Southampton started the decade with another slump towards the lower reaches of the table. Charlie Wayman had taken Saints goals with him to Preston. Sid Cann, in charge since the 49/50 season resigned.

Even a team picked by committee, which is was throughout the 51/52 season, was better than the relegation that George Roughton brought to the club in 52/53. Even the new Saints floodlights, which were the first to be competitively used in October '51 couldn't shed any light on how to rectify the problems.

Despite finishing 3rd in 54/55, Saints looked stuck in the 3rd division South and Roughton quit in September 1955.

The new man in charge was Ted Bates and his first full season at the club saw the arrivals of John Sydenham and Terry Paine. Saints looked an improved side and finished fourth.

After a mid-table finish in the new third division, Saints earned promotion back to division two the following year. Reeves, O'Brien, Huxford, Sydenham and Paine made an impressive side.