Nigel Adkins insists there is “so much more to come” from his Saints side.

Saints have been on terrific form of late but have actually only played in patches rather than consistently throughout that period.

It’s an encouraging sign that they have picked up wins anyway as they are surely going to really get motoring soon and when they do they could underline why they were such hot favourites to win the League One title this season.

“We’ve come in and everyone’s been together as one – everyone is working very hard for each other,” said Adkins.

“The players want to do well, the supporters want to do well.

“We are very pleased with the points we have been picking up but there is a long way to go and so much more to come from this team in how we play and the amount of goals we can score.

“It’s a long season and trying to get that level of consistency is what we’re after.

“We know every game’s going to be competitive because everybody will want to play Southampton and will raise their game.

“I want us to play crisp passing football but the winter pitches will come.

“When we played Notts County you could see the rugby markings on the pitch and maybe it’s not as conducive to quick passing football as other pitches.

“That’s not being disrespectful to Notts County but pitches will go that way.

“It will slow the game down a bit and players will have to take more care with their control when they could bobble but that’s the same for everybody.

“I want us to play quick football, I want us to play quick passing football but ultimately winning football.”

Adkins has been doing his homework on Dagenham and has a fair idea of what to expect from tonight’s visitors to St Mary’s.

“They are very industrious, very hard working and have a good spirit among themselves.

“They will play direct football and will be a massive threat from set plays. They have good delivery from Green and several players with good aerial skills and they will work very hard.

“We will see every team that comes to St Mary’s know that it’s a big venue, a good game to play in and I’m sure they will raise their games as individuals and as a team.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re at the top of our game so we can at least match that and go beyond.”