FORMER manager Nathan Jones has lifted the lid on his short-lived Saints spell, insisting: “Over time, I feel would have got it right.”

The Welshman was hired by Sport Republic to be long-term boss Ralph Hasenhuttl’s successor following the Austrian’s sacking in November last year with the club in 18th.

Luton Town legend Jones, who was the Championship manager of the year, lasted only eight Premier League games in the role with his one win coming at Everton.

Jones’s tenure was blighted with seven defeats, increasing media controversy and fan frustration – although Saints went on to be relegated under replacement Ruben Selles.

Jones, in a new interview with The Times, has now opened up on his time at St Mary’s after spending over six months without a management job.

“We bought a house in Poole, only 40 minutes from Southampton’s training ground, but I was staying in Southampton because I just felt I needed to hit the ground running," he said.

“I knew it needed a momentum shift. I was attracted to Southampton because they’ve been a good club for years, in terms of the players they have produced, the facilities and because I knew Rasmus Ankersen really, really well. It felt right.

“I was at the most wonderful place in Luton because of how I was held and me and Gary Sweet (chief executive) controlled everything. I wouldn’t have jumped for just anything. I believed it was the right one.”

Jones added: “The club wanted me. It was a positive story: a young British manager worked at every level and earned his stripes.

“I’d pretty much come from nothing, managed in League Two, League One, gone to the Championship, hadn’t been successful, come back, and then re-established myself in the Championship to get this opportunity.

 “I don’t feel I got the time. Over time I feel I would have got it right. I love the tactical battles every game with (Roberto) De Zerbi, Unai Emery, Pep (Guardiola). I live for that as a manager and a coach, that’s what I get up for.

“The players were excellent. The way they responded to me on a day-to-day basis was outstanding. I loved that. Some of my closest relationships are with the biggest players there. Me and James Ward-Prowse keep in touch now. So that’s what I really take heart from.”

On the controversy that followed his press conference comments, which included mentions of Welsh girls and frequent references to his own achievements, Jones feels he was hard done by.

“It’s what I felt, I was authentic, it’s what I said to the players after. I just need to be cleverer at times, pick my times,” the former Yeovil Town man said.

“In the Premier League, the scrutiny, especially in the situation I was in, with a lot of negativity surrounding me in the role, I probably didn’t need to do that. It’s the only thing I look back and I’m saddened by.”