Southampton were relegated from the Premier League in last place following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Now, Will Still will look to rebuild and push the Saints towards promotion in the upcoming season.
Before their opening game against Wrexham on the 9th of August, I sat down with Lower Tiers writer and Southampton fan Alex Comber (AlexComber_ on X) to talk about all things Southampton.
Before we start, I would like to take a moment to thank Alex for taking part in this Southampton interview. His insights and opinions aim to give you a better understanding of the Saints ahead of the new season.
The Southampton Interview
Question 1: Southampton Finished 20th In The Premier League Last Season. How Would You Summarize The Season?
“Everything seemed to go against us, whether it was refereeing decisions or missing out on our transfer targets, it was such a testing time. Russell Martin was effectively hung out to dry in his first season as a PL manager; he had no director of football or sporting director helping with transfers, so we were massively underprepared.”
Question 2: What Was Your Favourite Moment Of Last Season?
“The moment it all ended! Apart from that, I was in the Northam for Mateus Fernandes’s goal that put us 2-1 up against Liverpool, which was carnage. In typical fashion, we went on to lose that game anyway.”
Question 3: What Would You Rate Southampton’s Transfer Window Out Of Ten?
“7/10. I could never have hoped to have Mateus Fernandes, Tyler Dibling and Aaron Ramsdale all here with just two weeks until the season starts, so that’s the biggest positive. I’d like to see us sell some more of the ‘dead wood’ and get a few in the door, though.”
Question 4: Who Has Been Southampton’s Best Signing This Summer?
“Out of Joshua Quarshie and Damion Downs, I’ll go for Downs. £6.8 million for a 20-year-old who scored double figures last season, who could be playing Bundesliga football but decided to drop down to the Championship. His ceiling looks high.”
Question 5: Which Area Of The Squad Is The Weakest Right Now And Why?
“The weakest position in the squad right now is in midfield depth. The potential trio of Shea Charles, Mateus Fernandes and Flynn Downes in the centre would arguably be one of the best midfields the Championship has ever seen, but apart from them, we need some backups.
I know Sporting Director Johannes Spors is working on signing a creative midfielder behind the scenes, so hopefully it gets wrapped up soon.”
Question 6: Are Southampton Prepared For Next Season?
“I’m not completely sure. Johannes Spors promised that Saints would be ‘very, very active’ this transfer window, which hasn’t been entirely the case.
Two weeks ago, Will Still also said that there would be a few outgoings before the upcoming camp in Girona, ago, but none have happened. The squad is capable, but bloated. With thirty-one players in the first team, it is hard to be prepared.”
Question 7: What Do You Think Of The Club Currently?
“There is a bit of a mix in views amongst the fanbase. Some have been furious with Sport Republic (our owners), but some are being much more patient. Some of their decisions have been poor, but lead investor Dragan Solak has removed Chairman Henrik Kraft from his role, seemingly at the end of his tether with some of the problems at the club.
The right people have been appointed behind the scenes since Solak took control in January, so he has to be given time to fix the mess made by others. I’m quietly optimistic but cautious at the same time. We’re stuck in the gap between the Championship and Premier League.”
Question 8: Can Will Still Bring Success To The Saints?
“Absolutely. The coup of Will Still was fantastic; it seemed all the stars aligned as he left Reims, and we came in and snapped him up. We have been crying out for an adaptable manager since Ralph Hassenhuttl left, and hopefully Still is the one.”
Question 9: Who Is Southampton’s Best Player Currently And Why?
“Southampton’s best player is Mateus Fernandes, who will comfortably be the best player in the Championship if Saints can keep hold of him. He starred for Portugal in the U21 Euros and is valued at well over £50m by the club.
Aaron Ramsdale is also far too good for the Championship. I feel for him as he deserves Premier League football but can’t seem to get the right move.”
Question 10: What Is Your Prediction About How Southampton Will Do Next Season?
“My prediction is that Southampton will compete for automatic promotion very well. I don’t want to tempt fate and say that they will get it, though!
With Leicester’s point deduction, I can’t see them getting too close, which leaves two relegated teams and Sheffield United in the running. If Fernandes stays, I would confidently say promotion is likely.”
Thank you for reading the Southampton Interview with Alex Comber. If you have feedback about the Southampton Interview, please comment it below.
