It’s not been an easy season for Southampton thus far as they struggle towards the bottom of the Premier League but some recent news to have emerged from the south coast has pleased a fair amount of the club’s supporters online.
Indeed, according to the Daily Echo, the Saints have made a move to bring Matt Crocker back to the club as their director of football operations. A former academy manager at the club, he was there during a wonderful time for their youth set-up, seeing the likes of Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Ward-Prowse make their debuts before establishing themselves.
According to the Athletic’s Carl Anka, he’s thought to have played a big role in the recent success of the youth team success England have enjoyed as a footballing nation of late.
Currently working as the FA’s head of development, Crocker isn’t believed to be a direct replacement for the recently-departed Ross Wilson but has been drafted in to help behind the scenes in Hampshire. Recently, only the likes of Yan Valery, Michael Obafemi and Jack Stephens have been able to relatively make an impact in the starting XI after progressing through the ranks.
With the contribution of the academy somewhat drying up of late, the news went down very well amongst the club’s support online. So, having said that, here’s a closer look at some of the reaction.
Good eye for young player. Discovered player like Aaron Ramsey when at Cardiff. Good in previous role as Academy director. If we're looking development of young hungry players he's the man imho #SaintsFC
— Saints Mike (@Saints_Mike7167) November 26, 2019
Thanks Carl. Remember him at Saints but kinda gone under my radar since then (generally speaking less interested in the national set up.) Presuming he was involved in recent Toulon successes? Would be nice to restore a sense of direction at Saints
— Saint Alastair (@Saint_Alastair) November 26, 2019
Wow! That sounds like great news with all the extra experience (and success) he’s had since leaving us previously.
— Andrew Leakey (@AndrewLeakey57) November 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/Saint3dd/status/1199267956007546880
I’m a big fan of the club’s decision to bring back Matt Crocker. He was a key part of our past successes. The academy declined after he left. #saintsfc
— Richard Brereton (@RichardBrer) November 26, 2019
The Les Reed effect 😏
— gregiola (@gregvul) November 26, 2019
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