Stuart Gray has broken the three-year silence over his sacking as Saints boss to launch a scathing attack on Rupert Lowe.

In a stinging interview that is sure to send shockwaves around St Mary's, the man who brought head coach Steve Wigley to the club claims:

l He was against the signing of Agustin Delgado. Lowe knew that and made the signing against his wishes

l He was effectively sacked for not being a 'yes man'.

Lowe tried, but failed, to get Gray to agree to saying he left the club by mutual consent

l The man sacked by Lowe in 2001 after only eight games as full-time boss has refused to talk about the reasons for his departure - until he read comments from Lowe last week in which he said: "Bright young English coaches are not given the opportunity to make their mark. In today's society very often being given the chance is the key."

But Gray hit back, saying: "If Lowe is saying he wants to give young coaches a chance, then where was my chance?"

The incredible revelations from Gray, currently assistant manager to Dave Jones at Wolves, come at the worst possible time for Lowe with Saints struggling near the bottom of the table and on their third boss of the year.

Full story: See tonight's Echo..