JIMMY Case believes Southampton need to learn from Cherries' example and keep faith with Mark Hughes.

Hughes’ record from his first 16 league games is worse than any Saints manager since George Burley 13 years ago.

But Case points out that Cherries are reaping the benefits of Eddie Howe's longevity.

“Eddie Howe has been at Bournemouth six years and they look settled as a team as a result," said Case.

“But Southampton have had six managers in that time and again there is talk about certain managers coming in.

“I like Mark Hughes and the way his teams play and I think he needs a bit more time.

“Some people shout from the terraces ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ but when a new manager comes in it takes time to find out about your players and the best formation to use.

“They look a bit tentative but whether they know the way they should be playing or are trying to find his way, I don’t know. I think they are just lacking a couple of results."

Case, who spent the 1991-92 season at Dean Court after six years in Saints’ midfield under Chris Nicholl, added: “I have an affinity with both clubs.

“I played for Southampton against Bournemouth years ago and it’s certainly been a turnabout.

“When I left Bournemouth, Harry Redknapp and the chairman came to me and said they would have to let me go.

“Although I was 39, I’d played nearly all the games but that was a moment when the banks had just come in and anyone at the end of their contract had to leave.

“I said I would go on half money just to keep playing but me and Kevin Bond had to leave.

“I used to have a cups of tea with the groundsman next to the lawnmowers in his shed underneath the stands!

"They have come a hell of a long way since then.

“They have a squad together that can maintain a push beyond mid-table and they have started really well.

“As well as being a settled side, they have quality in there with forwards like Callum Wilson and Josh King.

“It will be a difficult game for Southampton, that’s for sure.

“They will go a bit more cautious, but Bournemouth’s attacking play and style of football might suit them.”