Exclusive: David Prutton reveals big change Southampton FC need to make as EFL return looms | OneFootball

The Saints' relegation to the Championship was confirmed on Sunday afternoon following their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

David Prutton has urged Southampton to find a change of mentality after they were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday afternoon following a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Saints have become the first team to confirm their place in the Championship next season, with the battles at the top and bottom of the second tier looking as though they will continue in the final few matches of the campaign.

Ivan Juric left his position at St. Mary's on Monday after his team became the earliest team to drop out of the Premier League by gameweek, and now they have just seven games to pick up two more points to ensure that they do not beat or match Derby County's record low points tally of 11, which was set in 2007/08.

The next couple of months are vital to Southampton's future, with both a new manager and a new core of the squad desperately needed, as they look to bounce back straight away, just as they did following their relegation two years ago.

Prutton's verdict on Southampton's chances of making an instant return to the Premier League

The gap between those in the Championship and top flight is starting to grow wider than ever before, and for the first time since the Premier League started in 1992, all three promoted clubs look as though they will be relegated back to the second tier in back-to-back seasons.

However, it was clear to see from the off that the Saints did not have the squad to compete in the division, with Russell Martin playing a style of football that was perhaps a level too high for his players, while Juric struggled to get a grip on a team who had mentally fallen away.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, David Prutton has questioned whether Southampton have what it takes to win promotion back to the Premier League in 2025/26.

He told FLW: "As ever with teams that fall out of the Premier League, their potential crown jewels will be looked at and potentially monetized. Tyler Dibling is obviously one of those, but I'd be very, very surprised if £100m was slapped down for him.

"I just think that it's not only the quality of the team, but it's that relentless negativity surrounding the performances and results. They're still only on 10 points.

"They're still looking to climb over Derby’s record-low points tally and also, given the fact that they're the quickest team ever to drop out of the Premier League, there is a hell of a lot of mental rebuilding and emotional rebuilding that needs to be done to get that side match fit and battle ready for the start of next season."

Prutton continued: "They will automatically be seen as one of the favourites. They'll be automatically seen as one of the big fish to try and get themselves out of the division, but potentially the next big thing for them is who is appointed.

"I'm sure Danny Rohl’s connection will be ramped up once again, now that Ivan Juric has moved on, but we shall soon see."

Southampton have to get their next appointment correct

The pressure is now off Southampton completely, and while that could have been said for a number of weeks, considering the growing gap to the rest of the division, they now know exactly that they will be playing in the Championship next season.

It gives players the opportunity to prove to potential new managers why they should be kept on, while the likes of Tyler Dibling will be looking to show off his talents to sides at the top end of the Premier League.

However, it is vital that Southampton bring in a manager with a clear plan of how they will attack the next campaign, and if they do go up, how they will sustain their position in the top flight.

The likes of Norwich City and Watford have proven in recent years how difficult it can be to bounce between the leagues. Therefore, the Saints have to ensure that they build a squad that is capable of evolving and has a structure - something that has not been seen this season at all.