SO IT`S COME TO THIS....

There are lots of heroes in the annals of Southampton Football Club, but I just want to tell the story of how just two of them have recently been treated by the regime now running the club under the chairmanship of Rupert Lowe.

For years now, hanging proudly in the corridors of power at St. Mary`s, there has been an iconic picture of former Saints manager Lawrie McMenemy holding the FA Cup aloft after he had guided the team to victory in the 1976 Final over Manchester United. A few months ago, Saints played against Doncaster Rovers at their Keepmoat Stadium and to mark the occasion, Lowe was presented with a picture of a locomotive by the Doncaster Board. Now, Lowe and McMenemy have not seen eye to eye for years, so Lowe decided to take down the FA Cup photograph and replace it with the one of Doncaster`s train. As if there isn`t space enough in a 32,000 seater stadium.

The word `legend` is used too glibly these days when referring to footballers, but there can be no argument about calling David Armstrong a Saints legend. Moving from Middlesbrough to Southampton in 1981, Armstrong played well over 200 games for Saints, spread over six seasons. He also played for England and was Saints Player of the Season in 1983/4. As a gifted, hard working left sided midfield player he featured in Saints teams which in those glory days included the likes of Kevin Keegan, Alan Ball, Peter Shilton and Mick Channon. One of the best goals ever scored by Saints was this one - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0VSOpeYqgSI&feature=related, in which David Armstrong played a pivotal role.

These days, David does some occasional work for the local radio down in Hampshire which covers Saints matches, home and away. He is, of course, a well-known, much respected figure so it was sad to learn that, at yesterday`s return game against Doncaster at St. Mary`s (Doncaster won 2-1) David Armstrong of all people was `invited to leave` the hospitality area (The Mick Channon Suite) despite the fact that he was entertaining guests who are always honoured to meet `legends.` Being invited to leave is, of course, the same as being thrown out, only a bit more polite.

You see, these two tales - and there are lots more - simply tell you all you need to know about the regime under Chairman Rupert Lowe. It is petty, small minded, oblivious to the history of this once great club and, frankly, an embarrassment to those of us who have until recently supported the club come what may. Lawrie Mac and Dave Armstrong do not deserve to be treated with the disdain shown towards them. Their problem is that they don`t like Lowe....and his regime has made it clear that the feeling is entirely mutual. I leave you to work out who are the true heroes and who are the villains. It`s not difficult.