Today, the Football League have announced that Southampton Football Club will indeed be deducted 10 points. A decision which effectively brings relegation to the South Coast club and life next season in League One. Incidentally, this will be their lowest league position since 1960 and a world away from a team who had starred next to Arsenal in an FA Cup Final as recently as 2003.
What does this mean in relation to their final two fixtures and for Barnsley FC?
As I understand the situation, it now becomes as essential for Southampton to finish outside of the relegation places this season, as much as it would have done before. Ending up in the bottom three will mean that a 10 point deduction will be applied next season, effectively ending any chance they might have for a rebound back to the Championship.Southampton have to face Burnley and Forest, the latter being of particular importance to Barnsley FC. An incentive for Southampton is there. The Football League have ruled, a decision which I would now expect is irreversible. They now have to rescue the best outcome they can.
Forest must face Blackpool away - before their final game at home to the Saints and by no stretch are Forest out of the mix.
Although not related to the events at Southampton, it's worth also pointing out that Norwich face a difficult home game against Reading before travelling to a recently more effective Charlton.
With Plymouth away at QPR this weekend before taking on the Reds at home, Paul Sturrock's men are not out of it either. This weekend may decide that factor.
Will Southampton be fighting for their future? Are Charlton playing for more than just their pride? Both clubs will have an influence on the outcome for Barnsley Football Club.
The fat lady is just clearing her throat...
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