Mark Hughes has become the first manager to be sacked by two Premier League clubs in one calendar year.

Southampton have parted company with Hughes after winning just one of their first 14 Premier League matches this season. We did say time was ticking…

Saints are one point behind 17th-placed Huddersfield after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

After beginning 2018 receiving his marching orders as Stoke boss, Hughes has become the first manager ever to be sacked by two Premier League clubs in a single year.

The Welshman was appointed Southampton boss as Mauricio Pellegrino’s replacement in March, miraculously guiding them to safety with eight points from eight games.

However, Southampton have for some reason decided that a 19.2% win rate is not quite good enough, and have sacked Hughes after he won just five of his 26 matches in charge.

“Southampton Football Club can today confirm it has parted company with first-team manager Mark Hughes,” a club statement read.

“Assistant first-team manager Mark Bowen and assistant first-team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki have also left the club.

“We would like to express our thanks to Mark and his staff for all of their efforts during their time at St Mary’s.

“The search for a new manager to take the club forward is already under way.

“First-team assistant coach Kelvin Davis will lead the team for Wednesday’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.”