Southampton force out Les Reed citing the need to take 'constructive action' as their slide continues

Saints are just two points above the drop after narrowly avoiding relegation last year so have moved on from Reed after eight years at the head of its footballing operations

Southampton have forced out vice chairman Les Reed in a significant shake-up to the club’s football operations.

Reed has overseen the sporting side of the Saints since 2010, including recruitment, youth development and the hiring and firing of managers.

In that period the club has produced a number of players who went on to become Champions League regulars, not least three-time winner Gareth Bale, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Luke Shaw as well as England international James Ward-Prowse.

Manger Mark Hughes, who was appointed in March, believes that the boardroom departures will not adversely impact his job security.

"In the summer, I was offered a three-year contract. Clearly Les would have had an impact in that decision but not totally," said Hughes.

"All the board and the ownership itself made that decision to offer me that contract so, although Les is no longer around as a sounding board and as a supportive guy in the background, there's still a lot of people here that felt I was the right man for the job. I don't think my position has been diminished too much in that regard."

But with Saints struggling and in the wake of three successive managerial appointments that have failed to arrest their slide, the club have decided to “take constructive action” to “provide new drive and direction to our football operations team”.

Chairman Ralph Krueger said: “I would like to go on record to thank Les for the eight years of hard work and dedication he has given Southampton Football Club.

“His time at the club will be remembered for the fine work he did in overseeing our progress through the divisions and establishing the club in the Premier League.

“The process of recruiting the right individual to head up our football operations is under way, and is a decision that needs to be given the necessary time and attention that reflects what an important position it is within our club.

“Now, more than ever, we are grateful for the continued support of our staff and fans as we work towards our joint aim of moving up the table.”

Southampton added that the search for Reed’s replacement had already begun, while Reed, 65, is understood to want to remain in football.