Southampton coach Strachan to quit
LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Coach Gordon Strachan will leave Southampton when his contract expires at the end of this season after ruling out a new deal.
A club statement indicated that the fiery 46-year-old Scot, who has turned Southampton's fortunes around since joining in October 2001, is to take a break from top-flight football.
"Gordon has decided that, for medical and other personal reasons, he needs a break from the demands and pressures that are associated with being a football manager," the club said.
Dismissing press speculation that Strachan and chairman Rupert Lowe had fallen out over a new contract and transfer funds, the club added: "Gordon has indicated that he will continue to live in the Southampton area."
Strachan told Sky Sports television: "I've got a sore hip that needs a replacement. 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. It's just unfortunate. We had hoped to have kept it quiet so the chairman could go and do his bit to prepare for the future.
The Saints, who reached the FA Cup final against Arsenal last season, are currently eighth in the Premier League table.
Lowe said: "Gordon has assured me that he will give 110 per cent for the balance of this season in order to capitalize on our current position in the league. Our fans will be sad to see a man, whose passion matched theirs, taking time out of the game."
Regular strugglers against relegation in the 1990s, Strachan steered them to 11th place in his first season at the new St Mary's stadium, having left the Dell, and eighth place last term, despite a limited budget at the south coast club.
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