Saints Captain Issues Rallying Cry Ahead of New Season
Southampton FC captain Jack Stephens has insisted that his team is determined to achieve what they "deserved" to achieve last season - promotion to the Premier League. The skipper spoke publicly for the first time since the end of last campaign, which saw Saints expelled from the play-off final for spying.
What Happened?
The controversy surrounding the team's expulsion from the play-off final has been well-documented. Stephens acknowledged that it was always going to be a lot of eyes on the team and question marks, but he insisted that it has been business as usual for the players.
Why It Matters for Southampton
The team will start the new Championship campaign on minus four points and are still awaiting a final decision on the punishment to be handed to head coach Tonda Eckert, who took responsibility for authorising the spying missions. Stephens praised the support from the fans and the owner, who has been exceptional in his support for the team.
What Comes Next?
Saints have just one final friendly of pre-season before they kick off their new campaign with a trip to League Two Colchester United in the Carabao Cup first round next Saturday. The Championship season starts the following weekend with a trip to Watford on Sunday, August 16. Stephens expressed his excitement for the new season and his desire to get off to a good start.
The team has been working hard over the summer and has come back with a real positive mindset and determination to achieve what they want to achieve. Stephens acknowledged that it was a really difficult situation to go through, but he believes that the team has bounced back from it. He praised the support from the fans, who have been with the team throughout last season and ever since they've come back.
Saints have just one final friendly of pre-season before they kick off their new campaign with a trip to League Two Colchester United in the Carabao Cup first round next Saturday. The Championship season starts the following weekend with a trip to Watford on Sunday, August 16. Stephens expressed his excitement for the new season and his desire to get off to a good start.
The team has been working hard over the summer and has come back with a real positive mindset and determination to achieve what they want to achieve. Stephens acknowledged that it was a really difficult situation to go through, but he believes that the team has bounced back from it. He praised the support from the fans, who have been with the team throughout last season and ever since they've come back.
League Standing
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in Championship, 80 pts, 22W-14D-10L from 46 games, recent form WDWDD.
Goals This Season
Goals this season: 82 scored, 56 conceded (+26 goal difference).
Title Race
Title race: 15 points behind leaders Coventry.
Next Fixture
Next fixture: vs Wrexham (at home, 2027-02-20) (7th in the table).
