SAINTS fans are standing firm in rejecting Glenn Hoddle as their possible next manager.

On Saturday, the Daily Echo conducted the biggest randomly selected poll yet of fans regarding what is potentially the most controversial move in the club's history.

We asked a cross section of fans at the 3-3 draw with Everton one simple question: Would you welcome Glenn Hoddle back as manager - yes or no?

Of 636 questioned, 78.3 per cent (498) said they did not want Hoddle to be their next manager. Only 21.7 per cent (138) said they backed the return of the former England boss.

When Hoddle's name was first put forward more than two weeks ago, a Daily Echo poll recorded 74.6 per cent against.

The most recent poll is the FIRST to actually approach a broad cross-section of Saints fans for their views, rather than invite responses.

It is consistent with other results showing fans do not want Hoddle and seems to put paid to any theory that there exists a silent majority in favour of his return.

Daren Wheeler, editor of the Beautiful South fanzine, said: "From talking to fans that figure is about what I would expect. It has been quite clear all along that most supporters do not want Glenn Hoddle."