Saints now ex-Dutchman lost his job as team manager after the takeover by new owner Markus Liebherr who has decided to make a 'clean break' with the old guard.
An official statement from Southampton F.C. was released Thursday: "Southampton Football Club can confirm that Mark Wotte has left the Club. We wish to recognise Mr Wotte's efforts during a difficult period for all associated with the Club. We wish him well for the future. Our decision is part of a wider strategic plan being implemented to improve all aspects of the club's operations, both on and off the field. In keeping with this plan we can confirm that the search for a new manager has already begun. Our search will be conducted in a systematic and professional manner. We will find the right candidate, who will fulfil the criteria necessary to move the Club forward. Stewart Henderson will take charge of First Team affairs on a temporary basis. We will update fans on the appointment process as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, a club source said: "We are very grateful for Mark's efforts. This is consistent with having a clean break. The recruitment process for a new manager is under way. Hopefully there will be somebody in place by the end of next week, maybe earlier than that but there are lots of people to speak to."
Wotte himself was left 'speechless' telling the Southampton Daily Echo: "I am experienced in football and know everything is possible but I must say for a while I was speechless. I asked their reason and the only reason they could come up with was they wanted a clean sweep and start and I said 'are you going to sack every player and employee in this club?'
All this and minus ten points!