It’s been a period of change for the Southampton fans in the Football Transfer Tavern…

Claude Puel has had some big boots to fill at Southampton following Ronald Koeman’s departure.

With Southampton currently in their first full season of European football for a very long time – the expectations have been rightly very high from the Saints in the Football Transfer Tavern.

The Southampton faithful have had mixed reviews of their season so far, with a number of results going against the South Coast outfit thus far. However, recent results have begun to turn things around for Puel – and a dominant European victory has added an extra layer of shine to his short tenure.

Without doubt, Claude Puel has made some excellent decisions so far – and our landlord definitely thinks that he deserves credit.

With that said, here are 3 things Claude Puel is getting right at Southampton so far this season…

 Signing Pierre Emile Hojbjerg

Southampton’s best signing of the summer was, without doubt, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The ex-Bayern Munich man was an unknown quantity amongst the Southampton fans in the Tavern – but he has proven his worth and then some despite his short-lived tenure.

Saints have become renowned for their ability to bring in top quality young talent for low prices, and Hojbjerg looks set to become another name to add to the list.

Able to dictate play and deliver an unstoppable pass – he is going to become a star on the South Coast.

 Giving Oriol Romeu a Chance

Ex-Chelsea man Oriol Romeu was signed by Ronald Koeman after a short spell with the English giants – and the Southampton fans in the Tavern had mixed opinions on the midfielder.

He wasn’t really given a chance under Koeman, but that has all changed under Claude Puel.

The 24-year-old has been a solid performer in the middle of the park alongside Hojbjerg and Davis so far this season, and he looks like he is finally reaching the level that the Chelsea fans in the Tavern thought he could.

A great move by Puel.

 Allowing Targett to Improve

Many managers in the Premier League would have simply played a first team player out of position should a key first team member suffer an injury – but not Claude Puel.

Puel has given young English star Matt Targett a chance on the left-hand side, and he has duly delivered with a number of stunning performances.

Ryan Bertrand might have returned to the first team now, but Puel now knows that he has a more than viable alternative should he deem it necessary.

It is refreshing to see a Premier League boss give a young Englishman a chance.