Mark Hughes is confident Southampton will emerge a stronger outfit in the 2018/19 Premier League campaign after avoiding relegation last season.
Hughes was rewarded for keeping Saints in the top flight with a new three-year deal, having taken over from Mauricio Pellegrino in March.
The Welshman won three of his 10 games in charge – including a crucial clash at relegation rivals Swansea in the penultimate match of the campaign, which effectively secured survival at the expense of the Welsh club.
With assistants Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki having also signed long-term deals, Hughes is confident the Saints can march on with confidence.