It sure feels like it.  The definition of `fateful` according to the Cambridge Dictionary is "having a very important and often negative effect on the future."  So why the negativity?  Well, today is FA Cup semi-final day for us Saints fans.  We now know that Chelsea are through to the final as a result of their 1-0 win over Manchester City yesterday and today at Wembley the Saints take on Leicester City is the second semi-final.

And anything can happen, of course.  But the default condition of us Saints fans is one of nervousness, uncertainty and an anticipation of disappointment and so we face today with all those emotions, hoping for the best, expecting the worst.  Not helped by the fact that it was Leicester City who inflicted a 9-0 defeat on Southampton at St. Mary`s last season, although to be fair the Saints won 2-0 in the reverse league fixture at the King Power, so maybe there is a glimmer of hope in that.  At around 8.00 this evening, we will know the answer.  At least I won`t be able to watch it even from behind the sofa, as the game is televised by BT - which I don`t have and which might be a blessing in disguise.

In other news, it was good to see Forest Green Rovers manage a 3-2 home win against Scunthorpe to keep their play-off hopes alive.  Following the sacking of manager Mark Cooper last week, Rovers are now under the interim coaching of Jimmy Ball, son of World Cup winner and ex-Saints player and manager Alan Ball - maybe this connection, however tenuous, might be an encouraging omen.

Gillingham went down 3-2 away at high(ish) flying Oxford United, so the Gills have the proverbial mountain to climb if they are to reach the play-offs this season.  I fear the mountain might be a shade too high.   As for Brechin City, yet another defeat (why do I always follow teams who have a preponderance for failure?) this time a 3-0 loss away at Annan Athletic.  Brechin have now amassed just five points from 17 games this season and with their goal difference of minus 31 they are now assured of a place in the play-off with whoever wins the game between the respective champions of the Highland and Lowland Leagues to determine City`s future.

So, a fateful day for Southampton. We`ve had semi-finals before and come through them so here`s hoping.  However, if you don`t hear from me for some time, you will know why.

NOT FAIR

I hesitate to add to the legion of tributes being paid to the sudden and tragic death of Alan Ball. But maybe it will be fitting for an ordinary, average football fan to enter a brief but sincere note of real regret at Alan`s passing.

As a Southampton supporter, of course, I recall Alan playing for us back in the `80s and he had a spell as manager, which proved to be just as telling. It`s no exaggeration to suggest that his `handling` of Matthew Le Tissier, which saw Tiss being given the freedom to play as he wished whilst the rest of the team were instructed to win the ball, give it to Tiss and leave the rest to him, was a huge contribution to the club`s fortunes in that era.

I well recall the day England won the World Cup in 1966 with Alan playing a pivotal role in that success - he was, in truth, the acceptable face of Nobby Styles, with his non-stop running, energy and tireless determination.

But Alan`s unique place in the fortunes of south coast football is assured - player for Saints, manager too...but also manager of our arch-rivals and near-neighbours Portsmouth. Now, a certain Harry Redknapp has also managed both clubs, but he will not be remembered by Saints fans with the same affection that we have for Bally - a genuine, honest, caring football man.

Alan had more than his share of tragedy, losing his wife to cancer three years ago and his daughter suffering from the same problem, although happily now recovered. Alan did not deserve to leave us at such an early age - just 61 - and so, whilst I mourn his passing and thank him for the pleasure he brought, this event has reminded me once again that fame and fortune are no guarantors of a long and happy life and that sometimes life just ain`t fair.