“IS IT relief or happiness?” Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy was asked when attempting to sum up his emotions in the wake of the south coast side’s miracle relegation escape.
Moments earlier boss Mark Hughes has been leading jubilant celebrations following Saints’ 1-0 win at fellow strugglers Swansea, which effectively clinched survival.
Mark Hughes ensured Southampton’s survival with a 1-0 win over SwanseaREUTERS
But in the cold light of day McCarthy and his teammates will know there is much more reason to feel relieved than happy after somehow managing to haul themselves to safety.
While performances have undoubtedly improved under Hughes, who has restored his own reputation, this has been nothing but a miserable season for Saints.
One that started with a turgid 0-0 draw at home to Swansea and went downhill rapidly.
While much of the blame for their woes will be directed at Hughes’ hapless predecessor, Mauricio Pellegrino, there are others still on the pay-roll who have to hold their own hands up.
The victory was a rare shining light in a miserable season for the clubPA:Press Association
The appointment of Mauricio Pellegrino was a disaster that almost turned into a nightmareGetty Images - Getty
Most notably vice-chairman of football Les Reed, who has seemingly taken a vow of silence since the house he previously claimed to have built began to fall down.
Since the ousting of former chairman Nicola Cortese, Reed has been the man entrusted with the day-to-day running of the club.
MAKING HIS MARK Southampton open talks with Mark Hughes over new long-term deal after all-but keeping club in Premier LeagueReed was never shy to take the plaudits when things were going well so it is only right he carries the can now, not least for sticking by Pellegrino until it was almost too late and his bungled handling of Virgil van Dijk’s move to Liverpool.
Questions too have to be asked of the recruitment team and their fabled ‘black box’ scouting system.
Serious question marks need to be asked over Southampton’s recruitment policyPA:Press Association
Southampton splashed out a whopping £19m on flop Guido CarrilloAFP or licensors
Hughes’ first priority this summer once he signs a long-term contract will be to move on previous record buys Sofiane Boufal and Guido Carrillo, the two highest profile examples in a number of duds brought in since Ronald Koeman’s departure as manager.
The players too are by no means devoid of responsibility.
Footballers of the calibre of Cedric Soares, Ryan Betrand, Dusan Tadic, Charlie Austin and Oriol Romeu should not be struggling at the bottom of the table yet, Austin apart, all have badly under-performed.
The fans who partied in the stands at the Liberty Stadium deserved their moment of joy at the end of a campaign of suffering, the same for Hughes after his Houdini act.
But when the inquests begin after Sunday’s final game at home to champions Manchester City there are still more questions than answers.
Relief indeed.
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