STEVE Wigley was asked yesterday whether he had run over any black cats lately.
The Saints head coach smiled before replying "No, but I hope I'm not cursed."
Perhaps a better question might have been whether he has recently mowed down an entire family of black cats - such has been some of his misfortune since taking charge almost two months ago.
It can, of course, be debated all day whether he is the right man for the job.
But even the most pessimistic supporter would surely agree that Wigley has not had any sort of proper opportunity to be judged.
Wigley's opening seven games have been amid the most difficult circumstances of any new incumbent to a Premiership hot-seat.
Thankfully, though, the past fortnight has seen many of the darkest clouds lifted.
Most important, Wigley's own position now looks secure following the resolution of the pro-licence saga as well as the appointment of a new first-team coach in Christian Damiano.
There is now a clear chance to move forward.
Yesterday, Wigley revealed he had known before the Manchester City game that all would be okay regarding the pro-licence, but for the fans, players and staff at Saints, the new certainty has been hugely reassuring.
It was also welcome to hear chairman Rupert Lowe openly state this week that the Wigley/Damiano combination would finish the season.
"It's been a very turbulent six or seven weeks - there's no two ways about that," said Wigley.
"I always felt a conclusion would be reached and I actually knew the last game about the dispensation but I couldn't say anything about it.
"It was frustrating standing there after the game and still being asked questions on the subject. It is nice it has gone away.
"Really it was a ridiculous story because if anyone had really wanted to look at it they would see with the likes of Eddie Gray and Chris Coleman that there was certainly not as much publicity attached to the same thing.
"It is just nice that is gone now and we can concentrate on football.
"There's been a lot of panic and a lot of talk but basically if you win a game things change very quickly.
"You take away all the politics and we need to win and we need to play well to win."
The resolution of those off-field matters should hopefully help on the pitch, although even when it comes purely to football, it has to be said that Wigley is not having much good fortune.
The injury-list was bad enough when he took over, but to now face possibly losing the entire senior strike-force really is beyond belief.
Yet through all the turbulence, Wigley has handled himself extremely well while in the firing line.
With the issues off the pitch now resolved, he has earned support for his players on it.
What's more, even if a little patience is needed, he deserves time to arrest the flagging start.
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