Former Southampton forward Nathan Redmond insisted he was aware they would have a tough season.

Redmond, who was one of many who left last summer when his contract expired, believes the club lost too much experience at the start of the campaign.

The likes of Oriol Romeu, Fraser Forster and Jack Stephens were also moved on for younger replacements.

“There wasn't a sense of I thought it (relegation) was coming," he told the Athletic.

“But Prowsey (James Ward-Prowse) recently said that he knew in pre-season that it was going to be difficult.

“On that, I agree. The only reason I say what Prowsey said was interesting is that, over the years I was there, we always had a very good core of players that knew what it meant, not only to play in the Premier League but to play for Southampton.

"I've never been shy of young players coming in. I was once a younger player, so I know what's going to happen. I said it on my Instagram post, when I said my farewell to the fans, that I hoped the young players understand what it means to be a Saint and to perform in the Premier League.

“It's not about the 19 home games. It's not about the 19 away games and the odd cup game — every single day, from Monday to Friday, that's what it's about."