Former Southampton CEO Semmens says fans did not give Jones a chance

Jones was fired just three months into his Saints tenure with the club bottom after only one Premier League win in eight matches.

Semmens departed Saints in May 2023 following the club's relegation from the Premier League with Sport Republic taking full operational control. 

Semmens spent six years working with the club, joining Saints in 2017 and being appointed CEO in 2019. 

Speaking to talkSPORT, Semmens explained: "There is always a plan and people thinking things through.

Nathan Jones did lead Saints to an EFL Cup semi-final after beating treble-winners Manchester City (Image: Stuart Martin)

"You can be criticised for making a mistake but there is a plan. The feeling was we had been doing the same thing for a long period of time.

"It was not working, so we wanted something different. When Nathan talks about the data and the science behind his stats, it is true.

"We did all the work and he was top five managers in Europe for improving teams, transitions and different things."

He continued: "There was a lot of logic behind it, we wanted an impact and he had a very good reputation for getting players onside. 

"In football, it is about having a plan and having the right people at the right time. I would do a terrible job at Man United due to the structure. 

"I don't think he was given a chance if I am honest. I think the fans had turned against him before he had started which doesn't help.

Nathan Jones was one of three managers Saints had last season (Image: Stuart Martin)

"It didn't work from the beginning, I think the relationships inside and outside the club had not gelled.

"I never saw anything other than Nathan working hard in his office all day and all night, doing the best he can.

"We had a couple of key moments where we won games and it was great and some where we hit the post and didn't win and things went backward.

"It was tough for him mostly but difficult for everyone at the club." 

Semmens concluded: "Where it went wrong for Nathan was that he said he was going to do this, and the players bought in, but he just did not get the results."