Davies is another controversial figure on the south coast managing to wind the fans up with his touchline antics for Derby. However, he has been a success almost everywhere he has been, first in Scotland with Motherwell and then of course with Preston and Derby in the Championship. Yes, he failed in the Premiership, but he had a squad ill suited to the Premiership. Tenacious, aggressive and a motivator/wind-up merchant, he would certainly be a contrast to Burley's laid back style and may be able to get the best out of an underperforming squad.
4/5 Official site
Second Coming of Hod
The former England manager left Saints for his spiritual home of Spurs provoking a great deal of hostility on the south coast at his sudden departure. While his treatment of Le Tiss left a great deal to be desired, there is no doubt that he got Saints organised, hard to beat and an effective unit. His return would be controversial, but is it really that unforgivable to leave for the club you support?
3/5 Broadsheet
Chris 'Chris C' Coleman
The former Fulham and Real Sociedad boss is available, young and hungry. Keen to ressurect his career after a poor spell in Spain, he remains an unknown quantity in this league despite his Premiership pedigree. Prone to losing his cool, he would bring some passion to the Saints hotseat.
2/5 Tabloid
Alan 'Mr Newcastle' Shearer
Keegan is keen to speak to the former Saint's return to the UK after charity work in Uganda, but both parties have expressed doubts over whether he would make the right no.2. Passed over for the Newcastle top job due to lack of experience, Shearer will be looking to cut his teeth in management and where better than the place that kickstarted his career? Albeit a gamble, Shearer is a dedicated professional and wouldn't suffer fools.
2/5 Tabloid
Roll of the Allardyce
Big Sam is licking his wounds after a torrid time as Newcastle manager, but there is no doubting the effectiveness of his reign as Bolton boss, getting them up and consolidating in the Premiership. His style of football maybe too far at odds with Burley's pass, move, then lose it style, as are much of the personnel. Serious doubts over whether Saints could afford him or his ego would permit a drop in division.
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
Guide to On the Cross ratings:
0/5 Men in white coats time
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
2/5 Tabloid
3/5 Broadsheet
4/5 Official site
5/5 Holding up a shirt