SAINTS’ BOUNCING CHECK

SOUTHAMPTON manager Mark Hughes wants to show Claudio Ranieri there is no such thing as new manager bounce – and will try to save his own job in the process.

Ranieri will take charge of Fulham for the first time when Saints travel to Craven Cottage tomorrow in a crunch relegation clash.

Hughes said: “It’s difficult

vto say what will happen – the new manager bounce is sometimes oversold.

“Cleary, Fulham felt like they had a group of players that were underperforming.

“I’m sure the crowd will be behind Claudio, he is a liked character in the game and has a good turn of phrase.

“But you want to damage the teams that are closest to you and that’s our focus as a team.” Hughes knows he will be under intense pressure if Saints’ sorry start continues, but the Welshman (right) was keeping a cool head.

He added: “Some of the problems that were there last season are still there and we are trying to get better.

“A little bit of the noise is around me at the moment, but it will go away with a few good results.”