POSSIBLE Saints managerial target Alain Perrin made his name with French club Troyes.

Perrin, 47, guided Michael Svensson's former club from the semi-pro French Fourth Division into the top flight and the UEFA Cup in 10 years.

In 2001 Troyes defeated Newcastle on away goals in one of the three Inter-Toto Cup finals, following a 0-0 home draw with a remarkable 4-4 draw at St James' Park (they had led 4-1).

In qualifying for the UEFA Cup as a result, they were beaten 6-5 on aggregate by a Leeds side who had reached the semi-finals of the Champions League a few months earlier.

Troyes lost 4-2 at Elland Road and led Leeds 3-1 in the second leg before Robbie Keane's 77th-minute goal spared their blushes.

Perrin joined Marseille in the summer of 2002, pipping Philippe Troussier - another linked to the Saints job.

His first taste of Champions League this season saw Marseille - who had missed out on the Frnech title by just three points in 2002/03 - finish third in their group behind Real Madrid and FC Porto.

His recent dismissal followed a poor run - nine defeats in 15 league matches - though Marseille were in the top 10 and still in the UEFA Cup when he departed.

Perrin was a defender at Nancy when Arsene Wenger was in charge there and was given his first coaching job at Nancy by the now Arsenal manager. Perrin, who has a degree in sports science, progressed from there to Troyes.

One of his first signings for Marseille was central defender Jonny Ecker from Lille in the summer of 2002. Saints were rumoured to be also interested.