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Pardew named as new Saints boss
SOUTHAMPTON have named Alan Pardew as their new manager.
The 47-year-old has signed a three-year deal at St Mary's.
Pardew has been out of work since leaving Charlton in November following an eight-game winless run.
But Swiss businessman Markus Liebherr, who completed his takeover last week, was impressed by Pardew's ambition.
He said: "We are delighted to have been able to attract Alan to St Mary's from a very strong field of candidates we identified and who expressed an interest in joining us.
"Alan has a strong track record and impressed us with his vision, commitment and ambition."
The move marks a remarkable turnaround for the club.
Southampton were on the brink of going out of business over the summer and will kick off the new season in League One with a 10-point penalty, having been relegated and fallen into administration last term.
Liebherr's first action was to sack Dutchman Mark Wotte as first-team coach and he has now turned to Pardew, who has achieved promotions with Reading and West Ham and also took the Hammers to the 2006 FA Cup final.
Pardew is expected be in the stands when Southampton host Ajax in their latest pre-season friendly on Saturday.