Head coach leaves as Southampton confirm two academy departures

Scottish coach Asghar has departed the club to take up a new opportunity elsewhere, having only spent one season at Saints.

He will take up a new role closer to home after overseeing an improved second half of the Premier League 2 campaign, but narrowly missing out on the post-season playoffs.

“It has been an extremely difficult decision to leave Southampton at this time," Asghar explained upon his exit.

"I've loved my time at the club and I'm extremely grateful to Andy, Tash and Ricky for the opportunity to have led the under-21 squad this season.

"I'd like to thank the fantastic coaching staff in the academy for their support, and all the talented players I've worked with for their efforts.

"I look forward to seeing the continued progress of our young players into the first team under Russell Martin and his staff.”

Also leaving the club is Patel, who heads to America for her second role in the USA to work with US Soccer as their director of sporting analytics.

Tash Patel rejoined Saints in January 2023 (Image: Southampton FC)

Upon her departure, Patel stated, “Southampton have provided me with some of my closest friends, best memories and greatest development, and the club will always hold a special place in my heart.

"The journey the academy is now on is very exciting, and I'm proud to have helped rebuild the club’s reputation as one of the very best in player and staff development as assistant academy director over the past 18 months.

"I’d like to take this chance to thank all the staff, players and parents for all their support, and to Andy Goldie for giving me the opportunity to further develop and lead in different facets of the academy."

On the departures, academy director Andy Goldie added: "We pride ourselves on not only recruiting and developing young players, but also ambitious and high-quality staff, so we're proud to see both Tash and Adam move onto the next stages of their careers.

Adam Asghar is to take a role closer to home (Image: Izzy Field - Southampton FC)

"Tash has been a fantastic support for me during my first season in the post, she has helped steer the academy through a period of transition and progress and ultimately moves on with it in a far greater place.

"It's an incredible and well-deserved opportunity for her, which I have no doubt she'll flourish in as she has done for Southampton during both spells here.

"Adam is a young coach with an exciting future ahead of him, but he's been presented with an opportunity better suited to his personal circumstances and we are happy to support him in getting him closer to his family.

"Again, we thank him for his efforts during his time at the club and wish him all the best for the future."