The fact that Alan Shearer has taken over as boss of Newcastle has slightly detracted from the main story of the day - the fact that his former club, Southampton, are on the brink of administration.
Actually it's likely to be the parent company, Southampton Leisure Holdings, where the shares have already been suspended which goes into administration. And thanks to a large loophole in the League rules, also exploited by Derby County, the team will miss out on having a 10 point deduction.
So, the wish of many of the stay away fans may come to pass. But as I have been arguing on other forums, their Nemesis, Chairman Rupert Lowe, may not be deposed that easily.
Should administration come to the parent company, the administrator won't be phoning a saints fan to ask what to do next. Whoever he or she is, they will have little duty of care to shareholders, the creditors or the staff. And no duty of care at all to the fans, supporters, people who once saw a game in 1976, protesters, true supporters, won't set foot inside the ground til Lowe goes fans, people who have a warm feeling about having a football club in the city even if they never go.
So I think the likely scenario is:
Administration; followed by Rupert Lowe buys the company back for a fiver; no points deduction; club unencumbered by debt; sometime next year inward investment; bye bye Lowe; promotion play offs; premiership; cup winners; quarter finals of EUFA Cup; top two finish; win Champions League.
OK OK some of that may be wishful thinking.
