Had this been a week ago, ahead of T20 Finals day and before an eight point deduction in the County Championship for an improper pitch was announced, the feeling amongst Hampshire fans would likely be overwhelmingly positive.

A win at Sussex in the Championship last week could have seen them rise as high as fourth in the table, and finals day is always an incredibly exciting prospect, especially given the talent available on the day. Add to that the club’s participation in the Metro Bank One Day Cup final, success seemed very much on the horizon.

But the club lost to Somerset in the T20 final, rain scuppered any chances of a positive result at Hove, and the points deduction was confirmed in the red ball game, pushing the club ever closer to Division One relegation. Whilst success in the ODC is very much feasible, player availability certainly makes it harder. Liam Dawson and Scott Currie were both stars in the semi final win against Yorkshire, but have been selected for England’s T20 series against Ireland and won’t be available for the final. Captain Nick Gubbins pulled up whilst bowling yesterday against Somerset; given his blistering form in the ODC and exceptional leadership qualities displayed, he would be a monumental miss. Thankfully, Gubbins has returned to the field and has batted, although he got out for just 5.

Whilst the white ball competitions have offered some much needed success this season, the red ball has been hugely disappointing. The absence of James Vince has been sorely felt, and there have once again been many questions around the opening batters at the club. Overseas Tilak Varma offered vast quality in his few games, helping bat out some draws, but he wasn’t at the club long enough to help drag them out of any relegation battle. The bowlers have, for the large part, impressed, especially Kyle Abbott, who at the time of writing, has taken 46 wickets @ 20.85. They are outstanding numbers from the overseas, who never fails to impress in a Hampshire shirt. His partner in crime, Keith Barker, is another one who has been a major miss, having not played any red ball cricket until September. He has been so key in previous years, but was forced to miss the majority of the campaign due to a 12 month suspension from cricket, imposed by the National Anti-Doping panel. Jack Edwards was signed as an overseas for the start of the season, but got injured before being able to fly over. The points deduction, for a “substandard pitch” at home to Sussex (despite John Simpson and Finn Hudson-Prentice getting good scores in the game), has summed up a red ball campaign where not a lot has gone right.

The table remains very tight, but how the Rose & Crown would love those eight points back right now. On lunchtime of day three against Somerset, Hampshire are in a very bad position, and will need to dig very deep over the next day and a half to force a draw, with no rain likely. That means they go into next week’s clash with potential title winners Surrey needing a win – they will not want to rely on Durham losing at Yorkshire (assuming they draw with Worcestershire this week, which looks likely). If Durham do draw this week and Hampshire lose, the Rose & Crown will find themselves firmly in the relegation zone.

New owners the GMR group have certainly tried to aid Hampshire, by adding Washington Sundar to the ranks – quite a handy replacement for Liam Dawson. They were a main driving force behind the addition of Varma, too. In fact, the repertoire of overseas players that have played for Hampshire this season is quite phenomenal. Dewald Brevis, Lehuan-dre Pretorius, Chris Lynn, Hilton Cartwright, Bjorn Fortuin, Brett Hampton, Abbott, Varma and Sundar have all represented the club, most of whom excelling in the process.

Should the club be able to steer clear of relegation in the coming week, the ownership will surely be looking to add some batting firepower to the ranks, whether that be with another overseas signing, or hopefully a signing from another country for the long-term. Whether they look to splash the club if the club were to be relegated will be fascinating to see.

Relegation would be a very harsh way for Adi Birrell’s tenure at the club to end, having served the club so well as head coach over the last seven years. The time does feel right to move on, but it would feel somewhat sickening if it was to be all over with relegation.

Jimmy Adams is surely a name in contention for the job, a legend at the club, but seemingly a fantastic coach too, given how well he has led the side in this year’s ODC. A win in the final against Worcestershire would surely put him at the front of any queue for the job, if the success so far hasn’t already.

You would hope, as well, that any trophy won in that competition would help catapult the team over the line in the County Championship, such is the buzz around the place upon winning a trophy.

Of course, it must also be mentioned the large amount of success achieved this year, especially forcing players into the England set-up, which has been a struggle for so long. Liam Dawson has deservedly found himself back in the fold, playing in one test against India (harshly dropped for the fifth and final test), and is now a regular in the T20 lineup ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Homegrown talent Scott Currie has just received his maiden call-up, and will be hopeful to play some part in the series against Ireland, after a wonderful white ball campaign. Rapid Sonny Baker joined in the winter from Somerset, and whilst he has struggled for control at times, his extreme pace has been coveted by England, leading to a debut in ODI cricket against South Africa – and he is also likely to make his T20 debut in the Ireland series. Young Eddie Jack played for the England Lions before he had really had a chance to impress for Hampshire, as he is so highly rated by coach Freddie Flintoff. Finally, youngsters Ben Mayes (who looks an incredible talent) and Manny Lumsden (who possesses incredible pace for a 16 year old) have both found opportunities in the England U-19 set-up, which bodes well for the future.

Andrew Neal, discovered from National County Hertfordshire, is also likely to sign a pro contract this winter, having impressed so much in the ODC. Might the club try and source other gems like Neal from other minor counties?

One week ago, two trophies were on the line and relegation seemed a fairly unlikely possibility. Had both trophies been tied down, and the club safe from relegation, no doubt it will have been a highly successful season, and a good way for Birrell to go. Going into the final week of the season, one trophy is lost, one is still to play for, and relegation is a very, very real threat. The near-future and subsequent successes of this cricket club may just hinge on how the next week and a half goes.