Saints to appeal against points deduction

Southampton will appeal against the ten-point penalty which has condemned them to Championship relegation.

The Football League imposed the penalty yesterday having investigated Saints' finances since their holding company, Southampton Leisure Holdings plc, went into administration.

Southampton argued because the club itself is not in administration they should avoid the mandatory points penalty but the League decided the deduction stands.

If the south-coast club finish outside the bottom three they will still be relegated as the points will be taken from this season's total, while if they finish in the drop zone they will start next season in League One on minus-ten points.
Saints, currently second-bottom and four points from safety, therefore face the bizarre prospect of playing their final two games for the right to start the League One season on zero points rather than to avoid the drop.

In a statement, the club said: 'We are of the opinion an incorrect conclusion has been reached.' League chairman Lord Mawhinney said: 'The job of the Football League Board is to protect the integrity of the competition and that is what we have done.'