SAINTS got their pre-season preparations started this week as some players returned from their holidays to undergo physical testing.

While not all players attended the first day, the likes of Tyler Dibling, Alex McCarthy and skipper Jack Stephens had their fitness put to the test.

New boss Will Still watched on, and that was likely his first opportunity to speak properly with his new players and get a glimpse of how they train.

Saints have released a series of images and videos from the first day. Here are five things we noticed from the clips...

Will Still in Saints gear for the first time

Will Will Still still be smiling by the end of the 2025/26 Championship season?Will Will Still still be smiling by the end of the 2025/26 Championship season? (Image: Southampton FC) New boss Will Still was pictured wearing Saints training gear for the first time as he spoke with players and staff in videos shared by the club.

The Belgian-born English coach was always in regular clothes while on media duties following his appointment last month. 

Still's backroom staff was confirmed earlier this week, with Paul Trollope joining as his assistant and Ruben Martínez arriving as goalkeeper coach.

Adam Lallana, who ended the season as interim assistant, has joined as first-team coach, and Carl Martin has also kept his role as coach.

Saints are yet to reveal their kits for the 2025/26 campaign, meaning we have more things to look forward to during a busy summer.

Forwards returning from Championship loans

Adam Armstrong is back with Saints following his loan switch to West Brom.Adam Armstrong is back with Saints following his loan switch to West Brom. (Image: Southampton FC) Loanees Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Diaz were among the players pictured in Southampton's training footage.

The former Blackburn Rovers duo spent the second half of last season on loan in the Championship, and their futures at Saints are not secure.

Armstrong, who struggled at West Brom, may depart despite his solid Championship record, while Brereton Diaz has not scored for the club.

But both will be keen to impress their new boss during pre-season to increase the possibility they remain key men on the south coast.

Matt Le Tissier makes a surprise appearance 

Matt Le Tissier pictured alongside Saints club captain Jack Stephens.Matt Le Tissier pictured alongside Saints club captain Jack Stephens. (Image: Southampton FC) It wasn't just current players who rolled up on the first day of pre-season; legends were in attendance too, looking to inspire the group.

Club icon Matt Le Tisser was pictured in conversation with skipper Stephens, manager Still and Saints CEO Phil Parsons - who was also in attendance.

Le Tisser currently co-presents the club's AM show 'Early Doors' and is regularly spotted alongside board members in the crowd at St Mary's.

He will be around more, and with promotion back to the Premier League the target for Still, he could do with a player with Le God's proficiency.

Dom Ballard with the first team

Dom Ballard pictured with the first team on the first day of pre-season.Dom Ballard pictured with the first team on the first day of pre-season. (Image: Southampton FC) On the basis of this early footage, academy forward Dom Ballard may be getting a chance with the first team in pre-season.

The 20 year old has scored goals naturally for the under-21s in recent seasons but endured two difficult League One loans last season.

However, he hit a hat-trick on his return to the club as they reached the Premier League 2 play-off final, re-centring him in the minds of fans.

Ballard was seen speaking with his former under-18s manager, Martin. With one year left on his contract, now is the time to test the striker.

Pre-season testing takes place at Solent University

Some eagle-eyed supporters - or students - may recognise the local facilities Saints used for their pre-season day one tests.

Rather than using their regular home base Staplewood, Southampton made use of the multi-million Sports Complex at Solent University.

Robinson, who may have been applying for university himself this summer in a different life, was among the group present for tests.

Stephens was also there and was not wearing any strapping on his arm despite missing the final game of the season with a fractured wrist.