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If Claude Puel departs, former Leeds United boss is perfect candidate for Southampton role

Garry Monk at Southampton (Reuters)
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Garry Monk spent eight years at Southampton as a player.

Southampton manager Claude PuelSouthampton manager Claude Puel

Southampton made it to the League Cup final this season and finished eighth in the table, a very respectable position for the side.

But once again it seems the club may change managers in the summer. It is being reported that the Frenchman Claude Puel is on his way out of the club. The Sun report he expects to lose his job at St Mary’s and has already been in talks with Saint-Etienne over a job back in France.

Leeds United manager Garry MonkLeeds United manager Garry Monk

If Puel was to go, one man who would instantly be linked with the job at Southampton will surely be former Leeds United boss Garry Monk.

He shocked fans at Elland Road by resigning recently, after talks with new Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani over a new deal collapsed.

Leeds manager Garry MonkLeeds manager Garry Monk

He had a good season with Leeds, leading the unfancied side to a seventh placed finish and he also impressed with his management at Swansea City prior to that.

His good record as an up-and-coming manager also coincides with a history at Southampton.

Garry Monk at SouthamptonGarry Monk at Southampton

Monk spent eight years at Southampton, after joining from Torquay United in 1996. He never established himself at the club but has fond memories and a former team-mate at the club, James Beattie, was part of his coaching staff at Leeds.

If Puel, as expected, does leave Southampton this summer, then Monk will undoubtedly be one of the first men on the shortlist to take over with his Leeds United adventure now extinguished.