Eric Black leaves post at Southampton, fans react

by Danielle Joynson share

1 minute read 21/12/2017 | 06:00pm

Southampton announced on Thursday that first-team coach Eric Black has stepped down from his role at the club.

The Scotsman moved to St Mary’s in 2016 as part of Claude Puel’s coaching staff.

Even after the manager departed, Black stayed on, but has now decided to leave his position due to personal reasons.

The Saints’ official website has claimed that the 54-year-old has opted to address some back problems that have been caused by previous injuries suffered during his playing career.

In September last year, the Scotsman was caught up in The Telegraph’s investigation into corruption in football.

Black was accused of offering advice to third parties on how to bribe lower-league clubs, but following an investigation, Southampton did not find him guilty of any wrongdoing.

Judging by the reaction on Twitter, Black divided Southampton fans, with some pleased to see him step down, while others have been left disappointed.

Good luck to the bloke for the future, much maligned by some #saintsfc fans for some bizarre reason, get well soon mate.

— Nige (@Baldsaint) December 21, 2017

From a footballing point of view it’s for the best but on a human level I wish him all the best

— terry couzens (@tcouzens1) December 21, 2017

What amuses me here is the amount of fans celebrating this. Having seen so many fans blaming performances on him over the last year with zero evidence.

— Neil (@whatneilthinks) December 21, 2017

Next please pic.twitter.com/OfYqvfQpvk

— Happy Camper (@scott_riglar) December 21, 2017

By all accounts he was very popular with the squad, so will be a big loss #saintsfc

— Ryan Wooldridge (@CaddyWooldridge) December 21, 2017

Now let the manager bring in his own team and lets move on ?

— Geoff White (@altoniansaint) December 21, 2017

So the clear out begins ????

— ⚽JesusIsOurRightBack⚽?? (@kevvie_geeSFC) December 21, 2017

1 down, 4 to go. ?? #saintsfc

— Rσв (@robIacey) December 21, 2017

Black has had coaching spells at numerous clubs, including Sunderland and Aston Villa.