A LETTER sent to the Daily Echo has sparked debate after a frustrated Saints fan called for supporters to boycott St Mary's Stadium.

Chris, from Eastleigh, suggested fans should refuse to buy tickets for the club's upcoming Premier League clash with Newcastle United on January 25.

The disgruntled supporter hopes collective action will "wake up" owners Sport Republic, as they head for their second relegation in three seasons.

Many agreed with his suggestion and have insisted they will not be attending, as Saints look to boost their six points from 20 matches so far this campaign.

However, plenty of supporters have rubbished the plan and—for varying reasons—urged fans to continue supporting the struggling team.

In the comments section of the Daily Echo, respondents said:

smoking stones: "If you can't handle losing maybe you should find something else to do at the weekend, supporting Saints isn't for you."

pyan: "We've just got a new manager you've got to give him some time. If some of the idiot comments on here were followed, we'd end up with 20 new managers every season.

It's Noogie Time...: "You can bet your bottom dollar that if Saints beat Swansea on Sunday, then go on to draw Pompey at home in round four of the FA Cup, those calling for a boycott now will be begging for tickets."

miltonarcher: "I’ll be there on 25th supporting the players, boycott not the answer. A huge pre-match protest outside the main entrance to SMS would be a start."

On social media website Facebook, supporters added:

Mark Moody: "No, I don’t think it’s right, but players have to have more pride in themselves and the club… meant to be professionals!"

Daniel Taylor: "Let’s all grow up a bit here. Yes, it’s been awful but who was expecting this to be anything but a hard year!?"

Matt Curson: "Not turning up and showing our support isn't going to help. Last season we had the best season we've had for a long long time."

Martyn Wilson: "What good will a boycott do, other than further damage the team? Back Juric and get behind them in the cup, it could just be the flip they need!"

Saints take on Swansea City in the FA Cup third round at St Mary's on Sunday, January 12, before back-to-back games on the road in the Premier League.

Ivan Juric's side trip to Man United on Thursday, January 16, and Nottingham Forest on Sunday, January 19, ahead of the visit of Newcastle in question.