George Rees-Julian
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George Rees-Julian
@georgerees-julian.bsky.social
Southampton FC reporter for the Southern Daily Echo
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Mateus Fernandes has surprised himself in his first season at Southampton.

He was aiming to start 20 games. "It was much better than I supposed," he said.

Fernandes also thanked the supporters for voting him as Player of the Year.

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/251829...
'Much better' - Fernandes admits to surprising himself in first season at Saints
Few knew of Mateus Fernandes when he arrived at Southampton, but less than 12 months later, the midfielder is a firm fan favourite at St Mary's.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
Congratulations to Thierry Rohart-Brown, 18, on signing his first pro deal with Saints.

"It's really an honour for me, I've always dreamt of this moment so it feels really good and hopefully plenty more to go on the journey." 💬

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/253071...
'An honour' - Exciting midfielder signs multi-year pro contract with Saints
Southampton youngster Thierry Rohart-Brown has signed his first professional contract which will keep him at the club until 2028.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
July 11, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Giving this a re-share now that the deal is official. Here’s what you can expect from Damion Downs.

#SaintsFC
July 9, 2025 at 11:07 AM
🚨🇺🇸 Southampton have officially signed Damion Downs from FC Köln on a four-year deal.

“Everybody plays football to win titles. I think Southampton is a big club that should be in the Premier League, and that’s my goal.” 💬

#SaintsFC
July 9, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Southampton captain Jack Stephens has signed a new three-year contract.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to play for this club and continues to be a privilege for me.” 💬

#SaintsFC
July 9, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Jake Vokins spent 18 years at Southampton. This time last year, he was in limbo between the end of his #SaintsFC contract and a permanent move to Eastleigh.

On Saturday, he faces his former club once again: "It will probably be even tougher this time."

www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252969...
'I'm proud' - Vokins opens up on leaving Saints and his Eastleigh promotion ambition
Former Southampton youngster has opened up on leaving the club ahead of facing them with Eastleigh on Saturday.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
July 9, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Still says Dibling is not close to an exit and is committed to being a "good #SaintsFC player" for as long as he remains at the club.

"He's said - and I've said to him - that as long as he's here, he's a Southampton player and a good Southampton player."

www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252974...
'Not close to anything' - Still reveals positive conversation with Dibling
Southampton boss Will Still revealed Tyler Dibling is not close to an exit and remains committed to helping the club if he stays this summer.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
July 8, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Great to speak to Kelvin Davis yesterday ahead of Saturday’s pre-season friendly between Eastleigh and Southampton.

Having rekindled the relationship between the two clubs, Davis is keen to form a partnership.

#SaintsFC | #Spitfires

www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252951...
'Perfect sense' - Davis keen to form partnership between Eastleigh and Saints
Kelvin Davis hopes the relationship between Southampton FC and Eastleigh can become a partnership after the two clubs face each other in a friendly.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
July 8, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Will Still will become the youngest manager in Championship history when Saints host Wrexham, at 32 years, nine months and 26 days.

And so he says, of course, he will open the door to young players, but it will simply come down to one thing - "if you're good enough."

#SaintsFC
tinyurl.com/yeyx795d
'We need to do that' - Still details his policy on playing youngsters at Saints
Southampton FC boss Will Still declared "if you're good enough, you'll play," but insisted that places in his team will have to be earned…
www.dailyecho.co.uk
July 7, 2025 at 4:08 PM
I had written about how Sam Edozie would be one of the most intriguing players to watch in pre-season.

Talks of a move to Club Brugge further that intrigue, but adds doubt that he will finally nail down a spot on the wing.

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252926...
Rumours of interest in Edozie only make his case more intriguing this summer
There are many players Southampton supporters are excited to see in pre-season, but loan returnee Sam Edozie may be the most intriguing.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
July 7, 2025 at 8:51 AM
A tactical look at soon-to-be-Saints striker Damion Downs. He's not the finished article, but has all the attributes to be a top player.

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252764...
A pacy 6ft 3 striker with a strong eye for goal - what will Downs add to Saints?
Damion Downs is set to become Southampton's second signing of the summer, and is expected at Staplewood on Tuesday to formalise his move…
www.dailyecho.co.uk
July 5, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Will Still admitted Southampton need to sell players before making more additions this summer.

He wants to trim the size of the squad but will give players a chance to win their spot first.

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252918...
Still admits Saints must sell players before making signings this summer
Will Still admitted Southampton need to trim the size of their squad before they make further additions ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
July 5, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Owner Dragan Solak believes Saints academy has taken major steps towards a return to the "fairytales" of the past.

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252821...
Solak details how Saints academy is taking steps towards 'fairytales' of old
Owner Dragan Solak believes Southampton's academy has taken major steps towards a return to the "fairytales" of the past.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
July 2, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Aston Daley, 18, has signed a new contract at Southampton, keeping him at the club until 2027.

"It has a bit of an extra feeling being at the club for so long. Not many people sign professional contracts with their boyhood club." 💬

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252771...
'My boyhood club' - Exciting Saints prospect signs first professional contract
Boyhood Saints fan and academy prospect Aston Daley has signed his first professional contract, keeping him at the club until 2027.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
June 30, 2025 at 12:41 PM
A look at Kuryu Matsuki's season at Goztepe, and why linking up with Yukinari Sugawara after a summer break will help him.

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252749...
Sugawara factor can help Matsuki during pre-season with Saints
Kuryu Matsuki has reported for pre-season with Southampton this week after spending last season on loan at Sport Republic's Goztepe.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
June 29, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Southampton have drawn Northampton away in the first round of the Carabao Cup. The mighty battle between the North and South of Hampton

#SaintsFC
June 26, 2025 at 3:51 PM
The first six and the last six!

#SaintsFC
June 26, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Southampton face Portsmouth at home on Saturday, September 13, right after the first international break.

They travel to Fratton Park on Saturday, January 24. Both dates can still be moved.

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252688...
Here's when Saints face Portsmouth during 2025/26 Championship season
Southampton supporters will not have to wait long before they face rivals Portsmouth, with the first south coast derby of the season set to take…
www.dailyecho.co.uk
June 26, 2025 at 11:10 AM
🚨 Interim boss Simon Rusk, goalkeeping coach Dean Thornton and analyst Ben Parker have departed Saints.

#SaintsFC
June 25, 2025 at 11:03 AM
🚨 Southampton have appointed Paul Trollope as Will Still's assistant coach, and Adam Lallana has been named first team coach.

Rubén Martínez has joined as goalkeeper coach, having worked with Still at Reims. Carl Martin also remains on the staff.

#SaintsFC
June 25, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Southampton have confirmed Kyle Walker-Peters and Joe Lumley have departed the club at the end of their contracts.

#SaintsFC
June 25, 2025 at 10:23 AM
🚨 Adam Lallana has announced his retirement at the age of 37.

He made 569 total club appearances, with 283 of those for Southampton.

His statement thanks many people, and adds “I’m excited for what the future brings.” 💬

#SaintsFC
June 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Taylor Harwood-Bellis very clear about Southampton's promotion ambitions after an "embarrassing season".

"That's the first job at hand. It has to be the aim; you've come to the wrong club if that is not your aim."

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252571...
'Job at hand' - Harwood-Bellis hints at future in firm promotion admission
Taylor Harwood-Bellis insisted Southampton must win promotion back to the Premier League to repay fans after an embarrassing season.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
June 21, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Saints fans are getting excited about Ronnie Edwards again after a solid loan with QPR. They are right to be!

🔺 Calm with a great passing range.
🔺 Driving runs from defence.
🔺 What is his best role in a back three?

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252480...
Saints fans are right to be excited about Edwards following QPR loan
Ronnie Edwards' young career was starting to stall after a summer switch from Peterborough to Premier League Saints.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
June 20, 2025 at 12:55 PM
A lot of interesting points in @AlfieHouseEcho’s interview with Dragan Solak.

Read the full interview, with its full context, rather than the clipped up quotes may may see across your feeds 👇

#SaintsFC
www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/252467...
Solak interview: Saints owner on sale rumours, Sport Republic, transfers and more
Southampton FC owner Dragan Solak rubbished rumours that he is looking to sell Saints and reaffirmed his financial commitment to improve the club.
www.dailyecho.co.uk
June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM