Sturrock accepts Saints offer

Strachan departure
The Premiership club, with one win in their last eleven matches, have been without a manager since Gordon Strachan stepped down in mid-February. The 48-year-old Sturrock, formerly in charge of Dundee United FC and Saint Johnstone FC, has left Plymouth Argyle FC to join Southampton.

Title success
Plymouth are top of the English second division, having won the third division title in 2002. Sturrock will start his new job with immediate effect, and lead the team for the first time for the home game against Liverpool FC on Sunday week.

'Gut-wrenching decision'
Sturrock said: "I do not want anyone to think that this is not a gut-wrenching decision for me. The challenges of football that have been put in place, the lure of the Premiership are what all managers dream of."

Bright start
UEFA Cup contenders at the start of the season, Southampton have struggled to maintain the form that took them to the 2003 FA Cup final. Despite a bright start to this campaign, which saw the club climb as high as fourth place in the Premiership, they have slipped to 12th position.

Early exit
Having announced his intention to leave in the summer, Strachan chose to quit the south-coast club as media speculation surrounding his successor increased. Youth-team coach Steve Wigley took temporary charge and oversaw draws against Everton FC and Blackburn Rovers FC. Former Scottish international Sturrock becomes Southampton's tenth full-time manager in 13 years.