SAINTS fans this morning reacted in disbelief at news that Paul Sturrock was leaving their club.

The search now begins for Rupert Lowe's seventh manager in just over seven years as chairman after former Plymouth boss Sturrock lasted little more than five months as manager.

Unbelievably, Sturrock departs on the back of Saturday's 3-2 win against Blackburn.

Nick Illingsworth, chairman of the Southampton Independent Supporters' Association said: "Most fans will be shocked by this, although I can't say I'm totally surprised.

"The thing with Rupert Lowe is that it is not always about results. He will look at the club and think about whether he thinks it is going in the right direction.

"I do feel sorry for Paul Sturrock. It is a little bit shocking but the atmosphere in the club is not right."

Stunned fan Chris Beck, from Andover, said: "I just cannot believe my ears. He surely deserved more than two games of the new season. This is absolutely ridiculous."

Saints this morning tried to partially blame the media for Sturrock's departure, despite the fact that senior figures at the club had been openly briefing against the manager for several months.

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