FORMER Saints boss Nathan Jones insisted not even American magician David Blaine could have done a good job in eight games at St Mary's.

Jones managed Saints between November 2022 and February 2023, overseeing eight Premier League matches in an eventual relegation season.

Although he guided the club to the Carabao Cup semi-final, his only league victory came from three rare points at Everton in January.

Jones manages League One Charlton Athletic, who only sit outside of the play-offs on goal difference after a 1-0 win over Birmingham City last time out.

The Welshman saw the result against the league's biggest-ever spenders as a response to criticism, following three consecutive defeats. 

“If I’m not wanted and continue to get abuse - questioning everything I do - then fine, no problem – I’ll hand the reins over,” Jones told South London Press.

Nathan Jones was unable to stem the tide of relegation at SaintsNathan Jones was unable to stem the tide of relegation at Saints (Image: PA)

"I don’t want that to happen. I want to be here and the fans to enjoy it. I understand the frustration of certain players when they are not in the team.

“I want to be here with this football club. I love the club. I love the people. But we have to be united because we need an equilibrium.

"At Stoke, I categorically failed. I was given enough time. At Southampton, I was given eight games," Jones continued. 

"I’m not sure David Blaine would’ve done a good job in eight games. That is an anomaly... Southampton."

Jones became Southampton's shortest-serving non-caretaker manager when he was sacked after a 2-1 defeat at home to 10-man Wolves. 

Jones added: “At Luton, I built something special and they reaped the benefit of that. Here we are endeavouring to build something.

"We’re going to have downs and we’re going to have ups. I went into Luton with the opportunity of building something – I did.

"I went into Stoke and wanted to build something but didn’t get the results to back that up. I went back to Luton and built it again. I was there for three years.

“Then I had a wonderful opportunity to go to a club and build something – but I was given eight games (at Saints). I’m not one to jump.

"I want to be here and build something. I would like us to be successful and me to enjoy everything about being a manager at Charlton Athletic."