Saints stars have joined the collective sigh of relief after the threat of a players' strike was averted at the 11th hour.

The PFA have called off next week's proposed industrial action after accepting an improved TV money offer of £52.5 million over three years.

That is £2.5 million more than the "final offer" tabled by the clubs on Wednesday but still well below the £27 million a year originally being demanded.

But Paul Jones, the Saints PFA representative, is just delighted the issue has been resolved.

He said: "The players did not want to strike and to be fair none of us have had a problem with the club.

"We were just trying to look after our members in the lower leagues, those who get injured and youngsters who get released and need to get back into education.

"That has been the issue all along and I would hate fans to think we were trying to get money for our own back pockets.

"I thought £50 million over three years was a fair offer so to get a bit more on top is good news.

"I am chuffed with that so now let's get on with the football and start winning a few games.

"We have played well enough recently to have got more points than we have. We just need the sort of luck that other teams have had against us.

"We never seem to get any flukey breaks in our favour but we will keep working hard to make sure it turns for us."

The settlement means Saints' televised game at Everton a week tomorrow now goes ahead as planned.

Skipper Jason Dodd added: "It is great news that it has all been resolved without the need for a strike.

"None of the players wanted it to get that far - and no-one ever really thought it would happen.

"It was a case of securing the best possible deal to enable the union to look after players in need and the vote showed the depth of feeling."

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe said: "I am delighted common sense has prevailed. No-one wanted to see a strike and there was no logical reason for this dispute.

"The money offered was substantial and I don't think any of the players wanted to strike.

"But at least it has been resolved," he added.