Southampton currently sit tenth in the Championship with 14 games of the season to go.
With this in mind, Tonda Eckert’s side could look to construct a play-off charge in the closing stages of their campaign.
Ahead of this, we spoke to Alex Comber, The Lower Tiers’ Southampton Correspondent and a Saints fan about what to expect and how the season has gone so far.
Question 1: Southampton currently sit tenth in the league. How do you feel your team has performed so far this season?
“It’s been a weird season for Saints. They played some dull, turgid football under Will Still, which has meant play-offs is the end goal this campaign, rather than automatics. Overall, they’re in a better place to kick on now.”
Question 2: Compared to your feelings before the season started, would you say your thoughts now are more positive or negative?
“Very negative! I thought they were well set up to push for automatics, in a weaker Championship. But it’s been pretty disappointing and an opportunity missed.”
Question 3: Who would you say has been your best player so far this campaign?
“Leo Scienza, by a country mile. How Sporting Director Johannes Spors managed to get him to drop down from the Bundesliga to the Championship is beyond me.
“He’s easily a Premier League player, and is comfortably the best winger in the Championship.”
Question 4: Who has surprised you the most this season, and why?
“I’ve been surprised by James Bree, since he’s come back from his loan at Charlton. He has looked a very reliable option, I’m hoping he can keep up his form, because he didn’t for the Addicks.”
Question 5: How do you feel your team has performed in cup competitions this season?
“Saints have been okay in the cup. Not been the priority by any means, but they did advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.”
Question 6: Do you think your manager has done a good job this season, and why?
“Will Still – no. Was out of his depth, and never got the players onside, massive failure.
“Tonda Eckert – more complicated. Since coming in as manager in December, he’s had his good spells and his bad ones.
“Six wins from his first seven were good, the team was direct and exciting. The seven games that followed were poor, and uninspired.
“The five games since changing formation have looked positive, and his in-game management has improved, but I’m still not sure he’s the best man for the job!“
Question 7: Have your owners supported your team enough this season?
“Owner Dragan Solak is not doing a good enough job, by any means. He gave Sporting Director Spors no money to spend in January, but supported him with £50m in the summer.”
Question 8: Which position has been the most beneficial to your side this season?
“The midfield has been quality. A lot of depth and competition has come from there.”
Question 9: Which position do you feel has held your team back the most this campaign?
“The goalkeeper and striker positions were not sufficient coming into the season. This was (hopefully) rectified in the winter window, but one to look back on with regret in the summer.”
Question 10: What do you believe to be a realistic aspiration for the Saints in the closing stages of the season?
“The aspiration is making the play-offs. By no means is the club ready to get promoted this season, but they’ll need to give it a decent go to keep fans onside. Unfortunately, this summer spells another rebuild.”
