NEW Saints boss Will Still has a big job on his hands, but he will have taken encouragement from Sunday's defeat to Arsenal.
The Belgian-born English coach watched from the stands as his new club suffered a late 2-1 loss to Arsenal hours after Saints confirmed his appointment.
Still, who has signed a three-year deal at St Mary's, will begin preparations for the Championship season when he returns from holiday.
Here are five things Southampton's new manager will have learnt while watching the final game of the season...
The youngsters are ready, especially Jay Robinson
Jay Robinson applauds the supporters following Southampton's defeat to Arsenal. (Image: Stuart Martin) Group technical director Johannes Spors has set development as a major headline for Saints, and Still inherits a club with youngsters ready to burst out.
Jay Robinson caught the eye on his full Southampton debut by showcasing confidence against a top side, which is a positive step towards impressing the new boss.
The 18 year old signed a new long-term deal in April and is expected to play a role in the Championship, although that will ultimately be Still's decision.
Defender Joachim Kayi Sanda, who came on as a late substitute, also looked comfortable in the final 10 minutes of what was his St Mary's debut.
The 18 year old Frenchman has the physicality to play senior football, while Still's fluency in French could help Kayi Sanda get to grips with his tactical demands.
Still finally links up with Kamaldeen Sulemana
Kamaldeen Sulemana caught the eye for Saints against Arsenal (Image: Stuart Martin) Still's Lens reportedly attempted to sign Kamaldeen Sulemana during the winter window, and while their efforts were unsuccessful, the pair will now link up at Staplewood.
Kamaldeen excited supporters on the final day - not for the first time - and could finally kickstart his Saints career under new management.
The Ghana international was a menace on the ball against Arsenal, but his future at St Mary's is uncertain.
The club will consider any decent offers tendered in the summer. However, his time on the south coast may not inspire interest.
Should he remain at Saints, Kamaldeen could be central to Still's plans. He is long overdue a consistent run of performances in red and white.
Ross Stewart can score goals
Ross Stewart ended his wait for a Saints goal against Arsenal. (Image: Stuart Martin) READ: Rusk has 'no doubt' Stewart can be 'effective' in Championship for Saints
Still isn't opposed to his side whipping the ball into the box. No team delivered more crosses in Ligue 1 last season per 90 minutes than Lens (15.88).
It's rather fitting, then, that the first goal he saw Saints score at St Mary's came from a cross - Ross Stewart heading in from a Mateus Fernandes corner.
Stewart has now ended his two-season wait for a Saints goal and will head into the Championship season with confidence after a horrible time with injuries.
The Scot managed 10 goals in 13 Championship appearances for Sunderland before injury struck, and is aiming to return to that potency.
Southampton conceded late, again
Southampton have conceded 22 goals after the 75th minute mark. (Image: Stuart Martin)
Martin Ødegaard's late winner for Arsenal was the 19th goal Saints have conceded after the 80th minute mark.
Southampton have been punished by quality opposition when legs have tired, but Still will need to ensure this trend does not carry through to next season.
Lens conceded 10 goals beyond the 80th minute last season, however, they also managed eight goals, while Saints scored just six in the final 10 minutes of games.
The atmosphere can be great if the product is worthy
Southampton fan sticks his thumb up as he is pictured during Sunday's defeat to Arsenal. (Image: Stuart Martin) During a horrendous season, Saints fans have never allowed their support to dip below excellence. Now they deserve a product worthy of that.
After Stewart nodded in the equaliser, Still got a flavour of how things will feel inside the stadium if his side is winning games.
The stadium was equally boisterous following early drives forward from Kamaldeen and Mateus Fernandes. The fans want to be loud and proud.
Still believes in winning games in whichever way you can. After two idealistic managers, the 32 year old will win immediate support no matter how the victories come.
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