Glenn Hoddle is being lined up for a shock return as Southampton boss after George Burley was offered the Scotland job.
Saints directors are ready to risk the wrath of supporters by bringing Hoddle back - seven years after his controversial defection to Tottenham. Former England boss Hoddle, 50, has been without a job since leaving Wolves in July 2006.
A Saints source said: "The board feel Glenn would be the perfect man to lead us back into the Premier League.
"He did a great job before he went to Tottenham and the fans would soon forgive and forget if he got us back where we belong."