Southampton Legend Shares Insight Into New Assistant Trollope

Southampton Legend Shares Insight Into New Assistant Trollope

 

Southampton icon Rickie Lambert has hailed the appointment of Paul Trollope as an “excellent addition” to Will Still’s backroom staff, offering fans a valuable insight into the club’s new assistant manager.

Trollope, 53, was officially unveiled as part of Still’s coaching team ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign. He joins an ambitious Saints setup that also includes former midfielder Adam Lallana, goalkeeper coach Rubén Martínez, and coach Carl Martin.

 

Lambert, who played under Trollope during a memorable stint at Bristol Rovers and later reunited with him at Cardiff City, believes the former Wales international brings a wealth of experience, professionalism, and tactical acumen to St Mary’s.

 

> “Paul’s a top coach and an even better person,” Lambert told the *Echo*. “I know from personal experience how well he understands the game. He was crucial to the progress I made early in my career, and he’ll be a huge help to Will Still and the squad.”

 

Trollope’s time at Bristol Rovers coincided with one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history. With Lambert leading the attack, the Gas won the League Two play-offs in 2007 and reached the EFL Trophy final, finishing as runners-up in the same campaign.

 

“Those years at Bristol Rovers were special,” Lambert added. “Paul had a way of motivating the group while also staying calm and focused. He knew how to get the best out of players, and I’m sure he’ll do the same at Southampton.”

 

Though their reunion at Cardiff in 2016 was less fruitful, with Trollope enduring a difficult spell as manager, Lambert remains full of praise for his former boss’s qualities as a coach and believes the assistant role is perfectly suited to his strengths.

 

“Things didn’t quite click at Cardiff, but that happens in football,” Lambert noted. “It doesn’t take away from his strengths on the training ground. He knows the demands of the Championship, and he’ll bring balance and maturity to the setup.”

 

Trollope arrives at Southampton with an impressive résumé that includes spells with the Welsh national team, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest, most recently working under Chris Hughton. His experience at both club and international level is expected to complement Still’s youthful energy and progressive approach.

 

Saints manager Will Still, one of Europe’s youngest head coaches at just 32, has spoken of his desire to build a versatile and dynamic backroom team. The inclusion of a seasoned figure like Trollope reflects that vision.

 

With pre-season preparations already underway, fans are eager to see how the new-look coaching team will shape a Southampton side aiming for promotion back to the Premier League.

 

Lambert, who remains a beloved figure at St Mary’s, believes Trollope’s arrival is a clear sign of the club’s ambition.

 

> “It’s a clever appointment,” he concluded. “Paul’s been around successful teams and knows what it takes. With Will Still’s ideas and Paul’s know-how, the club’s in very good hands.”

 

Southampton begin their Championship campaign next month, and expectations are high. With Trollope now on board, the Saints faithful will be hoping his influence helps guide the club back to the top flight.

Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk