SAINTS boss Stuart Gray has lightened his midfield load by releasing Paul Hughes.

The former Chelsea midfielder brought to Saints by Glenn Hoddle is looking for a new club after being told he is no longer required - a move which he says gave clues as to chairman Rupert Lowe's thinking some way out.

Hughes said: "I was actually told by Stuart not long after he took over as caretaker manager. It was one of the decisions he made while caretaker that would normally be made by somebody with a bit more permanence about them, so perhaps even then they had the idea to appoint him."

Hughes was signed by Hoddle towards the end of the 1999-2000 season and retained on a monthly renewable contract.

But a series of niggling knee and calf injuries nibbled at his fitness, and he never played a Premiership match for Saints.

Hughes played under his mentor Hoddle at Chelsea but suspected his days at The Dell were numbered when Hoddle moved to Tottenham.

"I think the writing was on the wall when Glenn left," said Hughes.

"Glenn was the one who knew me from our days as Chelsea and he was the one who brought me to the club.

"Stuart never really saw me play and he told me he couldn't really see me getting a contract, so I was allowed to leave.

"I never really got the chance to show what I can do and maybe they didn't want to take a player who they thought might be carrying an injury. But that's football. I certainly don't bear them any grudges - in fact, I think they are a great club.

"I'm sure Stuart will do a good job, although it won't be the easiest year to take over as the club moves into the new stadium.

"Although they had a good finish last season, the first priority must be to stay in the Premiership this season.

"If he can do that, the increased revenue they get should help them push on next year."