Southampton captain Youssef Safri has come out in support of boss Nigel Pearson ahead of the anticipated changes in the boardroom at St Mary's.Pearson's position could come under threat despite leading Saints to a dramatic escape from relegation if former chairmen Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde complete their expected return to the club.

But Safri told the Southern Daily Echo: "He put in a lot of really hard work and he had a really hard job to do.

"It would be such a shame if he goes and I don't want us to lose him. I want him to stay.

"His tactics are good, his communication is excellent, the discipline is very good and all I can say is that he is the right man for the job.

"His communication with all the players is so good. The players all listen to the manager."

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