THE Southern Rail saga has taken another unusual turn with Brighton and Hove Albion's Martin Perry stepping in.

The Albion director has written to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and offered to host talks between the various parties.

It is ludicrous that the boss of a football team should be the one to step up to try and sort this mess out.

But the truth is, the Government, Govia Thameslink (the parent company of Southern) and the RMT union have not managed so far, so what harm can it do.

Last Friday night was the straw that broke the camel's back for Albion.

The train company contacted the club at the last minute to say they were cancelling trains from Falmer, leaving thousands of fans stranded at Falmer station.

In his letter Mr Perry said the last minute cancellation endangered the safety of supporters with children, elderly or infirm friends and family and forced some fans to take the risky alternative of walking home along the A27.

Some Villa fans were even forced to sleep rough in Brighton Station car park having missed their last connection home.

Nothing surprises us when it comes to the county's woeful train service any more.

But this is not a reason to put up with it.

It makes you wonder just how bad it has to get before meaningful action is taken.

For now, as ridiculous as it may sound, all parties should answer Martin Perry's request and join him at the Amex for talks.

At the end of the day, it can't do any harm.