Ralph Hasenhüttl was pleased to be able to thank the Southampton supporters with a lap of appreciation after the final game of the Premier League season against Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s.
The boss, his staff and the first-team squad were joined by their families as the Saints fans stayed behind to say goodbye to 2018/19.
Now the manager is looking ahead to more cause for celebration in the future.
“It was new for me – a nice atmosphere with all the families on the pitch,” Hasenhüttl said.
“It was a good moment, absolutely, because we went through a few valleys together and a few mountains.
“There have been special, emotional moments that we’ve celebrated together.
“It’s very nice, at the end of the season, to come together in the stadium. We would like to give them a present and win, but we didn’t.
“We have made the first steps together, and we must do the next steps next season.”