Nathan Jones sent clear message as former Stoke City boss in talks over Southampton job

© Nathan Stirk Nathan Jones during his time as manager of manager of Stoke City.

Former Stoke City manager Nathan Jones is the bookies’ favourite to replace the sacked Ralph Hasenhuttl at Premier League strugglers Southampton.

Jones, who returned to Luton Town after being shown the door at Stoke in November 2019, just 38 games into his reign at the bet365 Stadium, has since taken the Hatters to within two points of the Championship play-offs with a game in hand. They were also beaten play-off semi-finalists last season as Jones was named EFL Championship manager of the season.

And it is that impressive record, achieved on a tight budget, that is attracting the Saints, who also have a reputation for bringing through talented youngsters at St Mary’s. Luton have today confirmed they have given Jones permission to speak with the Saints over the vacancy.

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It was the Welshman’s guiding of the Hatters into League One in 2018/19 that first attracted the Stoke hierarchy after they had sacked Gary Rowett, the man initially tasked with getting Stoke back into the Premier League.

Jones took charge in January 2019, but never really got to grips with a squad still in transition following relegation from the top flight, something he later admitted.

And Potters fans firmly believe that is the reason he should ignore any Southampton approach to focus on returning the Hatters to the top flight.

One said on social media: “I don’t see it myself. He’s no Premier League experience and has demonstrated that he’s unable to deal with big egos and spend money wisely. A good manager of a team he’s built himself, but not stable enough to survive in the cut and thrust of the Prem, IMHO.”

Another added: “He won’t leave Luton, he doesn’t know how to cope outside of there.” And it was a view supported by a third Potter, who claimed: “He couldn’t handle Stoke and ended up back at Luton. Not a chance.”

But some have backed Jones to move up. One said: “Good luck to him if he’s offered the job. It never worked at Stoke, but that’s football management, and Michael O’Neill was honest about the problems behind the scenes [when he took over at Stoke] which Jones had to contend with too.”

And this fan was in agreement, adding: “May be a decent appointment. He’s on the charge for the Prem with Luton.”

Another said: “Should have kept him at Stoke – he was as good as anyone since the decision to sack Mark Hughes. Look what he’s done at Luton, not once but twice.”

There was also a bit of humour from Jones’ old fans, with one writing: “He probably still has nightmares about the last time he managed a team wearing red and white stripes.”

Should Stoke have stuck with Nathan Jones as manager? Have your say in the comment section

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