After a sorry season that has seen them occupy one of the relegation spots since November 5, their 12th home defeat of the season against Fulham meant they will be playing the second tier next season.
They last suffered relegation from the Premier League in 2005 – it took them seven years to win promotion back after a period that saw them relegated to League One.
Three managers have occupied the St Mary’s hot-seat this season and none of them have managed more than three league wins with Ralph Hasenhuttl, Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles all failing to find a winning formula at the club.
