JURY members in the trial of an ex-Saints youth coach accused of indecently assaulting young players will continue their deliberations today.

Bob Higgins, who ran the schoolboy coaching programmes for Southampton and Peterborough United, is accused of 50 counts of indecent assault against 24 complainants dating between 1971 and 1996.

The trial at Winchester Crown Court has heard that the 65-year-old is alleged to have groped the youngsters while giving them soapy massages after training sessions as well as in his car and at his home.

The defendant has been described as a "fantastic" coach but who used his "position of power" to determine the future footballing careers of the teenage players to take advantage of them.

Higgins, from Southampton, Hampshire, denies the offences and says the allegations are false and any touching had not been deliberate.

The jury was later sent home yesterday to continue its deliberations today (Thursday).