THESE are the men that could possibly decide the future of Rupert Lowe.

They are also the ones that, according to the likes of Saints legends Mick Channon and Alan Ball, are the ones that have to shoulder their share of the blame for the club's demise into The Championship.

Despite that, and though Lowe is chairman of the Saints and the majority individual shareholder, it could be that his eventual replacement would come from his own board.

One of his directors, Paul Thompson, is a former chairman of West Bromwich Albion and therefore steeped in the knowledge required to run a club.

At present, there are only a few scenarios for fans to consider with regards the board.

1) Lowe to stay as chairman with the status quo being preserved.

2) Lowe's board members ganging up on him and declaring a vote of no confidence in the chairman.

3) Foreign investors declaring their interest.

But, realistically, can we see Russian (or even Serbian) billionaires or American tycoons willing to plough riches into Saints?

With respect, we are talking Southampton FC, not global brands such as Manchester United or Chelsea.

Though Lowe this week mentioned £25m as a figure by which he could consider leaving the club, the truth is somewhat different.

As Daily Echo business editor Ron Wain explains elsewhere on this page, potential investors could well force Lowe out for far less.

HOW SAINTS' BOARD LOOKS:

RUPERT LOWE: (Chairman)

Lowe has been chairman for more than eight years. In that time he has overseen the move to St Mary's from The Dell, but has also seen the club relegated from the Premiership. e has a background working in the city and was one of the team responsible for designing the FTSE 100 Index.

He became chairman of Secure Retirement in 1992, the name by which Southampton Leisure Holdings plc was formerly known.

BRIAN HUNT: (Vice chairman)

Hunt was appointed to the board in 1988 due to his expertise of engineering work around The Dell. Previously owned a building company before becoming a non-executive director. Was a member of the Saints squad in the 1950s.

ANDREW COHEN: (Managing Director)

Became managing director of Saints in 1997. He is a qualified chartered surveyor and a former money-broker. Played a key role in the move to St Mary's.

IAN GORDON: (Director)

Gordon has been a Saints board member since 1988 and was brought in as a legal expert.

MIKE RICHARDS: (Director)

Brought onto the board in 1989 for his accounting skills. A lifelong Saints supporter, he has helped Saints as finance director and now contributes as a non-executive director.

KEITH WISEMAN: (Director)

Has attended Saints matches since the age of seven. Came onto the board as a legal expert in 1987. Wiseman was also chairman of the FA until 1998.

MICHAEL WITHERS: (Director)

Successful businessman based in the Bahamas, Withers has been a board member since 1999. Saints fan since the age of four.

PAUL THOMPSON: (Director)

West Brom chairman from 1999 to 2002. Successful businessman - former Saints shirt sponsors Sanderson was his company - and chartered accountant. Also sits on the company's audit and remuneration committee and is a non-executive director.