The arrival of a new manager always sparks a fresh wave of anticipation, and Will Still’s recent appointment at Southampton is no exception.

It’s a moment that invites a chance to look back at other managerial changes that have shaped the Saints’ trajectory. Few were as dramatic, or ultimately as transformative, as the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino in the chilly January of 2013. It was a decision that sent shockwaves far beyond St Mary’s, heralding a new era of ambition and a distinct footballing identity on the South Coast.

Back then, Southampton were finding their rhythm in the Premier League after a seven-year absence, a journey masterminded by the popular Nigel Adkins who had delivered back-to-back promotions. 

By January 2013, the Saints were 15th, three points clear of the drop zone – a respectable position for a newly promoted side. 

Adkins was a figure of stability and success. Yet, beneath the surface, executive chairman Nicola Cortese harboured grander designs, a vision that extended beyond mere survival.  

The axe fell on Adkins on January 18, 2013, a mere two days after a spirited 2-2 draw away at European champions Chelsea. 

The team had lost only twice in their previous 12 league games. The dismissal was brutal and, for many, bewildering. 

Cortese spoke of "long-term ambitions" and the need for a change to progress, but reports suggested he felt Adkins lacked certain communication skills and was still learning the Premier League ropes. 

Adkins reportedly discovered his fate via television moments before being officially informed, a cold end to a successful tenure. The players were said to be "gutted and shell shocked".  

Into this maelstrom stepped Mauricio Pochettino, a 40-year-old Argentine then largely unknown to English football fans. 

His managerial experience lay with Espanyol in Spain, a club he’d impressively saved from relegation and guided to respectable mid-table finishes, all while promoting youth and playing a high-pressing, energetic style influenced by his mentor, Marcelo Bielsa. 

He’d even masterminded a famous win over Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona at the Camp Nou. 

Despite these credentials, his lack of English and Premier League experience fuelled skepticism.  

Cortese, however, saw a kindred spirit. 

Pochettino’s philosophy – intensity, organisation, speed, and a commitment to youth – aligned with the chairman’s vision for a progressive Southampton. 

"Mauricio is a well-respected coach of substantial quality," Cortese stated, confident he would "inspire our talented squad". Pochettino embraced the challenge, speaking of a "clear vision to take the Club to a new era of sustained success" .  

The reaction was mixed, to say the least. 

Saints legend Matt Le Tissier labelled the club "a bit of a laughing stock" under Cortese’s leadership. 

Pundits like Lawrie McMenemy questioned Pochettino’s suitability. Some fans, fiercely loyal to Adkins, threatened boycotts. 

Yet, there was also a counter-narrative from those familiar with his work in Spain, who lauded him as a "forward-thinking and thoroughly modern coach".

Pochettino's impact was almost immediate. His first match, a 0-0 draw against Everton, already showed stylistic shifts: a higher press, a more advanced defensive line. 

The team tired, but the intent was clear. 

Soon, headline victories followed – against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea – securing Premier League safety and offering a tantalising glimpse of what was to come.

What followed was a 16-month revolution. 

Southampton transformed into "the Premier League’s entertainers". 

Pochettino instilled a philosophy of "running in a more organised way," a controlled but intense press designed to force errors. 

The mantra was to "win back the ball as soon as possible and then play it". 

Players thrived. Jay Rodriguez found a new lease of life, scoring 15 top-flight goals. Luke Shaw blossomed into an England international. Adam Lallana became a key creative force, while Rickie Lambert, far more than a target man, was incredibly productive, contributing 13 goals and ten assists in the 2013-14 season. Morgan Schneiderlin’s dynamism in midfield earned him international recognition.  

In Pochettino's first full season, 2013-14, Saints finished eighth, their highest Premier League placing at the time, playing a brand of football that was risky, enchanting, and successful. 

Though his tenure was relatively short – he departed for Tottenham in May 2014 – Pochettino’s time at St Mary’s was a defining period. It proved that a clear footballing identity, coupled with astute coaching and a belief in youth, could elevate a club beyond expectations. 

As Southampton embarks on a new chapter with Will Still, the echoes of Pochettino's arrival serve as a potent reminder that sometimes, the most audacious changes can yield the most exciting transformations.