Read through this thread with interest and don't really agree with the crossroads idea. Seems to me Saints have a fairly good squad that should maintain a mid table position without too much difficulty. I think you can continue much as you are and have league finishes plus or minus 3 or 4 positions on half way, with maybe a cup win now and again.
It seems to me that geographical position is a major factor in being top six regulars, you need to be major city clubs in London, Manchester and the like. Young men with loads of money have other interests than football, and clubs like Leicester, Newcastle, Southampton, do not have the pulling power of London, Madrid, Rome, Paris, regardless of participation in the Champions League.
Another major factor is the quality of owner, and here Saints are very lucky to have had the involvement of the Liebherr family. I must admit I feared for you when Dad died but Katrina has done a remarkable job thus far. Should she pack it in life would become a bit of a lottery. Blackburn quickly departed the scene when Jack Walker gave it up.
The biggest danger is falling into the hands of bad/crooked owners. My own club are not the only ones nearly destroyed by owners with the wrong motivation. Bolton appear to be the most recent victims. Here's hoping the stewardship at Southampton can avoid such pitfalls for the long term.
Finally the Manager is another big player. I think geography comes into it again with the power of the big city clubs working in their favour. Successful managers bounce around the top clubs and any new talent emerging from below is quickly snapped up, with anyone failing at the top is soon dropped.
My own view of Saints recent managers is that Pardew and Pochetino (?spelling) were the best you have had. Not convinced about Koeman, too reliant on Dutch players and not too astute tactically.
Anyway, just pointing out that there is far more in play than who you sell and buy. There are huge forces working against the 'lesser' clubs and just staying as a Premier League regular is amazing success. I reckon Saints have what it takes to achieve it, and beating yourselves up because you're not challenging for CL is crazy.
