SAINTS fans have got together to try and build on the euphoria of the FA Cup by giving their team even better away support next season.

The Saints Away Support group was founded earlier this month and at a meeting held at Northam Social Club last night fans told each other they can be the 12th man for Gordon Strachan's team next season.

Last season in the Premiership Saints struggled away from home, winning just four times in 19 matches, compared to only two defeats all season at what quickly became fortress St Mary's.

With European trips also looming, fans explained that they were committed to giving the team an added edge on their travels during the forthcoming campaign, which kicks off with a trip to Leicester on August 16.

The group will liase with Saints and have stressed that they want to work with the travel club in getting more fans to follow the team away from home.

Chairman of Saints Away Support Steve Moore said: "Some fans don't even realise what they are going to get at away games, but with the friendly banter with opposition fans, a great game and all the rest of it, it's an event in itself.

"We want more fans to experience this and find ways to make it as easy as possible for them. Hopefully we can find ways to give them more options to getting to games as well as enjoying the whole day and experience."

Jim Barnard added: "Saints Away Support was formed following a fantastic season and we just want to build on it.

"There is amazing support for one-off matches like the cup semi and the final and we want to try and repeat it home and away.

"It was after the superb support at the semi and the final a decision was made by members of different groups and organisations to call for a forum to discuss Saints away support.

"The principle aim was to discuss how we could improve away travel for the supporters and increase the numbers that attend these matches.

"Southampton already have an excellent travel club, but it is our intention to give the fans both the opportunity of alternative travel and to give them more information about what to expect when they travel away.

"The main aim is to become Saints' 12th man and give them the support which we hope will take the team to greater heights."

Information will be regularly posted on their website www.saintsaway.co.uk and it is planned to produce ground, pub and accommodation guides on the site for each away match.

Fans interested in joining the group are encouraged to fill in a form and register on the website or, alternatively, pick up a form at The Dell Club. Almost 100 fans have already registered their interest.