BOURNEMOUTH KEEPER REFUSES DO OR DIE NOW SAYS HUGHES
MARK HUGHES says Southampton’s relegation make-or-break clash with south coast rivals Bournemouth is one of the biggest matches he has ever taken charge of.
Saints have to beat Eddie Howe’s men to stand any chance of staying in the Premier League and Hughes said: “Given where we find ourselves, it is one of the biggest games of my career because it is a huge game for the club.
“The consequences of going out of the Premier League are huge – it doesn’t matter if you have been in it for a short time or a longer period like Southampton have.
“It still has an impact on the fans, the surrounding area, businesses and everything.
“A lot of business, work and finance is generated by having a Premier League football club within the town.
“We know it will impact a lot of people if we go down so we need to do something about it.”
The former Stoke boss said Saints know they have to go all out for victory – a draw is no good to them so late in the season.
“The Press use ‘must win’ too soon but we are in that situation now. It’s black and white. We need to win the game,” he said.
“That’s what we have to do if we want to make the games after this significant. We need three points – they’ve been a long time coming.”
Saints are in a desperate plight after winning only one of their last 21 league games and are running out of time in their bid to beat the drop.
Hughes (above) said: “It is more difficult as the games get ticked off and they become fewer. Clearly it becomes harder if you are not getting points on the board.
“We know what we have to do. It is a difficult situation but not one we are apprehensive about. We are determined to safeguard the Premier League future of this club.
“Bournemouth, I’m sure, would like to beat us given our circumstances and damage our place in the Premier League so we have to prepare for a team who’ll be fully motivated.”
Relegation from the Premier League – Saints finish bottom after move to bring in ex-portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp (left) fails. Relegation from the Championship – Saints drop to the third tier in 23rd spot. Promotion from League One – Nigel Adkins leads them to second spot and the Championship thanks in part to 21 goals from Ricky Lambert (right).
Promotion to Prem - Adkins’ second straight step up. Lambert a hero with 31 goals.
2012-13: Adkins sacked to be replaced by unknown coach Mauricio Pochettino.