RALPH Hasenhuttl revealed how he received “unbelievable messages” of support from fans and insisted: “I want to say a big, big, thank you.”

Saints supporters rallied behind the Austrian boss after the St Mary’s side suffered a 9-0 shellacking at the hands of Manchester United on Tuesday.

And Hasenhuttl admitted it is now on his troops to lift the fans by putting in an improved performance at Newcastle United on Saturday (3pm).

An emotional Saints boss said: “What I want to say is that because of this result I conceded unbelievable messages from fans, all around this club that definitely had a big impact in lifting me and the players.

“I want to say a big, big thank you. We didn’t deserve to get such a big lift because we didn’t do a good job at all.

“We are a bit shocked about the early red card from the young player (Alex Jankewitz) who was a little bit over motivated.

“He also apologised in front of the team. But the support I have seen from the outside I must say I have never had so much in my managing career and, no worry, I don’t want to resign my contract after this game.

“The opposite is definitely. Although it is a tough situation, I know I am in the right club and thank you for all of this.”

Asked how he picked himself up after a second 9-0 thumping in his time in charge of Saints, Hasenhuttl said: “The only people that first support the manager are the family, the wife and the kids.

“The kids are far away, but today it’s possible with FaceTime, and the wife, she did everything she could to lift me.

“But, as I said, when you see the reaction of the fans in that moment, I think that gives me such a feeling of being such an absolutely committed club, and even though they’re not in the stadium at the moment, they have a massive role to play also now.

“I must say I was very proud of what I have read. I had never considered such a positive reaction after a game.

“The biggest win I had as a manager was not that emotional like this behaviour. It’s now on us to give them a lift with playing a better game at the weekend.

“All the ups and downs we went through over the past two years I’ve been here, I think it’s very emotional, and I can only guarantee it will stay like this.

“We will not win all the next games, we will sometimes have difficult times, but also wonderful times like we had in the past.

“This is what football and life is about, and this is why we enjoy doing this together, and being committed to this fantastic football club.”