It’s been quite an odd season for our Southampton fans here in the Transfer Tavern.

It all began in the summer as it so often has with key figures leaving thanks to the departures of Ronald Koeman and Sadio Mane to Everton and Liverpool respectively.

Claude Puel was appointed thereafter, of course, and had to help steady the ship once again with Europa League football on the horizon too.

That, though, did not really go to plan as the Saints went out in the group stage leaving many to wonder just where the club were going in terms of progression under the Frenchman.

Of course, their EFL Cup run has been something to behold under the former Ligue 1 based boss but our landlord believes that even if he helps them win the final, Puel could still be sacked in the summer.

Here, then, are two reasons why that could be the case…

 Average league form

The Saints’ league form really hasn’t been up to much this season with the threat of a relegation battle still lingering slightly.

No-one here in the Transfer Tavern really expects them to drop into the mire seriously but results have taken a real dip under Puel since the days of Koeman. You could use the excuse of Europe and the cup competitions but the Saints have been out of the former for a while and things haven’t really picked up. Stay like that for the rest of the season and it could be time for another change.

 Hit and miss signings

Puel’s signings haven’t really cut it this season – let’s be honest.

Sofiane Boufal has shown in glimpses what he can do but has very often been missing or injured this year. He was the marquee name, too, and so the jury is firmly out on Puel in the transfer window. Manolo Gabbiadini looks like he could be good but then the likes of Jeremy Pied suggest that the Saints could do with a better judge of players in charge.

Thoughts, Saints? Let us know below!