Southampton will be aiming to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the second attempt next season.
The Saints had earned a place in the play-off final, but were expelled from the competition for being found guilty of breaching the EFL’s rules against spying on opposition teams.
Tonda Eckert’s side had gone on a 19-game unbeaten run to finish fourth in the Championship table, and got the better of Middlesbrough in their play-off semi-final.
But the Hampshire outfit never got to play Hull City in the final, and will now be preparing for another promotion push in the upcoming campaign.
Southampton have already completed the signings of Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz, keeping the players at St. Mary’s on a permanent basis, as well as George Long as a free agent.
And now Lewis Dobbin has become the latest addition in Eckert’s side, with the forward completing a move worth up to £10 million from Aston Villa.
How Tonda Eckert convinced Lewis Dobbin to sign for Southampton
Lewis Dobbin, Preston North EndAction Images
Dobbin has claimed that Eckert was crucial to convincing him to join for Southampton given the level of interest he had received from a number of clubs following his loan spell at Preston North End.
The 23-year-old revealed that he knew immediately that he wanted to sign for the Saints as soon as he heard they were interested, and he’s excited by the project being built at St. Mary’s.
“It’s an amazing feeling, I’m very grateful to be able to represent this club and to be given the opportunity to play for Southampton is something that I can’t ever take for granted,” said Dobbin, via the club’s official website.
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“I’m just really thankful to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“It’s been a busy few weeks, but Tonda was the first manager I spoke to and the way he spoke about the football club, the way he spoke about the players, it sold it to me straightaway.
“My mind was already made up as soon as I knew Southampton were interested.”
Is Lewis Dobbin a good signing for Southampton? Comment your opinion below
Dobbin also received interest from the likes of Wolves, but has opted to make the switch to Southampton.
The forward has agreed a four-year deal that will keep him with the Saints until June 2030.
How Southampton fans feel about Lewis Dobbin signing
Southampton fans believe that Dobbin is an exciting signing for the club, and could bolster their chances of promotion next season.
Many are hoping that he can continue his goal-scoring form from Preston, where he scored 10, while also assisting eight.
Dobbin has also been tipped to help get the best from Cameron Archer, suggesting that the pair could work well together.
However, Southampton have also been warned that more signings are still needed, particularly in defence.
Southampton will begin the new Championship season on 16 August with a trip to Watford.
Tonda Eckert, SouthamptonAction Images
Lewis Dobbin is a promising move for Southampton
Dobbin excelled for Preston last season, and his performances showed that he can contribute to a team with promotion ambitions.
The Saints adding some extra firepower could make them a particularly dangerous force in the Championship next year.
And the fact Eckert is a driving force behind this deal is also a possible indication that Southampton feel the coach will remain in charge longer-term given he is currently under investigation by the Football Association for his role in the spying scandal.
It would be a real blow for the 33-year-old to receive a ban after these signings, and could put the club in a very difficult position.