SAINTS owners Sport Republic have released a statement addressing supporters after the club’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.
Fulham took a 2-0 win back to Craven Cottage from St Mary’s to condemn Saints to relegation into the Championship.
The result ends an 11-year stay in the top flight and comes only 18 months after Sport Republic, funded by lead investor Dragan Solak, acquired a majority shareholding in the club from Gao Jisheng.
Sport Republic, spearheaded operationally by Rasmus Anksersen and Henrik Kraft, have appointed two managers – Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles – following the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The statement reads: “Today is a hugely disappointing day for everyone associated with Southampton Football Club.
"We have fought tirelessly as a club throughout the season, but the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world and our results were simply not good enough to stay there.
"We are particularly saddened and frustrated that our first season as controlling shareholders in Southampton Football Club has ended in relegation. While this outcome is distressing for all of us, now is the time to demonstrate unity. We are grateful to our managers, our players, our staff and above all our fans for battling to the end to keep the Saints in the top tier.
"Our work begins today to return Southampton Football Club – an inaugural member of the Premier League with a rich history – to where it belongs. We want to reassure our supporters, our partners and our staff that we remain fully committed to achieving long-term success for the club at the top level.
"We must now reflect on the lessons to be learned from this season and start preparing for the challenges ahead of us in the Championship. Our goal is to return to the Premier League as soon as possible and ensure that we stay there.
"At the same time, we will continue to focus on the long-term development of the club, both on and off the pitch, to ensure its sustainability at the highest level.
"We understand that significant improvement is required, and at the end of the season we will announce our immediate next steps and provide details of how the club will operate moving forward.
"We cannot thank our fans enough for the fantastic support they have given the team throughout the season. Your commitment to the club is an inspiration and one of the foundations that will support Southampton’s return to the top flight.
"Dragan, Henrik & Rasmus - Sport Republic."
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