Jakobsson heads home to Helsingborgs

Last updated : 19 July 2005 By Chris C

Unlike Kevin Phillips’ petulant exit, he departed with good grace and the best wishes of Saints fans, revealing that he would have stayed if the club had avoided relegation:

"In many ways I would like to have stayed to bring them back up and I don't like to go after we have just been relegated.

"But I will be 33 in October and this was my last chance to do something good for my family. It was too good a chance for me but I have good memories of my time here. It is a lovely city and a fantastic club with a great stadium, wonderful training facilities and incredible fans - not just at home but away too.”

Brought in as a quick fix replacement for Palace-bound Fitz Hall, he promised much on his debut against Charlton with a calm and assured display. Amid more good performances, he also played his part in some defensive calamities, including the remarkable 4-3 win against Norwich, where he was outmuscled by McKenzie to concede the softest of long ball goals.

In truth, he may have lacked a dominant defensive partner to bring out the best in his game and succumbed to the lack of leadership and aggression that affected the whole Saints back line last season.

Saints are now looking for a replacement centre half as Jakobsson’s departure leaves only Darren Powell and Claus Lundekvam as fit senior defenders. With Michael Svensson set to finally return from injury and England U19 stars Cranie and Mills available as back-up, Saints may be better served concentrating on the left-hand side with central defender Danny Higginbotham as the only recognised left-back in the squad.

Saints have been linked with West Bromich Albion’s Darren Purse, who was out of the team towards the end of the last campaign. At 28 and having played both in the Premiership and the Championship, he would make an excellent signing in terms of age, experience and ability. While expressing his desire to fight for his place in the Premiership, he admitted he was aware of the transfer speculation:

“I've heard I'm going to West Ham, Cardiff and a whole host of clubs, but as far as I'm concerned it's just paper talk. The manager hasn't had any enquiries for me, because if there had been any contact he would have told me. As he's said nothing so far, I can only presume that no clubs have been in touch. I'm really happy here and don't want to leave.”