Southampton narrowly avoided relegation this season, exactly what Mark Hughes was brought into do.
After a 1-0 win away at Swansea, they effectively secured their Premier League status for another year.
The squad that Southampton have really shouldn’t be fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table and the eigth placed finish from 2016/17 is more the position in the table that they should be in.
The appointment of Mauricio Pellegrino looking back was a very poor move. To appoint a manager with no Premier League experience was certainly a risk that did not pay off.
However, with their safety now secure, the club need to decide whether they want to keep Hughes or look for a new man to take them into the next season. It looks likely that Hughes will get the job at St Mary’s.
The following slideshow is five things we have learned from the last season.
1. Should never have sacked Claude Puel
Claude Puel was relieved of his duties last summer by the Southampton board who deemed his style of football ‘too boring’.
I would imagine upon reflection, finishing eigth in the table last season was superb and they probably regretted the decision to sack the Frenchman.
He went on to get the Leicester job and save them from the drop when Craig Shakespeare was sacked.
2. Southampton sacked Mauricio Pellegrino too late
It was a huge risk appointing the Argentine, who had no previous experience managing in the Premier League.
Under him, the defence was woeful and throughout the season, the performances got gradually worse.
The sacking of Pellegrino also came too late, even though Saints just about managed to avoid the drop.
If Mark Hughes would have come into the job four or five games earlier, they would have most likely avoided relegation with much more ease.
3. Charlie Austin, when fit, is a top striker
In the Premier League this season, Austin scored seven goals in 10 starts for Southampton.
The injury prone striker is a good, traditional centre forward. Hughes has said that he believes if he can stay injury free, he will be one of the best English strikers in the Premier League. Austin will look to build on his recent run and take his form into the 2018/19 season.
4. Shane Long isn't a goal scorer
Shane Long made 15 appearances and only scored teo goals, a very poor return.
In 122 total appearances for the club, he has only scored 20 goals, this also a very poor return for the Irish international.
However, he works very hard and runs the channels well, he’s a great player to have on the pitch when protecting a lead but he can not be counted on to find the back of the net.
5. Premier League survival is vital for Southampton
Having just avoided relegation this season, Southampton need to ensure in the future they are not in the same position again.
Solidarity is key for the club who look to stay in the Premier League for the future, as relegation can completely ruin the club.
This is a huge summer for the club in terms of recruitment and keeping hold of their best players.