Ronald Koeman led Southampton to a top-ten finish and a place in the Europa League but this summer the Dutchman left the Saints to join Premier League rivals Everton.

For the third consecutive year, Stoke City claimed a ninth-place finish under the management of Mark Hughes, having been at the helm since 2013.

Southampton, who will be managed by Claude Puel in the new season, had a bumpy opening few weeks in 2015-16. It was not until October, and an impressive 3-1 win at Chelsea, that the Saints seemed on sound footing.

But a mid-season slump, including a thumping 6-1 home defeat to Liverpool, saw Koeman’s side struggling to reach the same heights of the previous Premier League campaign.

Southampton still equalled their record points total of 63 with a game to spare, despite that embarrassing run in the winter.

It was indeed a push forward that has been rewarded with a return to Europe after four years.

Up until the end of March it was another great season for rampant Stoke.

Then, however, it was one dramatic slump – seemingly due to a combination of injuries and several players falling off form.

On paper, expectations have been met but it will always be the season of what ifs. Questions are starting to be asked of the manager for the first time so a strong start to the new season is vital for the Potters and Hughes.

Southampton had early exits in both cup competitions and also the UEFA Europa League. They were hammered 6-1 by Liverpool in the League Cup quarter-finals at home.

In the FA Cup, Southampton’s venture was shorter as they bowed out to finalists Crystal Palace in round three.

Stoke lost a penalty shoot-out at lowly Luton Town in the fourth round of the League Cup.

In the FA Cup, Crystal Palace elbowed the Potters out in round four in London.