IT'S one of the biggest matches in Saints' proud history.

With just three games remaining in the football season, Harry Redknapp's men currently sit bottom of the Premiership table.

However there is still hope that the red and white army could pull off another "Great Escape" - and fans are being urged to turn out in their colours tomorrow and Shout for the Saints.

St Mary's is sold out for tomorrow's crunch clash with fellow relegation-threatened Norwich and it's hoped the stadium will be a sea of red and white when the whistle blows for kick off at 3pm.

Fans are being encouraged to repeat the scenes of 2003 when their team challenged Arsenal to lift the FA Cup in Cardiff.

Even though they failed to win that game there was a feelgood factor across the county as proud supporters decked out homes in the team's colours.

A wave of euphoria swept across shops and workplaces as thousands of people got behind the lads in their bid for glory.

Now the Saints faithful are urging the boys to make one final push in a last ditch attempt to preserve the club's 27-year record in top flight football - and make as much noise as they can for those vital 90 minutes.

Former Saints striker Mick Channon said tomorrow's game was vital.

"I had a great time playing for both Saints and Norwich but right now my heart is going out to Harry. We have three games to go. We have to go out and win them all."

His thoughts were echoed by former FA Cup winning manager Lawrie McMenemy, who said: "As long as there is a chance to stay up everyone should be thinking positive and continue to support the team."

Aaron Gilbert, keyboardist with top Southampton band the Delays, said: "I'm a supporter of the team big time. I love going to see them and do so when ever I get a chance.

"The passion's there in the side and I reckon they've got the goods to stay up. We're backing them all the way - 100 per cent. Come on boys!"

One of Saints' most passionate fans Javier Igeno Cano, who moved to the south coast from his native Spain a few months ago in order to follow his beloved club, believes there is still hope for another relegation escape.

"We're only two points adrift. Back in 1999 we won our last three games - it's happened before, why can't it happen again? But back in 1999, and in all the seasons with Le Tiss, the crowd were always behind the team. That must be the same tomorrow

"By creating an atmosphere similar to the one at Villa Park two years ago we can make people aware of the need to be positive."

"If we are relegated then there will be time to complain, but that time is not tomorrow."

Southampton's politicians have only two colours on their minds this week - red and white - as they put aside their political differences in the middle of a general election campaign to get behind the Saints.

Council leader Councillor Adrian Vinson said the whole council was behind Saints in their fight to stay in top flight football.

He said: "I am sure that everyone at Southampton City Council and across the

city wish Saints all the best for the last three matches of the season.

"They are a vital presence in the city and we are all hoping that they can turn the corner and are on the road back to success."

Labour group leader on the council Councillor June Bridle said: "They can't do anything at all apart from win. Of course we are behind them. I know how much they mean to the whole city. We need a Premiership football club."

Conservative group deputy leader Councillor Royston Smith added: "I think it is imperative that everyone gets behind them. They have been 27 years in the Premier League. It is unthinkable that Southampton will play in the Championship next year."

Labour's candidate for Southampton Itchen, John Denham, said he had already renewed his season ticket for Saints next year.

He said: "Of course we can stay up. The mathematics says we can. We have just got to be there on Saturday and get behind the team and forget about the disappointments of the last few games. We can do it."