IT MIGHT have been wishful thinking - but weekend press reports that Rupert Lowe was about to bring in Gerard Houllier proved well wide of the mark.

Today's appointment of Christian Damiano to be Saints' new assistant coach put an end to all the talk - and chairman Rupert Lowe even denied that he was holidaying in the same hotel in Mauritius with Houllier last week.

The former Liverpool manager, pictured, and the Saints chairman were said to have discussed a possible director of football role for Houllier at St Mary's.

The Daily Echo understands Lowe turned down the opportunity to speak to Houllier even when Paul Sturrock first exited as manager - and Saints have since repeatedly insisted they will not appoint anyone above head coach Steve Wigley.

Lowe said today: "There's no truth in this at all. I haven't left the country and I haven't had talks with Houllier. It's complete rubbish."

If Lowe has been speaking to Houllier in recent weeks, the conversation is likely to have been about Damiano, who previously worked alongside Houllier at Liverpool.

Saints have been the subject of numerous rumours in recent weeks surrounding the new coaching structure following the end of Sturrock's reign after just 13 games as manager.

England World Cup rugby winning manager Sir Clive Woodward was linked with an advisory role and could still take on some sort of job after the British Lions tour next summer. Some media were today still referring to Wigley as caretaker manager but Saints have stressed that there will be no further appointments this season - barring resignations.