IT WAS the kiss that signaled the end of a nightmare. Former Saints boss Dave Jones hugged and kissed his wife Ann after emerging from Liverpool Crown Court an innocent man.

For a year-and-a-half, the Jones family had lived under the shadow of the child abuse allegations against the 44-year-old that were finally proved false.

But as the Joneses try to rebuilt their lives, questions are now being asked about the methods used in the police operation that brought the case which dramatically ended on Merseyside yesterday.

And one leading Hampshire lawyer says the father-of-four could even claim compensation of more than £1 million after the charges left his life and career in ruins.

Speaking after the case Mr Jones said: "I believe the support I have had from Southampton, the players and the chairman has been exceptional."

Mr Jones smiled and said: "Regardless of the job, the support of the playing staff and the coaching staff have been absolutely fantastic and never dwindled."

Mr Jones described the last 18 months as a "total nightmare."

After his acquittal he said: "I am very happy.

"What has gone on over the last 18 months has been a shock and embarrassment to my family.

"Without the support of family and friends I would not have been able to get through. I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart.''

He said his immediate plans were to tell family and friends the outcome of the trial.

Speaking with his wife Ann by his side he added: "We are going to see a lot of relatives tonight. Contrary to what was written our daughters were not in court. All we want to do now is make contact with them.

"I just want to get back into football. I did not want to leave football - that was a shock to me.''

Mr Jones was freed yesterday by Judge David Clarke QC after the prosecution case against him collapsed.

The judge ordered not guilty verdicts to be entered on the 14 charges of sexual and physical abuse faced by the former Everton player when a witness failed to turn up. The allegations related to a north-west children's home where Mr Jones worked in the late 1980s.

When asked about the controversial police investigation Operation Care which brought him to court Mr Jones replied: "It is fair. Allegations do have to be investigated. That is a must.''

Mr Jones said it was too early to say if he was going to take any action against the police.

When asked what the lowest point was he said: "That was being arrested. It just came out of the blue.

"I honestly thought I went to the police station and that was going to be it.''

And after the case his wife Ann said: "I would not wish it on anyone. I feel emotionally drained.''

Before Mr Jones spoke, one of his legal team Stephen Pollard said the former soccer manager had been besieged by people offering to help.

He said: "The prosecution have abandoned this prosecution before it got even worse for them.

"Had this gone to the full length, 20 or more witnesses would have been called to dispute the allegation.''

Earlier, after discharging the jury, the judge told Mr Jones: "Verdicts of not guilty have been entered in respect of all the charges against you.

"This means you leave this court as you entered it - as an innocent man.

"There are people who will say there is no smoke without fire. I can do nothing about that.

"Such an attitude would be entirely wrong in my view. No wrong doing has been established and many of the charges have not been heard.''

The judge praised Mr Jones for the restraint and dignity he had shown throughout the trial.

The judge added: "Now this case and these proceedings are over you will be able to rebuild your professional career.''

* Read full reporting and analysis of the Dave Jones trial in this evening's Daily Echo.