HARRY REDKNAPP always knew he was facing an uphill battle to save Saints - but says survival tomorrow would mean the greatest day of his footballing life.

The Saints boss believes there is little more he could have done to improve the club's chances of maintaining a proud 27-year stay in the Premiership and remains confident it is still very possible to stage a 'great escape'.

"What a day it would be if we can pull it off - it would be an incredible finish," said Redknapp. "It would probably be the best day of your footballing life if you could pull it off for all four of the managers in there.

"But three of us are going to be at an all-time low probably.

"They are all good lads but you wish the worst for all of them. I used to talk to Iain Dowie on quite a regular basis, but it's difficult to talk to people when you wish them the worst!"

Although Redknapp has overseen an improvement in performances since taking over as manager in December, results have not consistently followed.

Saints were third from bottom when he took over and, 21 games and 20 points later, they are still there.

"After the first week here I knew I had taken on a very difficult job," he said. "We picked up after the January window and we have improved a lot.

"I don't think anyone could have walked in and made a difference and got them out of where they are now.

"I knew it would be tough. There is no magic formula to make a good team, unless you can really sit down and build a team that's your team.

"You hope you can patch it up and get out of it.

"Of course you always look at yourself, you all get disappointed if you don't manage to do something but it's a difficult one.

"I took over a team that was struggling. They had lost 5-2 at Watford and they weren't flying, but I still feel we will do it.

"I just get a feeling it will go our way."

Redknapp has yet to confirm his plans should Saints get relegated and he says it has been impossible to make any long-term decisions.

He added: "I've never looked at a player for next season or spoke to the players about next season.

"They have all got a massive cut in their wages if we go down, so obviously it will be a big hit for everybody if the worst came to the worst."