RUPERT LOWE today looked back on Gordon Strachan's first year as Southampton manager and admitted: "You can't argue with what he's achieved."

Tonight's Sky-televised Premiership trip to Aston Villa marks the eve of the anniversary of the ex-Scotland international's appointment at St Mary's.

Brought in to replace Stuart Gray - ironically coach at Villa - after only eight games of the 2000/01 campaign, Strachan achieved his primary aim of steering the Saints clear of relegation.

And chairman Lowe insisted the club is moving in the right direction with Strachan in charge.

Asked to sum up the Scot's opening 12 months in charge, Lowe said: "The results speak for themselves.

"In finishing 11th last season, Gordon achieved our first aim of staying up. Our finishing position was only one place lower than the previous season which, considering our start, was a good achievement.

"Some people doubted the appointment and predicted our demise, but where we finished last season was a credit to Gordon and his staff, especially as they had to pick up the pieces of a poor start.

"As for this season, we have played some very attractive football but not had the rub of the green. At the moment we have ten points and I would say that's not a true reflection of how we have played.

"We didn't play particularly well against Everton but still won, but in other games we have played some great football but haven't had much luck.

"They say in football that luck evens itself out over the course of a season, and hopefully that will be the case.

"The club is in good shape and hopefully we can continue to improve.

"We can't afford to rest on our laurels, because as soon as you do that you are finished.

"We have to continue trying to improve. In football you have never achieved everything you want to achieve."

Strachan arrived at St Mary's after Saints had, in Lowe's words, "gone through a period of instability for various reasons" following managerial spells by Graeme Souness, Dave Jones, Glenn Hoddle and Gray.

"Gordon has built up a good relationship with the supporters," the chairman continued. "He is doing a good job

"The supporters like his style, his wit, his passion and his commitment.

"Gordon's added to his squad well. Obviously he had to inherit the bulk of other managers' players, but he has spent well.

"I would say the squad he has now is the best any manager has had in my time as chairman."

Lowe added: "The reason we appointed Gordon is that he is honest, committed, passionate and his main objective is winning football matches.

"The fact he is also a very good coach was another major factor why we went for him.

"There were some doubters when we appointed him but I'm sure he has convinced people of his ability."