Saints season will be shaped by the next two games, both at home and against fellow strugglers.

It could be said the destiny of Southampton Football Club rests on the nexy fortnight or so, whilst it cant be disagreed that overall even if they lost these next two games Saints would still have 63 points to go for and therefore a long way off being dead and buried, the fact is that certain times in a season shape the rest of it and this is one of those periods.

Saints wins so far have come against teams where we would have been expected to get a result, we have yet to nick a win against a team above the bottom seven yet and that is the difference between us and say Norwich, the Canaries in 12th are seven points ahead of us, six of those points came in unexpected home wins against Arsenal & Man United and this is where we have failed to perform so far this season, against the bigger clubs.

This being the case it is essential that when we play fellow strugglers, especially at home that we get three points and especially in these next two games, get those six points and we are well set up for the second half of the season, lose them both and we will almost certainly be well adrift of safety.

But its not just our league position or points total that are going to be the issue here, to be blunt if we lose both then I fear that Nigel Adkins will no longer be manager of Southampton Football Club at Xmas, in fact if we were to lose to Reading that I think his fate would be virtually sealed rightly or wrongly.

So these results could change the future of SFC in that a new manager could be in place very quickly if we were to suffer a defeat in even one of these games, especially the Reading game, some would say its harsh to judge a manager on the result of two crucial games, but the real problem is the 15 games that have lead up to these two making them so crucial.

To those who say that we would still have those 61 points to play for and that there is plenty of time, I would still point to how we have perfomed against the top half of the table sides and our failure to win even a point off a club in the top half at the time of meeting them, to stay up in this division we are going to need a minimum of 38 points to be sure, that means getting 25 points in the remaining 23 games, its all about getting the bulk of those points against the sides down their struggling with us, we have already been beaten at Man City and Arsenal and I dont fancy our chances of wins at the likes of Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge.

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simmo400 added 12:13 - Dec 6 At the end of 38 games we will see where we are in the league. If we are relegated it will not be the fault of the odd game but 38 of them. No excuses.
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slynch added 13:29 - Dec 6 If Saints beat Reading and all other games go according to form then Saints will be 15th with a game in hand in 2 weeks time.
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saintmark1976 added 18:14 - Dec 6 Nick, why be so negative? Points gained against Reading or Manchester United have the same value. At seasons end we need a total 36 to 40 points to stay up and there is still plenty of time to get them. In regard to Mr Adkins ongoing position at the club.Do you know something the rest of us do not? if so then pray tell.If not then what use are such unfounded comments? Give the manager a break and get behind the team in the true Southampton spirit of years gone by. If we stay up fine. If we are relegated, so what, at least "we will have given it a go"!

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ExiledSupporter added 18:16 - Dec 6 Nick, you say that if NA was given the shove we could have a new manager very quickly; tho' I have no wish to see NA go despite his apparent failings at this level (his achievements over the last couple of seasons have justifiably bought him the right to expect a greater degree of loyalty than he seems likely to get) I am surprised that a new manager could be so quickly in place. Thank goodness Redknapp is out of the picture, but who would be available quickly...surely only someone out of work because of recent failure - I don't think Hughes would be very suitable, for instance, and someone from the lower leagues would potentially have the same so far not revealed weaknesses as NA through lack of experience at this level. Given the fiasco over transfers during the summer and the need to do something about our glaring weaknesses in January, I am not feeling very confident that NC is capable of appointing just the right individual and giving that individual sufficient freedom to choose his own targets. On the other hand I can readily imagine that NC already has a very short list of replacement candidates in his mind, but will they be any better than the guy we presently have? I'm afraid I don't feel confident about the managerial situation whichever direction the club goes in after the Reading game. Any suggestions about credible hypothetical candidates?

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saintstowin added 19:38 - Dec 6 a very bullish article. the thing that saddens me most about the pressure on adkins (and the team) after so few games at this level (and this pressure was on pretty much from game 4 or so) is how we have been inevitably forced into the premier league/media ridiculousness regarding short term success. Which for me makes this season much less enjoyable, at times. if we get relegated i'd like no other manager to help us rebuild than nigel adkins. i'm not sure he'd return if we sacked him though. what has set us apart from the likes of qpr and other teams is the brilliant, public and vocal support for an under pressure man leading a team who like him are learning steeply every day. that earns respect and i enjoy being part of that and will carry on supporting him. i think that is the best way to get points and develop as a side. i think we'll win both games.

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landsdownsaint added 21:33 - Dec 6 I go home and away to most games and iv got to say I don't really know if I'm enjoying the PL,so for me and maybe a few others going down wouldn't be such a bad thing,regards NA I think he's maybe out of his depth at the moment but I really want him in charge for many more years ...I do believe he loves our club
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WestEndBoy added 22:37 - Dec 6 I hope we stop this Gaston Ramirez Seven Nations Army thing on Saturday.Get back to 'Rickie Lambert Southampton Goal Machine'
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bstokesaint added 13:19 - Dec 7 A bit harsh Nick! I can't see that Adkin's future hinges on this game. I'm disappointed that you'd even suggest it would and surprised you'd believe that we could find a quick and suitable replacement who would suddenly turn our fortunes around. Let's not panic too much.
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saintgus added 15:41 - Dec 7 Not sure i agree with Nigel getting the sack if we do lose the next 2 games, but it will make it very hard to survive if we do, however as a previous post said going back down to the Championship and having mainly Saturday 3 oclock kick offs, will do for me,
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tiptop added 20:21 - Dec 7 You hooked me Nic The pressure will certainly ramp up if we lose the next 2 games ...and other results go against. If we lost the conversation about summer transfers would heat up. I think everyone feels they know that something cant be right re this - and in this case NA should get the benefit of the doubt.I think NA is showing intelligence and is learning.If he has the players on side and they are making the effort with improved results its enough. It comes down to players and whether we have enough quality where necessary - more than NA's failings.. right now.

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