Saints' new owners have wasted no time in making their presence felt at the club, parting company with head coach Mark Wotte, just days after he signed a new contract.

A Saints spokesperson said: "We are very grateful for the work Mark has done and the loyalty he has shown."

In a rare show of player loyalty meanwhile, goalkeeper Kelvin Davis has chosen first-team football at St Mary's over being second-choice at West Ham, turning down a move to the Premier League and signing a new Southampton deal instead.

"I had a decision to make and am delighted to be able to stay," Davis told the club's website.

"I always said that League One football doesn't scare me."