Coca-Cola Divisions: Southampton

It will be interesting to see how he does,he has a good background and seems a pretty good manager.First real big side in a top division he has managed i think,so it will be very interesting....

Southampton goalkeeper Antti Niemi is a transfer target for Arsenal, according to the player's agent.Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may be in the market for a new keeper after Jens Lehmann's inconsistent displays.Southampton are likely to demand at least £5m for the 32-year-old Finnish international if they decide to sell.He has established himself as one of the Premiership's top goalkeepers since moving to Saints from Hearts in a £1.5m deal two seasons ago.

Southampton still trying to get in Europe and have a slight chance,they are currently 2-0...

3-1 now

Hate to say it but Go Saints!

A Premiership footballer accused of driving through red lights while drunk has appeared in court. Southampton winger Fabrice Fernandes, 24, was driving a Porsche when he was spotted by police going through a red light on High Holborn, London. The player, of Pacific Close, Southampton, is accused of driving with excess alcohol, dangerous driving and failing to stop for a constable.

Southampton have dismissed reports linking them to Boavista's Ricardo Sousa and Leeds' Michael Bridges, who had been on loan at Newcastle.
Saints boss Paul Sturrock reportedly had striker Sousa watched in a recent friendly in New York, while Bridges supposedly rejected an approach. But chairman Rupert Lowe told Saints' official website: "There is nothing in either story.

Southampton have made Belgium international defender Jelle van Damme their first signing of the close season.

The 20-year-old left-back has signed from Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam for "an undisclosed but substantial fee".

Van Damme began his career with Beveren before moving on to Lokeren and Germinal Beerschot before crossing the border to Holland.


Van Damme has been capped seven times at senior level by Belgium, the first coming in March 2003 against Croatia.

He made two Champions League appearances last season but struggled to get ahead of Brazilian full-back Maxwell in coach Ronald Koeman's plans.

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has revealed the club have had a "substantial offer" rejected for United States international DeMarcus Beasley.

The 22-year-old Chicago Fire winger scored twice in his country's 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Grenada on Sunday.

But Major League Soccer, who hold the registrations of all the players in the USA, have turned down Saints' bid, which is unlikely to be increased.

Southampton have confirmed they are interested in signing Sweden international Mikael Nilsson.

The 25-year-old utility player, who featured in Monday night's 5-0 victory against Bulgaria in Euro 2004, admitted he would consider a move to the St Mary's Stadium

Nilsson's contract with Halmstad expires in December and it is unlikely he will stay with the Swedish club.

Southampton have cancelled the contract of Ecuador striker Agustin Delgado. The 29-year-old, a 3.25m signing from Necaxa, has been plagued by injury since signing in October 2001.

Southampton chairman Rupert told the club's website: "Tino was very popular at Southampton and in a way he became a bit of a cult figure.

"We're all sad to see him go and wish him well. He's a quality player but unfortunately we couldn't get him fit enough for the Premiership.

Southampton skipper Jason Dodd is not worried by the arrival of Jelle van Damme from Ajax. Dodd has been a key defender at St Mary's for some time, but the arrival of Belgian international van Damme will put him under pressure.

Rather than worry about his place, Dodd, who can operate in defence and midfield, is ready to use the arrival of van Damme as a spur to take his game forward.

Southampton striker Marian Pahars says he will take out his frustration of Latvia being knocked out of Euro 2004 on the Premiership next season.

He has regained full fitness after 18 months of injury problems.

Halmstad chairman Bengt Sjoholm has played down speculation linking Southampton target Mikael Nilsson with a move to Celtic.

The SPL champions have been strongly linked with a move for the Sweden international, who was part of the side defeated by Holland in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday.

But Halmstad chief Sjoholm maintains Southampton are still in pole position for the 26-year-old as the only confirmed interested club.

Premiership outfit Southampton have completed the signing of Sweden midfielder Mikael Nilsson, who played every minute of his side's Euro 2004 campaign.

Nilsson has penned a pre-contract agreement with The Saints but will only join the club when his contract with Halmstad expires at the end of November.

However, the St Mary's outfit will attempt to persuade Halmstad to release the player for the start of the Premiership season.

Nilsson has agreed a four-year deal and is clearly keen to start his new career in England.

[Edited on 1/7/04 by TRD]

Swedish club Halmstads have told Southampton they will have to wait until December before landing midfielder Mikael Nilsson.

The Swedish international, who played every minute of his country's matches at Euro 2004, signed a pre-contract agreement to join The Saints once his contract expires at the end of November after agreeing a four-year deal at St Mary's.

Despite plans for the player to arrive towards the end of the year, Paul Sturrock's side were hoping to persuade Halmstads to release the player for the start of the new Premiership season next month.

However, Halmstads chairman Bengt Sjoholm has insisted that the South Coast club will have to wait until December 1 before making Nilsson a Southampton player.

James Beattie's agent says there is no truth in claims that Newcastle are keen on signing the Southampton striker.

The Magpies have been rumoured to be plotting a £6m move for the 26-year-old but Jon Smith told the Sunday Sun: "There's absolutely nothing happening."

Southampton boss Paul Sturrock has told the BBC he expects keeper Anti Niemi will commit his future to the club.

Niemi has a year left on his contract and been offered a two-year extension to keep him at the club until 2007.

The 32-year-old is considering his options, but Sturrock is confident that Niemi will remain at St Mary's.

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe is remaining tight-lipped over a link with Aston Villa's 1million-rated striker Peter Crouch.

The former QPR and Portsmouth forward, who spent part of last season on loan at Norwich, is a possible target of manager Paul Sturrock but Lowe is not ready to confirm the St Mary's club's interest.

Well Crouch signed for Southampton and Keeper Antti Niemi(spelling) signed 4 year extention to his contract.