After their 12th league game without a win tensions are beginning to rise at Southampton football club, and understandably so. Only this week a league table was published ranking in league table format the 92 teams of English football based on points won in the year 2022. Southampton were 90th, bettering only sides Crewe Alexandra (league one) and Gillingham (league two).
From qualifying for a place in the prestigious UEFA Europa League in the 2016-17 season to bottom of the table without a win since October (against fellow struggling side Bournemouth) the demise of this club can only be described in one word. Cataclysmic.
Once the envy of local premier league side Brighton the great chasm of difference in quality between sides became evident as the Saints suffered an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at home. This game epitomised their season, full of failures in the basics, a lack of creativity and an attack with no real, clinical threat.
This season defeat has become all too familiar a feeling for the fans at St Mary’s and come full time on Wednesday against fellow relegation contenders Nottingham Forest, the unhappiness of the supporters was clear. Once regarded as one of the best stadiums to watch a game in for support and passion, the atmosphere was as sullen as that of a rainy wedding with a runaway bride, only it wasn’t a girl in lace slipping through this club’s fingers, but the hopes of keeping their place at the pinnacle of world football. However, this said, the downfall of this south coast side is not a new phenomenon. For the last 2-3 seasons Southampton have struggled to stay up however much to the fans dismay, it feels inappropriate action has been taken. But what is the underlying problem at this club?
Well when asking saints and other football fans what they think is the problem, I received varying responses.
Problem one: the identity of the club. Controversially Southampton FC has gained a reputation for being a buy-sell club. While always being famed for their illustrious line of academy talents, many worry that in focusing on the future, the club has failed to provide the infrastructure for success in the present. While developing exciting young talents, they have lacked senior players. James Ward Prowse is one of few who remains and while he has undoubtedly served the club well, he is now left alone to nurture one of the youngest sides to ever face the premier league, keep morale high and provide a platform for them to grow and mature on. Surely this is too much to ask from one player? When asked what they thought the biggest failing of Southampton is at present a Brighton fan (@bhafconly on instagram) answered; “You should have built on the season where you finished 11th however recruitment was poor. You have been searching to get that superstar player for years and instead of building on what you have you’ve relied on loans like Minamino (Takumi, Liverpool), Broja (Armando, Chelsea) and Maitland Niles (Ainsley, Arsenal)” which I feel many saints fans will agree on. The club lacks direction and attraction with unstable management and no real project that they wish to invest in moving forwards, creating for the club a real identity crisis.
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| credits: premier league |
Problem two: management. Only 4 games ago Nathan Jones took control of the shipwreck that is becoming Southampton and already the stadium is echoing of chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” and “you’re getting sacked in the morning”. Is it possible that he is destined to be this Liz Truss of English football? Some may say it is too soon to judge however after a long international break for the world cup and 4 games now to play around, there is yet to be any evidence of him having any plan or vision whatsoever. There has been no consistency in shape, formation or staring XI and every interaction between him and a player on pitch in the game against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday was an argument. With his initial appointment responded to with hostility and frustration from fans and pundits alike, the question has to be asked – was he doomed from the start? Once at their wit’s end over Ralph Hassenhuttl (Jones’ predecessor) and his tactics, engagement with the squad and ability to adapt alongside a game, many fans would leap at the chance to take him back. One Saints fan I spoke to, Dan Mills, referred to Jones’ appointment as “a championship manager for a championship side” and I know there are many who would agree.
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| credits: luton today |
Then we get onto squad depth, whether our players are good enough, how we find our confidence again, who we appoint, what changes we need to make and quite frankly the list of problems and possibilities are endless, I couldn’t dream of addressing them all in one article. What I do know is that this squad has promise, it has potential but it needs nursing and nurturing and time. Unfortunately we don’t have time. Things have to change but it may yet get worse before it gets better. This is a time where more than ever the squad needs their fans, they need the support, they need the encouragement. So saints fans, stick with your club. The worst thing about hitting rock bottom is that there’s only one way to go, and that’s up.
Poppy Deabill. (@pdeabill_football)