Decision to quit Saints taken two years ago

Gordon Strachan is stepping down as Southampton manager at the end of the season because he needs a hip replacement.

The Scot has told Saints that he will not renew his contract, but the "personal reasons" that were being kept confidential are to do with his medical problem. Sources close to Strachan revealed that he has had trouble with his hip for some time, a legacy of his playing days when he carried on until his late 30s. Strachan has been feeling discomfort and plans to have the operation and then rest for a year before seeing what opportunities come along.

"I've got a sore hip that needs a replacement," he said. "That's my health problem if anyone is really worried. The decision was made two years ago between me and my family and I confirmed that to the chairman in October.

"The chairman [Rupert Lowe] understands my reasons for doing what I have to do. It has been leaked inadvertently. We had hoped to have kept it quiet so the chairman could go and do his bit to prepare for the future."

Strachan's condition has been deteriorating over the past few months but it is expected that he will be able to carry on at Southampton for the rest of the season, although his successor may be named earlier if the circumstances arise.

Dismissing speculation that he had fallen out with Lowe over a new contract and transfer funds, Strachan said: "The chairman has been absolutely fantastic. He's asked me what I wanted contract-wise. But the financial package has not even been attempted because I wouldn't insult his intelligence by asking about money, because it has got nothing to do with money whatsoever."

Rumours of stress-related illness or heart problems have also been dismissed by Strachan.