sport news Southampton boss Nathan Jones believes his methods can win over the doubters ... trends now
By Nathan Jones's own admission the elephant in the room was that he was not the biggest name Southampton could have picked as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s successor and they have taken a ‘calculated gamble’ in appointing him.
That might put him on the back foot with both supporters and players to start with but he is no stranger to being an underdog.
‘I’m excited about changing opinion or reversing a negative trend,’ he said. ‘That’s what I’ve had to do in my career because I’ve always kind of been an underdog.
Nathan Jones is gearing to take charge of Southampton for the first time this weekend
‘The fact that a skinny, rat-faced Welsh boy is managing in the Premier League, that’s pretty much of a good story.
‘I come from a mining community in Wales which is the back end of anywhere. Really good upbringing and I left school at 16 to go to Cardiff City.
‘I got released from Cardiff City and then 33 years later I’m managing a Premier League club. It’s an underdog story really.
The former Luton Town boss has some doubters to win over and acknowledged in a press conference that he wasn't the biggest name that Southampton could have appointed
‘I’ve never been given a golden spoon [and told] “there you are, go and fill your boots.” I’ve always had to work for everything and in God’s will I’m here where I am now.’
Jones’s determination and belief in his methods shone through during the sort of impressive and confident unveiling that might have left some of his doubters pondering if they have judged him too quickly.
That faith in what he is capable of is why Jones feels any handicap he might be starting with can be overcome.
He said: ‘I can stay as a Championship manager for the rest of my life [where] I’ve got a decent name.
‘I’ve got an unbelievable name at League One and at League Two I would actually be a real coup so unless I want to stay at that level sooner or later I have to get past that.
‘But I’ve never, ever made a decision based on my name. It’s my work so if I feel I can impact and really do something then, yes, I make that choice.
‘Despite not being the biggest name the substance is in the work and that’s what gave me the confidence to choose to come here.’
Jones (pictured at Southampton's press conference) has built a track record of developing young players and maximising the talent at his disposal during his managerial career to date
In his time at Luton, just over five years split over two spells, Jones led them away from League Two relegation danger and into the Championship play-offs.
At one stage well into the 2017-18 season his Luton side were English football’s highest scorers, even more prolific than Pep Guardiola’s then Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Jones has earned a reputation as a very good coach capable of maximising the talent
