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Saints UpdateTwo weeks ago Saint's fans were sent reeling, as twin body blows to the Club's immediate future were announced; the shock resignations of manager, Graeme Souness and Lawrie McMenemy, Director of Football, who severs long term ties at the Dell. These decisions were totally unexpected, a matter of hours separated these two obviously linked thunderbolts, but what are the reasons for their leaving and why now?
Following a meeting with new Chairman, Rupert Lowe, Souness citing his reasons for going, blamed severe cash limitations for incoming players: i.e. a £2million ceiling and a chairman with no experience of football matters interfering in transfer negotiations. McMenemy's exit on the same day appears to be in solidarity with the man he was instrumental in bringing to Southampton, speaking of "shared frustrations" as he cleared his desk.
Robert Lowe responded to the departures and ensuing accusations by writing an open letter to the local paper, denying Souness' story and claiming the resignations were the result of ulterior motivation rather than his chairmanship. This failed to steady the ship as three million pounds were wiped off Southampton's stock market valuation.
With claim and counter claim the order of the day, reading between the lines often proves more enlightening. If Souness' version of events is true, one can sympathise with his decision: £2M is a paltry sum for a premier league club to spend and no manager welcomes boardroom opinions on team matters. However on the very day of his resignation, Souness was linked with a move to Italian second division 'Sleeping Giants' Torino. Two weeks later, he appears poised to sign a contract. Souness hastened to add that Torino were only one of numerous clubs interested in his services. Indecent haste is a phrase that springs to mind.
Rupert Lowe for his part refutes the idea of a £2M-spending limit, and if he indeed wished to bring his business expertise into the financial side of transfer dealings it needn't necessarily be detrimental to the club or a hindrance to the manager. Although this aspect previously fell within McMenemy's remit, thus effectively rendering his position redundant. Possibly this explains his rapid departure, shortly after a meeting with Souness. To prove his commitment to and confidence in the club , the New Chairman has purchased a sizeable amount of shares at the present 89p per share. Conspiracy theorists make of that what you will.
Whatever the truth, one can only hope the outcome is beneficial for the club. A new manager is the priority to help stability and hopefully prevent an exodus of playing talent. It may already be too late to prevent the likely move of Eyal Berkovic to West Ham United. The grapevine informs me that Jim Magilton hopes for a move abroad. Southampton cannot afford to lose its prize assets.
Find out who's at the helm in my pre-season report.
(To read the typist's point of view - who frankly was looking forward to a rest - please see
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