'Perfect fit': Former Southampton man surprisingly backs huge ex-Portsmouth favourite for manager's job as popularity grows
Gary O’Neil came through the ranks at Fratton Park before amassing 192 appearances for Pompey.
Former Southampton striker Charlie Austin has surprisingly backed Gary O’Neil to take over at St Mary’s.
It’s been a whirlwind week for the ex-Pompey favourite, who was heavily linked with the Wolves job before turning down the chance to make a sensational Molineux return.
Talks reportedly broke down with the Premier League outfit, who continue their search for Vitor Pereira's successor after he was sacked in October.
O’Neil has since emerged as a strong contender for the vacancy with the Saints after Will Still was dismissed on Sunday evening.
The 33-year-old, who was appointed on a three-year deal in May, departed St Mary’s having won just two of his opening 13 games in charge, which also included a goalless draw against Pompey in September.
Although names including Russell Martin and Ralph Hassenhuttl have been tipped with the vacancy, the ex-Fratton Park academy graduate has been installed as the new favourite by the bookies.
O’Neil, of course, has been out of a job since December 2024 after being sacked by Wolves, after winning just two of their opening 16 matches of the 2024-25 campaign.
Charlie Austin’s surprise Gary O’Neil call
But Austin, who spent three-and-a-half years with Southampton, has since identified the the ex-Bournemouth boss as the ideal replacement at St Mary’s.
The 36-year-old is adamant the former Pompey ace would be the ‘perfect fit’ for the Blues’ fierce south-coast rivals as they eye an upturn in fortunes.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: ‘He (Russell Martin) was in the spotlight and he had a lot of criticism because the results were poor, rightly so. I feel like he needs to not rush back to football so soon.
‘So for me, I think they should try their hardest to go after Gary O'Neil. I don't know whether Gary wants to come out and manage in the Championship.
‘He might feel like he's a Premier League manager and that's where his stock is, but for me, that would be the perfect fit, although, he did play for Pompey which might be a stumbling block there.’
Gary O’Neil’s Pompey career
O’Neil, of course, has a strong Pompey allegiance after coming through the ranks at Fratton Park.
After making his debut in 2000, the 42-year-old went on to appear 192 times for the Blues, which included a Division One title in 2003.
He departed PO4 in 2007 before stints with Middlesbrough, QPR, Norwich, West Ham, Bolton and Bristol City.
Southampton currently sit 17th in the Championship at present after a disappointing start on their return to the second tier.
The Saints have won just three of their opening 14 matches so far, which included a 2-1 triumph over QPR in what was their first game without Still in the hot seat.
O’Neil is the bookies’ favourite for the vacancy and is also joined by Tonda Eckert, Russell Martin, Mark Robins and Michael Carrick in the running.