The whole of Southampton is needed to help Save Our Saints

That’s the message from people across Southampton who have picked up the Daily Echo’s call to Save Our Saints by filling every seat in St Mary’s Stadium.

From the classroom to the corridors of power, people from all over the city have pledged their support to help Southampton Football Club survive its darkest days as parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC has been placed in administration.

By going down to St Mary’s for tomorrow’s crunch game against Charlton, fans can play their part in helping the team survive relegation and the threat of financial collapse before the end of the season.

The crucial sixpointer is one of just three home games left this season and if the club is to stand any chance of making it into next season every seat will have to be filled in every match.

Yesterday Saints players were determined to carry on their duties on the training pitch and in the community as midfielder Jake Thomson visited youngsters at St Monica Infant School in Southampton to talk about life as a footballer and how to stay healthy.

Last night Saints fans also came together with city leaders on the steps of the Civic Centre to show their support for the club and urge people to take advantage of slashed ticket prices for tomorrow’s clash.

Deputy council leader Councillor Royston Smith pledged the council’s support with advertising across the city to promote the club.

“If we all rally behind Saints in their hour of need we may yet save them from administration and certain relegation and start the process of getting the club back where it should be – in the Premiership,” he said.

Southampton MPs John Denham and Alan Whitehead have also backed the call for people to fill St Mary’s and are urging people not to forget the importance of the club to the city.

“The club is one of the things that brings life to the city and gives it a reputation and status outside Southampton,” said Mr Denham “We have got to survive these next few weeks and also help get the club back to where they were a few years ago in the Premier League.

“I am a season ticket holder and have recently had talks with the club and it is clear they desperately need a cash injection.”

Alan Whitehead added: “The club really is essential to the city. I have just had a knee operation after playing football for too many years but I will be at St Mary’s on Saturday no matter what it takes.

“Even if they have to carry me in on a stretcher I will be there to show my support and hope everyone who can get there will do the same.”