Football Season Guide

A poor 2022/23 season saw Southampton finish bottom of the Premier League and drop back down into the Championship. The Saints just never got going and finished the season dismally, failing to win any of their last 13 matches (four draws, nine defeats). It is the first time since the 2011/12 season that Southampton won’t be playing in the Premier League. The off season has seen the appointment of Russell Martin as the club’s new manager. He has earned plaudits for his possession-based style of football in previous stints at MK Dons and Swansea but has yet to lead a club to promotion. There has yet to be an exodus of star players although midfielders James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia among others continue to be linked with moves away. The Saints squad could look very different by the time the transfer window closes. Only two new signings have been made so far. Left-back Manning links up with former boss Martin. Over £10 million has been spent to bring defensive midfielder Charles from Manchester City. The highly rated 19-year-old has already appeared eight times for the Northern Ireland national team. With the willingness to spend in the transfer market Southampton should assemble a strong squad. The problem is that there remains uncertainty over so many players which is hampering preparations especially when a new manager is trying to implement a specific style of play.