SAINTS season-ticket holders are being urged to reserve their seat for the new season - and also claim an early payment discount.

They have until Tuesday before their seats will be released, first to other season ticket holders who have renewed but who want to move, and then to new applicants.

Season ticket-holders will get priority for the big Cup games next season, including the first European adventure for nearly 20 years, as well as the south coast derby with Pompey in December.

The season tickets go on general sale at a special reduced rate from July 7 and then at full price from August 1.

The feel-good factor surrounding Saints could take their season ticket sales beyond the 20,000 mark for the first time.

Chairman Rupert Lowe has indicated the club would consider extending the stadium if sales reach around 23,000.

After finishing eighth in the Premiership and reaching the FA Cup final, fans have been eager to get their hands on a season ticket. Last season Saints had 15,500 season ticket holders and the vast majority have renewed.

Ticket prices have been cut for Saints' prestige pre-season friendly at home to Italian giants Parma on August 9.

Adults pay £15, seniors and teenagers get in for £10 and junior tickets will be just £5.

Tickets go on sale to season ticket holders on July 10 and they have until July 27 to claim their own seats. They go on sale to members on July 28 and on general sale from August 9.

As revealed in our final edition yesterday, Saints have sent a message of sympathy to the family of tragic Marc Vivien Foe.

The 28-year-old collapsed and died while playing for Cameroon in a Confederations Cup match against Columbia at his home ground of Lyon on Thursday.

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe revealed that Foe was an emerging star with Lens when Dave Jones set up a deal to bring him to The Dell in 1998.

Southampton were close to agreeing a fee and terms but the deal was wrecked when the player broke a leg.

Lowe said today: "Our thoughts are with his family. It is a terrible tragedy and one which will hit everyone involved in football.

"We came very close to signing him a few years back. He was a terrific player who was a real driving force for Manchester City last season and we are all very saddened by his death."