Southampton sacked manager Mauricio Pellegrino on this day in 2018.
Saints’ 3-0 defeat to Newcastle signalled the end of the road for Pellegrino, a result which left them just one place and one point above the Premier League relegation zone.
The then 46-year-old was appointed as manager in June 2017 as successor to Claude Puel but the Saints hierarchy called time on Pellegrino’s tenure with seven games remaining, with their Premier League status in doubt.
Pressure was mounting on Pellegrino as the season progressed, with fans frustrated by his perceived defensive tactics and some accusing the players of not trying under him.
Upon Pellegrino’s departure, a Southampton statement read: “We would like to place on record our thanks to Mauricio, Carlos (Compagnucci) and Xavier (Tamarit) for their efforts during their time with Southampton, and wish them well for the future.
Mark Hughes was then appointed as the manager of Southampton until the end of the season.
The former Stoke and Manchester City boss arrived and helped Saints go on a four-match unbeaten run between April and May, leading them to a 17th-placed finish and top-flight safety.
