SAINTS are believed to have sacked club legend Jason Dodd and fellow youth coach Paul Williams.

Dodd had been the club's under-18 manager, with Williams - also a former Saints defender - his assistant.

Saints starlet Luke Shaw this morning tweeted: "Gutted for doddsy and Willo, helped me a lot in my development over the years, wish them all the best."

Dodd signed for Saints from Bath City in 1989 and enjoyed a 15-year career in the top flight, winning England U21 honours along the way, and made 453 appearances for the club.

Williams was brought into the club by Gordon Strachan and was a member of the squad that reached the FA Cup final in 2003.

The pair were responsible for helping to bring Shaw, James Ward-Prowse, Calum Chambers, Harrison Reed and Sam Gallagher quickly through the youth set-up and into the first team.

The Daily Echo understands that the sackings are unrelated to the future of Mauricio Pochettino.

Saints have said they are unwilling to comment because it is an ongoing legal process.