Hughes feels safe

MARK HUGHES says he is not under more pressure to save his job at Southampton despite the axe falling on boardroom ally Les Reed.

After eight years at St Mary’s, vice-chairman Reed, who was instrumental in identifying Hughes as well as his predecessors Claude Puel and Mauricio Pellegrino for the manager’s role, was fired just weeks after a hip replacement operation.

Hughes, below, was not consulted about a cull that also left technical director Martin Hunter out of a job.

And despite just three wins in 19 Premier League games, the Welshman insists his job security has not been altered by Reed’s sacking. “I don’t think it has changed my position,” he said. Hughes, who faces a massive test of public opinion in tomorrow’s home game with Watford, added: “It was a surprise to everybody. It wasn’t something I had an inclination about. It’s a real shame for Les because he has done a fantastic job.” EVERTON have been fined £500,000 and banned from signing some academy players for two years after admitting offering inducements to players and their families.

The Premier League have handed out the sanctions, which prevent the club from snapping up young players who have been registered with another top-flight or EFL club in the previous 18 months, after the Toffees launched an internal investigation when presented with an allegation of wrongdoing. TOTTENHAM midfielder Mousa Dembele will not play again this year because of an ankle ligament injury.