On England's south coast - as low on the map as he can go - Gerard Houllier has endured a double of rock bottom moments. After the FA Cup exit at Portsmouth, this 2-0 defeat sent Houllier's team to the murky depths of eighth place in the Premiership. Along the same stretch of cliffs and sea, Southampton's new manager, Paul Sturrock, is on the rise. More
Daily Telegraph
Saints steal spoils to add to misery for Houllier
In the match programme Paul Sturrock stood with his arms outstretched in a Messiah pose, eyes raised to the sky. Well, how he won his first match in charge at Southampton was a miracle at least. More
The Independent
Sturrock happy to ride his luck
What was it Napoleon said about wanting lucky generals? Paul Sturrock brought an immediate change of fortune to Southampton as his debut as their manager brought them a first win in six matches, despite being outplayed for much of yesterday’s game. In contrast, Gérard Houllier, the Liverpool manager, must be wondering what he has to do to see his team win in Hampshire, where they have now been beaten three times this season, twice by Portsmouth. More
The Times
Sturrock prospers as Owen stumbles
It is safe to assume Michael Owen will not be rushing to the south coast for his summer holiday. Having missed a penalty at Portsmouth last month when Liverpool went out of the FA Cup, the striker repeated the trick here yesterday as his team suffered a setback in their quest for a Champions League place. Never mind hurricanes, the England international probably feels that in Hampshire happiness hardly happens. More
Guardian