Football Season Guide

Two consecutive years the Saints flirted with danger and narrowly avoided the drop. Last season the appointment of Hasenhuttl in charge was what transformed the campaign, with over 80% of the points collected after the Austrian took the reins in December. Hasenhuttl has already proved that he could be a very good manager for the talented youngsters in the squad, with all of Bednarek, Valery and Ward-Prowse establishing as regulars and expected to continue being used a lot into the new season. With no major departures this summer and several good signings, the Saints look determined to do better. Focusing on the displays at home will be the likely first step as in the last 2 years only those sides that got relegated earned fewer points in front of their own fans. Signing the most prolific striker from last season, Ings, permanently was great piece of business, but to prepare for possible injuries to the fragile forward, young goalscorer Adams also was added to the squad. Djenepo is the third major new arrival at the moment of writing, with the winger impressive in Belgium’s top flight, but not expected to be as effective in racking up assists in the Premier League. Saints are expected to invest in youth this season, with Hasenhuttl already having a proven record of developing young players very well. If the intensity on the pitch is as high as the gaffer always wants it to be, Southampton should have better campaign than the previous one.