Here we go again

Southampton has had 13 managers in the last ten years and six in the last five.

A high management turnover was once thought to have aided our relegation from the Premiership in 2005, so it is no wonder that fans are worried that history may repeat itself.

The knee-jerk brigade is out in force, convinced the board is to blame, and that we will sell all of our players. But, realise this...

When uncertainty and passion collide – panic takes over.

Disappointment is understandable. Mauricio Pochettino has stated in the past that he doesn’t walk away from contracts, and he has.

Only time will tell whether his decision to accept the Spurs job is the right one. Personally, I don’t think it is, but it is HIS decision and what’s done is done. Bitterness and hatred will get us nowhere.

We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and carry-on.

The last five years have seen us keep moving forward, even when some of the decisions didn’t feel like we were moving forward. And we have to trust that will continue.

If you don’t want to renew your season ticket this year because you have to work, can’t afford to, or for any other motive – that’s your choice. Not renewing your season ticket because your manager has quit is not a valid reason.

It’s like not leaving the house because it’s raining. You have to have a little rain now and again to appreciate the sunshine. Rain allows growth.

Southampton Football Club runs through my veins and into my heart. It doesn’t matter who owns it, who runs it, who manages it, or who plays for it. It is a part of me, and it always will be.

We, as fans, will not agree with every decision that is made about our club. Let alone the ones that feel so wrong, like this one. But, if Pochettino did not want to be part of our future, then best he goes now.

And for anyone else who feels the same way – don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

Relationships rarely end by mutual consent. There is usually one party who feels they had unfinished business - like a small part of them has been ripped away before its time.

Today, we are that party.

So for all of you who feel this way, I have a little advice...

Turn off social media, stay away from the sports pages in the newspapers and go to sleep.

Tomorrow is another day.

The end of an era

As we approach the end of the transfer window, football fans countrywide are waiting with baited breath to see if their teams will strengthen where needed.

For Southampton it has been a funny month.

The departure of chairman, Nicola Cortese, rumours that Katharina Liebherr wanted to sell and a training ground bust up between Dani Osvaldo and José Fonte left the club in the middle of a media free-for-all that took weeks to settle down.

With Osvaldo suspended and the supporter's favourite first team players Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana being linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, it is no wonder that, today, many fans would have breathed a sigh of relief when they read that it was Danny Fox who was to be shipped out.

Along with Billy Sharp to Doncaster, and Lee Barnard to Southend - Fox has gone on loan (with a view to buy) to Nottingham Forest.

The left back has not had an easy time from the Southampton crowds lately. A little unfairly, no a LOT unfairly - Fox has come under fire from the fans and found himself on the receiving end of some pretty harsh criticisms.

He may not be the best defender in the league and yes, the Premier League may just be slightly too high a level for him.

But it is not Fox who should be criticised for that - it's the manager. He picks the team.

Saints fans would also do well to remember that Fox was an integral part of the squad that gained promotion from the Championship, and for that he should be respected.

Of course, that doesn't mean we, as fans, should applaud him if he makes a mistake, but it certainly doesn't mean that he should be abused whilst wearing a Southampton shirt.

And neither should Guly Do Prado. The striker has been through similar abuse in his career with us, and his dry spell in front of goal didn't do him any favours, until he converted from the penalty spot in the FA cup fourth round tie with Yeovil.

So, Danny, I would like to thank you, Billy and Lee for your contribution during your time with us, and it will certainly be interesting to see who the fan's next scapegoat will be, after all.....

"If Guly scores, we're on the pitch."