STEVE WIGLEY returns to the spotlight on Monday when he leads Saints' starlets in the FA Youth Cup final - and says he has no regrets about his spell in the St Mary's hotseat.

The former head coach, who was at the helm for 17 games earlier in the season, is desperate to see Saints remain in the Premiership and is backing successor Harry Redknapp to lead the club out of trouble.

"I wouldn't have swapped anything and I've no regrets at all," said Wigley.

"There is nobody more desperate for this club to be in the Premier Division than me - that would be the only thing that could turn into a regret.

"But I'm sure we will be in the Premier League. I believe we have got the players to ensure we are in the Premier League and the management team have done a good job."

Wigley has overseen huge success for the academy in recent years and returned to Saints last month as director of youth to finish the job he started before becoming head coach.

But with under-18s coach Georges Prost recovering from an operation to remove a cancerous tumour, Wigley managed the Saints team which last week reached the FA Youth Cup final for the first time in the club's history.

Saints face Ipswich Town in a two-legged Sky-televised final with the second leg at Portman Road next Friday, April 22.

Wigley admitted the warm reaction of supporters, staff and players have helped his recent return to Saints.

"Obviously there was pressure when I was head coach, but the supporters never turned on me," he said.

"I've been very pleased how people have received me and I can only thank the supporters.

"The people of the city have made the transition easier. I certainly wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

"I'm happy in the role I do. I was fortunate to be invited back. It was nice, it was done in the right way and I think the timing was right."

Monday's first leg will kick off at 7.45pm at St Mary's. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £1 for concessions.