Ex-Fulham coach Christian Damiano

Southampton have appointed French coach Christian Damiano to work alongside Steve Wigley at St Mary's.

Saints head coach Wigley has been searching for an experienced assistant to help his transition in to Premiership management.

Wigley has been given the green light to remain in charge of Southampton for the remainder of the season, despite not possessing the requisite coaching badges.

The South Coast club have been looking to bring someone in to work with Wigley and have opted for Damiano.

He spent three years as Jean Tigana's assistant at Fulham before spending last season on the coaching staff of Liverpool.

Wigley is confident that Damiano will be a success at St Mary's after admitting he moved for the coach as soon as he knew he was available.

"I thought long and hard about what I wanted," Wigley said. "I did not just want to bring in a friend or someone similar to myself or Dennis Rofe.

"I wanted someone on the same wavelength but who would offer something different.

"I was made aware that he was available so I rang him and he flew over and we met in London. We talked more over the phone and then I got the chairman to meet him.

"The chairman was very impressed by him and I am delighted he has backed my judgement and I am looking forward to working with Christian and Dennis and the rest of the staff to move us up the table."

Saints had been linked with former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier but this has been dismissed by chairman Rupert Lowe, who has backed Wigley's judgement with the appointment of Damiano.

Lowe said: "This is the management team which will finish the season with Steve in charge and Christian working alongside him.

"Steve has hired the man he believes to be best for the job and who has a reputation for playing attractive football.

"He is coming here because he sees an attractive squad of good players and he feels he can do a lot with them."