NEW assistant manager Jim Smith has wasted no time in telling the Saints players: It's time to stand up and be counted.

Smith took his first training session as Harry Redknapp's right-hand man at Saints yesterday and immediately issued his players with the challenge.

Second from bottom Saints host Charlton at St Mary's in a crucial match on Boxing Day and, while Redknapp is planning for the January transfer window, both he and Smith are acutely aware of the need to pick up points from the three matches before then.

Saints have only won twice all season in the league - the last time against Redknapp and Smith's Pompey on November 13 - and Smith said: "The longer you go without winning a game, the harder it becomes.

"I saw players at Tottenham last Saturday that weren't the same as they were a month ago and that's confidence.

"It's all about men now and having men out there on the pitch. They have the ability but they need to stand up and be counted.

"We can do our best but at the end of the day it's them that go out on the pitch.

"They've got enough experience with the likes of Phillips, Beattie, Niemi, Lundekvam - there's enough experience international-wise and league-wise to do better."

Smith brings with him vast experience after a lifetime in football and the 64-year-old is all set to revive his successful Fratton Park partnership with Redknapp and coach Kevin Bond.

Keeping Saints in the Premiership is their priority but Smith has been in similar situations before and knows what is required for success.

"It's a difficult position," admitted the man fondly nicknamed 'the Bald Eagle.'

"I've been there before with Birmingham and we finished 16th and went to Newcastle and just missed out (on staying up) so I know what it's like.

"But I also feel they have enough players in the squad here and, with some wheeling and dealing from Harry in the window, they will have a good chance to stay up.

"I look at the fixtures and you think your home games you've got to get points out of."

Redknapp is delighted to have Smith on board having previously described him and Bond as the best two signings he made during his time as Pompey boss.

He added: "It's great for me - Jim's great as a character and a proper football man so I've got him and Kevin here now which is important.

"You need your own people around you. You need people who you can rely on, talk to, feel comfortable with and have the same ideas as you.

"We've worked together as a terrific team for two and a half years so hopefully that can carry on."