A VIRTUAL version of the Saints team which allows fans the chance to show Gordon Strachan a thing or two will hit the shops this week.

Every fan fancies themselves as the perfect boss and Southampton: the Official Management Game allows them to control their heroes.

A computer management simulator, the game allows fans to take the reigns of power at St Mary's and build the team of their dreams, conquering all before them.

Ever wanted to see Zinedine Zidane sitting on the bench for Saints or Ronaldo in a red and white striped shirt tearing away to put a sixth goal past a bemused Man United defence?

All that is now possible - but only on the computer screen.

The game even offers the possibility of Saints carrying all before them in the Champions League and being crowned Champions of Europe.

As manager you get to buy players from teams across the continent, put them through a punishing training regime, decide tactics and then sit back and watch as your boys outperform the competition.

The game features up-to-date player lists complete with realistic images and commentary from James Haddock of The Saint.

Priced at £24.99, it's set to be the essential Christmas present for all Saints fans and the club is anticipating huge demand.

The Daily Echo can help you beat the rush and has two copies to give away to fans.

Head of sales at Southampton FC James McLaughlin said: "It really is an addictive game and we expect it to be a best-seller at Christmas.

"It gives every Saints fan and budding manager a go at running the team - something I'm sure everyone will enjoy doing."

Due for official launch tomorrow, the game will be available in the St Mary's Megastore, the Saints' store at WestQuay and also from the Internet at www.saintsfc.co.uk.

The Daily Echo has two copies of this great game to give away.

To enter, just answer the question below and send it on a postcard to: Daily Echo Saints Manager Competition, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton, SO16 9JX.

Q. Who was Saints' manager before Gordon Strachan?

The closing date for entries is Friday, November 15.