SAINTS legend Mick Channon has issued a passionate 'keep the faith' message as the club battles for its Premiership future.

Channon played for Saints and this weekend's visitors Norwich when they enjoyed their finest days.

Now, in Saints' darkest hours, he is following his heart and backing the red and white stripes to dig themselves out of a massive hole.

No one has criticised Saints more than their former England star for the constant managerial changes which have led them up a cul-de-sac to potential disaster. But, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Channon is throwing all his weight behind the Saints in their hour of need.

"I had some great times at both clubs and I've got family still in Norwich," says Channon. "In an ideal world I'd like to see both of them staying up.

"That's not going to happen but right now my heart is going out to Harry and the lads.

"I feel sorry for Harry because the damage here was done earlier in the season when we were crying out for some strong management and had to wait too long before Harry arrived on the scene.

"Now, after a promising little spell, the wheels have fallen off, but, hey, there are still three games to go, still time for the team to save themselves.

"It's a life and death situation, but they're not down yet.

"We don't talk about the game at Portsmouth in our house. It's too painful.

"But that's behind us. Norwich are next up and we have better players. Their confidence has taken a hammering so the last thing they need this week is for thefans to start beating them up.

"If ever there was a time to get behind the team it's now. What Norwich have got most of all is terrific team spirit.

If we match that, the extra ability in the Southampton side should pull them through."

Channon, who played for Saints when they won the FA Cup in 1976 and for Norwich when they lifted the League Cup nine years later, reminded the struggling Saints that it wasn't too long ago that they were playing some decent football.

Before losing to Chelsea at St Mary's earlier this month they had strung together a five-match unbeaten Premiership run - their best of the season.

"They've had a dip at the worst possible time," he said, "but they put a nice little spell together to pull out of the bottom three.

"Those same players will be out there on Saturday.

"So the last thing they want is for the fans to slag them off on the run up to the game.

"There's never been a more important time for everyone to get behind the club.

"A win over Norwich would put them behind us and set us up nicely for the last two games.

"So let's not give up the ghost yet. That would be the worst thing anybody could do.

"They need out support more than ever this week."