Premier League Preview

Southampton

Manager: Ronald Koeman
Captain: Jose Fonte
13/14 position: 8th
Top League Goalscorer: Jay Rodriguez 15

If last season was paradise for Southampton fans, it could be said that this summer window has been a complete contrast. The jokes have been in full force, as many fans joked about Southampton having no team next season after selling five of the stars of 13/14, despite the signing of seven new players.

This had been brewing for a while, mind. A squad with some players completely utterly devoted to Cortese, not the club itself, was hurt when the Italian banker ‘resigned’, although with rumours of crazy spending and PR gaffes with potential sponsors could point to him being pushed. Once Pochettino went to Spurs, on a contract agreed back in March and even telling certain players he will sign them once he arrived at White Hart Lane, some of the key players and their agents took full and utter advantage.

Lambert was first, although his move was understandable, given that many felt his peak was behind him and that his move to Liverpool was a dream. But the likes of Lallana and Lovren are venomously hated amongst Saints fans, especially with their behaviour in contrast to the much younger Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers, who dealt with their wishes to leave privately, not in interviews and media leaks.

This is not an asset strip at all, however. The frequently mentioned “FIRESALE” is a rather odd claim too, as all of the moves are for fees that many Saints fans would accept, but were mainly shocked by the number of departures in one window. New boss Ronald Koeman is a very popular man with his honesty and openness in interviews, and his signings of Graziano Pellè, Dusan Tadić, Saphir Taïder, Ryan Bertrand and Fraser Forster add strength, depth and undoubted ability to a decent base already there, which includes Schneiderlin, Rodriguez and Clyne.

Shane Long, whilst a bit overpriced at £12m, is an astute signing, and Steaua Bucharest defender Florin Gardoș could be a bargain at £5m. This is still a team to be feared, and fans should be calm going into the Koeman era, as tension builds towards the first game, away at Liverpool. 12th

FANS OPINION: Connor Armstrong

What is your idea of a good season for your club?
A good season for Saints this season will be a steady mid-table finish, somewhere between 10th and 14th, keeping ourselves out of the way of a relegation battle. It’s a season of rebuilding so we’re just looking for positives signs and progression under Ronald Koeman, who has inherited a difficult scenario.

Worst case scenario?
We start slowly due to the rebuilding process and fail to pick up points early doors. We have a difficult schedule in December/January so we could really do with getting some points on the board early doors.

Best player?
Our best player, at current, is Morgan Schneiderlin. He’s a fantastic player but it remains to be seen whether he will knuckle down and play. So, to give you a second answer — I’d have to say, from what I’ve seen so far, Dušan Tadić. Notable mentions for Wanyama and Clyne.

Player you’d happily drive to his next club?
Billy Sharp. He’s a great bloke but our fans have some odd fascination with him. Ronald Koeman, Mauricio Pochettino (spits) and Nigel Adkins have all decided that he isn’t up to playing at Premier League level, so I wish our fans could just move on. If Billy moved on that’d probably help that process. He doesn’t suit our system, either. (Billy Sharp moved to Leeds United this week)

Fans hero?
José Fonte. He’s just signed a new three-year deal and has been positive about the club and the future of Saints despite all of this summer’s upheaval. He’s now the captain after five season with the club and nobody deserves it more than him.

If you could pick, who would you want your team to do the double over this year?
Liverpool. Not just because Rodgers decided to raid us for three players, but because of the reaction of Liverpool fans and their attitude towards Saints. It’d be nice to show up Lovren and Lallana by beating them twice, after they handled their moves poorly.

League winners?
Chelsea, for me.

Relegated?
Aston Villa, Burnley and West Bromwich Albion.

Surprise package?
I’ll say Leicester City. I’ve seen quite a lot of people writing them off, but I’m backing them to have a solid first season and then to push on from there.

Who will win the golden boot?
Sergio Agüero.