Woodward centre of Southampton storm

Sir Clive Woodward's time as Director of Football at Southampton Football Club may be over as second-largest shareholder Leon Crouch has announced his readiness to tell the ex-England rugby coach where to go.

Clive Woodward could be on his way from St. Mary's

Crouch has been involved in the hostile internal coup of chairman Rupert Lowe at the club, which prompted Woodward to call for directors Keith Wiseman, Paul Thompson, Brian Hunt and Ian Gordon to resign, and to describe Crouch as 'a bully'.

Crouch, managing director of the Fuller's group, has bought a 9.95 per cent stake in the club, and has now responded to Woodward's criticisms by calling for a meeting where he will tell Woodward that his services are no longer needed - even if Crouch does not have the ultimate power of dismissal himself.

"Rather than be put off by all this I am adamant that I am going to buy more shares to make changes in this club which I believe the majority of fans want," he said to the Guardian.

"I'm surprised at the things Clive Woodward said and it is not right to say that I haven't returned his calls. He called me twice and I've now rung him back.

"I'm not at his beck and call, I've got my own businesses to look after. I'm away this week but I'll happily come down to the training ground when I get back. I am a shareholder and a fan and I'm entitled to my opinion.

"He is obviously a world-class rugby coach but football is completely different. He hasn't won anything at football and I would have more respect for him if he proved himself in the lower leagues.

"He is costing us money and, while we have been fighting against relegation, I don't think it is value for money. I believe there has got to be fundamental change at the club."

Woodward has gone on record saying he is over-qualified for the work he has been carrying out, a part of which has been the development of a new £2m indoor training facility to be formally opened today.

The largest individual shareholder is Michael Wilde, who has acquired his 18.29 per cent stake in the club recently.

Wilde has met Woodward and says he backs the director of football's partnership with the head coach George Burley.