Blackpool boss Simon Grayson has backed Southampton counterpart Nigel Pearson to prove a success in the managerial hot-seat.Pearson recently took the helm at St Mary's following George Burley's departure from the club and subsequent appointment as Scotland manager.

And although former Newcastle assistant Pearson is still searching for his first victory ahead of his side's trip to Bloomfield Road this weekend, Grayson is backing him to come good for the Saints.

"Southampton will see and reap the benefits of Nigel's input probably at the start of next season," said Grayson

"I think his main aim is to stay up, which I'm sure they will do, but they will have one eye on the position that they are in the league at this moment in time."

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