NEW Saints boss Will Still commended the club's supporters and insisted they have a big role to play in helping them return to the Premier League.

Southampton fans are itching to feel a connection with the players again after enduring a historically bad season in the top flight.

Supporters were given next to nothing to cheer about as their club dropped back to the Championship with a whimper, winning just twice.

In his first interview with the club, Still told of the warm reception he received from fans on his first trip to St Mary's.

The 32 year old, who has signed a three-year deal with the club, wants to ensure his team are honest with Southampton's "loyal" fanbase.

“I’ve watched a huge number of games from the season and the support has never stopped," the Belgian-born English coach explained.

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 "As difficult as the circumstances and results were at times, the support has always been there.

“The welcome and response I got (at St Mary’s during the Arsenal game), walking around the place, bumping into people, has been brilliant.

“Hopefully, we can get everyone on board and be open, honest people who want to win games of football. Southampton is the right place for that to happen.”

Southampton's home attendance dipped below 30,000 just twice in the league during the 2024/25 campaign, despite the club ending the season on 12 points.

Fans saw just one Premier League win at St Mary's - a 1-0 victory over Everton in early November - and 47 goals scored by the opposition.

Saints conceded five goals at home on three occasions and lost 28 points from winning positions across the whole campaign.

Still outlined how repairing the relationship with fans can help Saints bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

“If supporters can understand and see what we are trying to do, and they can identify with the team on the pitch, they can really get behind us," he explained.

Will Still will aim to win promotion back to the Premier League.Will Still will aim to win promotion back to the Premier League. (Image: Stuart Martin) READ: LAST CHANCE: Enjoy unrestricted access to our Saints coverage all summer for just £3

“It makes a huge difference. If we go back to the COVID years, that was the worst possible time to be a coach or the be playing football.

“Southampton has that fanbase. It’s very loyal and intense when it needs to be, and it understands where the team is at. As much as they can get behind us, the better.

"And as many games as we can win together, because they have an impact on results as well, then the better it is for everyone."

Still's first fixture at St Mary's will be a pre-season friendly against Brighton on Saturday, August 2. Further pre-season games are to be announced by the club.