Should you change your coach if it hasn't broken down?

Echo:

SAINTS have appointed Martin Hunter to the new post of under-21 coach – a change that has resulted in popular, long-serving coach Stewart Henderson parting company with the club.

Experienced coach Hunter, who has been working with the FA tutoring managers most recently, will take up his role at Saints’ new Football Development and Support Centre.

He has previously worked with England's youth players, including the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jermaine Defoe.

The Yorkshireman has also been involved in monitoring the progress of the current England under-21 squad and scouting for the national side at the World Cup in South Africa.

He will work under Les Reed, the centre’s executive director, heading up the team of full-time academy coaches and coach Saints’ elite under-21 development squad which will replace the reserves.

Hunter said: "Occasionally football throws up a unique opportunity and whilst there were other irons in the fire there's a clear enthusiasm to develop a team of the future here which was too good a chance to turn down."

Reed said: "Martin turned down a =high-profile under-21 national coaches position to join us at Southampton, which demonstrates the attraction of the challenge ahead of is in achieving the chairman's vision of making Southampton a successful and innovative Premiership club."

The changes bring an end to loyal Henderson's 20 year association with Saints.

Henderson was brought to Saints as youth development officer in 1991 and has enjoyed success in a number of coaching roles at the club.

He played a key role in the development of home-grown products such as Wayne Bridge, Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale and led the under-19s to the national play-off title in 2004.

Henderson guided the reserves to the title in May 2008.

The Scot has also worked with the first team, initially during George Burley's early days at Saints and then taking charge last summer following the departure of Mark Wotte and before the arrival of Alan Pardew.

A statement on the club's website, announcing Hunter's appointment, added: "Saints would like to express their gratitude for the contribution Stewart has made to Southampton FC in his 20 year association with the club."

Disappointed that Henderson has gone, think he has done a good job at the club, stepped in when needed and and has always coached the younger players to try and play football.