IN a 17-year managerial career he has seen fan violence and a European semi-final, nurtured future world beaters and ordered his players off the pitch in protest at officials.       

Claude Puel's path to Southampton, should it be complete as expected this week, should it be complete as expected this week, has been anything but boring.                                                                                                         

He is the second successive coach to come to Saints with Champions League experience under his belt and has managed clubs including Lyon, Lille and Nice.

And it comes after a long playing career at Monaco, where he grew a close bond with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Check out the picture gallery above to find out more about Puel’s career to date before he makes the expected switch from south coast of France to south coast of England.