SAINTS seem to have a mountain to climb if they want to keep Steve Wigley as head coach beyond mid-December.

The Premier League have told Saints that Wigley becomes ineligible after three months because he does not have the UEFA pro-licence - a qualification which takes a year to complete.

It is understood Saints have not yet formally appealed the ruling and legal sources yesterday told the Daily Echo there were no grounds to appeal for an extension.

If that does prove to be the case, the only other option is to persuade 13 other Premier League clubs to reverse the rule, which was only ratified this summer.

Again, the signs are not encouraging.

The Daily Echo has this week contacted every club in the Premier League for their view on the matter - yet not one has been willing to come out in support of Saints.

Most have declined to comment while others, including Pompey and Manchester United, do not want to get involved in a Premier League issue.

The League Managers' Association have also so far refused to back Saints.

Chairman Rupert Lowe and Wigley have remained positive in public, but have yet to explain precisely how they feel the situation can be successfully resolved.

Lowe has simply said: "We're talking to the Premier League about the issue and those discussions are private but we're very hopeful this matter can be resolved."

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Earlier this week, the Saints chairman also gave his backing to Wigley, saying he thought he was doing a good job.

Asked if he thought the saga over his qualifications would force him out, Wigley this week said: "I'm confident that won't happen. I'm aware of what the situation is and I feel it will sort itself out reasonably quickly."

Wigley, who already has the UEFA A licence, is booked on the course this year.

In previous summers, his involvement with the England under-21 side has made it difficult to take the course, as there is a summer residential section.