Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes has declared that he and his team-mates are fully focused on securing the Championship title this season, despite the club's turbulent build-up to the campaign.
The Saints were excluded from last season's play-offs as a consequence of the so-called Spygate affair, a scandal that continues to cast a shadow over the club just weeks before the new season begins. Head coach Tonda Eckert was recently charged by the Football Association for his part in the episode, which involved spying on rival clubs and bringing the game into disrepute. A decision on any sanction against Eckert is still pending.
Despite starting the season with a four-point deduction as punishment for the affair, Downes insists the setback has only strengthened the resolve within the squad. The 27-year-old, who has become one of Southampton's most influential figures since arriving on loan from West Ham United in 2023 before making the move permanent a year later, believes the club has used the controversy as motivation heading into the new campaign.
"The club, players and staff have really come together," Downes told BBC Radio Solent. "It's as if we have a chip on our shoulder and we want to put those wrongs right, we're going [into the season] to win the league this year."
He added that the squad remains unfazed by the points penalty imposed on them before a single match has been played. "I know we're starting on minus four points but our mindset is that we're winning this league and that's it," he said. "We had the chance last year but didn't get to [achieve it] for whatever reason but we're looking strong so far."
Southampton have spent part of their pre-season in Germany, where they impressed with victories over Eintracht Braunschweig and Preussen Munster. The club now turns its attention to competitive fixtures, beginning with a Carabao Cup tie away at League Two side Colchester United this Saturday. Their Championship campaign will then get under way the following weekend with a trip to Watford.
Downes, who has made over 100 appearances for the Saints across three seasons, contributing six goals and four assists, is entering his fourth year at St Mary's in what he describes as peak physical and mental condition. He credited the coaching staff, and in particular Eckert, for aiding his development both on and off the pitch.
"Everyone feels ready to go now," Downes said. "Personally, I feel really good and, to be honest, this is probably the best I have ever felt, the gaffer's been unreal with me. I feel like my game's developing, my football IQ's getting better and physically I'm improving too, let's see what the season holds."
With the ongoing FA disciplinary process surrounding Eckert still unresolved, Southampton face a season complicated by off-field distractions. Yet, judging by Downes' comments, the playing squad appears determined to channel the adversity into on-field success, aiming to overturn the early points deficit and mount a serious title challenge in what promises to be a demanding Championship campaign.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.