Southampton players refuse to let the sacking of manager Nigel Adkins wreck their survival hopes.

Despite the negative feelings aroused by Adkins' sacking, Saints players are determined not to let the managerial turmoil ruin the club's attempts to stay in the Premier League.

Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis said: "We had a very good training session with the new manager and met the staff.

"When Mauricio introduced himself you could see people sit up and listen. He has got that aura to him.

"We are fortunate to have very professional players and we are going to give 100 per cent. I can understand Southampton fans' frustration because of what Nigel did here.

"He did an outstanding job. I was part of a lot of that success myself.

"The club has come a long way in a short space of time but, as a Southampton fan, you've got to have a little bit of trust in the club and the ambitions they have got.

"They have not made too many bad decisions so far. They know what they are doing. We need to trust the club and the board and their decision making. They have the best interests of the club at heart.

"The ambition from the top is endless. It is to be at the very top. Staying in the Premier League is the absolute minimum aim."