A HAMPSHIRE pub could be painted red and white – should Saints qualify for the Champions League.

Landlords of Lord Nelson Pub in Hythe are hoping that Saints can reach the dizzy heights of the top four and have not ruled out painting the pub in the team’s trademark stripes.

It comes as the Daily Echo backs the #WeMarchOn campaign as the Saints push forward for a place in Europe next season.

Leighton O’Hara, 42, whose parents Roberta and Bernard own The Lord Nelson in Hythe, previously painted the watering hole red and white back in 2012, to back Saints promotion push under Nigel Adkins.

Leighton, who is Southampton born and bred, said: “We will be backing the Saints WeMarchOn campaign from start to finish. The majority of our regulars are fans and are doing their best to support the team.”

“We might have to put the paint on hold though at the moment, because Saints are having a dip of form right now and need some goals.”

Ronald Koeman and his team have been struggling for goals of late, but a decent run of results will quickly seem them back amongst the big boys.

Leighton will also have mixed loyalties during Saints run, as he is a Burnley fan, and to cope with the occasion as his side are currently battling bravely against relegation he is staying away from the pub for the day.

He believes that Saints would have to win nearly all their remaining fixtures, starting with tonight’s crunch clash against Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace side at St Mary’s, to get into the top four.

Mr O’Hara added: “They have to win all their games, but I just feel it is beyond them now, but with the way they are building the team they might have a go next year and do it.”