Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes has expressed confidence that the club will win the Championship this season despite beginning their campaign with a four-point deduction. The penalty follows revelations that a club analyst covertly recorded a Middlesbrough training session ahead of their play-off semi-final first leg last May, as well as similar surveillance activities targeting Ipswich and Oxford.

The EFL imposed the four-point deduction on Southampton after the incidents came to light, compounding the setback from their defeat in the play-off final against Hull. In addition, the Football Association has charged Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert with bringing the game into disrepute, with a ruling expected in due course.

Downes, 27, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized a resolute and united response within the club. He said the players and staff had rallied around the setback, fueling their determination to succeed. “We have a chip on our shoulder and want to put those wrongs right,” he said. “We’re going into the season to win the league. I know we’re starting on minus four points, but our mindset is ‘we’re winning and that’s it’.”

Southampton begin their 2026-27 campaign in the Carabao Cup, facing Colchester this Saturday, before opening their league season against Watford the following weekend. Downes added that the team feels prepared and optimistic, describing his current condition as possibly the best he has ever felt.

The club’s response to the sanction will be closely watched as they look to overcome early adversity and mount a strong challenge for promotion to the Premier League.