Southampton have announced the appointment of Ruben Selles as Nathan Jones’ successor until the end of the season.

The 39-year-old Selles took charge of his first game as caretaker boss in last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea and will remain at the helm to replace Jones, who was sacked just under two weeks ago.

Saints have been in the bottom three since Jones was appointed in November, after he won only one of his eight Premier League matches as manager, but last weekend’s victory under Selles brought them to within three points of safety.

He had a one-match stint as Saints caretaker earlier this season – a penalty shoot-out victory over League One Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup – before Jones was confirmed as successor to Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Speaking a week ago about the possibility of getting the job on a full-time basis, Selles said: “I’ve been feeling ready for the last four years, so it’s no different now, it’s just the scenario is bigger than it was before.

“But I feel comfortable, I think I’m an honest person, I try to be very clear with what we do and I think I’ve built myself up to be here with you today.

“I’ve been through all the levels in football, not in England but in the rest of the world, and that is a learning path that I’ve very proud of.

“I have a lot of personal experience, coaching hours, so I think it’s a natural thing.

“I want to be the manager. I think I’m as capable of doing that as any other, but it’s not my decision. I have the team now and we are really working hard to do our best.

“The club will have the patience to make a decision and they will make a decision but, of course, I will be more than happy to do the job.”

Selles added: “When I communicate with the players – and it was the same last time with Ralph – I tell them ‘I know sometimes these situations are temporary but I’m going to take it like I’m going to be here for the next 10 years’.

“So I need everybody to follow and work as hard as they can in the same direction; from the security team to the captain.

“I think we have a group that is capable of staying in the Premier League.”

READ MORE: Nathan Jones: the definitive collection of his best and most bizarre quotes as Southampton manager

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