Image caption, Flynn Downes has played more than 100 times for Southampton since joining from West Ham ByDan George & Adam BlackmoreBBC Sport, Hampshire Published 3 hours ago Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes says he and his team-mates have a "chip on their shoulder" and are set on going all out to win the Championship this season.
Saints were removed from last term's play-offs following the Spygate scandal, with the process still playing out just weeks before the start of the upcoming campaign.
After head coach Tonda Eckert was last week charged by the Football Association, the club still await a verdict on how he will be punished for "bringing the game into disrepute" through his role in spying on rival clubs.
However, Downes - one of Saints' key players since joining initially on loan from West Ham in 2023 and then permanently the following summer - says the club are coming into the new campaign with a point to prove on the pitch.
And the 27-year-old insists the group's mentality is set on winning the league despite beginning the season with a four-point deduction due to the spying saga.
"The club, players and staff have really come together," Downes told BBC Radio Solent.
"It's as if we have a chip on our shoulder and we want to put those wrongs right, we're going [into the season] to win the league this year.
"I know we're starting on minus four points but our mindset is that we're winning this league and that's it.
"We had the chance last year but didn't get to [achieve it] for whatever reason but we're looking strong so far." Follow Southampton content on BBC Sounds Pre-match, post-match and topical Saints content Listen on Sounds Subscribe and listen for everything you love about the Saints Saints have been in Germany for their pre-season training camp and have won games against Eintracht Braunschweig and Preussen Munster while over there.
They get their Carabao Cup campaign under way at League Two side Colchester United on Saturday before travelling to Watford the following weekend for their league opener.
During his three seasons at St Mary's, Downes has made more than 100 appearances, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
Heading into his fourth campaign at the club, the midfielder says he feels in the best shape of his career.
"Everyone feels ready to go now," Downes added.
"Personally, I feel really good and, to be honest, this is probably the best I have ever felt, the gaffer's been unreal with me.
"I feel like my game's developing, my football IQ's getting better and physically I'm improving too, let's see what the season holds." Don't forget to bookmark your Southampton club page, or if you're on the BBC Sport app or signed in on a browser, hit 'Follow' to add it to your MySport and get more news, analysis, stats and fan views - and also select the bell icon in the app to sign up for club notifications.
