Southampton's Eric Black named in bribery claims as club vows to work with FA and Premier League

Southampton assistant manager Eric Black whilst at Aston Villa last season
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James Benge30 September 2016

Southampton have said they intend to work closely with the Football Association and the Premier League after their assistant manager Eric Black was named in an investigation by the Daily Telegraph.

The newspaper reported that they had filmed Black, who joined as an assistant to new manager Claude Puel on June 30 this year, seemingly advising reporters posing as businessman how to bribe lower league staff.

In a statement issued before the Telegraph’s article was published Southampton said: “Southampton Football Club has today been made aware by The Daily Telegraph that, as part of their on-going investigation, the club's Assistant First Team Manager Eric Black will feature as part of an article in tomorrow's paper.

“The club immediately requested to be sent, by The Daily Telegraph, the details of this article, but the newspaper declined to share any further information.

“We have today contacted The FA and The Premier League, and intend to work closely with both bodies on this matter when the facts become clear.

“Southampton Football Club is fully committed to investigating any situation that directly or indirectly relates to our club, employees or the wider community.”

Black, who played for Aberdeen and Metz between 1981 and 1991, managed Motherwell and Coventry City between 2001 and 2004 and has since worked as an assistant or coach at the likes of Birmingham City and Aston Villa.

His last managerial role was in the closing months of last season when he served as caretaker at Villa Park following the departure of Remi Garde.

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