SAINTS chairman Henrik Kraft labelled the summer "great" so far after avoiding being in "quite a dark place" by winning promotion.

Southampton were on the verge of serious financial difficulties had they failed to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Their 1-0 win over Leeds United in the Championship play-off final has instead ushered in a new dawn for the Sport Republic side.

Manager Russell Martin has already signed Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam Lallana, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Yukinari Sugawara and Flynn Downes.

Saints are targeting further additions with a focus on the attacking area - and Kraft spoke to fans at the club's 2024/25 kit launch on Tuesday.

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Kraft said: "It's been a great summer so far, it was an incredible way to start the summer with a win in the play-off final.

"Just getting the club back to the Premier League at the first time of asking was just so important to all of us, to everyone associated with the club.

"To all the staff, the players and all of the fans - I was just thinking you know, what a difference a year makes.

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"Around 12 months ago we were we were in quite a dark place at this stage and it was so important to really regroup, restructure and rebuild.

"We really tried to get back quickly and I think we're just so proud of how the organisation, the club and everyone responded.

"We are really proud at also how all the fans really came together with the team and really lifted the team through the promotion.

"I think it was, actually, in the end, a very enjoyable and exciting season. We won a lot of games, there was a lot of late drama and there were a few downers along the way.

"I think to finish it off in a play-off final at Wembley in front of 90,000 people and to be able to give you know our fans what was a once-in-a-lifetime moment was amazing.

Saints chairman Henrik Kraft has offered his full support to manager Russell MartinSaints chairman Henrik Kraft has offered his full support to manager Russell Martin (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I think a lot of people have said it was the best day of their lives and I think to be part of that is really cool.

"It is cool to know that something amazing can come out of a really difficult experience like that - it's been great.

"Now we're onto the next challenge obviously but we go into it with a lot of enthusiasm and momentum."

Kraft added: "We're all excited to be back in the Premier League, Southampton is a Premier League club and we really feel that.

"Anyone who came to the semi-final against West Brom will understand this is a really big club with an incredibly passionate support.

"We're doing lots of things around the stadium to enable us to carry on that momentum. We want to show everyone that the Premier League is where we belong."