Manager: Jan Poorvliet
Odds to win: 33-1
2007-2008:
Position: 20th W:13 D:15 L:18 F:56 A:72 Points: 54
Top Scorer: Stern John (20)
FA Cup: Fifth Round
League Cup: First Round
Yellows: 48 Reds: 4
Results against Reds: 22/9/07 Southampton 2-3 Barnsley. 29/12/07 Barnsley 2-2 Southampton.
2008-2009:
Name: Chris Colby- (www.southampton-mad.co.uk)
Club: Southampton
Level of Interest: Season Ticket Holder
How has pre-season gone for you?
It's difficult to judge as the only opponent outside of non-league has been Celtic. They beat us comfortably 2-0 despite some promising signs from the youngsters playing an entirely new formation.
Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?
Given the club's financial problems, we've only spent money on one player, French youth international Morgan Schneiderlin who has looked a quality addition to central midfield. We are going to be relying heavily on our youngsters this season.
What realistically are you aiming for this season?
While the more optimistic will talk about play-offs, we only stayed up on the last day of last season, so mid-table will be a reasonable outcome given our financial problems.
Which player has past his sell by date?
Thankfully, all of them have gone in the clearout leading to a much more youthful, if inexperienced squad.
Have you got the right manager in charge?
As an unknown quantity, it's too early too judge Dutchman Jan Poortvliet. He has at least firmly put the emphasis on youth and is trying to get what's left of the squad playing his brand of Dutch total football.
You have to admire his optimism, but it could all end in tears!
What advice would you give him?
We need the right blend of youth and experience to survive in a highly physical league where the beautiful game is not always the path to success.
Who do you see as your key player?
It's difficult to say at this stage as the higher profile players all have question marks over their futures at the club. If we keep him and he adapts to the new system, then Rasiak will be key to converting our chances.
Who would you most like to beat this season?
Anyone to be honest, just to get some points on the board to stabilise the club!
Where will you finish?
Mid-table, having flirted with both relegation and the play-offs.
How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?
It's looking another competitive year with some big spending clubs in the league and Barnsley will have a tough job to repeat last year's cup heroics. Much could depend on hanging onto former Saint Brian Howard who has come on leaps and bounds
Name: Matt or "Chalky" as known to most Saints fans
Club: Southampton "Pride Of The South"
Level of Interest: Huge Saints fan have a season ticket in the Icthen Stand of St Mary's and go to most of the away games, although I have just taken on a new job with Coral the bookies so sadly due to Saturday work I will be a restricted to a few games next season.
But I'm too big a fan and whenever I'm free and Saints are playing I'm there regardless if its home or we're away to Newcastle Utd (a very very long trip)
How has pre-season gone for you?
I've tried to switch off over the last few years when it comes to pre-season and enjoyed my summer break with what's happened to the Club
There is so much of Rupert L**e one fan can take and I swear I'm going to have a heart attack before I'm 30 watching the Club!
But on a serious note I think the lads have had a good pre-season with the recent manager change and have done some great transfer business in and out on a limited budget.
Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?
Yes, we have signed some good experienced players and some good young players for next to nothing.
What realistically are you aiming for this season?
8th - 12th position in the CCC
Which player has past his sell by date?
Jason Euell, would like to get his wages off our wage bill
Have you got the right manager in charge?
Well I wouldn't have gone with him, Stoke City went Dutch and that never worked and all this "giving the youth a chance" is a load of PR rubbish by L*we . Why cant he just come out and be honest for a change and admit we're skint. I think a lot of fans would respect him more.
But I will give "Going Dutch" a chance for the sake of seeing if a Rupert L*we appointment will work we shall see.
What advice would you give him?
Understand the passion of Saints fans and be honest Pearson and Strachan were honest with the fans and the fans loved them.
Who do you see as your key player?
Southampton's own Drew Surman I would go and say we look 50% better in attack when he's playing in the centre of the park I just hope he's not wasted on the wing or dare I say left back next season.
Who would you most like to beat this season?
P*rtsm*uth's the only club Saints fans want to see Saints beat at the moment. A lot of pride needs to be restored at the club after the last few years but hopefully these young players we said we're going to bring through will wear the clubs colours with pride.
Where will you finish?
8th - 12th
How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?
Depends. No offence but when I last looked they didn't really have much money like us now. But they've got a few good players in Brian Howard (Why did we get rid of him???) and I think that Derby defender's a good buy, you'll be very strong in defence with him. 12th - 15th I think though
Good luck next season lads all the best!
since his time with us.