Southampton relegated
Thursday, 23 April 2009
It's a sad day for Southampton supporters, my mate's dad, Matt Le Tissier and former Fighting Talk anchor Christian O'Connell - the BBC is reporting that Southampton have been deducted ten points and, as a result, relegated from the Championship.
Gary and I discussed this on the podcast a couple of weeks back. Basically, my understanding of the situation is that the reason Southampton didn't get deducted ten points earlier was that it was the club's holding company which was in administration, not the club itself.
But I suppose it's right and just, then, that Saints have been penalised in this way. But it is, as it often seems in these situations, shrouded in more suspicion and mystery than necessary.
Southampton were likely to be relegated anyway, and I've not yet been able to find out if they've simply "cashed in" their points deduction in order to begin next season on zero points in League One. If they have, should that be allowed?
But fear not...Southampton will be shafted either way. If they finish in the bottom three, their deduction will take effect next season. If they escape the relegation zone, they'll be deducted ten points this season and - you guessed it - relegated. So I suppose we should praise the authorities for coming up with a resolution which gives Saints an incentive in their remaining games. I'm sure the rest of the Championship is pleased about that.
And, once again, I feel compelled to point out that the problems with football all stem from the bastards that run so many of our clubs.
8 comments:
Didn't follow the story much - what are they deducted for?
Simply because they (or their holding company) entered administration.
Oh well... not so good for the team anyways
Very sad indeed. I have a huge soft spot for Saints, they're the team most of my friends supported back home.
Real shame, but no alternative for the authorities in this case.
On the other hand, in future that'll probably make clubs look more carefully on business and marketing side of sports... as the crisis does to rest of the business.
Sad for the Saints but maybe better to get the deduction now rather than it being carried over to next season, so I'm sure they will be going all out for the last couple of games.
It's been a bit of a sad decline for them, hope to see them rise up the league again before long.
Clive Woodward and Rupert Lowe, enough said in my opinion.
Hey Chris. From what I understand they can't necessarily take the 10 point hit now. The deduction only be made this season if they finish above the drop zone.
The rules changed as clubs would "cash in" the 10 point deduction once they knew they were down.
So, it seems likely they will start next season in League One on minus 10 points.
I think the FA needs to look into how clubs are penalised for going into administration. Not doubt there should be a punishment but Saints will be in massive trouble with that deduction - could see their plight get worse. Surely there is another way?
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