Who has been Southampton's best manager? Sky Sports is launching a vote to find out.
Mauricio Pochettino is still in the early days of his career as Southampton boss but he will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of some of his impressive predecessors. However, who is the best manager in the history of the South Coast club? Sky Sports has narrowed it down to three candidates and is launching a vote to find out. Is Lawrie McMenemy, Ted Bates or Nigel Adkins the greatest? Have your say at the bottom of this page and via our poll. We will be announcing the winner in the week commencing 12th August.
Nigel Adkins (2010-2013)
Much like Bates, Adkins guided Southampton from the third tier to the top division - only the Liverpudlian managed it in less time. He took over in 2010 and successive promotions saw the Saints back in the Premier League for the first time in seven years. Despite impressing, after a tricky start, Adkins was replaced by Mauricio Pochettino in January 2013 with Southampton in 15th.
Lawrie McMenemy (1973-1985)
He spent 12 years as Southampton boss in which time he guided the club to an FA Cup Final triumph over Manchester United in 1976, despite being in the Second Division. Promotion to the top flight followed in 1978 and the former Grimsby manager took Southampton to the League Cup final in 1979, losing 3-2 to Nottingham Forest. McMenemy added Alan Ball and Kevin Keegan to his side and was in charge when the Saints achieved their highest league finish in their history, 2nd, in 1984.
Ted Bates (1955-73)
"Mr Southampton" played more than 200 games for the Saints between 1937 and 1953 before taking over as manager in 1955. He took them from the Third Division South to the top flight, bringing through the likes of Mick Channon and Ron Davies as Southampton twice qualified for Europe in 1969 and 1971. Bates stepped down in 1973.
Who do you think has been the greatest manager in Southampton's history? Have your say via the feedback form below and vote in our poll. Voting closes on 9th August
