Flynn Downes: Southampton still believe they can win the Championship - no matter what

Flynn Downes is not hiding his ambitions: Southampton should be the team to beat in the Championship this season. That means something extra to him after the Saints were excluded from last season's play-offs following the spying scandal. The case is still not finished. The FA charged head coach Tondi Ekert last week, and the club are waiting to learn what punishment will follow for bringing the game into disrepute. Southampton will also begin the league season on minus four points, but Downes - a 27-year-old midfielder who arrived on loan from West Ham in 2023 before the move was made permanent - says those problems have only strengthened the group's mentality. "The club, the players and the staff have really pulled together. It's like extra motivation. We want to make things right and go into this season to win the league. I know we start on minus four, but our mentality is that we're going to win this league, period. Last year we had a chance, and for some reason we didn't take it. Right now we look strong," Downes told BBC Radio Solent. Southampton's preseason trip to Germany was productive, with wins over Eintracht Braunschweig and Preußen Münster. This Saturday they face League Two side Colchester United in the Carabao Cup, and the following weekend they are away to Watford for their first league fixture. Downes has made more than 100 appearances at St Mary's over the past three seasons, scoring six goals and providing four assists. He says he is a better player now as he heads into a fourth campaign with the club. "Everyone is ready for the fight. I feel very good, and honestly this is probably the best form of my career. The manager has done incredible work with me. My game is developing, my football IQ is getting better, and I'm improving physically. We'll see what this season brings," Downes added.