MARK HUGHES will net a £2million survival bonus if he keeps Southampton in the Premier League.
Hughes, 54, will take his first training session today after agreeing to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino at St Mary’s.
The former Wales coach negotiated the lucrative bonus during two days of talks with the Saints hierarchy.
Sparky has agreed a deal to the end of the season with the option of a long-term contract if the club stay up.
The former Blackburn and Manchester City chief inherits a team one place and one point above the bottom three after a horror run of only one win in 17 league games.
His first game in charge will be Sunday’s FA Cup quarter- final at Wigan. Hughes will also become just the second man after Sam Allardyce to boss six different Premier League clubs.
The former Manchester United striker, who has never been relegated, had been out of work since being sacked by struggling Stoke in January. Yet Southampton winger Josh Sims is confident they will stay up.
He said: “It’s a difficult situation we’re in but anyone coming in can see the talent we have here and you will see our togetherness in the remaining fixtures.
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“It’s a big decision by the board but, as players, we have to be focused on our job. We need to get the points on the board.”
Hughes will be assisted by long-term lieutenants Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki.
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