SAINTS captain Youssef Safri is desperately hoping for Nigel Pearson to return as the club's manager next season.

The position of the Saints boss is the subject of uncertainty, despite leading the club to survival in the Championship.

The current board wants to see him remain in charge, but with their reign almost certainly coming to an end, Pearson's future has been cast into doubt.

There has been no indication from Rupert Lowe or Michael Wilde about what their plans are on that front, if they complete a return to the boardroom next week.

But Safri, who took the armband for the crucial final day win over Sheffield United last Sunday, said Pearson has the full backing of him and the rest of the squad.

He said after the work Pearson had put in to help save Saints, he had earned the right to be brought back for next season.

"He deserves it," he said. "He put in a lot of really hard work and he had a really hard job to do.

"It would be such a shame if he goes and I don't want us to lose him. I wish that he will stay and I want him to stay."

Safri said he had received a lot of support from Pearson and he was impressed with how well he had taken control of the club.

The Moroccan added his man management skills were excellent.

"His tactics are good, his communication is excellent, the discipline is very good and all I can say is that he is the right man for the job," he said.

"His communication with all the players is so good. The players all listen to the manager."

Full story: See today's Daily Echo.