Saints chairman

Backing boss

MARK HUGHES has been told his job as Southampton manager is safe – even if they lose at home to Watford today.

Hughes has won just three of his 20 Premier League games in charge and the sacking of vicechairman Les Reed this week raised doubts over his future.

But when asked if Sparky will be axed if Saints slip to another defeat against the Hornets at St Mary’s, chairman Ralph Krueger said: “No.’’

Shifts

He added: “These are changes we have made and we are very comfortable with the personnel and staff we have in place and Mark is in the lead in the most visible of all football roles.

“We are expecting a change in performance and a change in results with some minor shifts we have done within the club.

“Even though the results frustrate all of us right now and, for me, the fans have been outstanding in their support in this time, we have a healthy club and good staff.

“We are doing way more right than wrong but have to get that edge back. We are working really hard at that.

“I have gone through all the leaders of football in the different roles and we have a lot of good people in that environment and we will let them go to work.”

Hughes said that despite Saints’ woeful start to the season there is nothing more he could have done to improve their fortunes.

“I’d have to say, since I’ve come here, I don’t feel I could have done any more. I’m honest in saying that,’’ he said.

“Things will go against you at times – that’s the nature of sport. Sometimes you need that little but of luck at the right times in games, which we haven’t had.

“But in terms of preparation and readying the team for Premier League games, I don’t think I could have done any more.

“I don’t think it’s as bleak as you’re painting. It’s more frustration and anger than anxiety and apprehension that we’re feeling.

“It’s not a dire situation, not like this time last year. It’s nowhere near as serious.

“We’re not in the bottom three and we’re in a better position than when I walked into the club, but clearly it’s a situation we want to turn around and that’s our intention

at the weekend.’’