Michael Svensson has asked Saints fans not to give up on the club.

The Saints skipper was speaking on behalf of the entire squad after a frank meeting took place between the players and management on the morning of the Coventry game, which ended 1-1 on Tuesday.

Svensson likened the need for the fans to try and remain positive and believe it will come good to his own injury battle which saw him out for virtually four years and five knee operations before a fairytale return this season.

He said: “It’s difficult times and we need to stick together as a team.

“We need the fans’ support as a 12th man more than ever with the situation we are in in the league.

“We deserved three points against Coventry and were disappointed not to get it.

“But we have showed through the season we can play some really good stuff – we just need to be more consistent.

“The players are working to make things right and we are determined to turn things around and are optimistic we can do it. We need everybody together, the fans as well; it’s very important for the lads.

“Of course I can understand the frustrations – life has ups and downs and I know that with the problems with my knee.

“The club’s had a difficult couple of years and has been struggling.

“Last season it went to the last game and we managed to stay up.

“As a player out for so many years it’s been frustrating for me as well, having to watch and not be able to help out the team.

“I’m here now as the captain and I’ve gone through a lot of things personally with my problem with my knee and I haven’t given up.

“I have always tried to stayed positive and the same thing needs to happen around the club.

“We have to be optimistic and believe we will turn things around and it will work, because it will.”

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