Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe today confirmed the Saints have been in talks with their former manager Glenn Hoddle.
Saints are seeking a successor for Gordon Strachan, who has revealed he is leaving the south coast club.
"Yes we have spoken to Glenn Hoddle," Lowe told Sky Sports News. "Glenn Hoddle is an option. He is a tremendous coach.
"He left this club under unfortunate circumstances... if anyone should hold grudge against Glenn Hoddle it will be me."
Lowe said he had been upset by the way sections of the media had whipped up a hate campaign against the former England coach.
"This helps us in no way whatsoever," the Saints chairman added. "I am aware of the depth of feeling but sometimes the most popular decisions are not the right ones.
"I seem to remember it was not the most popular decision in the world when we brought in Gordon Strachan soon after he had left Coventry. Or when we took Dave Jones from Stockport.
"The club has moved on significantly in the last eight years and it stands to reason that Glenn Hoddle played his part in it."
Lowe said he would be speaking to a candidate next week but would not say who it was or when an appointment might be made.
"I will say it again, we are not ruling in anyone or ruling out anyone.
"Whatever decision we make will be in the best interests of the club and it is important we get it right."
Hoddle was manager for 14 months until March 2001 when he left for Tottenham.