appointment and I'm chairman of the board.
On Redknapp's departure, Lowe added: "It took me be surprise. I was surprised firstly that Harry would want to go to Portsmouth and I was surprised equally that Portsmouth would want Harry to rejoin them.
"I don't know what will happen next week but my job is to do what is right for Southampton in the short and long term, and put in place the right structure to take us forward.