Claude Puel has been appointed as the new manager of Southampton on a three-year contract, the Premier League club have announced.
The 54 year-old, who has agreed a three-year contract with the Saints, takes charge ahead of the first team’s return to training on July 1.
His appointment follows an extensive search for the right manager to continue the club’s progression after Ronald Koeman’s departure to Everton.
Puel will be joined at Southampton by Eric Black, who has been appointed assistant first team manager, and Pascal Plancque, who will become the club’s first team assistant coach.
Dave Watson has signed a new deal with the club to remain as part of Puel’s backroom staff, while Sammy Lee has departed. The club would like to thank Sammy for his efforts during his time at St Mary’s.
Frenchman Puel makes the switch to the Premier League following a successful spell with OGC Nice in France, which he guided Les Aiglons to a fourth-placed finish last season in Ligue 1.
Puel, who spent his entire playing career with Monaco, making over 500 appearances in all competitions, moved into management with the club he had been with for 17 seasons as a player in 1999.
After guiding Monaco to the Ligue 1 title in 2000, he spent six seasons with Lille before joining Olympique Lyonnais in 2008. Puel helped Lyon to their first ever Champions League semi-final in 2010, then going on to spend four seasons with Nice before departing in the summer.
