Southampton manager Still pledges to battle amid rising pressure
Southampton's manager, Will Still, affirmed his commitment to securing his role following a 2-0 loss at home to Preston, which ignited demands for his removal on Saturday.
Still's team has endured defeats in three straight Championship fixtures and remains merely three points clear of the relegation places.
Still frustrated from their demotion out of the Premier League last term, the Saints supporters expressed their dissatisfaction by demanding that owners Sport Republic "get out of our club" and by yelling "sack the board".
Even though most of the audience's ire was directed towards the executives, Still, who joined from Lens of French Ligue 1 over the summer, recognises that certain fans are already pushing for his departure too.
"I understand our standing in the standings and how it appears to observers," remarked the 33-year-old, whose path into coaching drew partial influence from his enthusiasm for the Football Manager video game.
"I refuse to quit or wallow in self-pity. As long as I remain, I will keep battling. I will not cease my efforts, yet I realise this is no quick solution, you cannot simply snap your fingers upon entering a situation like ours.
"The atmosphere feels delicate. The squad lacks assurance during matches.
"There is no value in seeking justifications or claiming 'this is unjust' or 'unpleasant'. We must toughen up and press forward."
Rob Edwards faced a tough comeback at Vicarage Road as Watford stunned second-placed Middlesbrough with a 3-0 win.
Dismissed by Watford following only 10 league outings in 2022, yet subsequently guiding rivals Luton to the Premier League, Edwards met a chilly welcome at his former team.
Edwards endured mockery from the Watford followers after conceding a strike from Imran Louza alongside Luca Kjerrumgaard's double.
"We registered more attempts today, but Watford converted three of theirs while we failed to net any. We must sharpen our edge in the final third. It remains an ongoing process and we will improve," Edwards commented.
"Towards the end, we threw everything forward, but today was not ours. Across the initial 13 matches, we have executed many positives, maintained strong defence, and shown plenty of promise."
Divin Mubama's inaugural treble propelled Stoke to a 5-1 thrashing of promotion hopefuls Bristol City at the Bet365 Stadium.
The England Under-21 forward, scoreless since August, bagged two in the opening half before sealing his hat-trick post-interval.
Dutch forward Million Manhoef and Junior Tchamadeu also found the net for Mark Robins' outfit, who overtook the opponents in the promotion chase.
Oxford's Przemyslaw Placheta netted late in added time to secure a 2-2 stalemate versus fourth-positioned Millwall, thwarting their run of five straight triumphs.