Hughes is aiming high

MARK HUGHES says last season’s struggle was a blip and the manager is backing Southampton to emulate Burnley with a top-half finish.

The sides meet at St Mary’s today and, having seen his side finish a place above the relegation zone last season, Hughes said: ‘We’ve made purchases with a view to not allowing that to happen again. We want a good start. If one of those top six, seven don’t have the season everybody expects, you have to be ready to be the one to take their place.’

SCUNTHORPE United are up for sale with an asking price of £14million. The League One club, who have assets of £6m, are owned by Pete Swann, who has business interests in Blackpool and has been linked with a takeover of the Seasiders previously.