New Southampton boss Will Still says he and his squad want to “turn the page quickly” after last season’s poor campaign.
Saints only won two games last season and were relegated from the Premier League with just 12 points.
Still, 32, was subsequently appointed and will get his first taste of management in English football, after previous success with Lens and Stade de Reims in France.
“I understand that coming in here there is some trauma from last season,” Still told BBC South Today.
“That’s difficult for everyone, but this is a new chapter and a fresh start. Everyone has come back with a real positive energy and we all want to turn the page quickly.
“We need to learn to win and win regularly in a way that everyone enjoys, that’s the goal.”
Southampton were also relegated in 2023 and managed to bounce back at the first time of asking under the then head coach Russell Martin.
The now Rangers boss was able to guide them to a fourth-placed finish and success in the play-offs.
But after making it back to England’s top tier, Saints never got going in the Premier League.
Still’s first task will be trying to achieve what Martin was able to do during his first season at the club.
“The goal is to get out of the Championship as soon as we can,” Still added.
“We’re fully aware of how difficult it is going to be but I’m really up for it, we want to do it in a positive way with good people and with a the fan base aligned with how we want to do things.
“Our squad has a lot of quality and talent to be really competitive in the Championship.
“We’re working to get the right balance at the moment in terms of numbers, but there is clear communication on this and we’re honest and open with everyone. I’m really looking forward to it.”
‘Proactive and entertaining’ football
Style of play became a big talking point among supporters under Martin, who was known for his possession-based approach.
When it worked well there was success, but fans became frustrated with some aspects of his coaching, and ultimately results.
When Southampton announced Still as their new manager they described him as “one of the brightest young coaching talents in Europe.”
Last season he took Lens to an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 and at Reims he became the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.
So what style of football will the new boss bring to Southampton?
“We want to be proactive and entertaining,” Still said.
“I’ve always said that we need to bring the supporters with us. It’s easy to say now that we want to play sexy football, but we have to actually do it now.
“Being proactive is just taking initiative, being brave and positive in everything we do – it’s what I have always done and what I would love to do with this team.”
Southampton’s players are back for pre-season training ahead of a trip to Spain and some scheduled friendlies.
They will play National League side Eastleigh before facing Espanyol and then Brighton at St Mary’s in early August.
“I think everyone is so excited to get going again and make it a real positive season,” Still said.
“The potential of the club attracted me to come. If you look at the infrastructure, size and history of the club it is huge.
“It was a huge opportunity and I believe this is the right club at the right time with the right people.”