Alan Pardew is building up his players for “the most important week of the season.”

The Saints boss is hoping he will be saying that a few more times this campaign, which is likely to be the case if Saints can get a league win over Exeter, progress to a Wembley final against MK Dons and overcome arch rivals Portsmouth in the FA Cup.

Before those massive cup games against the Dons and Pompey, though, is the less glamorous but very important clash at Exeter.

Saints need to build on their victory over Stockport at St Mary’s last weekend with a much needed away win to keep themselves within reach of the play-offs.

Pardew said: “It’s a very important week for the club. There are three competitions we want to stay in.

“It’s nice for the fans and the club after the traumas of the last couple of years, a relegation and administration, it’s nice to have a positive feel around the town.

“We’re experiencing that as players and staff maybe for the first time so it’s a nice feeling and we want to keep that feeling.

“The only way you keep that feeling is to win.”

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