Football Season Guide

After being promoted via the play-offs in 2024, Southampton went on to have one of the worst Premier League campaigns in history. Saints finished with just two wins and 12 points – only one more than Derby in the 2007/8 season, which remains the lowest tally. Russell Martin admirably but naively tried to stick to his principles of possession football and playing out from the back, which were ruthlessly exposed at a higher level. Even when he attempted to change approach, the squad simply didn’t have the quality to compete in the top flight. Martin was sacked in December after losing 13 of the opening 16 league games. Ivan Juric replaced Martin but Southampton already looked doomed and he couldn’t do anything to arrest the slide, claiming just 4 points from 14 league games. The Croatian was sacked after Saints were relegated earlier than any team in Premier League history. 32-year-old Will Still becomes the youngster manager in Championship history, taking his first job in English football after years of hype around him for his work in France at Reims and Lens. Still adopts a high-energy pressing style and has shown tactical flexibility, so he could be the breath of fresh air that the club needs right now. Saints have seen some notable players depart this summer, especially at the back. First choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale along with defensive stalwarts Kyle Walker-Peters and Jan Bednarek have all left. Paul Onuachu, who was their top scorer in the Premier League, and talented winger Kamaldeen Sulemana have also gone, whilst rumours persist over young star Tyler Dibling. Despite the departures, it remains a large squad with many players returning from loan spells who have shown they can perform at this level like Shea Charles, Ronnie Edwards and Ben Brereton Díaz. Only two new signings have been made so far. Centre-back Joshua Quarshie and striker Damion Downs both arrive from the Bundesliga so will need time to adapt. More business will be needed if Southampton are to live up to their tag as one of the title favourites.