Wotte fears the uncertainty over Saints' future could see players leave

Southampton head coach Mark Wotte has agreed to stay on at St Mary's as the League One club's manager.

The Dutchman, who took over from Jan Poortvliet in January on a short-term basis, will have to try and hold the Saints together amid off-field turmoil.

Saints face a race against time to find a new buyer after front-runners the Pinnacle group pulled out on Tuesday.

"I didn't want to leave while the club are in such a difficult situation," Wotte said.

The administrator, Mark Fry, is believed to be in talks with a Swiss consortium but, with their first pre-season fixture arranged for Saturday at Eastleigh, time is running out to secure the club's future before the new season.

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"I am happy that we now have a clearer situation on the football side of things and can now step up our preparations over the next few weeks," Wotte continued.

"I have also asked Michael Svensson to continue working as my assistant. Any other backroom staff appointments will be confirmed in due course."

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