FORMER Saints striker Kevin Davies labelled the club's attempt to beat Premier League relegation "a disaster" following defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Sunday's 3-1 loss in the capital confirmed that Saints will be playing Championship football next campaign, just 12 months after promotion.

Saints had been relegated in 2022/23 - their first season under owners Sport Republic - but won the Championship play-offs in May 2024.

However, with 10 points from 31 matches, Saints have become the first team relegated from the Premier League with seven games spare.

Davies, who made 89 appearances for Saints, told Sky Sports: "There's not been much to sing about for the fans. It's been a disaster really for them. 

"I watched them early on in the season under Russell Martin and just felt they were a little bit soft, too easy to play against.

"I mean, you just put high press on them, win the ball and I think obviously they conceded a lot of goals this season. What is it, 74 goals?

"I can understand the decision when Russell Martin was sacked, really, and Ivan Juric's come in and not really made much difference, really.

"I was hoping he would just come in and make them harder to beat. You know, get some 0-0 draws, grind out a 1-0 here and there.

"It just hasn't happened. So, it's either the players aren't good enough or the managers just haven't been able to get a tune out of them."

Saints welcome Aston Villa to St Mary's on Saturday, April 12, as they still look to surpass Derby County's lowest-ever points record of 11.