Fans make an early exit as new boss takes over (From Daily Echo)

Fans make an early exit as new boss takes over

9:00am Wednesday 20th February 2008 in

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THE few fans that came to St Mary's last night arrived desperate for a performance full of pride and passion in the wake of the appointment of Nigel Pearson as manager.

However, any hope of a response to his unveiling as boss, or a backlash after Saturday's dismal FA Cup display, was soon extinguished.

And the fans were quick to let the club know what they thought about it - both with their voices and their feet.

The game started with a record low 17,806 in the stands - including around a thousand from Plymouth - which was hardly a ringing endorsement of the new boss, who was not introduced to the crowd beforehand.

By the time referee Gavin Ward blew his final whistle, that figure had plummeted further.

In fact, even by half time it was substantially less.

However, it had all looked so much more promising in the beginning.

Although there were no rousing renditions of Nigel Pearson's red and white army,' those present did get behind the side for the first 30 minutes.

Some positive play and evidence of a willingness to close the opposition down gave encouragement to the supporters.

Yet the mood markedly changed thanks to a horrific two- minute spell.

When Plymouth's Peter Halmosi slammed in his side's first, after 31 minutes, following Andrew Surman's errant pass, the restlessness that has become all too familiar at St Mary's this season reappeared.

The home support was swiftly taunted with cries of There's only one Paul Sturrock' from the Plymouth faithful.

Just two minutes later, some fans decided they could take no more.

As Jim Paterson curled home past a bemused Kelvin Davis, a cacophony of boos rang around the ground, followed by the incredible sight of a stream of fans heading for the exits.

Those that remained were quick to inform the players You're not fit to wear the shirt.' Sadly for Saints, that was to be the most vocal moment during the night.

Supporters even began venting their fury at specific individuals, with Jermaine Wright booed whenever he touched the ball.

Unsurprisingly, the reception for the home team at half- time was as frosty as the night air.

Some of the crowd that survived beyond the interval did offer their backing, with the Northam End keeping a fairly constant chorus of Oh when the Saints' going.

But by then most were too entrenched in frustration.

When Jason Euell was substituted in the 77th minute, he received a standing ovation - sadly, it was a purely ironic one.

By the end, there were few left, but those that had remained displayed their anger with a chorus of jeers.

For Nigel Pearson, it was a grim first night on the touchline.

He can expect little, if any, period of grace from the fans.

Ultimately, the only way to win supporters over is to put in good performances and get results.

Judging by the fans' frustration last night, Pearson and his team have a huge amount to do if they are to win back the support of what is fast becoming thousands of disillusioned fans.