Pre Season Friendlies 2025/26

[skintsaint]

Just now, sockeye said:

Love MLT strolling in at the end. Like he has a spare key cut.

Should've called ahead.

[Matthew Le God]

16 minutes ago, sockeye said:

Love MLT strolling in at the end. Like he has a spare key cut.

He was given freedom of the city...

https://share.google/I2Jh1leDl6mUpZt0k

[Lard]

Seeing Jack Stephens in the initial frame having a word with Still…. Gives me chills…and not in a good way. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

On 26/06/2025 at 22:42, Matthew Le God said:

He was given freedom of the city...

https://share.google/I2Jh1leDl6mUpZt0k

You know he doesn't give given some kind of master key for all locks in the city, don't you?

[Master Bates]

.....

Edited Saturday at 14:20 by Master Bates

[SWLondon Saint]

On 26/06/2025 at 22:24, sockeye said:

Love MLT strolling in at the end. Like he has a spare key cut.

As long as after the cameras were off he told Stephens what a complete crock of shite his play last season was 💩🤞

[Matthew Le God]

5 hours ago, Stripey McStripe Shirt said:

You know he doesn't give given some kind of master key for all locks in the city, don't you?

Have you considered... I wasn't being serious? 😏

[Football Special]

Is there a page that summarises all championship clubs pre-season schedules? 

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

4 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

Have you considered... I wasn't being serious? 😏

Actually, no.

[gio1saints]

Well I for one always look forward to the Eastleigh game. Reinforces community in a positive way.Its not a match for purists but it Puts ££ into them for a guaranteed full house. Get to see squad players have a run. We saw Jay for example last time and Yuki's debut. And Adam lallanas not debut 😉. 

[Gloucester Saint]

2 hours ago, gio1saints said:

Well I for one always look forward to the Eastleigh game. Reinforces community in a positive way.Its not a match for purists but it Puts ££ into them for a guaranteed full house. Get to see squad players have a run. We saw Jay for example last time and Yuki's debut. And Adam lallanas not debut 😉. 

It’s no different to what most clubs do to build up some base match fitness and build on early pre-season. Cheltenham usually start at Bishops Cleeve, Skates at H&W etc.

[CSA96]

Starting preseason in London

 

[Football Special]

1 hour ago, CSA96 said:

Starting preseason in London

 

Why London? Seems a bit random, Staplewood getting a makeover? 

[Dusic]

Could see most of the squad in todays video/pics. The main ones, Intls aside that I couldn't spot (from a quick look) were Ramsdale, Dibling, Aribo and ABK.

Bazunu looked to be training which is good whether we sell or keep and THB seemed to be wearing trainers (bad injury, will interested clubs want to see him playing before moving for him?)

[CSA96]

1 hour ago, Football Special said:

Why London? Seems a bit random, Staplewood getting a makeover? 

New manager wants to keep the players under one roof and get to know them in his first week, I guess 

[LeBizzier69]

On 29/06/2025 at 08:16, gio1saints said:

Well I for one always look forward to the Eastleigh game. Reinforces community in a positive way.Its not a match for purists but it Puts ££ into them for a guaranteed full house. Get to see squad players have a run. We saw Jay for example last time and Yuki's debut. And Adam lallanas not debut 😉. 

My first pre season game in about 20 years….with daughter. Both pretty excited I must admit. Few local beers, see the first outing under Still.

I’m assuming this won’t count towards any away ticket purchase history??

[gio1saints]

4 minutes ago, LeBizzier69 said:

My first pre season game in about 20 years….with daughter. Both pretty excited I must admit. Few local beers, see the first outing under Still.

I’m assuming this won’t count towards any away ticket purchase history??

No it does not I’m afraid. But they did have a mobile craft beer set up outside Saints end entrance last year so there’s compensation! 

[LeBizzier69]

21 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

No it does not I’m afraid. But they did have a mobile craft beer set up outside Saints end entrance last year so there’s compensation! 

That'll more than compensate - didn't buy the tickets for that reason anyway, but it's great to have an uber keen daughter who wants to go to as many games as she can. Just rewatching Welcome to Wrexham (S1) due to the opening fixture, and i think she's slowly realising just how important football clubs are to the supporters.....and how many of us live for match day. Maybe not as much as i used to!

[BERMUDASAINT]

Everything we can see from Still's first Southampton session
 

Southampton manager Will Still talks to his players during a pre-season training session in London (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)
SAINTS have started pre-season with an intense training camp in London, orchestrated by new manager Will Still and his staff.

The players have been taken to a Thames-side resort in Teddington, where they have been put through their paces in the summer heat.

Saints have released a full gallery of pictures and some social media clips of the action, showing Still's first sessions with his new squad.

Here is what we have learned from reviewing them all...

Saints started their social media video of day one of pre-season with a clip of Still introducing two new faces to the rest of the squad.

Kuryu Matsuki, 22, - technically not a new signing but just returning from a loan at Goztepe - and Joshua Quarshie, 20, have joined the team.

Still, rather softly spoken, introduced Matsuki as a "Japanese, left-footed player," and commanded a round of applause for "Josh, from Germany".

Matsuki is set to be assessed during pre-season and could head out on loan again if that is deemed best for his development. Quarshie will stay.

Still will be hoping to introduce another new player soon, as Saints are in negotiations with FC Koln over the transfer of Damion Downs, 20.

"Possession drills, a bit of running, everything... yes?"

That is what Still introduced to his players for the first session to "get back into it," as temperatures exceeded 30 degrees in the London sun.

Cameron Archer and Nathan Wood - at least temporarily - led their respective groups as Saints performed a warm-up run around the 4G pitches.

The Saints squad could be heard being put through their paces by staff with timed runs before finally getting the balls out for a little touch.

Dribbling drills preceded possession drills, including rondos, with Still watching on a one-knee crouched position on the side of the pitch.

Assistant manager Paul Trollope can be heard commanding the group as Still observes, potentially offering some insight into that relationship.

It is Still's turn to speak when introducing a new drill, detailing that the "key thing" is to "react when you lose the ball, get on it and chase".

Still then takes a more active role overseeing the possession and reaction drill, encouraging intensity in his players as they practice. 

Forgotten faces play central role

There is a significant number of players who were deemed surplus to requirements last season who are now potentially back in the fold.

Ben Brereton Diaz, Adam Armstrong and Sam Edozie have all returned from loan and feature centrally in the social posts made by Saints.

There is no guarantee that all three are still at the club by September, but it appears they will be given a fresh chance to stake a claim under Still.

Ryan Fraser and Charlie Taylor, who both remained at Saints last season but were largely sidelined by their managers, also feature heavily in the clips.

Both have significant Championship experience, either promoted with Saints or Burnley in the last few years, and have one year left on their deals.

Shea Charles is also part of the group, although he is not a forgotten face. His loan at Sheffield Wednesday was deliberate preparation for this.

Injured players involved 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis just missed England's successful defence of the Under-21 European Championship with an ankle injury.

He has not been pictured taking part in any arduous training so far but he was present, captured sitting on the sidelines in the searing heat.

There was no boot on his ankle or any obvious signs that he had surgery around six weeks ago, which is a positive, but he is not involved. 

Ankle surgery can keep footballers out for around 12 weeks, but Saints have not given a formal update on the defender's recovery as of yet. 

The former Young Lions captain Harwood-Bellis was the subject of a reported transfer bid from FC Porto last week, although this is not confirmed.

Meanwhile, Gavin Bazunu, who came back to Saints early from his loan at Standard Liege, appears to be fully recovered and involved.

 

Young players who have been called up

Exciting forward Jay Robinson is now a fully fledged senior player but he has been joined by a number of under-21 players in training this week.

The academy side are said to be based nearby, ensuring seamless rotation and assessment of the young players when Still requires.

Dom Ballard and Joachim Kayi Sanda will want to play a role in the first team this campaign and have both been captured with the group.

In addition to those two, striker Baylee Dipepa and midfielders Moses Sesay and Romeo Akachukwu have also been pictured training at the camp.

Young goalkeepers Ollie Wright and Dylan Moody are also getting some senior experience with new goalkeeper coach Ruben Martinez.

Joachim Kayi Sanda made his Premier League debut in May.

Who's not been pictured?

Neither Tyler Dibling nor Mateus Fernandes have been pictured or captured in video on day one of pre-season training under new boss Still.

Fernandes was involved in Portugal's Under-21 European Championship campaign last month and has likely been given extra time off.

It is for that reason that Ronnie Edwards has also not linked up with the group yet, having been with the England squad that won the tournament.

Edwards and Fernandes will likely rejoin Still's side after an extended holiday, but Dibling's omission is on the face of it more interesting.

But was pictured on the first of pre-season testing at Solent University on Thursday, and we understand he is indeed at the camp with the squad.

There is also no sign of Joe Aribo or Jan Bednarek. The former is in the last 12 months of his deal and the latter was on international duty in June. 

Finally, Aaron Ramsdale is also seemingly yet to link up, but he was very recently married and could have been given honeymoon leave.

 

 

[tdmickey3]

2 minutes ago, BERMUDASAINT said:

Everything we can see from Still's first Southampton session
 

Southampton manager Will Still talks to his players during a pre-season training session in London (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)
SAINTS have started pre-season with an intense training camp in London, orchestrated by new manager Will Still and his staff.

The players have been taken to a Thames-side resort in Teddington, where they have been put through their paces in the summer heat.

Saints have released a full gallery of pictures and some social media clips of the action, showing Still's first sessions with his new squad.

Here is what we have learned from reviewing them all...

Saints started their social media video of day one of pre-season with a clip of Still introducing two new faces to the rest of the squad.

Kuryu Matsuki, 22, - technically not a new signing but just returning from a loan at Goztepe - and Joshua Quarshie, 20, have joined the team.

Still, rather softly spoken, introduced Matsuki as a "Japanese, left-footed player," and commanded a round of applause for "Josh, from Germany".

Matsuki is set to be assessed during pre-season and could head out on loan again if that is deemed best for his development. Quarshie will stay.

Still will be hoping to introduce another new player soon, as Saints are in negotiations with FC Koln over the transfer of Damion Downs, 20.

"Possession drills, a bit of running, everything... yes?"

That is what Still introduced to his players for the first session to "get back into it," as temperatures exceeded 30 degrees in the London sun.

Cameron Archer and Nathan Wood - at least temporarily - led their respective groups as Saints performed a warm-up run around the 4G pitches.

The Saints squad could be heard being put through their paces by staff with timed runs before finally getting the balls out for a little touch.

Dribbling drills preceded possession drills, including rondos, with Still watching on a one-knee crouched position on the side of the pitch.

Assistant manager Paul Trollope can be heard commanding the group as Still observes, potentially offering some insight into that relationship.

It is Still's turn to speak when introducing a new drill, detailing that the "key thing" is to "react when you lose the ball, get on it and chase".

Still then takes a more active role overseeing the possession and reaction drill, encouraging intensity in his players as they practice. 

Forgotten faces play central role

There is a significant number of players who were deemed surplus to requirements last season who are now potentially back in the fold.

Ben Brereton Diaz, Adam Armstrong and Sam Edozie have all returned from loan and feature centrally in the social posts made by Saints.

There is no guarantee that all three are still at the club by September, but it appears they will be given a fresh chance to stake a claim under Still.

Ryan Fraser and Charlie Taylor, who both remained at Saints last season but were largely sidelined by their managers, also feature heavily in the clips.

Both have significant Championship experience, either promoted with Saints or Burnley in the last few years, and have one year left on their deals.

Shea Charles is also part of the group, although he is not a forgotten face. His loan at Sheffield Wednesday was deliberate preparation for this.

Injured players involved 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis just missed England's successful defence of the Under-21 European Championship with an ankle injury.

He has not been pictured taking part in any arduous training so far but he was present, captured sitting on the sidelines in the searing heat.

There was no boot on his ankle or any obvious signs that he had surgery around six weeks ago, which is a positive, but he is not involved. 

Ankle surgery can keep footballers out for around 12 weeks, but Saints have not given a formal update on the defender's recovery as of yet. 

The former Young Lions captain Harwood-Bellis was the subject of a reported transfer bid from FC Porto last week, although this is not confirmed.

Meanwhile, Gavin Bazunu, who came back to Saints early from his loan at Standard Liege, appears to be fully recovered and involved.

 

Young players who have been called up

Exciting forward Jay Robinson is now a fully fledged senior player but he has been joined by a number of under-21 players in training this week.

The academy side are said to be based nearby, ensuring seamless rotation and assessment of the young players when Still requires.

Dom Ballard and Joachim Kayi Sanda will want to play a role in the first team this campaign and have both been captured with the group.

In addition to those two, striker Baylee Dipepa and midfielders Moses Sesay and Romeo Akachukwu have also been pictured training at the camp.

Young goalkeepers Ollie Wright and Dylan Moody are also getting some senior experience with new goalkeeper coach Ruben Martinez.

Joachim Kayi Sanda made his Premier League debut in May.

Who's not been pictured?

Neither Tyler Dibling nor Mateus Fernandes have been pictured or captured in video on day one of pre-season training under new boss Still.

Fernandes was involved in Portugal's Under-21 European Championship campaign last month and has likely been given extra time off.

It is for that reason that Ronnie Edwards has also not linked up with the group yet, having been with the England squad that won the tournament.

Edwards and Fernandes will likely rejoin Still's side after an extended holiday, but Dibling's omission is on the face of it more interesting.

But was pictured on the first of pre-season testing at Solent University on Thursday, and we understand he is indeed at the camp with the squad.

There is also no sign of Joe Aribo or Jan Bednarek. The former is in the last 12 months of his deal and the latter was on international duty in June. 

Finally, Aaron Ramsdale is also seemingly yet to link up, but he was very recently married and could have been given honeymoon leave.

 

 

Thanks for the update, just highlighted bit is a horrible reminder 

[S-Clarke]

2 hours ago, tdmickey3 said:

Thanks for the update, just highlighted bit is a horrible reminder 

Yes, that's quite scary. Let's hope he's nowhere near involved come August!

[Football Special]

5 hours ago, BERMUDASAINT said:

Everything we can see from Still's first Southampton session
 

Southampton manager Will Still talks to his players during a pre-season training session in London (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)
SAINTS have started pre-season with an intense training camp in London, orchestrated by new manager Will Still and his staff.

The players have been taken to a Thames-side resort in Teddington, where they have been put through their paces in the summer heat.

Saints have released a full gallery of pictures and some social media clips of the action, showing Still's first sessions with his new squad.

Here is what we have learned from reviewing them all...

Saints started their social media video of day one of pre-season with a clip of Still introducing two new faces to the rest of the squad.

Kuryu Matsuki, 22, - technically not a new signing but just returning from a loan at Goztepe - and Joshua Quarshie, 20, have joined the team.

Still, rather softly spoken, introduced Matsuki as a "Japanese, left-footed player," and commanded a round of applause for "Josh, from Germany".

Matsuki is set to be assessed during pre-season and could head out on loan again if that is deemed best for his development. Quarshie will stay.

Still will be hoping to introduce another new player soon, as Saints are in negotiations with FC Koln over the transfer of Damion Downs, 20.

"Possession drills, a bit of running, everything... yes?"

That is what Still introduced to his players for the first session to "get back into it," as temperatures exceeded 30 degrees in the London sun.

Cameron Archer and Nathan Wood - at least temporarily - led their respective groups as Saints performed a warm-up run around the 4G pitches.

The Saints squad could be heard being put through their paces by staff with timed runs before finally getting the balls out for a little touch.

Dribbling drills preceded possession drills, including rondos, with Still watching on a one-knee crouched position on the side of the pitch.

Assistant manager Paul Trollope can be heard commanding the group as Still observes, potentially offering some insight into that relationship.

It is Still's turn to speak when introducing a new drill, detailing that the "key thing" is to "react when you lose the ball, get on it and chase".

Still then takes a more active role overseeing the possession and reaction drill, encouraging intensity in his players as they practice. 

Forgotten faces play central role

There is a significant number of players who were deemed surplus to requirements last season who are now potentially back in the fold.

Ben Brereton Diaz, Adam Armstrong and Sam Edozie have all returned from loan and feature centrally in the social posts made by Saints.

There is no guarantee that all three are still at the club by September, but it appears they will be given a fresh chance to stake a claim under Still.

Ryan Fraser and Charlie Taylor, who both remained at Saints last season but were largely sidelined by their managers, also feature heavily in the clips.

Both have significant Championship experience, either promoted with Saints or Burnley in the last few years, and have one year left on their deals.

Shea Charles is also part of the group, although he is not a forgotten face. His loan at Sheffield Wednesday was deliberate preparation for this.

Injured players involved 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis just missed England's successful defence of the Under-21 European Championship with an ankle injury.

He has not been pictured taking part in any arduous training so far but he was present, captured sitting on the sidelines in the searing heat.

There was no boot on his ankle or any obvious signs that he had surgery around six weeks ago, which is a positive, but he is not involved. 

Ankle surgery can keep footballers out for around 12 weeks, but Saints have not given a formal update on the defender's recovery as of yet. 

The former Young Lions captain Harwood-Bellis was the subject of a reported transfer bid from FC Porto last week, although this is not confirmed.

Meanwhile, Gavin Bazunu, who came back to Saints early from his loan at Standard Liege, appears to be fully recovered and involved.

 

Young players who have been called up

Exciting forward Jay Robinson is now a fully fledged senior player but he has been joined by a number of under-21 players in training this week.

The academy side are said to be based nearby, ensuring seamless rotation and assessment of the young players when Still requires.

Dom Ballard and Joachim Kayi Sanda will want to play a role in the first team this campaign and have both been captured with the group.

In addition to those two, striker Baylee Dipepa and midfielders Moses Sesay and Romeo Akachukwu have also been pictured training at the camp.

Young goalkeepers Ollie Wright and Dylan Moody are also getting some senior experience with new goalkeeper coach Ruben Martinez.

Joachim Kayi Sanda made his Premier League debut in May.

Who's not been pictured?

Neither Tyler Dibling nor Mateus Fernandes have been pictured or captured in video on day one of pre-season training under new boss Still.

Fernandes was involved in Portugal's Under-21 European Championship campaign last month and has likely been given extra time off.

It is for that reason that Ronnie Edwards has also not linked up with the group yet, having been with the England squad that won the tournament.

Edwards and Fernandes will likely rejoin Still's side after an extended holiday, but Dibling's omission is on the face of it more interesting.

But was pictured on the first of pre-season testing at Solent University on Thursday, and we understand he is indeed at the camp with the squad.

There is also no sign of Joe Aribo or Jan Bednarek. The former is in the last 12 months of his deal and the latter was on international duty in June. 

Finally, Aaron Ramsdale is also seemingly yet to link up, but he was very recently married and could have been given honeymoon leave.

 

 

Intense training sounds good, could come as a shock to some of our players who were undoubtedly the most unfit side in the league last season 

[Matthew Le God]

 

 

[SWLondon Saint]

1 hour ago, Matthew Le God said:

 

 

If they're in Teddington, that'll have been a tough day - I'm just the other side of Kingston and it was ridiculously hot and humid round here.

[die Mannyschaft]

On 30/06/2025 at 22:25, Football Special said:

Why London? Seems a bit random, Staplewood getting a makeover? 

Site seeing,  tower of London as that's we're the team will end up if they lose to pompey. Locked up for 10 seasons. 

[die Mannyschaft]

On 01/07/2025 at 17:24, Football Special said:

Intense training sounds good, could come as a shock to some of our players who were undoubtedly the most unfit side in the league last season 

That's because we played walking football which is suited to over 60s

[suewhistle]

14 hours ago, die Mannyschaft said:

That's because we played walking football which is suited to over 60s

Oi, I played full 11-a-side last season and was 70 at the end. Mind you, I did only last as long as TP but probably did run around more than BBD when I was on the pitch and at around the same speed.

 

14 hours ago, die Mannyschaft said:

Site seeing,  tower of London as that's we're the team will end up if they lose to pompey. Locked up for 10 seasons. 

I thought that's where they used to do the beheadings and then paraded the heads in front of the crowds? We're going to have a better motivated side next season, I can see.