Dobbin on debut, friendships in squad and why he joined Southampton | Daily Echo

SUMMER signing Lewis Dobbin took just 25 minutes to open his unofficial account for the club, although he may face competition from Leo Scienza.

The Brazilian winger has already laid claim to the opening goal against Eastleigh, believing his initial headed effort had already crossed the line.

Scienza nodded goalward from a Tom Fellows cross, but when it was saved onto the post and cleared off the line, Dobbin followed up to make sure.

Saints beat the National League Spitfires 3-1, having gone behind inside the first 15 minutes, as preparations started for the 2026/27 Championship.

It was a first Saints run-out for the 23 year old forward, since he completed a permanent transfer from Aston Villa in a deal worth up to £9million.

"I think it was my goal, but I don't know," Dobbin told the Daily Echo. "I think it was a tight call, and I'm not sure there's goalline technology here.

Our first goal of pre-season 👌 We'll give it to you, @LewisDobbin 😅 pic.twitter.com/bFc2gNUibg

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 18, 2026

"Leo is definitely claiming it. He said it straight away too, so we'll see. But it was a really good game, my legs felt good. These games are always tough.

"It's the first game back. It's all about fitness, but getting a winning mentality in us early is really good as well, so we are just looking to build on that."

Dobbin brings Championship pedigree, having scored 10 goals for Preston last season, including two against Saints, along with eight assists.

His record was only bettered by Finn Azaz in the Saints squad, who recorded 11 goals and eight assists, but played a handful more games than Dobbin.

"It was a good season for me," admitted Dobbin. "But there's always room for improvement in my game, and that's why I joined this club.

"I think the manager can definitely improve me on the pitch in many different aspects. There's a lot to work on, and hopefully, I can get more this season.

"I think I can, 100 per cent. Coming into this team, you look at the squad, the players are next level, so hopefully I get more chances and put them away."

Dobbin turned down interest from clubs elsewhere to join Saints on an initial four-year contract, including Championship rivals Middlesbrough.

In his first interview with the club's media team, Dobbin pointed to conversations with head coach Tonda Eckert as a major factor in his decision.

But that is not the only draw to St Mary's for Dobbin, who is close to realising his dream of playing in the Premier League after excelling in the tier below.

"I think our ambitions align; that's the reason I joined the club," he said.

Lewis Dobbin played the first 45 minutes at Eastleigh (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I think it's a Premier League club, it's a Premier League squad, and hopefully we'll achieve that this season. That's my goal for this season.

"It's also about how much detail Tonda goes into when you talk. You can tell he really cares about his players, and as a player, that's massive.

"You want the manager to care about you off the pitch as well as on it. I think that was massive, and just how I fit into the team was really detailed as well.

"I can really see myself fitting into this team and improving as a player. And, as I was saying before, a massive reason I joined the club is the fans.

"I have seen how passionate they are and how they stuck with the team through the tough times. I'm sure they'll be with us all the way this season.

"Through the good times and bad times, it's a credit to them."

Dobbin is likely to benefit from completing his transfer so early in pre-season, with nearly four weeks until the Championship season starts at Watford.

He may also find integrating into the group easier due to some pre-existing relationships from his brief stints at Aston Villa and on loan at West Brom.

"I had a couple of pre-seasons with Cam [Archer] at Villa, so I knew him from that, and Tom [Fellows] from my short time at West Brom," he said.

"It's been an easy dressing room to mix in, and that's a credit to them. It's a great group, and I can't wait to keep improving my relationships with them."

And Dobbin's versatility on the front line means he can slot into a few different positions, making himself a much easier player for Eckert to select.

He played as a number 10 for the first 45 minutes at Silverlake Stadium - where he often played for Preston - with Azaz absent due to shin discomfort.

"I see myself anywhere in and around the striker, really. I think coming in off the sides or straight down the middle is my game," Dobbin explained.

"Trying to get as many balls into my feet around the box is my game. Getting my shots off and trying to create chances for my team-mates.

"That's what I'm all about. Hopefully, I can do that this season."