Crouch and the rest of the board stood down today after former chairman Rupert Lowe joined forces with the man who replaced him, Michael Wilde, to reclaim power at St Mary's.

Crouch and directors Patrick Trant and Keith Wiseman have resigned rather than face inevitable defeat in Friday's EGM.

Lowe's return will be met with suspicion among Southampton's supporters, many of whom hold him responsible for the club's decline.

Lowe worked with nine permanent managers during his original 10-year tenure on the south coast, including three in their relegation season from the Premier League.

He also took the unusual step of appointing rugby boss Sir Clive Woodward as director of football.

Pearson's job as manager could now come under threat despite masterminding the last-day heroics against Sheffield United that saw Saints stay in the Championship.

Crouch added: "With Nigel in charge, I do believe we have a great chance of a successful season.

"I sincerely hope he is allowed to stay because I know he is the right man for the job."