Southampton boss Mark Hughes insists he has no connection to vice-chairman Les Reed's sacking.

Saints are without a win in seven games and the club are just two points ahead of bottom-club Fulham. Hughes says Reed's departure has not immediate impact on his position.

“The club was in a difficult situation when I came in late last year. We were able turn it around in the summer as a consequence of seeing the job that I did at first hand and how I operate and how I go about my business," Hughes said.

“I was offered a three year contract. Clearly Les would have had an impact on that decision but not totally. Clearly all the board and the ownership itself made the decision to offer me that contract.

“Although Les is no longer around as a sounding board and as a supportive guy in the background there are still a lot of people here that felt I was the right man for the job so I don't think my position has been diminished too much in that regard."