Addicks form continues to improve under Parky Drat and damn. Without even so much as kicking a ball, Charlton effectively moved of the bottom of the table this afternoon when Southampton were hit by a 10-point deduction following an investigation by the Football League, using "independent forensic accountants" who found that Southampton Leisure Holdings Plc were "inextricably linked as one economic entity" to the football club and therefore suffered the mandatory penalty. Southampton FC plan to appeal (more).

Parky will be giving it even more large tomorrow during his press conference. How the 10-point deduction works is interesting and it won't be placed on the Saints until season-end. If they do finish outside the bottom three and with a home game to Burnley and an away at Forest, it is still possible then the 10-points will be imposed then and therefore relegating them.

If they finish bottom three anyway, then the 10-points will be carried over until next season, meaning Southampton start bottom, giving us a better chance of staying up! I know, not remotely funny.

The immediate problem for Southampton is finding a backer, an individual or a group who can make some immediate cash available, something that Charlton did recently. One thing Southampton have got worth some money is their academy and a number of good young prospects. Of course coming out of administration the 'wrong way' will also alert the Football League to further consideration of taking points off, such has happened to Luton, Rotherham and Leeds.

Finally how would we feel last game of the season if by beating Norwich that meant Southampton finished out of the bottom three and their points punishment was dished out this season and not next? Interesting. Nope, I see what I've done there, I said if we were beating Norwich. How silly.  ¶ 12:53