Southampton FC fans vow to 'march on' despite relegation

Saints’ 11-year Premier League run came to an end on Saturday after the team lost to Fulham 0-2 at home.

It follows a streak of 11 losses in the Premier League.

Despite the disappointing yet unsurprising result, people in Southampton remain optimistic and loyal to their club.

Satvir Kaur, leader of Southampton City Council, previously said: "Whatever happens, and whatever league Southampton Football Club play in next season, We March On.

"We will do what we have always done; support the Saints through good and bad times, continue the great work they do in our local communities through the Saints Foundation, and hope for a better season next year."

Southampton v Fulham during the premier league match at St Mary’s Stadium (Image: Stuart Martin)

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, said: "As a lifelong Saints fan, I couldn’t be more disappointed with our relegation.

"I’m afraid it was becoming inevitable some weeks ago, but I am confident we have the players to get back to top flight football.

"Our fans have been fantastic and endured a lot with our club but they have never failed to get behind the team.

"The city is a better place for having a Premiership side and I'm sure we will soon be back where we belong."

Although some fans are reluctant to return to the stands at St Mary’s next season, others said they will stand by the club.

Jenny Rogers watched the Saints game on Saturday with her friend Elaine Bushrod.

She said: “The players gave their all so what else can they do?

“We’ve followed Saints through all the way from Division One and we will renew our season tickets.”

Elaine Bushrod and Jenny Rogers outside St Mary's (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

For season ticket holder Joe Menzies from West Totton, this is a chance for the club "to reset".

The 42-year-old said: "I’m looking forward to returning to some of the championship grounds and hopefully seeing some more wins next season.

"We can also celebrate goals again without worrying they will be ruled out by VAR."

Fellow season ticket holder Pam Reddin, 74, from Rownhams, said: "It’s been a very disappointing season, the worst in my 64 years of supporting Saints.

"We can only hope for better next year. I will of course continue to support them next season."

READ MORE: How Southampton's excitement unwrapped to become relegation disaster

For Saints legend Matt Le Tissier, a shift is needed.

In a post on Twitter, the former player said: “It’s going to need a huge shift in mentality and a manager able to instil confidence in the young players but if we can do those things then no reason why we can’t come straight back up next season.”

Fans in the stands at St Mary's (Image: Stuart Martin)

READ MORE: An open letter to Saints fans from the Daily Echo

Saints games are known to attract thousands of people from in and around Southampton to the city.

Football fans often soak up the atmosphere in many of the city’s pubs and bars and use other amenities too.

But will the club’s relegation have an impact on revenue in the city?

Peter Taylor, Chair of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce does not think so.

He said relegation is likely to have "limited effect" on businesses across the city.

"Southampton Football Club has been, is and will continue to be a key element of the fabric of the city of Southampton.

"It has a strong following of support in the city, wider region and further afield."

Rod Cake, director of Sharkey's sports bar in Southampton, even suggested Saints' relegation could be a good result for businesses.

He said: "Hopefully Saints will win more games next season, so it might be a positive outcome for the fans and the city.

"From a business perspective, when results go your way, it does make more of a difference.

"I think being in the Championship will be positive.

"And, there's quite a big following of away fans in the Championship so relegation may not make a difference to our business. 

"We will still be partnering with Southampton FC and we wish them the best."