Southampton relegated - as expected

It's only been a matter of time. The day that Gordon Strachan left the club was the day that Southampton's fate was sealed. The process of succession was totally bungled by the senior management of the club. Steve Wigley made an honourable fist of a job that he was clearly not up to, the supposed high flyer Paul Sturrock lasted for only a handful of games before he left as a result of player power (from what I understood at the time). Finally Harry Rednapp comes into the job (wasn't he available at the point of Strachan's departure?), but clearly it was a case of too little too late at that point Too many changes over a short period of time, too many player changes, and the whole project was fatally wounded. Who to blame? Clearly Rupert, his aides, and fellow board members have to look at themselves and ask whether they could have avoided the shambles that took a smooth running Strachan-run side that was semi-seriously gunning for a European slot and turned it into a side that looks like it will struggle for survival in its new lower division home.
Ever since I've been following the Saints they have never been a great side, but have always shown promise. Until these last months, that is, when they have appeared lacklustre, directionless, and doomed. Thanks Rupert, for nothing. I hope that at least you take this blow as the necessary wake up call you clearly need, and learn the lesson that what happens on the pitch in future needs to to take priority over all else. Without exception.
Looking to next season, I have my doubts about Saints' ability to go straight back up. Very unlikely unless Rupert is prepared to spend (which I doubt), and we are able to retain the majority of the playing staff, and build on that.