Southampton

Woodward 'set for Saints link-up'
Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward will become Southampton's director of football following the tour of New Zealand, according to a report. Woodward refused to confirm the Mail on Sunday's story, but did confirm he was switching sports. "I've been given an opportunity which gives me time to look at another sport and develop as a coach," said Woodward. "I do it with regret because I didn't want to leave, but the RFU weren't going down the path we needed to go." However, Woodward did not reveal exactly what his new job would entail. "I just want to focus on what is going on over here (on the Lions tour of New Zealand)," he added. Southampton also refused to confirm or deny the story but a club spokesperson said: "We have no plans to make any announcement."

Pulis not hopeful over Jones deal
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is not hopeful of brining Southampton striker Kenwyne Jones back to the club next season. The Trinidad & Tobago international, 20, scored three goals in a 13-game loan spell at Stoke last season. But after holding talks with Saints manager Harry Redknapp, Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke: "I'm not optimistic I can pull off a deal. "His club are uncertain what is going to happen with their main strikers, Peter Crouch and Kevin Phillips." Jones joined Southampton last summer, but has started just one Premiership game. However, he enjoyed successful loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday - where he scored seven goals in seven games - and Stoke.

Redknapp demands a flying start
Southampton boss Harry Redknapp says a flying start is vital if Saints are to bounce back into the Premiership at the first time of asking. Saints are joint favourites for promotion with Wolves, who they meet in the opening game at St Mary's. Redknapp told Saints website: "We couldn't have got a bigger opener than Wolves and this game can set up the tempo for the whole season. "We need to begin well and build up momentum to carry us right through."

Wise completes Southampton move
Southampton have completed the signing of veteran Dennis Wise. The former Millwall player-manager was released by the Lions at the end of the season and has signed a one-year deal at Saints as a player only. Wise, 38, began his career as an apprentice at Southampton but was released as a teenager. Boss Harry Redknapp told Saints website: "I'm glad we've got him, he has plenty of experience and you can't have too much of that at this level." Redknapp added: "He's a fighter and a winner and we need that kind of character in the squad. Wise said: "There were a few clubs in for me but I felt the squad here is fantastic. It is more than capable of getting out of the division. "I just hope Harry can keep his quality players - that would be handy! "I have played in this division and I know this group of players could quite easily get out of it. "I see the bookies have made us favourites which is nice of them! It puts a bit more pressure on the lads but there really should not be any because there is enough quality here." As player-manager at Millwall, Wise led the Lions to the FA Cup final in 2004. He resigned as Millwall boss after falling out with new chairman Jeff Burnige. With British and Irish Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward due to arrive at St Mary's after the tour to New Zealand, Saints stressed Wise has been recruited for his playing rather than his coaching skills. Saints chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We're delighted Dennis is coming. He's coming as a player but the fact that he has been a manager means he could help in certain ways. "He will be a leader and strong voice in the dressing-room and he will bring vast experience to the squad." Wise suffered some knee problems towards the end of last season but he has passed a medical at Southampton. Redknapp has been keen to add Wise's experience and combative nature to Saints midfield as they look to bounce straight back into the Premiership. In leading Portsmouth to the Championship title in 2003, Redknapp tapped into the experience of players such as Teddy Sheringham, Paul Merson and Steve Stone.

Saints get Bassett for pre-season
Championship new boys Southampton have added former Wimbledon, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest boss Dave Bassett to their coaching staff. Bassett has agreed an initial one-month deal to help out the Saints defence as they start pre-season training. "Dave has terrific knowledge and enthusiasm for the game, he's very good at set-pieces and at working with the back four," said boss Harry Redknapp. "He is also a bubbly character who will be good to have around the place." Bassett will fill the void left by Redknapp's former assistant Jim Smith, whose contract was not renewed at the end of last season due to cost-cutting measures

Ex-Saint Dodd seals Brighton move
Former Southampton defender Jason Dodd has signed a one-year deal with Brighton - in a deal brokered by ex-Saints manager Gordon Strachan. Dodd, 34, had been linked with Plymouth where he had a successful loan spell. But he told Southampton's website: "I rang Gordon and asked him about (Albion boss) Mark McGhee - they are good mates and he spoke very highly of him. "Mark said he would love to have me there, and I spoke to their chairman - everything was agreed in half-an-hour." Seagulls boss McGhee told his club's website he was thrilled Dodd opted to move to the Withdean Stadium. "Jason is an excellent addition," McGhee affirmed. "He has played over 400 games at the top level. He is in excellent condition and can play in a lot of positions." Dodd, usually a right-back, played a total of 488 games during a 16-year career with the Saints, but was not offered a new deal this summer. And Brighton chairman Dick Knight says Dodd's Premiership pedigree will be invaluable: "Not only are we bringing in a great player, but a player with lots of experience which will help our young players." Dodd agrees that his experience could be the key to prevent another season of struggle against relegation for the Seagulls. "They don't want to be in that position again. They want a bit of experience from me to help push on," the defender told BBC Southern Counties Radio. "I'm a good organiser and that will be one of my strong points. What you see is what you get. "I want to try and force my way into the side. I also played left-back at Plymouth, while I played centre-half and in midfield at Southampton."

Quashie's staying, says Redknapp
Southampton boss Harry Redknapp says Nigel Quashie is not for sale and underlined his determination to hang on to his top stars. Quashie, 26, has been linked with a move to West Ham but Redknapp insisted he will not let relegated Saints' best players be cherry-picked. Redknapp told Radio Solent: "There's no chance of Nigel going anywhere." "We're supposed to be losing Peter Crouch, Antti Niemi and anyone who's any good, but we have to keep them." Redknapp brought Quashie from Portsmouth for £2.5m when he moved along the M27 last November. The Scotland international is seen as an integral part in Redknapp's bid to bounce Southampton back into the Premiership. Redknapp's pre-season preparations have been clouded by speculation and uncertainty surrounding his top players. Quashie is the latest Saints star to be linked with a move away from St Mary's, along with strikers Crouch and Kevin Phillips, and keeper Niemi. Saints have only received one bid for one of their players, a £5m offer from Liverpool for Crouch which was turned down.

Phillips completes Villa switch
Southampton striker Kevin Phillips has joined Aston Villa in a £1m transfer. "I'm determined to make my mark and show I can still get goals in the Premiership," Phillips told the Villa website after signing a two-year deal. The former St Mary's boss Gordon Strachan paid Sunderland £3.25m for Phillips, 31, in August 2003. The ex-England striker scored 23 Premiership goals in 64 appearances and is the first high-profile name to leave the Saints since they were relegated. Phillips was a target for Villa manager David O'Leary during the last transfer window, and the Irishman has finally got his man. "I know the manager has been interested in signing me for some time," added Phillips. "When it became clear Villa were still in for me this summer, there was no doubt in my mind. I didn't want to go anywhere else. "It's a boost as a player to know the manager rates you so highly and hopefully I can justify that faith with a few goals here next season." The former England international will become O'Leary's fourth new signing this summer, following winger Patrik Berger, defender Aaron Hughes and goalkeeper Stuart Taylor. It was while with Sunderland, when he scored 132 goals in 236 appearances, that Phillips came to prominence with England, winning the first of his eight caps in April 1999 in a 1-1 draw against Hungary. He last pulled on an England shirt in February 2002. He failed to score in any of his England appearances, though that did not deter the Saints from prising Phillips away from Sunderland following their relegation from the top flight in 2003.

Phillips' parting swipe at Saints
Kevin Phillips has fired a parting shot at Southampton after his £1m move to Aston Villa. Phillips, 31, joined Saints in a £3.25m move from Sunderland in August 2003, after the Black Cats were relegated. The former England striker said: "I'm glad I was able to get away from Southampton, I never really felt happy about joining them. "It was a move that never really felt right for me and I'm glad I can resurrect my Premiership career." Phillips scored 27 goals in 73 appearances in all competitions for the Saints, where his partnership with England striker James Beattie was touted as one of the most potent in the Premiership. Beattie left for Everton in a £6m deal in January and Phillips said: "My partnership with James never really got going. "But I know I can make my mark and still score goals in the Premiership. "It's too early to talk about targets but wherever I have played I've always set my sights on 20 goals a season. "When it became clear Villa wanted me, I didn't want to go anywhere else."

Redknapp blasts 'useless' players
Southampton boss Harry Redknapp claims his promotion plans are hampered by "useless" players who care more about money than football. Redknapp says he is unable to offload players he needs to finance team building because of big contracts. He told the Daily Express: "I've players here I can't give away, they have contracts and I'm stuck with them. "Some are happy to take the money and play in the reserves, and you can't move the ones who are useless." Redknapp faces a tough battle to hang on to some of his prize assets and fears striker Peter Crouch, keeper Antti Niemi and midfielder Nigel Quashie could follow Kevin Phillips, who signed for Aston Villa on Wednesday. The Saints boss said: "The players who do well want to go. "But others are quite happy to take the money, otherwise they want paying up to leave, and why? "Because they have been a failure. They are ruining the game, nobody wants them. "A footballer's life is short but while the vast majority are great lads, there are always those who want the money but are prepared to do little for it."

Saints swoop for defender Powell
Southampton have signed Crystal Palace defender Darren Powell on a free transfer, after beating off competition from Reading for his signature. The 29-year-old came close to moving to Reading in February 2004, but the move was put on hold over an injury worry. He signed the contract late on Friday after passing a medical at St Mary's. Powell joined Palace from Brentford - where he played under Reading boss Steve Coppell - in 2002 but started just four league games last season.

Redknapp offers Woodward support
Manager Harry Redknapp says Sir Clive Woodward's arrival at Southampton will not be devalued by the British and Irish Lions defeats in New Zealand. Redknapp revealed that Woodward will join the club as technical director early next month. The Saints boss told BBC Sport: "I know people have been criticising him for some of the things that have happened. "I'm not an expert on rugby but I know what I see and the All Blacks look to be on another level." Redknapp added: "They've played against an All Blacks team that looks fantastic to me. "It was no lack of effort on the Lions part, they were outclassed and it's the same as any sport, the top managers have the best players." Although Woodward's exact role at St Mary's remains undefined, Redknapp insisted he would have little input into the first team football. "He wants to come here and learn the ropes and see where it takes him," said Redknapp. "I think he's going to get involved with the academy, he won't be involved with the first team, and I don't think he would want to be. "I couldn't go straight in and take charge of a rugby team. For a start, I don't know all the rules. "But he loves football and is a keen football man. He's not coming into something he knows nothing about," said Redknapp. "Clive wants to be a football manager and it's going to be hard work. "It will take a couple of years to learn how a football club runs, it's a different mentality with footballers and rugby players. "The chairman certainly believes in him enough to give him an opportunity." Redknapp insisted he is willing to work with Woodward and dismissed suggestions his appointment would trigger a repeat of the spat in his previous job at Portsmouth with chairman Milan Mandaric over his decision to appoint Velimir Zajec as director of football. The Saints boss said: "I'm sure Clive will have loads to offer in terms of organisation and the technical side. "You can't shut your mind off to what people from other sports can offer. "Look at Sam Allardyce at Bolton. He's picked up a lot of stuff from rugby and other sports. "I don't look at Clive as another Velimir Zajec. I didn't look at Velimir as anything to be honest. I never left Portsmouth because of him, I left because I felt it was time to move on."

Crouch wants Reds move - Redknapp
Southampton boss Harry Redknapp says he has turned down a £6m bid from West Ham for Peter Crouch - and added that the striker wants to join Liverpool. European champions Liverpool have already had a £5m offer turned down for 24-year-old Crouch. Redknapp told BBC Sport: "West Ham did make a cash bid but we turned it down. "But let's not kid ourselves, Peter wants to go and play for Liverpool where he can play in the Champions League and get eight times the pay." Redknapp has already been forced sell Kevin Phillips for £1m, and BBC Sport understands he will try to sell keeper Antti Niemi and midfielder Rory Delap. Saints' record signing at £4.25m, Delap's contract is understood not to contain the clause in other players' deals which has seen their wages halved. Although Saints have now rejected a £5m bid from Liverpool for Crouch, along with West Ham's £6m offer, Redknapp fears Saints chairman Rupert Lowe will eventually be tempted by a big enough offer. I've got strikers who can play alongside Crouch but it all hinges on him staying Redknapp said: "We've rejected the bids so far, but I don't know the point it would reach where he would go. "I haven't seen Crystal Palace sell Andy Johnson or Norwich sell Dean Ashton. "And if we do sell Crouch, I don't know where we go. Are you then just saying 'let's sell a few shirts and that's the end of us?' "To get into the promotion picture you need to score 70 goals. "I would have fancied Phillips for 20 goals in the Championship and Peter 20-25. "But if we lose both of them, that's 40-45 goals we have to find immediately. "I've got strikers who can play alongside Crouch. Marian Pahars should be fit, and then there's Brett Ormerod and Dexter Blackstock. But it all hinges on Crouch staying." Redknapp revealed he tried to convince Crouch that his England chances would not be harmed by playing in the Championship. Although England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has never watched a Championship game in his four years in charge, Redknapp says he would need to do so with Crouch. Redknapp said: "I told Peter that Sven knows that he is a one-off, there's nobody else in the country like him and Sven knows what he can do. "As long as Peter's playing well, Sven knows what he is going to get from him."

Redknapp admits transfer struggle
Southampton manager Harry Redknapp says he might not be able to sign any more players this summer unless some of his star names leave St Mary's. Redknapp has so far brought in Dennis Wise and Darren Powell on frees but admits his hands may be tied. "I was told I could bring in two frees on small wages and that's what I have done," Redknapp told their website. "That's the limit so I've not tracked anyone else. If Peter Crouch goes that might change but I want him to stay." He added: "I am pleased with the two I have got. Wise has bags of experience and is still fit at 38 while Powell is a strong, aggressive centre-half with good pace. "But 10 players have gone out and they were good players, they were 10 of our top 20, but we've dropped down a division and money is tight."

Redknapp looks for Pahars goals
Southampton manager Harry Redknapp is looking to forgotten man Marian Pahars to fire his side to promotion. Injury-prone Pahars, 28, did not play at all last season but Redknapp is confident he can regain his form. "We have lost Kevin Phillips who would have got us 20 goals in this league and it's not easy to replace him," he said. "But hopefully Pahars will be fit and we have got one or two young lads coming through so I think we will be okay while we have got Peter Crouch."

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