FORMER Saints skipper Glenn Cockerill has hailed current boss Gordon Strachan as a "miracle worker".

Saints were facing up to the prospect of relegation when Strachan arrived following their move away from The Dell to St Mary's.

But, less than two years later, they are preparing for a first European adventure for almost 20 years after an FA Cup final and their highest-ever Premiership position.

Cockerill, now manager at Conference club Woking, said: "Gordon Strachan has made a great start at Saints and is doing a great job, absolutely fantastic.

"It was a massive step for the whole club to move from The Dell.

"The atmosphere there definitely gave us an edge on the pitch - opposition teams hated coming to The Dell.

"But Gordon Strachan has proved the right man and you have to say that he has been nothing short of a miracle worker since his arrival."

Midfielder Cockerill was Chris Nicholl's first signing for Saints, joining the club for £200,000 from Sheffield United in October 1985.

During eight years at The Dell he made 287 first-team appearances and scooped four different player-of-the-season awards during the 1986-7 season.

His leadership qualities were recognised when he was made captain during the Ian Branfoot era to replace Jimmy Case.

Cockerill was naturally delighted to see his old club progress to the final of the FA Cup last year and admitted he was especially chuffed for coach Dennis Rofe, who has worked for Saints for most of the past 20 years.

He added: "It was great to see them reach the FA Cup final and I have to say that I was particularly pleased for Dennis.

"He has had a few tough times but has always stuck at it and I was pleased to see him get his rewards."

Cockerill, who played for Saints in last weekend's Football Masters tournament at Milton Keynes, pinpointed the togetherness and an inner strength as the current squad's major assets.

"The team just seemed to gel last season. They worked hard and were solid, but most importantly they never seemed to fear anyone," he said.

"When you have a team playing with no fear that is a really positive sign."