Southampton relegation: What effect could it have on the city?

Saints’ 11-year spell in the Premier League could end should they fail to win against European chasing Fulham at St Mary’s in the 3pm kick off.

With the prospect of relegation looming, Southampton fans, business owners and councillors have been offering their thoughts on what relegation could mean for the city.

Satvir Kaur, leader of Southampton City Council, told The Daily Echo: “It’s an emotional roller-coaster being a Saints fan.

“Of course, it’s bitterly disappointing for the club, the team, the fans and our city to see the risk of relegation looming. It not only impacts people’s morale but will mean a blow to our local economy.

“However, whatever happens, and whatever league Southampton Football Club play in next season, We March On!

“We will do what we have always done; support the Saints through good and bad times, continue the great work they do in our local communities through the Saints Foundation, and hope for a better season next year.

Leader of Southampton City Council, Satvir Kaur

READ MORE: How Southampton can be kept alive and relegated in weekend's fixtures

Perry McMillan, former Chair of Southampton Independent Supporters Association, added: “Since attending my first Saints game in 1966, Southampton FC have only been out of the topflight for 10 seasons. To be honest though, the past few seasons have been dire with too many defeats.

“As for the effects on the city, Championship football bring four extra home games but with smaller crowds, it won’t really impact much.”

Peter Taylor, Chair of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce – part of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce said the city of Southampton “will retain a resilient spirit of optimism”.

He added: “The club undoubtedly attracts a large number of visitors on match days many of whom will spend money in venues across the city.

“Any relegation is in all likelihood to have limited effect on businesses across the city as Saints will be the team that others aspire to beat because of its history in the topflight of English football.”

Andy Slack, landlord of Saints Pub in Millbrook, told The Echo: “We show every Saints game that's on TV at our pub. 

“Every match day, we get more punters in, and if they (Saints) do get relegated, of course, it's going to have an impact. But obviously, the pub is called Saints itself, and our customers are very loyal fans. 

“Even if they do get relegated, the fans will still support the team because it's their team. We all support them through thick and thin.” 

Steve Grant from The Saints Web confessed: “It’s such a shame to see us sleepwalk into relegation after £140million spent in the last two transfer windows.

“I’m sure we’ll lose a lot of first-team players over the coming months but the people most affected will be the staff behind the scenes who may well lose their jobs as a result of the relegation and won’t be able to make a multi-million-pound move to another team.”