Southampton make Derby County Premier League record stance clear with brutal message

Southampton boss Ivan Juric has challenged his players to prove they are not the “worst team in the history of the Premier League” as relegation looms.

Derby County posted just 11 points in the 2007/08 season, first under Billy Davies as manager and then Paul Jewell, to set the unwanted record.

They won just one game all season - 1-0 over Newcastle United in September - and drew eight more in a campaign punctuated by heavy defeats to Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham, Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Just how poor the Rams were that season is emphasised by the fact that fellow relegated sides Reading and Birmingham City each posted 36 and 35 points respectively.

The Saints, currently on nine points with nine games to play, still have time to avoid taking on the Rams' record - but time and games are running out.

They resume their lacklustre campaign at home to FA Cup semi-finalists Crystal Palace on Wednesday, prompting Juric to issue his defiant message.

While relegation back to the Sky Bet Championship is set to be confirmed sooner rather than later, Juric – who replaced Russell Martin just before Christmas – expects total commitment from his ailing team over their final nine games.

“I don’t want it to be that we are the worst team in the history of Premier League," he said during a pre-match press conference.

“If we can be not the last on the table, we have to do our best, so in this moment, this is our goal. I think we are in good shape, we can do it.

“We have a good opportunity against Crystal Palace at home and we should prepare one game per game.”

Juric’s own future remains uncertain, despite having been given an 18-month deal on replacing Martin

However, the former Torino and Roma boss maintains he just has to focus on the here and now.

“I think if you want to create something, you have to have people with a strong idea, knowing what they want and start to build up something, start to create something,” the Saints boss said.

“Sometimes, though, you come to try to do it best with the players you have.”

What are your memories of 2007/08 as a Rams fan? Click HERE to join the debate

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