The budget cut has had a significant impact on the team's strategy for the upcoming season, with Parker stating that they are now operating with the smallest budget in the WSL 2. This change in circumstances has forced the team to pivot and go into a different direction, with Parker adding that they had to re-evaluate their plans for the new season.
The team's home games will now be played at Eastleigh's Silverlake Stadium, which has a capacity of just over 5,000 fans, a significant downsize from the 30,000-plus capacity of St Mary's Stadium where they had spent the previous four seasons. Despite the challenges, Parker is looking at the positives and new opportunities that the move will bring, including the potential to generate a tighter atmosphere at the smaller stadium.
Southampton begin their WSL 2 season at Durham on Sunday, 6 September (12:00 BST).