Saints third choice goalkeeper has joined Stoke on a one month loan. Bevan is now too old to play in the youth leagues and Neil Moss has secured the spot in the reserves. Bevan's future at the club has to be in doubt and this spell at Stoke will perhaps enable him to impress either Strachan and Pendrey or any prospective purchasers. Stoke's Director of football John Rudge said: "We are delighted to sign Scott. He gives us cover and is a good goalkeeper.
"He is very big and although he has not been able to establish himself in Southampton's first team, he is one for the future."
Steve Wigley said: "This is the next step up for Scott. He's played in three of the last four reserve games and done very well.
"I've been led to believe that there'll be an opportunity for him during the month to play in the first team which will be good for him. The whole idea is for Scott to further his education."
Merrignton takes over as Walsall assistant
Ex-saints boss Dave Merrington has taken over from former Saints boss Chris Nicholl as Walsall assistnt manager. Merrington had one season in charge of Southampton and was probably a better coach than manager. On his future at Walsall Dave, who has been doing commentary on radio said, "I'm excited about the prospect of getting involved in football on a daily basis again and I'm looking forward to getting back on the training ground."
Walsall's new manager, Colin Lee, said: "He is a good coach who has a wealth of experience and a fine background in the game. He was a youth coach at Bristol City when I was a player there back in the early 1970s and we have kept in touch ever since. He is a good all-round guy who demands the best out of his players. During his time at Southampton he was responsible for bringing the likes of Alan Shearer through and I am delighted to have him at this club."