SUPPORTERS turned out in force yesterday to give Gordon Strachan's side a heroes welcome on their return to Southampton.

More than 300 fans gathered outside the Friends Provident St Mary's stadium to roar their approval as the team coach rolled in from Cardiff.

Strachan was hugged and kissed by followers to thank the boss for leading the Saints to their first FA Cup Final in 27 years.

Players joined him to sign autographs and pose for pictures before they left for a well-deserved rest after an epic season.

Andy Watts, 46, from West Wellow, fought back tears to say: "It's made me very emotional.

"We came straight here from Cardiff, and actually overtook the coach on the way and gave it a blast.

"I just had to come to show my support and now we've got next season to look forward to and do it all over again, except win it this time.

"It should be fantastic, especially with European football as well."

Fans cheered the players as they drove off from the ground.

Katherine Shier, 26, from London, who was at the match at the Millennium Stadium, said: "They seemed genuinely pleased that everyone made the effort to come out for them.

"It was fantastic, a final celebration for the end of a great season."

Her friend Polly Gledhill, 29, of Canton Street, Southampton, said: "Saturday was such a brilliant day and the support was amazing there.

"The game itself was fantastic and the stadium was incredible and we both cried at the end.

"We came to St Mary's because we just wanted to show our support to them."

THE SOUTHERN DAILY ECHO CAN NOW OFFER HUNDREDS OF PHOTOS TAKEN BY OUR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS AT THE FA CUP FINAL IN CARDIFF. GO TO THE 'THIS IS THE SAINTS' SECTION OF THE SITE AT: http://www.thisisthesaints.co.uk