Southampton senior figure quits - official paperwork filed

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

Published on:

27 Feb 2025, 8:42 am

Southampton have confirmed former chairman Henrik Kraft has stepped down from his role as a director, sources have told Football Insider.

As per a Companies House submission on Wednesday (26 February), it has been revealed the 51-year-old’s position has been officially terminated at St Mary’s.

Southampton’s majority owner Dragan Solak has taken on the role following Kraft’s departure.

The Serbian billionaire purchased an 80 per cent stake in the Hampshire club through Sport Republic in January 2022 for £100million.

Johannes Spors, who previously worked for RB Leipzig, Vitesse Arnhem and Genoa, has also been appointed as technical director after Jason Wilcox left for Manchester United last year.

The board at St Mary’s is now made up of Solak, Rasmus Ankersen, Rolf Boegli, Phil Parsons and Andy Young after Kraft’s exit has been finalised.

Ivan Juric facing Southampton sack calls

Southampton are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and look certain for an immediate return to the Championship, having picked up just nine points from their opening 27 matches.

Ivan Juric has been unable to improve the club’s fortunes since he was appointed as Russell Martin’s successor in December.

The Saints were beaten 4-0 by Chelsea on Tuesday (25 February), with Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella getting on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge.

Juric is already facing sack calls at Southampton after picking up just one Premier League victory since his appointment two months ago.

The fixtures don’t get any easier for the Croatian manager, with a trip to Anfield on 8 March to face table-topping Liverpool next on the agenda for his side.

(Credit: Imago)

Tyler Dibling certain to agree Southampton exit

Despite conceding four goals at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, Chelsea are lining up a deal for Aaron Ramsdale as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping options.

The 26-year-old, who made the move to St Mary’s in an £18million deal from Arsenal last summer, has recorded just three clean sheets in 21 appearances this season.

Appearances	21
Goals conceded	47
Clean sheets	3
Yellow Cards	2

Aaron Ramsdale’s stats in the 2024-25 campaign (all competitions)

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider Tyler Dibling is certain to leave Southampton if they are relegated from the Premier League.

A fee of around £25million is believed to be enough to sign the 19-year-old winger, who has registered four goals and two assists in 28 outings this season.

For more Southampton and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Southampton