Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has the full support of the board.

The Daily Echo says Friday's night's record 9-0 loss to Leicester has sent shock waves through St Mary's.

But owner Gao Jisheng and chief executive Martin Semmens are understood to believe that Hasenhuttl is the right man to bring back the good times to St Mary's.

However, there is a realisation that it will take time to achieve given the drastic overhaul of the first team squad that needs to take place.

Saints feel that Hasenhuttl's vision for Saints and the general direction and leadership he can provide is the perfect way to deliver change.

The club are now considering appointing somebody in a director of football like role to work alongside Hasenhuttl and remove the burden of bossing the entire football operation of the club.