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."