VIEW FROM THE STANDS

Last season was ultimately disappointing. Things started promisingly, but Saints’ form nosedived from March with just one win from 12 games.

The big talking point is the approach of new ownership. They want to emulate the Red Bull- style multi- club model, so it’ll be interesting to see how they go about it. This season will be different

because we might make smart signings to add quality to our starting XI... This is very much wishful thinking.

I won’t be happy unless we improve on 15th. Also, it’d be lovely if we could put a stop to that gnawing stat about losing the most points from winning positions. Our most underrated

player is captain James Ward- Prowse, strangely enough. There’s much talk from outsiders about him only being good in set- piece scenarios, but his work- rate and ability on the ball is criminally overlooked. The fans’ opinion of the

gaffer is mixed. A poor end to last season had many questioning Hasenhuttl’s future, but it’s clear to most that he can’t work miracles with a largely average squad. If he left, he should be replaced by Forest’s Steve Cooper, a proven manager at various levels – he’d be a great fit here. The pantomime villain will be Danny Ings, again. The abrupt end to his time at Southampton, his so- called boyhood club, still cuts deep. The one change I’d make

would be to consistently invest in promising young talent. Tino Livramento’s transfer from Chelsea has been a success, and that’s a realistic model that a club like ours would benefit from. But we must spend more to secure top- tier talent beyond our normal £ 10- 15m range.

We’ll finish 13th.