Following a torrid run of form, and admittedly many seasons of mediocrity, Southampton have decided to call time on the Ralph Hasenhuttl era at the club.

Having won one of their last nine, the Austrian had led his side to the relegation zone with over a third of the Premier League season having been played.

It seemed a foregone conclusion that he would be sacked, and as is always the way it does not take long for the rumour mill to kick into gear.

Although Nathan Jones the most likely to be appointed after his success at Luton Town, perhaps his lack of top-flight experience could hinder him.

One report last month suggests that Dragan Solak might look to maintain the values upheld at the club but with a new manager, as Jesse Marsch denotes striking similarities with the recently departed manager.

It could be the perfect replacement, with both having graduated from the Red Bull school of thought to promote their philosophies in the Premier League, with varying success.

The American is admittedly enjoying a fine season thus far, having steered his side to 12th after overseeing a huge rebuild in the summer.

Having also steered Leeds United away from relegation last season, with their current position it could be the perfect move to bring him in early and hopefully avoid the late-season theatrics suffered at Elland Road.

Marsch and Hasenhuttl have actually endured similar careers, with RB Leipzig as their most recent job before moving to England.

The latter, however, only lasted in the job four months before agreeing to a mutual termination, with the German side having sat 11th in the Bundesliga. Before that, he excelled at RB Salzburg, where he won two leagues and two cups in just two seasons.

Despite being labelled a “strange coach” by journalist Josh Bunting, his unorthodox methods could be a refreshing change of pace for a side lacking any real creativity in the final third.

Should the Southampton hierarchy require a huge upturn in form, he could just be their man too. Despite losing his first two games in charge, a five-game unbeaten run surely aided them in surviving by just three points.

During his short time in Yorkshire, Marsch boasts 1.27 points per match, whilst in 151 Premier League games his competition only has 1.17.

Although it might not be a huge upgrade, his charisma and charm plus his slightly more forward-thinking philosophy could marry well with a side that has struggled for goals this season. Indeed, the Saints must surely consider the 48-year-old over Jones in the coming days.