Legendary striker Mick Channon will not be betting on Norwich City to beat Southampton this afternoon – but he will be happy if he is proved wrong.

Eastern Daily Press: Trainer Mick Channon at Newbury. Racecourse. Picture: David Davies/PA WireTrainer Mick Channon at Newbury. Racecourse. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)

The former England frontman has a foot in both camps after playing for both the Saints and the Canaries.

Channon is now a successful horse racing trainer but watched yesterday's Gold Cup away from the hustle and bustle of Cheltenham – a 'brilliant' race according to the Berkshire-based trainer.

After watching 20-1 outsider Lord Windermere claim the Cheltenham glory, Channon turned his attentions to today's match between two of his former clubs.

'Southampton have not got a lot to play for now and are a good footballing side so I would just have to favour them – but it wouldn't bother me too much if Norwich did get something,' Channon said.

'I like them to do well, I'll always have a soft spot for Norwich. It's been a tough season for them though, so they can have a point, that wouldn't hurt Southampton too much.

'It's a good club with good fans. I think strong provincial sides across the country makes the Premier League strong. I hope Norwich can pick up some points.'

Channon's family have season tickets at Southampton's St Mary's stadium but the 65-year-old says he has to battle his children and grandchildren to get his seat for a Premier League game nowadays.

'They've been very solid, that's the great thing, they've been very consistent,' Channon said of the Saints. 'They're a good team and when they play to their best they have got some very good results.

'They came good at the end of last season so I was hopeful they would do well but (Adam) Lallana and those lads have been exceptional.

'This season has done him (Lallana) the power of good, he's been one of the outstanding players in the Premier League this season really.

'He has always been a talent but he looks to have got much stronger now.'

Follow David Freezer on Twitter @davefreezer