Where`s the Investment?

The 700-plus member Saints supporters group, which includes Southampton chairman Michael Wilde, are reported by the Daily Echo to be worried by the lack of investment since July.

Southampton chief executive Jim Hone promised that ‘every practicable endeavour is being made to provide the necessary resources and create the ideal environment for continuous success on the field.’ However, the Trust vice chairman Gavin Egan told the Echo: ‘Given the current injury crisis and lack of activity in the transfer window, it is hard to come to that conclusion at this time.’

Egan believes promotion to be crucial this season due to the increase in payments for Premiership clubs as of next season, as well as the expected £6m shortfall from the parachute payment at the end of this season.

The Saints Trust chairman, Steve Godwin, would like to know what plans there are for Southampton if promotion is not achieved, since George Burley has said he cannot buy anyone. This comes after the Saints board have confirmed that no new investments from outside parties are available to Burley this month.

The proposed addition of a Saints fan to the Southampton board could go some way to resolving this issue before the end of the January transfer window.