I didn’t quite get time to get to this yesterday, but Southampton announced the sacking of vice chairman of football, Les Reed.
Reed was a divisive figure amongst the fanbase – at least I believe that’s the polite way of putting it. He was far from the sole reason our more heady days in recent years have come to an end, but he was undoubtedly a significant fixture when it came to decisions that have arguably backfired on us – and most certainly not worked out. Better days in the early years of his time with us have long been forgotten.
Transfer targets, sales and decisions, managerial appointments – Southampton had lost its way for a large number of fans in more recent years and when you’re at the top you have to carry the can and he has now done that and we look for the club to move in a new direction.
Chairman Ralph Krueger told saintsfc.
“I would like to go on record to thank Les for the eight years of hard work and dedication he has given Southampton Football Club. His time at the club will be remembered for the fine work he did in overseeing our progress through the divisions and establishing the club in the Premier League.”
Whilst Krueger’s sentiment is no doubt genuine, that’s not how Reed will be remembered by many and in some ways that is a shame.
It’s not unfair to say that others in positions of power should be wondering if they are next as we haven’t even been treading water for too long now, and one man is not going to be the fresh broom we need to re-establish what should be vital principles.
