Southampton supporters have been drowning their sorrows in recent times after seeing their side suffer a sixth Premier League defeat of the campaign at the weekend.

Mark Hughes’ men went into their clash with champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium off the back of successive 0-0 draws against Newcastle United and Bournemouth, yet having failed to taste success in the league since their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace back on September 1. And that remains their only league victory to date as a brace from Raheem Sterling as well as strikes from Sergio Aguero, David Silva, and Leroy Sane, alongside a Wesley Hoedt own goal, inspired the Citizens to a 6-1 win on Sunday, thus leaving the Saints just two points clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone.

As such, there have been many disappointed and angry Southampton fans up and down the country in recent times, several of whom are beginning to turn on manager Hughes, who has overseen just one league win in their opening 11 matches so far this term.

Thus, it’s time for the Saints hierarchy to cut their losses and get rid of the ex-Stoke City chief, with Sam Allardyce the man they must turn to if the South Coast outfit are to remain in the Premier League this season.

Ultimately, one mustn’t forget the job Hughes did in steering Southampton away from danger last season, what with the club very much in the relegation mire when he was appointed back in March, only to finish a place above the bottom three come the end of the campaign.

Yet the 55-year-old has been unable to take the club forward since then with only one league win so far this term, in which time they have managed a paltry seven goals to underline just how much of a struggle this season looks set to be for the South Coast club.

And after another heavy defeat on Sunday, time is running out for manager Hughes, yet the Saints hierarchy must make the move now to relieve him of his duties, with Allardyce the ideal man to come in and move the club up the table.

The former England boss has an outstanding record when it comes to keeping teams in the Premier League, be it remarkably leading Sunderland to safety back in the 2015/16 campaign, doing the same again with Crystal Palace the season after, and indeed moving Everton away from the drop zone last term to the dizzy heights of eighth place.

And while many Saints fans are likely to bemoan Allardyce’s appointment given the negative style of play likely to be implemented by the 64-year-old, it’s not as if their club are playing particularly great football now under Hughes - the difference being that they may actually get some results under Allardyce.

Ultimately, things look to be heading only one way for Southampton under Hughes, and while it’s still early in the season and they aren’t actually in the bottom three, the slide needs arresting quickly before it’s too late - Hughes simply isn’t the man for the Saints at present.

And while it’s an appointment unlikely to be met with huge enthusiasm, Allardyce might well be the man to keep the Saints afloat this term, which is why they must seek to axe Hughes in favour of the ex-England chief.

Southampton fans… what do you think? Let us know!