SAINTS under-21 head coach Dave Horseman has been announced as the new manager of Forest Green Rovers.

The 39 year old will be joined at the League Two club by his assistant Louis Carey.

Horseman had been in charge of the top group of Saint's academy since he swapped Bristol City for the south coast in August 2019.

Last season he took his Southampton B team - now known as the under-21s - to win the Premier League 2 Division 2 title.

Speaking upon his arrival at FGR, Horseman said: "I’m extremely excited and grateful that Dale, Asif and Allan have given me the opportunity to lead a team which has such strong values both on and off the pitch.

“Louis and I have been lucky to be involved for a long time in professional football and study from some elite coaches which we will bring some ideas with us.

"The supporters can look forward to seeing a team with energy and aggression and one that they can be proud.”

He replaces Hannah Dingley, who became the first woman to take charge of a club in England’s top four divisions when she was made interim manager last month.

Horseman and Carey both worked alongside former manager Ruben Selles as his assistants between February and the end of the last Premier League season.

In a message directed to Saints fans following his departure, the former Watford coach said: “Thank you to the supporters for everything they have done during my time at Southampton.

“I wanted to say I believe the club have appointed brilliantly with Russell and Gilly. They are outstanding coaches and amazing people - good luck.”

Lee Skyrme and Olly Lancashire will take over Horseman’s role with Southampton's under-21 side while the club search for a new coaching team.