Les Reed hopes Southampton can move forward after his sacking as vice-chairman

Former Southampton vice-chairman Les Reed says he has no regrets from the eight years he spent at St Mary's and hopes the club can move forward in his absence.

The Saints sacked Reed as vice-chairman last week citing a need for a "new direction" in order to change poor results.

Reed was dismissed following Southampton's run of seven Premier League games without a win but manager Mark Hughes retains the support of the club's board.

"It was a fantastic eight and a half years. A fantastic rise from administration through League One to the Premier League, with four good finishes and some absolutely wonderful people," he told Sky Sports News.

"There have been some good players who have come through the ranks and gone on to the top level, I've enjoyed working with players like that. The staff have also been brilliant and supportive.

"It's a good situation (at Southampton) and I hope it continues for many years to come.

"I hope they (the new owners) are able to move forward and get out of the trouble we appear to be in at the moment. A lot of work has gone in there so I want it to be as successful as it can possibly be."

Reed played an important role in Southampton's production line of emerging talents, including academy players Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers.

He previously worked as technical director at the FA and earlier this year was touted to take up the same role in a new position for the Premier League.