A disastrous season saw the Saints drop to the Championship under Lowe's chairmanship.
In May 2005, Southampton were relegated from the Premier League for the first time under Rupert Lowe's chairmanship.
The club went through three managers during the season — Paul Sturrock, Steve Wigley, and Harry Redknapp — but none could save them from the drop.
The season was marked by controversy, including the unusual appointment of rugby coach Clive Woodward as a director, which drew criticism from fans and media.
The relegation began Southampton's decline that would eventually lead to administration in 2009.