Fulham the final straw for 'Saints' boss Hughes

Southampton chiefs are ready to swing the axe on the tenure of Mark Hughes, as the 'St Mary's side have endured a rather shocking start to the current campaign. 

The 'Saints' sit in 18th place, just three points off their rock bottom weekend hosts Fulham, and are well and truly embroiled in another relegation scrap this season. 

In a series of erroneous appointments in the managerial hotseat, the Southampton hierarchy are keen to make sure that if they get rid of Hughes, they will be safe from the drop once and for all. 

Hughes replaced Argentine Mauricio Pellegrino in March last year, and managed to drag the club away from the dreaded drop zone with only games to spare. 

While there is widespread acknowledgement that the release of Hughes' predecessor was delayed for far too long, the club are unwilling to give the Welshman any more time, if he fails to pick up maximum points on Saturday. 

The club board feel that Hughes is underachieving; he has a squad that is far better than their current league position dictates, and has yet to get started to far this season. 

A restructuring at board level in recent weeks could buy Hughes some much needed time, but the hierarchy's hand could be forced into action a lot sooner if fortunes are not drastically rejuvenated.

With games against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur immediately after the grudge match at Craven Cottage, it could be a case of when, not if ,Hughes loses his job.