SOUTHAMPTON Independent Supporters Association chairman Nick Illingsworth believes the coming weeks could see all Saints fans "having to look to their consciences" in the wake of a possible Glenn Hoddle return.

Illingsworth met chairman Rupert Lowe at St Mary's yesterday after calling on the Saints chief to meet SISA to explain recent events surrounding the managerial situation.

And Lowe gave absolutely no indication that an appointment - be it Hoddle or anyone else - is imminent.

Illingsworth said: "Rupert is totally aware that if he appoints Glenn Hoddle then he is making a decision that could split the club and its fans in two.

"The feeling I had was that Rupert is totally prepared to make that decision, if he feels that it is in the best interests of the club.

"Should he make the choice - and he stressed it was a far from foregone conclusion at this moment - he said he would hope the fans would understand that some decisions are difficult and that time should be given to ascertain whether it was wrong or right before jumping on any bandwagon."

Illingsworth is calling on angry Saints fans not to walk away from the club in their hour of need.

"For many, the apointment of Hoddle would be the straw that breaks the camel's back and they would show their displeasure with their feet by not attending games," he said.

"But who would they really be hurting? I would say themselves and, at a time when the club really needs their support - ie during a time of crisis.

"If Hoddle is appointed, what would we be able to protest against?

"We can't protest against bad results before they have happened, and prolonged protest would only damage the team on the pitch.

"The following weeks could see every fan having to look to their consciences and deciding their own personal reaction to an unpopular appointment.

It's a situation that very few clubs in the game's history have found themselves in."