Southampton 2026/27 Championship Preview
Southampton enter the 2026/27 Championship season seeking redemption after one of the most tumultuous endings to a campaign in modern EFL history. Having finished fourth in the 2025/26 regular season under Tonda Eckert – who engineered a remarkable mid-season turnaround after taking over from Will Still – the Saints seemed primed for an immediate Premier League return. However, following their play-off semi-final win over Middlesbrough, the club was embroiled in a high-profile “spygate” scandal and subsequently expelled from the play-off final, leaving them in the second tier and burdened with a four-point deduction to kick off the new campaign.
Despite the off-field circus and point handicap, Eckert’s tactical authority on the pitch remains unquestioned. Southampton played some of the most fluid, high-pressing football in the league during the second half of last season, driven by creative maestro Finn Azaz and forward Ross Stewart. With permanent summer recruitment securing Cyle Larin and Bayern Munich keeper Daniel Peretz, alongside fresh attacking blood in Lewis Dobbin, Southampton possess one of the most talent-stacked squads in the division.
Overcoming a negative points tally early on will test the team’s mental resilience, but with Eckert remaining at the helm and core leadership intact, the Saints remain heavily backed to mount a fierce automatic promotion charge.

Southampton’s set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Cyle Larin
- Free-Kicks: Finn Azaz, Ryan Manning
- Corners: Finn Azaz, Ryan Manning
Southampton FAQs
Where did Southampton finish in the 2025/26 Championship season?
Southampton finished fourth in the Championship. Although they won their play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough, they were subsequently expelled from the play-off final due to an EFL disciplinary decision regarding a training ground surveillance incident.
Who is the Southampton manager?
Tonda Eckert is the head coach of Southampton. The 33-year-old German succeeded Will Still in November 2025 – initially on an interim basis before signing permanently – and guided the Saints to the top of the league form table over the second half of the season.
Who is the current Southampton captain?
Jack Stephens is the Southampton club captain. The long-serving central defender continues to lead the side at St Mary’s.