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‘Stoke are in the bottom-three because of Mark Hughes’ – Joey Barton criticises Southampton’s new manager appointment

Joey Barton has criticised Southampton’s appointment of Mark Hughes as their new manager, telling talkSPORT it highlights a worrying trend with Premier League clubs.

Hughes’ return to St Mary’s – where he was a player from 1998 to 2000 – was confirmed on Wednesday evening, succeeding Mauricio Pellegrino who was sacked by the club on Monday after a run of one win in 17 league games.

READ MORE: Mark Hughes named new Southampton boss

The Welshman has eight games to save the Saints from relegation, with the club currently sitting one point above the bottom-three.