Auxerre have officially confirmed the appointment of Will Still as their new head coach, bringing the highly-rated tactician back to French football. The 33-year-old has signed a two-year contract as he looks to rebuild his reputation following a challenging period in England.
Southampton have completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich on a four-year contract for a reported £6 million fee. The Israeli international enjoyed a successful loan spell on the south coast last season, playing an instrumental role in securing a Championship play-off position before the club’s subsequent disqualification.
Southampton's dramatic fall from the Championship play-offs has been further illuminated by the release of damning evidence regarding their widespread spying operation. Leaked WhatsApp messages have exposed the culture under head coach Tonda Eckert, where junior staff members felt forced to monitor secret training sessions of rival clubs. The saga, which culminated in the Saints being thrown out of the promotion race, continues to haunt St Mary's as the full extent of the "top-down" plan is finally made public.
Southampton owner Dragan Solak has pledged his support to manager Tonda Eckert despite the spying scandal that led to the club's expulsion from the Championship play-offs. While the fallout continues and an FA investigation remains ongoing, Solak believes the highly rated coach deserves another opportunity to lead the club forward.
Southampton have released a pointed statement following the publication of the Arbitration Panel's written reasons for rejecting their appeal against EFL sanctions. While the Saints accepted full responsibility for their structural and leadership failures during the 'Spygate' scandal, the club took aim at the EFL, questioning the integrity and impartiality of panel members who reportedly hold historic connections to rivals Middlesbrough.
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert admitted authorising a spying operation that led to the club’s expulsion from the Championship play-offs. An independent commission also condemned the club’s treatment of junior staff members and handed Saints a four-point deduction for next season.
The members of the St. Mary's Church of England Young Men's Association founded a club in 1885, which was referred to by the press as St Mary's Y.M.A. They later became simply St. Mary's F.C. in 1887-88, before changing their name to Southampton St. Mary's upon joining the Southern League in 1894. However, the club became a limited company after their Southern League title win at the end of 1896-97, following which they were known as Southampton F.C.
Who are the owners of Southampton?
Southampton are owned by Sport Republic, a London-based investment firm, who own an 80% stake in the club. Dragan Solak is the firm's lead investor.
What is Southampton's stadium called?
Southampton play their home games at the St. Mary's Stadium, which is South East London's largest stadium. The club started playing their games at this stadium in 2001.
What is St. Mary's Stadium's capacity?
St. Mary's Stadium has a capacity of 32,384, making it South East London's largest football stadium.
How many trophies have Southampton won?
Southampton have won just one trophy throughout their history, an FA Cup in 1976, in which they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final.
How many Premier League (top flight) titles have Southampton won?
Southampton are yet to be crowned the champions of the Premier League. They have never won an English top flight title.
Who has made the most appearances for Southampton?
Terry Paine, with 713 appearances, is the club's record appearance make of all-time.
Who is Southampton's all-time top goalscorer?
Mick Channon is the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 227 goals in 607 appearances, spread across two different stints.
Which famous players have played for Southampton?
Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, James Ward-Prowse, Dusan Tadic, and Bobby Stokes are among the most famous players to have donned a Southampton shirt.
Which famous managers have been in charge of Southampton?
Mauricio Pochettino, Ralph Hassenhuttl, Ted Bates, and Ronald Koeman are among Southampton's most famous managers.
What is Southampton's nickname?
Southampton are also known as The Saints among their own fans and rivals.