Southampton chairman Leon Crouch believes Rupert Lowe and Michael Wilde are "deluding themselves" if they are plotting a return to the club.Saints admitted last week that Lowe had been in contact with the current St Mary's board, and he has reportedly joined forces with Wilde - the man who ousted him from the club two years ago - in a bid to regain control.

"I think both of them are deluding themselves if they feel this is the right time to come back," Crouch told the Southern Daily Echo.

"It is a very unwelcome approach and a distraction from what is obviously the most important thing for Southampton, which is getting them into a safe position in the league.

"Both of them have had their opportunities. Rupert Lowe had 10 years and 10 managers. He did get us relegated and for the first year in the Championship the club was hovering around the relegation zone for long periods.

"Michael Wilde came in and promised investors his own money and he failed to deliver. I don't think the fans will be fooled or conned by them."

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