SAINTS legend Mick Channon has called on his fellow shareholders to put the fans first again at St Mary's.

Channon believes the Rupert Lowe regime has "neglected" supporters and players "to such an extent, that they are now viewed as almost incidental factors" by the current board.

"Without the fans we have no future," said Channon, "and, in my opinion, our future should be placed in the hands of the consortium led by Mr Michael Wilde.

"At any football club, the supporters are the people that really count.

"They, more than any other factor, are the most important ingredient in making a club successful, stable and proud of the achievements of the team on the pitch.

"The current turmoil Southampton FC finds itself in saddens me greatly."

For the full Channon story, see today's Daily Echo.