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Southampton have sacked Mark Hughes, just eight months after handing the Welshman a three-year deal.

Hughes joined in March when the Saints were in 17th place, following the dismissal of Mauricio Pellegrino.

The second change of leadership inside 12 months is also the fourth over the past two years, after Claude Puel was fired and Ronald Koeman stepped away from the dugout.

Even during a disastrous season under Pellegrino, the Saints put more points on the board – with the Argentinean departing on a 23.53% win percentage after eight wins in 34.

Hughes, on the other hand, won just five games – 22.73% of his 22 matches – and has been relieved of command with the St Mary’s outfit inside the bottom three.

The Playmaker FC squad decided to wind-up some unsuspecting Brazil fans at the Emirates on Saturday night. Watch the hilarious results in the video below...

One win in 14 games this season, the lowest of any Premier League side, proved to be cause for dismissal on the south coast, yet some fans have remained thankful for the 55-year-old’s efforts, especially in securing their Premier League survival last term.

Some of their gratitude has foundations, too, with Southampton actually holding one of the most creative line-ups in the league – taking the third most shots per game – although a lack of goals and not holding on to leads has cost them several points.

Here are a few Tweets from Southampton fans grateful to their now former boss…