MIKE Osman helped create a Dell spirit when Coventry last visited St Mary's.

As Saints prepare for another, more crucial home game against the Sky Blues, the well-known local comedian is feeling the pain.

The pain of recovering from a badly broken leg suffered while skiing two months ago, and the pain of being a Saints fan in 2008 as the club is sucked ever nearer potential trips to the likes of Darlington and Hereford.

Osman spent the 2006/07 season presenting his pre-match radio shows at St Mary's, attempting to create some partisan support to help the players.

The first game was the 2-0 home win over Coventry in August 2006, Gareth Bale's superb free-kick followed up by a Grzegorz Rasiak penalty.

Osman reckons he succeeded in his aims, and knows the fans will again do their bit with regards to pumping up the volume against Coventry in tomorrow's massive six-pointer.

"All we were trying to do last season, with regards to the show, was to try and recreate the Spirit of Southampton," he recalled. "I think we did it - there was a cracking atmosphere at several games last season.

"That's why I'm right behind the Echo's Dell Spirit campaign, and the fans have responded brilliantly.

"They've got right behind the team in the last couple of home games, there's been no booing at all.

"That can only help the team.

"But I know fans can only give so much - they need to see something come back on the pitch.

"The fans don't need anyone on the side of the pitch telling them to get behind the team - that should be coming from the players on the pitch.

"At the end of the day, it's the players who can turn the fans into the 12th man."

With regards to recent events, Osman said: "It's a sad time.

"People say George Burley is a good manager. Well, he wasn't for Saints - look at the legacy he's left for Nigel Pearson.

"The real sadness is that this league isn't a particularly strong one, it's certainly not as strong as last season. But we just haven't had the players to deliver."

Osman has also been left underwhelmed by the possible return of Rupert Lowe.

"He kept on saying he got us the stadium, but he also got us in this mess," said Osman.

"Strachan would still be here if Lowe had given him some money after the Cup final.

"It's a real shame."