Southampton have named Mark Hughes as new manager.

Saints sacked Mauricio Pellegrino on Monday with the side languishing 17th in the Premier League.

Saturday's embarrassing 3-0 loss at fellow strugglers Newcastle was the final straw for the board - who have moved to appoint the Welshman until the end of the season.

Hughes said: “It's a challenge I'm excited by. It's a great opportunity to come back to a club I know well, and a club I've got real affinity with. I couldn't turn that down.

"I bring experience of the Premier League. I understand what it takes in this league to win games.

"But first and foremost I think it's about coming in and maybe being that different voice, that different message from myself and the staff, that will enable the players to recognise and focus on what needs to be done in this key period of the season.

"The objective clearly is to remain in the league and make sure we're a Premier League club next year.

"That's where this club needs to be, that's where it should be, and that's our intention to make sure it remains there."