Things seemed to be looking up in the 2006-07 season though as Southampton chased promotion under new boss George Burley, working with a new chairman in Michael Wilde.

Southampton brought in new faces like Kelvin Davis - and very nearly succeeded.

Despite Wilde leaving in February 2007 amid more boardroom wrangling, Burley's side finished sixth - only to be beaten on penalties in the play-off semis by Derby.

BBC Radio Solent's Tony Husband: "Internal politics have played a significant part in Southampton's downfall. Now loyal fans are left to deal with the mess."