SAINTS yesterday finally drew a line under the great managerial saga of 2004.
Given all the changes in recent years, that line is currently drawn in pencil but it can only be hoped head coach Steve Wigley and new right-hand man Christian Damiano can deliver the results which will provide a fresh feeling of stability and positive momentum.
If not - and even with Rupert Lowe's assertion yesterday that the current structure would remain in place until the end of the season - it will not take long before the nasty whiff of uncertainty again spreads.
For now, though, this is the chance for Wigley to assert his authority at the club.
His personal position has become far more certain in recent days with the pro-licence situation thankfully sorted and the coaching structure finally being resolved.
Wigley is the boss and is challenged with showing the leadership required to guide Saints clear of the drop zone.
Results, as ever, will judge everything and an improvement is clearly required quickly - even with the horrendous injury list.
It is still fairly early in the season and too soon for panic but, by the same token, Saints have now played getting on for a quarter of their league fixtures and the signs are worrying.
The next two months will define whether this season really will be dogged by the worry of relegation.
As for Lowe, it has been a turbulent time ever since Gordon Strachan left.
First, there was the furore surrounding Glenn Hoddle's planned appointment and then the backlash from Paul Sturrock's sudden departure.
Now there are those who will say he should have appointed a big-name figure at the helm. The title 'head coach' rather than 'manager' has also led to many doubting Wigley's status.
If his areas of responsibility do differ from managers before him, it should be explained. If not, why has the job title changed?
Lowe has complained in recent weeks that there has been much misinformed comment on Saints.
That might be true but you'd think he realises football is not a multi-million pound industry through being anonymous and devoid of a stream of opinion. In any case, a reluctance to share the facts on several key decisions, such as the exit of Sturrock, has hardly helped.
Whatever, the fans and the players will be relieved to have the new certainty which yesterday's announcement brings.
Damiano has outstanding coaching experience and looks a good addition.
But whether permanent marker can yet be added to the line Saints wish to draw under recent upheavals will ultimately depend upon the reaction of the players.
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